Active Optical Cable Connector Plug for USB 3.0 Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

The transition from copper wires to optical fibers in high-speed data bus standards like USB 3.0 and DisplayPort disrupts plug-in detection protocols due to the need for electrical-optical-electrical conversion, breaking the detection mechanism that relies on electrical property changes across copper wires.

Innovation Solution

An active optical cable connector plug with integrated electrical-to-optical and optical-to-electrical circuitry, a plug-in detection block, and a plug-in emulation block, which converts and emulates electrical properties to maintain compatibility with existing protocols, enabling detection and communication through optical interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If copper wires are replaced by optical fibers, then transmission distance and data rate are improved, but plug-in detection capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidplug-in detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical handshaking mechanism as an intermediary detection method. Instead of relying on electrical property changes in copper wires, the system uses optical signals transmitted through the optical fiber cable to detect plug-in events. The detection circuitry sends optical detection signals through the cable, and the presence or absence of reflected or transmitted optical signals indicates whether a device is connected, thus restoring plug-in detection capability in optical fiber systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical-based detection mechanism with an optical-based detection mechanism. In copper cable systems, plug-in detection relied on electrical properties such as resistance or voltage changes. In the optical fiber system, this electrical mechanism is substituted with optical signal transmission and detection, where optical detectors monitor the presence of optical signals to determine connection status, thereby adapting the detection principle to the optical medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If copper wires are replaced by optical fibers, then signal attenuation is reduced, but protocol compatibility is broken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal attenuationVSAvoidprotocol compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical handshaking mechanism as an intermediary detection method. Instead of relying on electrical property changes in copper wires, the system uses optical signals transmitted through the optical fiber cable to detect plug-in events. The detection circuitry sends optical detection signals through the cable, and the presence or absence of reflected or transmitted optical signals indicates whether a device is connected, thus restoring plug-in detection capability in optical fiber systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical properties (voltage, resistance, current) to optical properties (optical signal presence, intensity, or reflection). This parameter change allows the detection mechanism to function in the optical domain while maintaining the logical flow and purpose of the original plug-in detection protocol, thereby achieving protocol compatibility in optical fiber systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If copper wires are replaced by optical fibers, then EMI issues are reduced, but detection mechanism is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEMI issuesVSAvoiddetection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical-based detection mechanism with an optical-based detection mechanism. In copper cable systems, plug-in detection relied on electrical properties such as resistance or voltage changes. In the optical fiber system, this electrical mechanism is substituted with optical signal transmission and detection, where optical detectors monitor the presence of optical signals to determine connection status, thereby adapting the detection principle to the optical medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical handshaking mechanism as an intermediary detection method. Instead of relying on electrical property changes in copper wires, the system uses optical signals transmitted through the optical fiber cable to detect plug-in events. The detection circuitry sends optical detection signals through the cable, and the presence or absence of reflected or transmitted optical signals indicates whether a device is connected, thus restoring plug-in detection capability in optical fiber systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 plug-in detection and compatibility with existing protocols, allowing seamless transition from copper to optical cables without modifying system protocols, supporting longer distances, higher data rates, and reducing signal attenuation and EMI issues.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical-to-optical circuitry being connected with the electrical interface and the optical interface and configured to convert a received electrical signal to an optical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical-to-optical conversion:

Implementation Method 2

an optical-to-electrical circuitry being connected with the electrical interface and the optical interface and configured to convert a received optical signal to an electrical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical-to-electrical conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS9160451B2Active optical cable connector plug and active optical cable using same

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 WELLS FARGO BANK NA

AI summary

An active optical cable connector plug includes: an electrical interface configured to connect to a first electronic device; an optical interface configured to connect to an optical cable, the optical cable being configured to connect to a second electronic device; an electrical-to-optical circuitry being connected with the electrical interface and the optical interface and configured to convert a received electrical signal to an optical signal; an optical-to-electrical circuitry being connected with the electrical interface and the optical interface and configured to convert a received optical signal to an electrical signal; a plug-in detection block being connected to the electrical interface and configured to detect the electrical properties of the first electronic device; a plug-in emulation block being connected to the electrical interface and configured to emulate the electrical properties of the second electronic device.