Single Fiber KVM Extender Using CWDM Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior-art KVM Extender systems rely on multiple optical fibers, which are expensive and harder to deploy, and lack support for security functions needed in secure KVM switch or matrix environments, consuming significant power and requiring complex, costly Printed Circuit Boards.
Innovation Solution
A Single Optical Fiber KVM system using CWDM optical multiplexers, VCSEL devices, PIN Diodes, and microcontrollers to transmit and receive data over a single fiber, incorporating security features like authentication, encryption, and anti-tampering, and powering through USB ports or external supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple optical fibers are used in prior-art KVM Extender systems, then reliable bidirectional communication is achieved, but deployment cost increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical fibers into a single fiber by integrating both transmit and receive optical paths onto one fiber using wavelength division multiplexing technology. This merging approach maintains bidirectional communication capability while reducing the number of physical fibers from multiple to one, thereby lowering deployment cost and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical fiber is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - carrying both transmit and receive data streams using different wavelengths. This multi-functionality allows one fiber to replace what previously required multiple separate fibers, achieving the same communication reliability with reduced complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical fibers are used in prior-art KVM Extender systems, then bidirectional communication is supported, but deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical fiber connections into a single fiber connection by using wavelength division multiplexing to carry multiple data streams (transmit and receive) over the same physical medium. This reduces deployment complexity from installing and managing multiple fibers to managing just one fiber while maintaining full bidirectional communication capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional KVM Extender systems are used, then basic KVM extension is achieved, but security functions are not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with multi-functionality to support both basic KVM extension and advanced security functions including authentication, encryption, and anti-tampering. By integrating these security capabilities into the same extender device, the system achieves versatility without requiring separate security hardware, thereby managing complexity effectively.
4Ease of manufacture
If complex Printed Circuit Boards are used in prior-art systems, then all signal processing functions are achieved, but power consumption increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical transceiver functionality from complex PCB-based signal processing systems and implements it using dedicated optical components (VCSELs, PIN diodes, and optical multiplexers). This extraction reduces power consumption by using more efficient optical components rather than complex electronic signal processing circuits, while maintaining all necessary signal processing capabilities.
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
The system reduces deployment costs, enhances security, and powers the modules efficiently using USB ports or external supplies, supporting secure KVM operations over long distances with reduced complexity and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least two VCSEL devices optically coupled to the CWDM optical multiplexer de-multiplexer
Implementation Method 2
at least one PIN Diode device optically coupled to the CWDM optical multiplexer de-multiplexer
Implementation Method 3
CWDM (Course Wave-Division Multiplexing) optical multiplexer de-multiplexer
Data Source
AI summary
Single Optical Fiber KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) systems are provided that comprises of two subsystems: an electro-optical transmitter subsystem and an electro-optical receiver subsystem. The single optical fiber KVM is configured to support all required bi-directional communications.