Active Optical Cable with Integrated Power Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high-speed communication solutions, particularly at 10 Gbps, face challenges with copper-based solutions due to bulkiness, high power consumption, and limited port density, while optical solutions are costly, making it difficult to achieve efficient and cost-effective high-bandwidth links over longer distances.

Innovation Solution

An active communication cable that uses optical fibers for most of its length with integrated electrical connectors at both ends, allowing power transmission and enabling high-speed communication up to 10 Gbps, reducing the need for separate copper or optical solutions by supporting either copper-based or optical communication through electrical ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If copper-based solutions are used for 10 Gbps communication, then high bandwidth capacity is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly (8-15 Watts per port)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capacityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces copper-based electrical transmission with optical fiber transmission for 10 Gbps communication. Optical transmission provides the required high bandwidth capacity (10 Gbps) while consuming significantly less power than copper-based solutions, which require 8-15 Watts per port due to complex signal processing and high current requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from electrical (copper) to optical (fiber). This parameter change enables 10 Gbps communication to achieve both high bandwidth capacity and low power consumption, as optical signals can carry more data with less energy dissipation compared to electrical signals in copper cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If copper-based 10 G solutions are used, then high bandwidth is achieved, but cable size becomes bulky (0.4 inches or 10 mm in diameter)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capacityVSAvoidcable diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes copper-based electrical transmission with optical fiber transmission. Optical fibers have a much smaller diameter (typically 125 micrometers or 0.005 inches) compared to copper cables (0.4 inches or 10 mm), providing the same 10 Gbps bandwidth capacity with significantly reduced cable size and improved flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If copper-based 10 G solutions are used, then high bandwidth capacity is achieved, but port density is limited (8 ports or less per rack unit)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capacityVSAvoidport density

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces high-power copper-based 10 G solutions with optical fiber transmission. Optical transceivers consume much less power (typically 1-5 Watts per port), which enables higher port densities in rack units. The reduced power consumption per port allows more ports to be installed in the same space without exceeding power supply capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Use of energy by moving object

If optical solutions are used for 10 Gbps communication, then low power consumption and high port density are achieved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal cable system that supports both copper-based and optical transmission modes through a single cable design with dual connectors. This multi-functionality allows the same cable infrastructure to serve both low-cost copper connections and cost-effective optical connections, providing flexibility in system deployment while maintaining low power consumption and high port density characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The active cable provides a cost-effective and power-efficient solution for high-speed communication over longer distances, offering flexibility and high port density without the limitations of traditional copper or optical solutions, while maintaining low power consumption and high bandwidth.

Implementation Method 1

communication over much of its length using one or more optical fibers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical signal transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

power transmission spanning the length of the optical fiber(s)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS7876989B2Active optical cable with integrated power

Publication Date: 2011.01.25 II VI DELAWARE INC

AI summary

An active cable that is configured to communicate over much of its length using one or more optical fibers, and that includes an integrated electrical connector at at least one end. The active cable includes a power transmission spanning the length of the optical fiber(s). Thus, electrical power from one end of the optical cable may be provided to an opposite side of the optical cable. The cable may be an electrical to optical cable, and electrical to electrical cable, or one of many other potential configurations.