Hybrid Cable Switching Between Copper and Optical Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current signal transmission cables, such as HDMI cables with copper wires, face limitations in distance and resolution for high-definition video signals like 4K/8K, and active optical cables require additional power for signal conversion, which can be a challenge for devices without power supply capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A cable system that includes a converter and two transmission lines - one for electric signals and another for optical signals - with selectors that determine the transmission method based on the power supply capabilities of connected devices, allowing for efficient signal transmission over longer distances without the need for additional power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If an active optical cable (AOC) including a transmission line formed of an optical fiber is used to transmit high-definition video signals over long distances, then the transmission distance is extended, but additional power is required to drive the laser and photodiode for signal conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system dynamically switches between optical fiber transmission and copper wire transmission based on the power supply capability of the connected electronic devices. The selector determines whether to use the optical transmission path (when power is available) or the electrical transmission path (when power is not available), making the transmission mode adaptable to different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The cable incorporates both optical fiber and copper wire transmission lines within the same cable structure, enabling it to perform both optical signal transmission and electrical signal transmission. This multi-functionality allows the cable to serve devices with different power capabilities without requiring separate cable types
2Device complexity
If a cable with transmission line formed of copper wire is used for signal transmission, then the cable structure is simple and no additional power is required, but the transmission distance is limited to several meters for 2K digital video signals
Solution Approach 1:
The cable uses a composite transmission structure combining both copper wires and optical fibers within the same cable assembly. This allows the cable to leverage the advantages of both materials: copper for short-distance, low-power applications and optical fiber for long-distance, high-bandwidth applications
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system dynamically switches between copper wire transmission and optical fiber transmission based on the power supply capability of the connected electronic devices. The selector determines whether to use the optical transmission path (when power is available) or the electrical transmission path (when power is not available), making the transmission mode adaptable to different operating conditions
3Productivity
If an active optical cable is used to transmit 8K video signals over long distances, then the transmission capability is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced because electronic apparatus without power supply capabilities cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The cable incorporates both optical fiber and copper wire transmission lines within the same cable structure, enabling it to perform both optical signal transmission and electrical signal transmission. This multi-functionality allows the cable to serve devices with different power capabilities without requiring separate cable types
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system dynamically switches between optical fiber transmission and copper wire transmission based on the power supply capability of the connected electronic devices. The selector determines whether to use the optical transmission path (when power is available) or the electrical transmission path (when power is not available), making the transmission mode adaptable to different operating conditions
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 reliable transmission of high-definition video signals over longer distances by dynamically selecting between copper and optical fiber transmission lines based on available power, ensuring compatibility with devices that may not have the necessary power for optical transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a second transmission line which transmits the optical signal to the second electronic apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a converter is supplied with power from a first or a second electronic apparatus and is configured to convert an electric signal received from the first electronic apparatus into an optical signal. The first and the second transmission lines configured to transmit the electric signal and the optical signal to the second electronic apparatus. The selector is supplied with power from the first or the second electronic apparatus and is configured to select one of transmission of the electric signal via the first transmission line and transmission of the optical signal via the second transmission line, based on an ability to supply the power by the first or the second electronic apparatus.