Subsea Electro-Optical Connector Unit for Long-Distance Ethernet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea communication systems face limitations in transmission distance due to signal degradation in purely electrical systems, and existing solutions require costly optical conversion on land for full fiber-optic systems.
Innovation Solution
A subsea electrical-optical end connector unit with a built-in bi-directional electrical to optical media converter, allowing for extended transmission distances up to 40 km without land-based optical conversion, using a reinforced chamber to withstand pressure and hermetic electrical penetrators for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If purely electrical ethernet cables are used for subsea communication, then the system is simpler and cheaper, but the transmission distance is limited to around 50 meters due to signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electrical connector functionality with optical media converter functionality into a single integrated subsea end connector unit. This combination allows the unit to accept electrical ethernet signals from subsea equipment and convert them to optical signals for long-distance transmission through the optical cable, thereby extending transmission distance beyond the 50-meter limitation of purely electrical systems while avoiding the need for separate land-based conversion equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsea end connector unit acts as an intermediary device between the electrical ethernet cable connected to subsea equipment and the optical cable for long-distance transmission. The built-in media converter performs the electrical-to-optical signal conversion at the subsea location, enabling the optical cable to carry the signal over distances up to 40 km without requiring land-based conversion infrastructure.
2Length of stationary object
If full fiber-optic communication systems are used, then transmission distance can be extended, but land-based optical conversion equipment is required, increasing system cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical conversion function from the land-based infrastructure and relocates it to the subsea end connector unit. By integrating the media converter directly at the subsea equipment location, the system eliminates the need for expensive land-based optical conversion equipment and intermediate conversion points, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining long transmission distance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsea end connector unit performs the optical conversion function independently at the subsea location using its built-in media converter. This self-service capability allows the system to convert electrical signals to optical signals right at the source without requiring external land-based conversion infrastructure, thereby reducing system cost and complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If subsea end connector units with built-in media converters are deployed, then transmission distance can be extended to 40 km, but the connector unit becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (electrical connector, optical connector, and media converter) into a single integrated subsea end connector unit. While this increases the functional capability and transmission distance to 40 km, it consolidates what would otherwise be separate components into one unit, simplifying deployment and reducing the number of separate devices needed in the system.
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 bi-directional communication over long distances without the need for land-based optical conversion, reducing costs and extending the transmission range beyond 50 meters, suitable for subsea oil and gas installations.
Implementation Method 1
a built-in, bi-directional electrical to optical media converter
Implementation Method 2
The electro-optical media converter module is enclosed in a reinforced one atmosphere chamber built to withstand the pressure of the surrounding subsea environment
Implementation Method 3
Electrical signal conductors extending from the second subsea electrical connector unit may communicate with the electrical input/output junction of the media converter circuit via a hermetic electrical penetrator which penetrates the wall of the one atmosphere chamber through a sealed opening
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A subsea connector unit with a bi-directional electrical to optical (EO) media converter is provided which has a first end configured for connection to an electrical cable connector unit and a second end joined to a subsea optical or electro-optical ethernet jumper cable. The EO media converter has one or more electrical input/output (I/O) junctions which communicate with electrical signal conductors in a connected electrical ethernet cable and one or more optical I/O junctions which are connected to one or more optical fibers extending from the subsea jumper cable. Electrical input signals received at the electrical I/O junctions are converted into corresponding optical signals provided at the optical I/O junctions for transmission along the subsea jumper cable, and optical input signals received from the jumper cable are converted to electrical signals at the electrical I/O junctions for output to the electrical cable.