Subsea Data Switch Fiber Optic Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea communication systems face limitations with copper wire communication being restricted to less than 100 meters, necessitating the use of slow or expensive fiber optic solutions for longer distances, which are complex and vulnerable.
Innovation Solution
A subsea data switch and communication cable harness utilizing fiber optical technology with a data switching unit and termination assemblies to connect multiple subsea cables, enabling efficient high-speed communication over distances up to 120 km without the need for bulky connectors or additional subsea units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If copper wire communication is used for subsea data transmission, then ease of operation and existing infrastructure compatibility are maintained, but transmission distance is limited to less than 100 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a subsea data switch as an intermediary device that terminates fiber optic cables and provides Ethernet switching functionality directly in the subsea environment. This mediator enables long-distance fiber optic communication while maintaining compatibility with existing Ethernet protocols and copper-based equipment through standard Ethernet interfaces, thus resolving the contradiction between transmission distance and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces copper wire mechanical/electrical transmission system with fiber optic transmission system for long-distance subsea communication. Fiber optics substitute the electrical signal transmission of copper wires with optical signal transmission, enabling transmission distances of several kilometers while maintaining Ethernet protocol compatibility through the subsea data switch
2Length of moving object
If fiber optic cable with stationary electronics and wet mateable optical connectors is used for long distance communication, then transmission distance is extended to several km, but device complexity and vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fiber optic termination function and Ethernet switching function into a single integrated subsea data switch device. By combining these functions, the system eliminates the need for separate stationary electronics and complex wet mateable optical connectors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining long-distance transmission capability through fiber optic cables
Solution Approach 2:
The subsea data switch provides multi-functionality by serving as both a fiber optic termination point and an Ethernet switch. This universal device handles multiple communication protocols and interfaces (optical and electrical) within a single unit, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall system architecture for long-distance subsea communication
3Length of moving object
If fiber optic cable with stationary electronics and wet mateable optical connectors is used for long distance communication, then transmission distance is extended to several km, but system vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The subsea data switch acts as a robust intermediary device with sealed housing that protects the fiber optic termination and Ethernet switching components from the subsea environment. This mediator provides a reliable interface between fiber optic cables and Ethernet equipment, reducing system vulnerability while enabling long-distance communication through its environmental sealing and integrated design
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea data switch is provided. The subsea data switch includes a subsea housing, a data switching unit disposed in the subsea housing, and at least three termination assemblies for terminating at least three subsea cables) to the subsea data switch. In an embodiment, each subsea cable includes a data line, the data lines of the at least three subsea cables being connected to the data switching unit. The data switching unit is configured to provide data switching between the at least three connected data lines.