Active Optical Cable Mode Switching for USB-C DP and USB Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active optical cables lack the flexibility to automatically identify and switch between different signal transmission modes, such as DP and USB, to adapt to various application scenarios, especially with the increasing requirements of USB transmission standards.
Innovation Solution
An active optical cable equipped with a multiplexer that selects between multiple optical fibers to form transmission channels, allowing switching between DP and USB modes based on a Type-C interface, using a chip to analyze link information and generate control signals for the multiplexer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an active optical cable supports multiple signal transmission modes (DP Only, USB 2.0+DP, USB3.0/3.1+DP), then the adaptability to different application scenarios is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple optical fibers and switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The active optical cable is designed with multiple optical fibers (first optical fiber for DP signals, second optical fiber for USB signals, third optical fiber for additional DP signals) that can be selectively activated based on the communication mode. This multi-functional design allows a single cable to support DP Only mode, USB 2.0+DP mode, and USB3.0/3.1+DP mode, eliminating the need for separate cables for different transmission requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable incorporates a multiplexer that can dynamically switch between different optical fibers based on the detected communication mode. The multiplexer receives control signals and automatically routes signals to the appropriate optical fiber, enabling the cable to adapt its transmission path in real-time. This dynamic switching mechanism allows the cable to transition between DP Only mode and USB modes without manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the cable automatically identifies and switches between DP and USB modes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for chips and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The cable incorporates detection chips that automatically detect the communication mode (DP Only or USB) without requiring external control or manual configuration. The multiplexer receives control signals generated by these detection chips and automatically switches between optical fibers accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for user intervention while maintaining automatic adaptability to different transmission modes.
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 flexible signal transmission modes, adapting to different scenarios by automatically switching between DP and USB modes, enhancing compatibility and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a cable located between the first connector and the second connector and including a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
an optoelectronic conversion circuit, wherein a data output pin of the optoelectronic conversion circuit connects to the multiplexer, and a data input pin of the optoelectronic conversion circuit connects to the chip
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosed an active optical cable. The active optical cable comprises a first connector configured to connect to a Source; a second connector configured to connect to a Sink; a cable located between the first connector and the second connector, wherein the cable comprises a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber; and a multiplexer, with one end coupled to a high-speed signal pin of the first connector or the second connector and another end coupled to the first optical fiber or the second optical fiber, and is configured to select one of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber as a valid channel. Through the solution provided by the disclosure, signal transmission requirements in multiple use scenarios are adapted, full-function switching of USB and/or DP data of the active optical cable based on a Type-C interface is realized.