Optical USB Connector With Embedded Lenses For High-Speed Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing USB technology faces challenges in achieving high data rates while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy USB form factors, as optical connectors require precise mechanical tolerances that are not feasible with standard USB connectors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical USB (OUSB) with a beam expanding approach, using embedded lenses and fibers to achieve high-speed optical data throughput within the existing USB mechanical tolerance, allowing for super-high data rates of 10 Gbps while maintaining compatibility with USB 2.0 specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If optical connectors are used to achieve high data rates of 10 Gbps, then data transmission speed is improved, but mechanical precision requirements become too stringent for standard USB connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector is divided into separate alignment features (protrusions and recesses) that independently handle positioning tasks. The male connector has protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the female connector, breaking down the complex alignment requirement into manageable discrete elements that can be manufactured within standard USB tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment protrusions and recesses act as intermediary mechanical features that mediate between the optical components and the USB connector housing. These intermediaries translate the loose mechanical tolerance of the USB connector into precise alignment for the optical fibers, allowing high-speed data transmission without requiring the entire connector to be manufactured with optical precision.
2Reliability
If optical connectors with precise mechanical tolerances are used, then optical signal integrity is improved, but compatibility with legacy USB form factors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector merges two distinct connector types into one unified structure: the external form factor matches the standard USB connector for compatibility, while internal optical alignment features provide precise positioning for high-speed transmission. The alignment protrusions and recesses are integrated into the USB connector housing, allowing a single connector to serve both legacy USB devices and high-speed optical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design achieves multi-functionality by supporting both traditional USB electrical connections and optical connections through the same physical interface. The alignment features enable optical fibers to be precisely positioned when needed, while the overall USB form factor maintains compatibility with existing USB ports and cables, making the connector universal for both electrical and optical applications.
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 solution enables backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and achieves significantly higher data rates of 10 Gbps, while ensuring optical signal integrity even in high Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) environments, such as factories, where traditional electrical connections may fail.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber optically coupled to the second lens for transmitting optical signals between the first and second connectors
Implementation Method 2
a beam expanding approach, using embedded lenses and fibers to achieve high-speed optical data throughput within the existing USB mechanical tolerance
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to an optical USB (OUSB) to enhance the data rate of USB by adding super-high data rate (e.g. 10 Gbps) optical communication on top of its current specification so that backward compatibility is achievable. Mechanical tolerances may be achieved by using embedded lenses to expand a beam emerging from the connector prior to entering its mating connector and using an identical lens in the mating connector to collimate the beam back onto a fiber.