Hybrid Active Optical Cable for High-Speed Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-speed communication solutions, particularly at 10 Gbps, face challenges with copper-based solutions due to bulkiness, high power consumption, and limited port density, while optical solutions are costly and may not be feasible for all applications.
Innovation Solution
An active communication cable with integrated electrical and optical connectors, utilizing optical fibers for long-distance communication, allowing for high-speed data transfer over 1 to 100 meters with low power consumption and high port density, and the ability to interoperate with both copper and optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If copper-based solutions are used for 10G communication, then bandwidth capacity is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly and port density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical connectors and optical connectors into a single hybrid cable assembly. The cable includes both copper conductors for electrical connection and optical fibers for optical communication, allowing the system to merge the advantages of both transmission media in one integrated solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid cable is designed to provide multiple functions: it can transmit electrical signals over copper conductors for short-distance connections and optical signals over fibers for longer distances. This multi-functionality allows a single cable type to replace both traditional copper and optical cables, enabling flexible deployment scenarios.
2Quantity of substance
If copper-based solutions are used for 10G communication, then bandwidth capacity is achieved, but the cable becomes bulky and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical connectors and optical connectors into a single hybrid cable assembly. The cable includes both copper conductors for electrical connection and optical fibers for optical communication, allowing the system to merge the advantages of both transmission media in one integrated solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid cable uses a flexible jacket that encloses both copper conductors and optical fibers in a compact arrangement. This flexible shielding structure maintains signal integrity while keeping the cable diameter reduced compared to traditional separate copper and optical cable deployments.
3Use of energy by moving object
If optical solutions are used for high-speed communication, then power consumption is reduced and port density increases, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical connectors and optical connectors into a single hybrid cable assembly. The cable includes both copper conductors for electrical connection and optical fibers for optical communication, allowing the system to merge the advantages of both transmission media in one integrated solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid cable allows dynamic selection of transmission mode (electrical or optical) based on distance and application requirements. By changing the transmission parameter from electrical to optical signaling, the system can optimize for cost-effectiveness in short-distance applications while maintaining low power consumption capabilities for longer distances.
4Quantity of substance
If copper-based solutions are used for 10G communication, then bandwidth capacity is achieved, but transmission distance is limited to about 15 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical connectors and optical connectors into a single hybrid cable assembly. The cable includes both copper conductors for electrical connection and optical fibers for optical communication, allowing the system to merge the advantages of both transmission media in one integrated solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid cable provides dynamic adaptability by allowing the system to switch between electrical and optical transmission modes based on the required transmission distance. For short distances, electrical mode is used, while for longer distances, optical mode is activated, making the cable length and transmission capability adjustable according to application needs.
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 flexible, high-speed communication over long distances with reduced power consumption and increased port density, eliminating the need for separate copper or optical solutions, thus optimizing network setup and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber disposed between the electrical connector and the optical connector
Data Source
AI summary
An active cable that includes an integrated electrical connector at one end and an optical connector at the other end, and one or more optical fibers disposed therebetween to facilitate optical communication over much of the length of the active cable. The communication may be one direction or even duplex.