Optical Transceiver Power Delivery for Long-Range Network Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems are limited in range and power capacity, requiring local power sources for distances beyond 100 meters and higher power demands, which restricts the deployment of devices like IoT sensors and fog computing applications.
Innovation Solution
The integration of power delivery through an optical transceiver system using fiber cabling, enabling power transmission up to 10 km and several kilowatts, allowing for centralized power supply from a building entrance, eliminating the need for electrical wiring and traditional power distribution within data centers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional PoE systems are used for power delivery, then power can be supplied over copper cables, but the transmission distance is limited to about 100 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fiber optic data transmission with electrical power transmission into a single unified system. The fiber optic cable carries both optical data signals and electrical power simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate power cables and local power sources. This merging allows power to be delivered over the same infrastructure used for data, extending transmission distance to several kilometers while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical transceiver as an intermediary device that converts electrical power to optical signals for transmission through the fiber optic cable. This mediator enables power delivery over fiber by transforming the power into a form that can traverse the optical medium, then converting it back at the receiving end. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by enabling long-distance power delivery without requiring direct electrical contact over the entire distance.
2Power
If conventional PoE systems are used, then power delivery is simple, but the power capacity is limited and inadequate for many classes of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges high-capacity power delivery with data transmission through the same fiber optic infrastructure. By combining electrical power transmission with optical data transmission in a single cable system, the patent enables delivery of several kilowatts of power to remote devices without requiring separate high-voltage power lines or complex local power distribution systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical transceiver acts as a mediator that enables high-capacity power delivery by converting electrical power to optical signals for long-distance transmission. This intermediary transformation allows the system to overcome the power capacity limitations of conventional PoE while maintaining compatibility with existing fiber optic infrastructure and avoiding the need for complex industrial power distribution systems.
3Length of moving object
If fiber optic cables are used for data transmission, then transmission distance is extended, but power cannot be delivered through the fiber cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate functions of data transmission and power delivery into a single integrated system. The fiber optic cable, traditionally used only for data, now simultaneously carries both optical data signals and electrical power. This merging makes the fiber optic infrastructure versatile enough to handle both functions, eliminating the need for separate power cabling and enabling power delivery over several kilometers.
4Length of moving object
If local power sources are installed for distances beyond 100 meters, then power delivery is enabled, but the need for electrical wiring and local power distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery with data transmission through the same fiber optic cable, eliminating the need for separate electrical wiring and local power sources. This consolidation simplifies installation by requiring only single cable runs from the central location, reducing the complexity of electrical wiring, conduit installation, and local power distribution infrastructure that would otherwise be needed for devices located beyond 100 meters.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving power delivered over a data fiber cable (18) at an optical transceiver (16) installed at a network communications device (14, 15) and transmitting data and the power from the optical transceiver (13) to the network communications device (14, 15). The network communications device (14, 15) is powered by the power received from the optical transceiver (16). An apparatus is also disclosed herein.