Bidirectional Optical Cable with Source-Sink Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer active optical HDMI cables are currently unidirectional, limiting their interchangeability and ability to transmit high-speed data bidirectionally for multimedia interfaces like HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional data communications cable design featuring dual connectors with integrated controllers, modulators, demodulators, and switch circuits that determine connection modes to route data signals appropriately between data sources and sinks using optical fibers, enabling bidirectional data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If unidirectional optical cable design is used, then high-speed data transmission capability is achieved, but cable interchangeability and bidirectional transmission capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cable incorporates identical connector assemblies at both ends, each capable of functioning as either a source or sink interface. The controller detects the connection mode and configures the signal path accordingly, allowing the same cable to be used in either direction without requiring different cable types or orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable employs dynamic signal routing controlled by a controller that detects whether the cable is connected in a source-to-sink or sink-to-source configuration. The switch circuit dynamically reconfigures the signal path based on the detected connection mode, enabling bidirectional operation with a single unidirectional optical design.
2Device complexity
If unidirectional cable design is used, then optical signal transmission simplicity is maintained, but device configuration complexity increases due to non-interchangeable ends
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically detects the connection configuration (source-to-sink or sink-to-source) and self-configures the signal routing without user intervention. The switch circuit autonomously routes signals through the appropriate path based on the detected mode, eliminating the need for users to manually configure or remember cable orientation.
3Reliability
If separate source and sink cable configurations are used, then optimized unidirectional performance is achieved, but the need for multiple cable types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable uses identical connector assemblies at both ends, each capable of functioning as either a source or sink interface. The controller detects the connection mode and configures the signal path accordingly, allowing the same cable to be used in either direction without requiring different cable types or orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable employs dynamic signal routing controlled by a controller that detects whether the cable is connected in a source-to-sink or sink-to-source configuration. The switch circuit dynamically reconfigures the signal path based on the detected connection mode, enabling bidirectional operation with a single unidirectional optical design.
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 interchangeable and high-speed bidirectional data transmission for multimedia interfaces, reducing the need for separate source and sink configurations and enhancing compatibility with various devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first modulator configured to modulate a first optical signal with a first data signal from the data source
Implementation Method 2
a first demodulator configured to demodulate a second optical signal to produce a second data signal
Implementation Method 3
a first set of one or more optical fibers for transmitting the first modulated optical signal from the first connector to the second connector
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectional data communications cable is disclosed. The cable includes first connector, second connector, and cable housing coupled to the first and second connectors. The first connector includes a controller configured to determine whether the first connector is connected to a data source or data sink. If connected to a data source, the controller configures a switch circuit to route a data signal from the data source to an optical modulator for modulating an optical signal for transmission from the first to the second connector via an optical fiber. If connected to a data sink, the controller configures the switch circuit to route a data signal from an optical demodulator to the data sink, the optical demodulator receiving an optical signal modulated with the data signal from the second connector via an optical fiber. The second connector is configured similar to the first connector. The cable housing encloses the optical fibers.