Composite Electro/Optical Microcable Bandwidth and Power Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metal conductors in electronic devices are limited in data transmission rate and bandwidth, necessitating a shift towards optical communication methods for higher data exchange rates, especially for high-definition signals.
Innovation Solution
A composite electro/optical microcable comprising a halogen-free flame-retardant sheath, an insulated conductive wire set, and an optical fiber unit, wrapped with a nonwoven or metal foil layer, and optionally a braided layer, to facilitate both electrical and optical signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If metal conductors are used for data transmission, then electrical power transmission and data transmission can be achieved, but the data transmission rate and bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical fibers and metal conductors into a single composite cable structure, allowing both optical and electrical signal transmission simultaneously. The optical fiber handles high-speed data transmission while the metal conductor provides electrical power and low-frequency signals, resolving the bandwidth limitation of metal conductors alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite cable serves multiple functions: optical data transmission, electrical power transmission, and electrical signal transmission all occur within a single cable assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cables for different transmission types, achieving both high speed and versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fiber transmission replaces copper cables, then bandwidth advantage is achieved, but the cable structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating optical fibers with metal conductors into a unified composite cable structure with common shielding and insulation layers, the patent simplifies the overall system architecture. Instead of requiring separate optical and electrical cables, the merged structure reduces connection complexity while maintaining bandwidth advantages.
3Speed
If optical fiber is used for data transmission, then data exchange rate is improved, but electrical power transmission capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The composite cable assigns different transmission functions to different components: optical fibers handle high-speed data transmission while metal conductors within the same cable handle electrical power transmission. This functional separation within a unified structure resolves the contradiction between optical and electrical transmission 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
The composite microcable enhances data exchange rates beyond 5 Gbps for 200 meters, improves mechanical properties, reduces signal interference, and simplifies connector fabrication, making it suitable for narrow spaces and high-speed electronic component connections.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber unit, wherein the optical fiber unit comprises one or more optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
a strand of an insulated conductive wire set, wherein the insulated conductive wire set comprises one or more insulated conductive wires
Implementation Method 3
a wrapping layer wrapping the strand of the insulated conductive wire set and the optical fiber unit
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the invention, the composite electro/optical microcable includes an outer sheath, and a composite electro/optical core covered by the outer sheath. The composite electro/optical core includes a strand of an insulated conductive wire set and an optical fiber unit, and a wrapping layer wrapping the strand of the insulated conductive wire set and the optical fiber unit. The insulated conductive wire set comprises one or more insulated conductive wires, each insulated conductive wire comprising one or more metal wires and an insulating layer covering the one or more metal wires. The optical fiber unit includes one or more optical fibers, one or more tight-buffered optical fiber cables, or one or more optical fiber ribbons.