Optical Power and Data Transfer via Single Fiber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced computing technologies, such as virtual reality displays, require high bit-rate and high-resolution inputs that exceed the limitations of electron flow in metal wires, necessitating efficient optical power and data transfer solutions to minimize cable usage.
Innovation Solution
The system employs optical transceivers to concurrently emit data and power signals along a common path, utilizing demultiplexers and power converters to separate and convert these signals, with power converters optimized for efficient photon-to-electrical energy conversion and waste heat management, allowing for simultaneous optical power and data transfer via a reduced number of cables or even wirelessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical fibers are used for data transmission, then bandwidth and transmission distance are improved, but separate power cables are still required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data transmission into a single optical fiber cable system. The optical transceiver simultaneously transmits both power signals (via high-power laser diodes) and data signals (via modulated laser diodes) through the same optical fiber infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate power cables and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber cable is designed to serve multiple functions: it transmits both electrical power and data signals simultaneously. The optical transceiver unit acts as a universal interface that can convert electrical power to optical power for transmission through the fiber, while also handling data communication, making the system more versatile and reducing the number of components needed.
2Reliability
If multiple cables are used for power and data, then signal interference is avoided, but cable clutter and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber acts as an intermediary medium that carries both power and data signals without the interference issues associated with traditional electrical cables. By converting electrical signals to optical signals for transmission, the system eliminates electromagnetic interference while using a single cable, thus maintaining signal integrity and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical cable system with an optical system. Instead of using multiple electrical cables that are prone to interference and clutter, the system uses optical fibers with laser diodes to transmit both power and data, substituting the mechanical electrical connection system with an optical transmission system that is cleaner and less prone to interference.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional electrical cables are used for power delivery, then power conversion efficiency is maintained, but heat management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes phase transition concepts in the context of energy transmission by converting electrical energy to optical energy (a different form/phase of energy) for transmission through the fiber, and then converting it back to electrical energy at the receiving end. This phase transition approach allows for more efficient power delivery with reduced heat generation compared to traditional electrical cable transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical power transmission system with an optical power transmission system. By using high-power laser diodes to generate optical power signals that travel through optical fibers, the system achieves efficient power delivery with significantly reduced heat generation compared to traditional electrical cables, as optical transmission does not suffer from resistive heating.
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
This approach enables efficient, high-bandwidth optical power and data transfer, reducing cable clutter and installation costs while enhancing the performance of devices like head-mounted displays, data centers, and RF emitters by providing a single cable solution for both power and data, improving immersion and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An optical emitter (E) is configured to emit an optical data signal and an optical power signal concurrently along a common optical path
Implementation Method 2
An optical receiver (R) is optically coupled to receive the data signal and convert the data signal into an electrical data signal
Implementation Method 3
A power converter is optically coupled to receive the power signal and convert the power signal into electrical power to power other circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
A system of optical power and data transfer includes an optical emitter to emit a data signal and a power signal along a common path. The system also includes a demultiplexer coupled to receive the data signal and the power signal, where the demultiplexer includes a first output coupled to output the data signal and a second output coupled to output the power signal. An optical receiver is optically coupled to the first output to receive the data signal and convert the data signal into electrical data. A power converter is optically coupled to the second output to receive the power signal and to convert the power signal into electrical power to power operation of other circuitry.