WO2022019898A1

WO2022019898A1 - Multimedia patch cord for optical cable mpo added with electric data for smart home and entertainment

Info

Publication number: WO2022019898A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/043015
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luca Zanetti; Silvia Fioravanti
Original assignee: Luca Zanetti
Priority date: 2020-07-22
Filing date: 2020-07-22
Publication date: 2022-01-27

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a multimedia hybrid patch cord cable for smart home and entertainment comprising an outermost sheath; an inner annular space; a plurality of cable lines that extend within the annular space; and a filler configured to fill the empty space within the annular space, wherein, the plurality of cable lines comprises at least one optical fiber line for high-speed data each connected to an optical connector preferably MPO connector; at least one electric cable for low-speed data connected to an electrical connector.

Description

MULTIMEDIA PATCH CORD FOR OPTICAL CABLE MPO ADDED WITH ELECTRIC DATA FOR SMART HOME AND ENTERTAINMENT

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a patch cord, and particularly to a hybrid patch cord cable to add a data /power /audio channel to an optical MPO cable for simultaneous distribution of low speed and high-speed signals in multimedia application.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Optical cables are indispensable for connecting modern devices and appliances. The cables are used to transmit data between a source and a recipient, by using LC/SC connectors on single fiber or MPO connectors for both single and multiple fibers.

[0003] High-resolution video, audio, and a high volume of data such as fast internet have become indispensable nowadays, requiring high bandwidth high-speed cables. To meet the need of today's AV technology, several cables, such as HDMI cables, Toslink cables, Cat-X cables, Aux cables, etc. are used in a home. However, the new 4K or 8k TV video and the new gigabit internet, do not fit on these traditional cables. Where Cat-x cable copper cabling technology has reached its ultimate limit, fiber optic technology can transport the higher resolutions and frame rates of today's digital video, cinema protocols, and internet connection over long distances. Moreover, optical fiber cables transmit video uncompressed and virtually with zero or low lag, so the final quality of the video is perfect. Cat-x, because has a much lower bandwidth, and being electrical is a low speed, is a bottleneck, and requires compression of video and the therefore inevitable loss of quality and always has a lag. Optical fibers can transmit ultra-high-speed data signals impossible with legacy copper cable, but cannot completely replace the electric cable, because some lines carry special data transmissions based on electrical levels or analog or Schmitt Trigger conditions or bi-directional open-bus communication channels based in impedance open collector controls, difficult to convert in pure digital 1-0 data without a more sophisticated electronic circuitry. In some cases, power supply as well is needed for the endpoint connector where local power supply injection might not be available or comfortable to supply.

[0004] The HDMI video standard, in particular, has the HDCP management, CEC, and ARC/eARC which are signals different from each other and almost impossible to convert in fiber in a reliable manner.

[0005] Thus, a need is appreciated for patch cords of hybrid cables capable of blend together and to deliver, within a single patch cord, both high-speed high-bandwidth signals over fiber and low- speed low-bandwidth electric signals by using standard end connectors.

[0006] Therefore, traditional electrical signals associated with optical fiber, fill in the gap left open by fiber and make more reliable the video or high bandwidth signal distribution over fiber ensuring the integrity of signals at the receiving end.

[0007] In addition to the HDCP management, has to be noted that connecting the receiving equipment or connector to the power becomes sometimes impossible or it is very uncomfortable for the user. In particular special connectors, such as an example the HDMI, based on fiber only cable require an external USB to "turn on" the connector. This becomes silly when no USB is available on the back of the television to be plugged and therefore the HDMI video connection does not work. In this case, more than one electric line is needed in the patch cord cable.

[0008] An extremely versatile cable is needed to meet today's or future requirements. In fact, cables are pulled in the conduits and walls and once pulled cannot be changed easily. Electronic devices change very quickly and what today is new in six months is obsolete. But the cable stays in the walls for years or decades. The electric part can be used for multiple functions, and the function can be changed by the final user over time. To use a fiber optic to do the job of the electric cable, forces to define upfront the final functionality of the electric output, while an electric line is more versatile.

[0009] Moreover, the use of too many cables leads to undesirable clutter. Too many cables may also make the cabling in a building complex. Often, space restrictions for cable installation may limit the number of cables that can be installed in a building. Cables also need to be strong and remain intact after being pulled through clogged conduits. Thus, a need is appreciated for a single cable that can overcome the above problems.

[0010] For the Fiber termination, there are single fiber termination and multiple fiber termination. The MPO termination can be wired both with a single fiber and with multiple fibers, therefore is the most flexible, efficient, and future proof termination today available (although other fiber terminations are equally working for the purpose).

The patch cord needs to be small enough to be pulled in conduits or hide behind appliances, therefore a specific small shape of the patch cord is suggested to save space and cannot be flat because will be too wide to go in conduits; in addition to that, on the two end terminations, the extended part of the plurality of cable lines can be distinct or ponytail shaped, with the connectors positioned in different length, in order to avoid connector overlap and to be slimmer the shape of the end termination to be pulled in the conduit. In other words, a ponytail termination with connectors in different lengths help to smoothly pull the plurality of connectors in the conduits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The principal object of the present invention is therefore directed to a hybrid patch cord cable that can add, on an Optical fiber with MPO terminations, electric signals.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention is therefore directed to a hybrid patch cord cable that can add, on an Optical fiber with LC/SC terminations, electric signals.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention that the hybrid patch cord cable disclosed herein incorporates multiple types of cable avoiding a clutter of individual cables.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention that the hybrid patch cord cable is economical in comparison to the combined cost of the individual cables.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention that the hybrid patch cord cable is combining high-speed signals and low-speed signals in a single patch cord. [0016] It is still another object of the present invention that the hybrid patch cord cable is small enough but strong enough to be pulled in clogged conduits.

[0017] In one aspect, disclosed herein is a hybrid cable that includes an outer sheat defining an annular space; a secondary jacket can be present enclosing one or multiple fiber optics, however, the fiber can be pulled naked within the outer sheath; one or multiple electric cables, that can be with or without a jacket, with or without shielding, straight or twisted. A filler configured to fill the empty spaces within the annular space, both to ensure the cables in a predetermined position and to avoid cable distress in case it is pulled hard into conduits.

[0018] In one aspect, disclosed herein is a hybrid cable having the plurality of cable lines configured to simultaneously transmit all the signals. The hybrid cable is having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein each of the plurality of cable lines having a first extended part that extends from the proximal end, wherein the length of each of the first extended parts of the plurality of cable lines can be the same or distinct. Each of the plurality of cable lines also having a second extended part that extends from the distal end, wherein the length of each of the second extended part of the plurality of cable lines can be the same or distinct. The filler can be Kevlar fibers for stronger resistance, but any filler can work. The plurality of cable lines may further comprise at least one electric cable line and one fiber optic line.

[0019] In one aspect, the plurality of cable lines that extend within the hybrid cable disclosed herein comprises fiber optics connected to an MPO connector. Because SC/LC connectors are single fiber only, then a single fiber can be connected to either SC, LC, or MPO connector, however, multiple optical lines will be preferably connected to MPO connector or similar multifiber connector, to save space and have a cleaner configuration. The use of SC/LC connectors is not recommended but can be used for multiple fibers; The electric part of the hybrid cable can be connected to different connectors at the user's leisure.

[0020] These and other objects and advantages of the embodiments herein will become readily apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0001] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

[0002] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a hybrid patch cord cable, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a cross-section of the cable.

[0003] Fig. A is a perspective view of an example of an optical transmitter having an MPO interface and electric cable that is ready to be connected to a USB interface, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a cross-section of the cable.

[0004] Fig. 3 perspective view of an example of an optical transmitter having an MPO interface and electric cable that is ready to be connected to an HDMI interface, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a cross-section of the cable.

[0005] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the hybrid cable, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with MPO fiber optic termination, jack 3,5 mm termination, and a second electric Jtag connector, as an example.

[0006] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the hybrid cable, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with MPO fiber optic termination, jack termination female to fit an infrared extender, or similar device. [0007] .Fig. 6 is a front view of an exemplary section of the hybrid cable where multiple fibers, multiple electric, multiple shielding can be built-in.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, the reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as apparatus and methods of use thereof. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0009] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term "embodiments of the present invention" does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.

[0010] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises",

"comprising,", "includes" and/or "including", when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0011] The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

[0012] The following detailed description is described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific details may be set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatus are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the subject innovation. Moreover, the drawings are to scale.

[0013] Referring to Fig. 1, which shows an embodiment of a hybrid cable 100 according to the present invention. Fig. 1 shows a near-end part of the hybrid cable 100 wherein several lines 104,105 can be seen extending from the end of the hybrid cable 100. The hybrid cable includes an external jacket 107 which encloses the lines 104,105. Fig. 1 shows one MPO ( or SC or LC) optical fiber connector 101 connected to one optical fiber Iinel04 and a plug 102 connected to one electrical line 105. [0014] Fig. 2, shows an embodiment of a hybrid cable 200 according to one implementation of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a near-end part of the hybrid cable 200 wherein several lines 204,205 can be seen extending from the end of the hybrid cable 200. The hybrid cable includes an external jacket 207 which encloses the lines 204,205. Fig. 2 shows one MPO optical fiber connector 201 connected to two optical fiber line 204 and a plug 202 connected to three electrical lines 205. This exemplary embodiment is efficient to connect USB final terminations.

[0015] Fig. 3, shows an embodiment of a hybrid cable 300 according to one implementation of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows a near-end part of the hybrid cable 300 wherein several lines 304,305 can be seen extending from the end of the hybrid cable 300. The hybrid cable includes an external jacket 307 which encloses the lines 304,305. Fig. 3 shows one MPO optical fiber connector 301 connected to four optical fiber lines 304 and a plug 302 connected to seven electrical lines 305. This exemplary embodiment is efficient to connect HDMI final terminations. This embodiment guarantees to maintain intact all the functions and specifications of the HDMI standard; however HDMI can be done with a higher or lower number of fibers and a lower number of electric cables without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 4 further shows an exemplary embodiment of a hybrid cable 500, with an MPO fiber connector at one end connected to multiple optical fibers, to carry the signals with high bandwidth occupation; an exemplary connection through jack for electric 502; an exemplary connection for electric through a jtag 503, where all the wires can be immediately used for any application at the user's leisure. [0017] Fig. 5 shows another exemplary implementation of the hybrid cable 600 which includes a hybrid cable part 601 with fiber optics connected to an MPO connector; a female plug for infrared eye controls to be carried along with the fiber optic high bandwidth signals.

[0018] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary hybrid cable section 700, where multiple fiber optics 703 are present; along with multiple single wire electric wires are present 701; along with multiple shielded and/or twisted electric cables are present 702; Kevlar 104 or other filler material is present as well in the annular space.

[0019] Advantageously, several individual cable lines can be included for each cable type for the transmission of the particular signals within the hybrid cable. For example, optical cable lines are included for the transmission of the high-resolution HDMI audio & video or internet. Two special optic cables can be included for the transmission of digital audio. Likewise, more single cable lines or fiber-optic of the same type can also be included.

[0020] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A hybrid optic-electric hybrid patch cord cable comprising: an outermost sheath; an inner single annular space with both electric and optical fibers a plurality of end connectors hybrid optic and electric at least ONE optical fiber lines each connected to a standard optical connector MPO at least one electric line connected to a standard electrical connector

2. The hybrid optic-electric patch cord of claim 1, wherein a plurality of cable lines configured to simultaneously transmit High bandwidth signals together with low speed and small bandwidth electric control signals.

B.The hybrid optic-electric patch cord of claim 1, wherein the hybrid cable is having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein each of the plurality of cable lines having a first extended part that extends from the proximal end, wherein the length of each of the first extended parts of the plurality of cable lines can be same or distinct ( ponytail end termination).

4.The hybrid optic-electric patch cord of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of cable lines having a second extended part that extends from the distal end, wherein the length of each of the second extended parts of the plurality of cable lines can be same or distinct ( ponytail).

5. The hybrid optic-electric patch cord cable of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cable lines comprises:

Multiple optical fibers connected to MPO or another standard termination connector; Multiple electric wires connected to standard connectors ;

6. The hybrid optic-electric patch cord cable of claim 1, wherein the filler is Kevlar fibers.

7. A hybrid optic-electric patch cord cable comprising: an outermost sheath; a filler in kevlar an inner annular space with both electric and optical fibers a plurality of standard end connectors electric a plurality of optical end connectors MPO or LC, or SC or mixed

8. The hybrid optic-electric patch cord cable of claim 7, wherein the electric line to be used for high-frequency data such as infrared is further having an aluminum foil shield at 25% overlap.

9. The hybrid optic-electric patch cord cable of claim 8, wherein the electric line to be used for high-frequency data such as infrared is both twisted pair and shielded.

10. The hybrid optic-electric patch cord cable of claim 8, wherein the electric line to be used for high-frequency data is Litz wire and shielded.

11. The hybrid optic-electric patch cord cable of claim 8, wherein the electric line to be used for high-frequency data is shielded.