HDMI Optical Interconnect With Battery Triggered Port Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High Definition (HD) signals experience significant signal loss over long distances due to copper cable impedance, leading to artifacts like pixelation and loss of picture, which are costly to mitigate with passive designs or active electronic modules.
Innovation Solution
An optical data interconnect system that converts HDMI standard TMDS or FRL electrical signals to optical signals using an optical conversion device connected to source ground for noise reduction, and then converts them back to electrical signals using a power module with an electrical signal amplifier connected to sink ground, optionally utilizing a rechargeable battery module for power activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If copper cables are used for HDMI signal transmission over long distances, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but signal loss and artifacts (pixelation, optical flashing) increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical signal transmission mechanism (copper cables with TMDS differential signaling) with an optical transmission mechanism (optical fibers with light signals). This substitution eliminates the impedance-related signal loss that plagues long copper cable runs, as optical signals do not suffer from electrical resistance or electromagnetic interference in the same way electrical signals do.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical conversion devices (transmitters and receivers) as intermediary components that convert electrical HDMI signals to optical signals for transmission and back to electrical signals at the destination. These intermediaries enable long-distance transmission by translating the signal into a form (optical) that does not degrade over distance like electrical signals in copper cables.
2Reliability
If passive connection designs with large or well shielded copper cables are used to reduce signal loss, then signal quality improves, but cost increases and cable flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical solution of large shielded copper cables with a simpler optical fiber-based system. Optical fibers inherently provide isolation from electromagnetic interference without requiring bulky shielding, and they maintain flexibility while achieving superior signal quality over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the electrical HDMI signal for transmission purposes. By converting the electrical signal to an optical representation and back, the system achieves faithful signal reproduction over long distances without the physical constraints of shielded copper cable designs.
3Reliability
If active electronic modules such as signal boosters are used to reduce signal loss, then signal quality improves, but cost increases and signal errors may be introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active electronic signal boosting modules with passive optical transmission. Optical fibers transmit signals over long distances without requiring active amplification or boosting, eliminating the cost and potential error introduction associated with active electronic modules while maintaining signal integrity.
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 system effectively reduces signal loss and artifacts by providing electrical isolation and improved signal quality over long distances, eliminating the need for costly shielding or active modules, while supporting high-resolution video transmission.
Implementation Method 1
A first signal converter is connected to the first HDMI compatible electrical connector and includes electronics for conversion of differential (including but not limited to HDMI standard TMDS or FRL) electrical signals to optical signals
Implementation Method 2
At least one optical fiber is connected to the first signal converter
Implementation Method 3
A second signal converter is connected to the at least one optical fiber and includes electronics for conversion of optical signals to HDMI standard TMDS or FRL electrical signals
Implementation Method 4
A power module for the second signal converter provides power to an electrical signal amplifier connectable to sink ground
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for optical data interconnect of a source and a sink includes a first HDMI compatible electrical connector able to receive electrical signals from the source. A first signal converter is connected to the first HDMI compatible electrical connector and includes electronics for conversion of TMDS or FRL electrical signals to optical signals, with the electronics including an optical conversion device. At least one optical fiber is connected to the first signal converter. A second signal converter is connected to the at least one optical fiber and includes electronics for conversion of optical signals to differential electrical signals. A power module for the second signal converter includes a power tap connected to TMDS or FRL circuitry and a first voltage regulator connected to the power tap to provide power to an electrical signal amplifier. A rechargeable battery module is used to trigger power activation of connected ports, with the battery module being connected to the power tap. A second HDMI compatible electrical connector is connected to the second signal converter and able to send signals to the sink.