Composite Active Optical Cable Remote Powering Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active optical cables require each device to power its respective optical to electrical (O2E) interface, limiting the ability to power client devices remotely and restricting data transfer rates due to the use of copper conductors.
Innovation Solution
A composite active optical cable incorporating optical fibers and conductors, with O2E interfaces at both ends, allows power transmission from one end to the other, enabling remote powering of client devices and supporting higher data transfer rates through the use of optical fibers and insulated conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If copper conductors are used for data transmission, then power transmission is enabled, but data transfer rates are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical fibers for high-speed data transmission with copper conductors for power transmission into a single composite cable structure. This merging allows the cable to simultaneously achieve both high data transfer rates and power transmission capability, resolving the contradiction between speed and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite cable design creates a universal solution that can handle both data and power transmission functions. The cable structure is designed to support multiple functions (data transmission via optical fibers and power transmission via copper conductors), making it adaptable to various applications requiring both capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If each device powers its own O2E interface, then interface functionality is maintained, but remote powering of client devices is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an O2E interface at one end of the cable that converts electrical power signals to optical signals, enabling power transmission through the optical fiber infrastructure. This intermediary component allows remote powering of client devices without requiring each device to have its own power supply capability, simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical power transmission mechanism with an optical-based power transmission system. By converting electrical signals to optical signals for transmission and then back to electrical signals at the receiving end, the system enables remote powering while maintaining compatibility with existing optical infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional O2E cables are used, then device-to-device communication is enabled, but client device remote powering is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The O2E interface acts as an intermediary that stabilizes the conversion between electrical and optical signals. This intermediary component ensures reliable power transmission by managing the conversion process and maintaining signal integrity, thereby ensuring interface power stability while enabling remote powering capabilities.
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 remote powering of client devices and achieves higher data transfer rates, overcoming the limitations of conventional cables by integrating optical fibers for data transmission and conductors for power delivery within a compact, flexible design.
Implementation Method 1
The cable may include one or more optical fibers capable of transmitting a data signal from a first end of the cable to a second end of the cable
Implementation Method 2
The cable may include one or more conductors configured to transmit a power signal from the first end of the cable to the second end of the cable
Implementation Method 3
active optical cables include built in optical to electrical (O2E) interfaces at either end of the cable
Data Source
AI summary
Composite active optical cables are provided. An active optical cable may include a plurality of optical fibers and one or more insulated electrical conductors. In some instances, the optical fibers may be positioned within a microtube. Additionally, in some instances, the electrical conductors may include stranded conductors. A jacket may also be formed around the optical fibers and the electrical conductors. A first optical to electrical converter may be positioned at a first end of the cable, and a second optical to electrical converter may be positioned at a distal end of the cable. Further, the conductors may be configured to carry a power signal from the first end of the cable to the distal end of the cable to power the second optical to electrical converter.