Active Optical Cable Assemblies for Simultaneous High-Speed and Low-Speed Data Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems require additional transmission media for simultaneous high-speed and low-speed data transmission, leading to increased cable diameter and cost due to the need for additional optical fibers or copper conductors, which also introduce electromagnetic interference concerns.
Innovation Solution
Simultaneously modulating the amplitude and digital modulation of a laser to transmit low-speed and high-speed data respectively over the same optical fiber, eliminating the need for additional fibers or conductors by adding an extra digital low-speed signaling path to existing high-speed fiber optic links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional optical fibers are used for low-speed data transmission, then low-speed data can be transmitted simultaneously with high-speed data, but the cost of the optical cable increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines high-speed data transmission and low-speed data transmission into a single optical fiber by using different modulation schemes. The high-speed data is transmitted using one modulation format while low-speed data is transmitted using another modulation format on the same fiber, eliminating the need for separate fibers and reducing cable cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is made universal by enabling it to carry both high-speed and low-speed data streams simultaneously through the use of multiple modulation techniques. This multi-functionality allows a single fiber to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate transmission media.
2Reliability
If copper conductors are used for low-speed data transmission, then low-speed data can be transmitted simultaneously with high-speed data, but the cable diameter increases and electromagnetic interference concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical system (copper conductors) with an optical system for low-speed data transmission. By using optical modulation techniques on the existing optical fiber, the solution eliminates electromagnetic interference and reduces cable diameter while maintaining simultaneous transmission capability.
3Reliability
If additional transmission media are used for low-speed data, then simultaneous high-speed and low-speed data transmission is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple transmission media into a single optical fiber by employing different modulation schemes for high-speed and low-speed data. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate cables, connectors, and isolation components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient transmission of both high-speed and low-speed data without additional optical fibers or bulky electrical conductors, reducing cable size and cost while managing low-speed data as out-of-band signals within the existing high-speed fiber optic link.
Implementation Method 1
a laser driver circuit that digitally modulates an output of the laser to transmit high-speed optical data
Implementation Method 2
an amplitude modulation circuit that modulates an amplitude of the laser to transmit low-speed optical data simultaneously with the high-speed optical data
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, circuits and active optical cable assemblies for simultaneous transmission of low-speed optical data and high-speed optical data over an optical fiber link are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of optical communication includes controlling a laser such that an output of the laser transmits high-speed optical data at a first bit rate, and modulating an amplitude of the output of the laser such that the laser transmits low-speed optical data at a second bit rate simultaneously with the high-speed optical data. In another embodiment, a circuit for providing optical communication includes a laser and a laser driver circuit that digitally modulates an output of the laser to transmit high-speed optical data at a first bit rate. The circuit further includes an amplitude modulation circuit that modulates an amplitude of the laser to transmit low-speed optical data at a second bit rate simultaneously with the high-speed optical data.