USB Active Optical Cable Power Management via Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current USB active optical cables face challenges in managing power consumption and system states, particularly in detecting plugging and unplugging states and maintaining consistent power usage across ports, due to the lack of separate signal channels for state information and the limitations of optical transmission mediums in conveying electrical signals.
Innovation Solution
A USB active optical cable design with separate transmitting and receiving units, each comprising high-speed transmission circuits and control units, that operate in initialization, power saving, and transmission modes, enabling efficient power management and state detection through optical signal processing and mode switching, suitable for both Optically Isolated Active Cables and hybrid cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If optical transmission medium is used for USB active cable, then transmission distance is extended and cable weight is reduced, but the ability to transmit electrical signals for state detection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrical-to-optical conversion circuits as intermediary devices at both ends of the optical cable. These conversion circuits translate electrical state signals into optical signals that can traverse the optical transmission medium, enabling state detection capabilities to be maintained despite the use of optical fibers that cannot directly carry electrical signals.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power saving mode is implemented in active optical cable, then power consumption is reduced, but real-time state checking and transmission capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic polling mechanisms where the control units at both ends of the cable periodically check and transmit state information even in power-saving mode. This periodic action ensures that state consistency is maintained while allowing the system to operate at lower power levels during idle periods, balancing power consumption with reliability.
3Measurement precision
If separate electrical signal channels are added for state transmission, then state detection precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical transmission medium and associated circuits perform multiple functions: they simultaneously transmit both data signals and state information signals. By encoding state information within the optical signal framework rather than adding separate physical channels, the system achieves precise state detection while avoiding the complexity and cost of additional dedicated electrical signal paths.
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
Facilitates effective power consumption management and consistent system state maintenance across USB ports, enabling reliable data transmission and preventing state inconsistencies during unconventional plugging and unplugging scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmission medium connecting the first plug and the second plug
Data Source
AI summary
A USB active optical cable and a plug capable of managing power consumption and state. The USB active optical cable and plug respectively comprises a first plug, a second plug, and an optical transmission medium used to connect the first plug and the second plug; the first plug and the second plug are configured to operate different operating states, including an initialization mode, a transmission mode, and a power saving mode, and they can switch between the different operating states. The USB active optical cable and plug are both based on the separate control of the transmitting unit and the receiving unit to distinguish different operating modes, provide necessary operating requirements and mode switching conditions for each mode, and also enable the checking and transmission of the plugging state in the power saving mode, thus facilitate the power consumption management of the active optical cable.