Single-Cable Optical Power and Data Link for Long-Distance IoT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems face limitations in data transmission bandwidth and cable length, particularly for high-bandwidth devices, necessitating additional cables and repeaters, which increase cost and complexity, and batteries require extensive maintenance for IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
A single cable optical data/power transmission system using optical conduits with different cross-sectional areas for data and power, enabling long-distance transmission of both signals and power without signal repeaters or boosters, utilizing a processing system, power receiving system, and memory system to facilitate optical data and power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If Power over Ethernet (POE) techniques are used to transmit power and data over a single Ethernet cable, then the number of cables is reduced and installation is simplified, but the data transmission bandwidth is limited to 10 Gbps and cable length is limited to 100 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical signal transmission system with an optical signal transmission system. Instead of using electrical signals over copper Ethernet cables, the invention uses optical signals transmitted through optical fibers, enabling significantly higher bandwidth capabilities while maintaining the single-cable convenience of POE systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental transmission medium parameter from electrical conductors (copper) to optical waveguides (fiber optics). This parameter change enables the system to overcome the bandwidth and distance limitations of electrical transmission while providing the necessary power transmission capability through the same optical cable infrastructure.
2Quantity of substance
If Ethernet cables are used for high bandwidth requirements, then data transmission speed is limited to 10 Gbps, but signal repeaters and power boosters are required which increase system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the electrical signal system with an optical signal system, eliminating the need for electrical signal repeaters and power boosters. Optical fibers inherently support long-distance, high-bandwidth transmission without requiring intermediate signal regeneration equipment, thus reducing system complexity while enabling higher bandwidths.
3Length of stationary object
If Ethernet cables are used for long distance transmission, then cable length is limited to 100 meters, but additional cables and repeaters are needed which increase installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical cable transmission with optical fiber transmission, which has inherently much longer transmission distances without signal degradation. This substitution eliminates the 100-meter limitation of Ethernet cables and removes the need for intermediate repeaters, thereby reducing installation complexity despite the longer transmission distance.
4Ease of operation
If batteries are used to provide power for IoT devices, then power outlets are not required, but extensive maintenance is required for battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes battery-based power storage with optical power transmission through integrated photovoltaic cells. This allows the device to receive continuous power through the optical cable without requiring periodic battery replacement, thereby maintaining installation flexibility while eliminating maintenance time associated with battery replacement.
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 efficient, long-distance transmission of high-bandwidth data and power, reducing the need for additional cables and repeaters, and minimizing maintenance, thus simplifying installation and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a single cable optical data/power transmission system using optical conduits with different cross-sectional areas for data and power
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical power conduit having an optical power conduit cross-section area that is greater than the optical data conduit cross-sectional area
Data Source
AI summary
A single cable optical data/power transmission powered device system includes a single cable optical data/power transmission powering device coupled to a single cable optical data/power transmission powered device via an optical data/power transmission cable. The single cable optical data/power transmission powered device is coupled to the optical data/power transmission cable via a single cable optical data/power port that includes optical data conduit(s) and optical power conduit(s) with a greater cross-section area than the optical data conduit(s). A power receiving system in the single cable optical data/power transmission powered device receives first optical power, which was transmitted using the optical data/power transmission cable, via the optical power conduit(s). A powered device subsystem and data communication system in the single cable optical data/power transmission powered device receive first optical data, which was transmitted using the optical data/power transmission cable, via the optical data conduit(s).