Active Optical Cable Power Management via USB Signal Multiplexing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing active optical cables (AOCs) require additional serial ports or dedicated low-speed signaling pins for power management, preventing their plugs from mating with standard USB or USB 3 sockets.

Innovation Solution

An AOC with plugs configured to mate with standard USB sockets, featuring optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical conversion modules, EPS detection circuitry, and controllers that implement power management algorithms to adjust power states based on detected signal types, allowing the AOC to appear as a standard USB electrical cable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If additional serial ports or dedicated low-speed signaling pins are used for power management, then power management capability is improved, but compatibility with standard USB sockets deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with standard USB sockets

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the existing USB data communication lines serve dual purposes: both data transmission and power management signaling. The USB data lines are configured to carry both high-speed data signals and low-speed power management signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated pins while maintaining compatibility with standard USB sockets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the power management signaling function with the existing USB data communication function. By combining both functions into the same physical lines (USB data lines), the system achieves power management capability without adding separate hardware components, thus maintaining standard socket compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Extent of automation

If customized sockets are used to accommodate AOC plugs, then power management control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management controlVSAvoidease of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the USB data lines perform multiple functions including both data communication and power management control. This allows standard USB sockets to be used while maintaining full power management capability, as the same physical interface handles both purposes through protocol-based differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses protocol-based signaling as an intermediary mechanism to distinguish between data communication and power management functions on the same physical lines. The controller detects signal characteristics and routes functionality accordingly, allowing standard sockets to work with full power management without customized hardware.

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 power management in AOCs that are compatible with standard USB sockets, optimizing power consumption and enabling seamless interconnection with USB hosts and devices without the need for customized sockets.

Implementation Method 1

first and second optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical (OE/EO) conversion modules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical-to-electrical conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

first and second optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical (OE/EO) conversion modules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical-to-optical conversion: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 3

optical fiber cable that is terminated on each end with a plug that contains an optical transceiver module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8876411B2Method for performing power management in an active optical cable (AOC)

Publication Date: 2014.11.04 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

An active optical cable is provided that incorporates a power management solution. The AOC has plugs are configured to mate with respective USB sockets. The AOC is used to interconnect a USB host with a USB device. To the USB host and to the USB device, the AOC appears to be a standard USB electrical cable. Each of the plugs of the AOC has an optical-to-electrical and an electrical-to-optical (OE/EO) conversion module that converts electrical USB signals output from the USB host or USB device into optical signals and converts optical signals carried on the optical fibers of the AOC into electrical USB signals. The plugs include controllers that monitor certain conditions of the AOC and that select the power levels to be used in the plugs based on detected conditions.