WO2023111875A1 - Système d'interconnexion de données optiques - Google Patents

Système d'interconnexion de données optiques Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023111875A1
WO2023111875A1 PCT/IB2022/062181 IB2022062181W WO2023111875A1 WO 2023111875 A1 WO2023111875 A1 WO 2023111875A1 IB 2022062181 W IB2022062181 W IB 2022062181W WO 2023111875 A1 WO2023111875 A1 WO 2023111875A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hdmi
optical
signals
signal
speed
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2022/062181
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Yun Bai
Wei Mao
Zuodong WANG
Jianming Yu
Original Assignee
Wingcomm Co. Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US17/553,437 external-priority patent/US20220109906A1/en
Priority claimed from US17/853,336 external-priority patent/US20220337318A1/en
Application filed by Wingcomm Co. Ltd. filed Critical Wingcomm Co. Ltd.
Publication of WO2023111875A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023111875A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
    • H04B10/80—Optical aspects relating to the use of optical transmission for specific applications, not provided for in groups H04B10/03 - H04B10/70, e.g. optical power feeding or optical transmission through water
    • H04B10/801—Optical aspects relating to the use of optical transmission for specific applications, not provided for in groups H04B10/03 - H04B10/70, e.g. optical power feeding or optical transmission through water using optical interconnects, e.g. light coupled isolators, circuit board interconnections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
    • H04B10/25—Arrangements specific to fibre transmission
    • H04B10/2575—Radio-over-fibre, e.g. radio frequency signal modulated onto an optical carrier
    • H04B10/25751—Optical arrangements for CATV or video distribution

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to system for optical interconnect.
  • a system and method for emulating electrical HDMI interconnects with an optical system is described.
  • Another embodiment implements a method to perform HDMI optical communication.
  • One aspect includes detecting a first HDMI connection of a first terminal of an optical connector.
  • the first terminal may be configured to be selectable between a transmission mode and a reception mode.
  • a second HDMI connection of a second terminal of the optical connector may be detected.
  • the second terminal may be configured to be selectable between a transmission mode and a reception mode.
  • FIG. 5C illustrates one embodiment of an optical interconnect system that converts control or other signals to optical signals
  • FIG. 6B illustrates optical data connections, electrical control connections, and an electrical power connection for an HDMI compatible interconnect
  • FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of an HDMI connector according to the disclosure.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of an optical interconnect system.
  • FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method to connect a power signal.
  • FIG. 14 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of an optical receiver interface.
  • FIG. 17 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of an optical connector.
  • FIG. 18 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a direction control circuit low-speed interface.
  • FIG. 19 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a direction control circuit high-speed interface.
  • FIG. 20 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a direction control circuit low-speed interface.
  • FIG. 21 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a direction control circuit high-speed interface.
  • FIG. 23 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a direction control circuit low -speed interface.
  • FIG. 24 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a direction control circuit low-speed interface.
  • FIG. 26 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a direction control circuit low-speed interface.
  • FIG. 28 is a flow diagram depicting a method to transmit high-speed HDMI optical signals and low-speed HDMI optical signals.
  • FIG. 29 is a flow diagram depicting a method to receive high-speed HDMI optical signals and low-speed HDMI optical signals.
  • FIG. 30 is a flow diagram depicting a method to perform HDMI communication via an optical communication channel.
  • electrical signals can be provided in a first protocol by source 112 and converted to a second protocol by the optical receiver 116. In other embodiments, electrical signals can be provided in a first protocol by source 112 and converted back to the same protocol by the optical receiver 116.
  • TMDS serial links can be replaced with low density parity check (LDPC) code for video data.
  • LDPC low density parity check
  • RS Reed-Solomon
  • such codes require no additional overhead for DC-balancing or transition minimization, resulting in an increased data rate as compared to TMDS encoded signals.
  • source 112 can include, for example, DVD players, game consoles, smartphones, set-top boxes, telephones, computers, audio systems, or other network client devices.
  • Source 112 can playback media data stored in a hard drive, a spinnable disk (e.g. Blu-ray or DVD), or held in solid state storage.
  • the source 112 can receive data through wired or wireless connection to cable providers, satellite systems, or phone networks.
  • sink device 120 can also be televisions, monitors, displays, audio systems, projectors, or other network client devices.
  • the optical transmitter 114 can convert HDMI standard TMDS or FRL electrical signals using an optical conversion device connected to ground to reduce noise. Typically, this can be a laser diode driver (LDD).
  • the optical conversion driver device can include an infrared or optical LED, semiconductor laser, or VCSEL device.
  • the optical receiver 116 can convert optical signals to HDMI standard TMDS or FRL or other suitable electrical signals.
  • the optical receiver 116 can include a photo detector and an optical receiver that convert light impulses to an electrical signal.
  • a transimpedance amplifier (HA) or other suitable signal amplification system can be used to increase signal power
  • a PD (photodiode) or an APD (avalanche photodiode) can be used to convert optical signals to electrical currents.
  • Power from power module 118 to operate the optical receiver 116 can be provided by connection to the sink device 120, by connection to a second power port or another external power source (not shown), or by an internal battery source.
  • a sink device can support multiple connector types (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB, USB-C, DC power connector) that can be used as external secondary power sources and/or internal battery charging stations.
  • HDMI to sink HDMI connections both power to operate optical receiver 116 and additional power to emulate an electrical HDMI connection can be required since conventional HDMI connectable devices require a DC connection between the source 112 and a grounded sink device 120 to complete the circuit.
  • This DC connection creates a current return path from the sink device 120 to the source 112. Since this connection is typically provided through internal shields covering the individual twisted wire pairs and a covering braid shield that are not available in a dedicated optical interconnect system, an additional power source is needed.
  • the shielded twisted wire pairs are adapted to communicate relatively highspeed data and clock in the form of Transition Minimized Differential Signaling (HDMI standard TMDS or FRL).
  • HDMI 2.0b and previous HDMI standards three pairs are used for communicating video, audio, and auxiliary data, and are typically referred to as D0-D2.
  • the last pair is used for transmitting a clock associated with the data, and is typically referred to as CLK.
  • HDMI 2.1 all four pairs are used for communicating video, audio and auxiliary data, and are typically referred to as D0-D3.
  • the speed of the high-speed data may range from 3 to 12 gigabits per second (Gbps) per lane.
  • FIG. 5B illustrates one embodiment of an optical interconnect system 501 similar to that discussed with respect to FIG. 5A that converts HDMI standard TMDS or FRL signals to optical signals that includes a power tapping circuit without a battery.
  • the respective HDMI standard TMDS or FRL, DDC, and other electrical signals from source 513 are provided to a transmitter 515 housed in an HDMI compatible connector.
  • a laser diode driver (LDD) and a semiconductor laser or LED diode powered by voltage regulator VLDD
  • Digital signal processing are realized by Digital Encoder/Decoder 1 (DEDI 556) on the source side and Digital Encoder/Decoder 2 (DED 558) on the sink side.
  • DEDI 556 and 558 can either combine multiple communication channels into single aggregated channel or separate single aggregated channel into multiple communication channels.
  • P2 is a current source that is powered by REG1 “out” and modulated by DEDI and drives a VCSEL or LED diode.
  • REG1 in Fig 5B operates in a manner similar to REG 1 as seen in FIG. 5 A.
  • Pl, N1 and R5 form a transimpedance amplifier that is powered by REG1 “out” and buffers a photodetector’s output into DEDI.
  • the receiver 604 has multiple photodetectors and respectively connected HDMI standard TMDS or FRL optoelectronic transmitters to convert received optical pulses from optical fiber 610 and 612 to electrical signals that can be processed by a connected sink (not shown).
  • the receiver 604 also includes a VCSEL laser or LED diode connected to an encoder/decoder to convert electrical signals to optical signals that can be sent to the transmitter 602.
  • FIG. 6C illustrates all optical data connections and an electrical power connection for an HDMI compatible interconnect system 640.
  • multiple multi-mode optical fiber cables 650 and 652 are used to respectively transmit data and control data from a transmitter 642 to a receiver 644, and as well as at least one multi-mode optical fiber 656 that transmits signals back from the receiver 644 to the transmitter 642.
  • electrical HDMI standard TMDS or FRL data is converted to optical pulses using VCSEL laser or LED diodes.
  • the receiver 644 has multiple photodetectors and respectively connected HDMI standard TMDS or FRL optoelectronic transmitters to convert received optical pulses from optical fiber 650 and 652 to electrical signals that can be processed by a connected sink (not shown).
  • FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a HDMI compatible interconnect system 700 including bundled and loosely looped optical cables 702, and source 710 and sink 712 HDMI connectors.
  • Signal converters 720 and 722 include housing and board layout for HDMI standard TMDS or FRL receiver, as well as other electronics supporting electrical to optical conversion or optical to electrical conversion and are located adjacent to respective HDMI connector 710 and 712.
  • Optical interconnect system 800 may be configured such that source 802 is connected to an optical transmitter 804 that acts as a first signal converter to convert electrical signals received from source 802 into optical signals.
  • Source 802 may be a source of one or more HDMI electrical signals.
  • Optical communication channel 810 used to transfer optically encoded data to optical receiver 806.
  • Optical receiver 806 may act as a second signal converter to convert the data to electrical signals that are provided sink 808.
  • power 814 is configured to supply electrical power to optical receiver 806.
  • transimpedance amplifier 904 converts these optical signals into a corresponding set of electrical signals. These electrical signals are amplified and converted into a corresponding set of differential electrical signals by transimpedance amplifier 906.
  • the differential electrical signals output by transimpedance amplifier 906 are RX_data+ 942 and RX data- 944. These signals are received by amplifier 938 and processed according to the HDMI receiver protocol.
  • a common electrical ground GND 932 is shared between HDMI optical receiver 902 and sink 930.
  • voltage level detector 934 may output an enable signal 937 that enables sink power supply 940.
  • Sink power supply 940 may then output a (DC) power signal via resistor network 936.
  • resistor 936 network may be a part of an open drain interface. The output power is routed via resistor network 936, to amplifier 938.
  • Amplifier 938 is a part of the HDMI receiver signal chain, and enables HDMI signal reception by sink 930.
  • the power signal output by resistor network 936 may be received by conductor 946 and 948.
  • each of conductor 946 and 948 is an electrical conductor (e.g., a copper wire or a copper terminal).
  • the power signal from conductor 946 and 948 may be received by inductor 928 and inductor 926, respectively. Since the power signal is a DC signal, each of inductor 926 and 928 behaves as a substantially zero-resistance conductor for the power signal.
  • the power signal is transmitted from inductors 926 and 928 to slew rate controller 912.
  • Slew rate controller 912 may be similar to any of the slew rate controllers depicted in FIGs. 5A and 5B.
  • transimpedance amplifier 906 begins to output HDMI electrical differential signals (i.e., RX_data+ 942 and RX data- 944 signals) that are transmitted via conductors 946 and 948 respectively, to amplifier 938. These signals are time- varying signals. Along with outputting signals RX_data+ 942 and RX_data- 944, conductors 946 and 948 simultaneously conduct the DC power signal generated by sink power supply 940. Therefore, based at least in part on the superposition principle, a composite timevarying signal is carried by conductors 946 and 948. This composite time-varying signal may be comprised of the HDMI electrical differential signals and the DC power signal.
  • HDMI optical receiver 1002 and sink 1018 may represent an internal structure of optical receiver 806 and sink 808, respectively.
  • Optical communication channel 1008 may correspond to optical communication channel 810.
  • Sink power supply 1024 may correspond to power 814.
  • transimpedance amplifier 1006 needs electrical power to perform any amplification operations. Power may be supplied to transimpedance amplifier 1006 from sink power supply 1024. Sink power supply 1024 may output a (DC) power signal via resistor network 1022. In one aspect, resistor 1022 may be a part of an open drain interface. The output power is routed via resistor network 1022, to amplifier 1020. Amplifier 1020 is a part of the HDMI receiver signal chain, and enables HDMI signal reception by sink 1018. [0093] At the same time, the power signal output by resistor network 1022 may be received by conductor 1032 and 1034.
  • each of conductor 1032 and 1034 is an electrical conductor (e.g., a copper wire or a copper terminal).
  • the power signal from conductor 1032 and 1034 may be received by inductor 1014 and inductor 1016, respectively. Since the power signal is a DC signal, each of inductor 1014 and 1016 behaves as a substantially zero-resistance conductor for the power signal.
  • the power signal is transmitted from inductors 1014 and 1016 to slew rate controller 1012.
  • Slew rate controller 1012 may be similar to any of the slew rate controllers depicted in FIGs. 5A and 5B.
  • Slew rate controller 1012 may be configured to limit a ramp-up rate of the power signal during a transient phase, when the power signal is initially transmitted from sink power supply 1024 to HDMI optical receiver 1002. Limiting the ramp-up rate of the power signal, for example, by slew rate controller 1012, facilitates appropriate operation of sink 930 and mitigates the possibility of sink 1018 entering a shut down or a non- working state.
  • transimpedance amplifier 1006 begins to output HDMI electrical differential signals (i.e., RX_data+ 1026 and RX data- 1028 signals) that are transmitted via conductors 1032 and 1034 respectively, to amplifier 1020. These signals are time-varying signals. Along with outputting signals RX_data+ 1026 and RX data- 1028, conductors 1032 and 1034 simultaneously conduct the DC power signal generated by sink power supply 1024. Therefore, based at least in part on the superposition principle, a composite time- varying signal is carried by conductors 1032 and 1034. This composite time- varying signal may be comprised of the HDMI electrical differential signals and the DC power signal.
  • inductors 1032 and 1034 perform a low-pass filtering action on this composite time-varying signal to extract a substantially DC power signal from the time-varying signal.
  • This substantially DC power signal may be transmitted to slew rate controller 1012, and then to regulator 1010.
  • the substantially DC power signal may be used to power transimpedance amplifier 1006.
  • Method 1100 may include connecting a first power signal sourced from a sink to an amplifier (1102).
  • a DC power signal sourced from sink power supply 1024 may be routed to transimpedance amplifier 1006.
  • This DC power signal may be routed to the amplifier via a combination of resistor network 1022, inductor 1014, and inductor 1016.
  • Method 1100 may include converting received optical signals to an electrical signal (1104).
  • photodetector 1004 may convert one or more optical HDMI signals received over optical communication channel 1008 to a corresponding set of one or more electrical signals.
  • Method 1100 may include converting the electrical signal to differential electrical signals (1106). For example, after being powered up, amplifier 1006 may convert each electrical signal received from photodetector 1004 to a pair of differential electrical signals - RX_data+ 1026 and RX_data- 1028.
  • Method 1100 may include transmitting the differential electrical signals to the sink (1108).
  • amplifier 1006 may transmit the differential electrical signals to amplifier 1020 via a combination of conductors 1032 and 1034.
  • conductor 1032 conducts the RX_data+ 1026 signal
  • conductor 1034 conducts the RX_data- 1028 signal.
  • Method 1100 may include conducting a composite signal including the differential electrical signals and the first power signal (1110). For example, based at least in part on superposition, conductors 1032 and 1034 may conduct a composite signal comprised of RX_data+ 1026 and RX_data- 1028 signals, and the DC power signal generated by sink power supply 1024.
  • Method 1100 may include connecting the second power signal to the amplifier (1114).
  • the substantially DC power signal may be routed to transimpedance amplifier 1006.
  • FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method 1200 to connect a power signal.
  • Method 1200 may include triggering a sink (1202).
  • HDMI optical receiver 902 may trigger sink 930 using RX5V signal 935.
  • RX5V signal 935 may be generated by battery 914.
  • Method 1200 may include converting the electrical signal to differential electrical signals (1208). For example, after being powered up, amplifier 906 may convert each electrical signal received from photodetector 904 to a pair of differential electrical signals - RX_data+ 942 and RX data- 944.
  • Method 1200 may include transmitting the differential electrical signals to the sink (1210).
  • amplifier 906 may transmit the differential electrical signals to RX amplifier 938 via a combination of conductors 946 and 948.
  • conductor 946 conducts the RX_data+ 942 signal
  • conductor 948 conducts the RX_data- 944 signal.
  • Method 1200 may include filtering a second power signal from the composite signal (1214).
  • inductors 926 and 928 may filter out (i.e., extract) the DC power signal (or at least a portion thereof) from the composite signal via low-pass filtering.
  • optical transmitter interface 1300 includes optical transmitter 1302, power management 1304, TMDS optoelectronic transmitters TMDS TX 1306, TMDS TX 1314, TMDS TX 1322, and TMDS TX 1330, vertical cavity surface-emission lasers VCSEL 1308, VCSEL 1316, VCSEL 1324, and VCSEL 1332, encoder/decoder 1338, VCSEL array 1340, and photodetector PD array 1342.
  • Optical transmitter 1302 can also interface with (e.g., may be connected to) and/or may include optical communication channels 1310, 1318, 1326 and 1334, optical fiber array 1344, and optical fiber array 1346.
  • optical transmitter 1302 may receive high-speed HDMI differential signals TMDS0+/- via TMDS TX 1306, TMDSU7- via TMDS TX 1314, TMDS2+/- via TMDS TX 1322, and TMDS3+/- via TMDS TX 1330.
  • Optical transmitter 1302 may receive low-speed HDMI signals SDA, SCL, and CEC, via encoder/decoder 1338.
  • TMDS TX 1306 may transmit the TMDS0+/- electrical signal to VCSEL 1308.
  • VCSEL 1308 may convert the TMDS0+/- electrical signal into a TMDS0+/- optical signal, and transmit the TMDS0+/- optical signal over optical communication channel 1310 as TMDS0+/- optical signal 1312.
  • TMDS TX 1314 may transmit the TMDS1+/- electrical signal to VCSEL 1316.
  • VCSEL 1316 may convert the TMDS1+/- electrical signal into a TMDS1+/- optical signal, and transmit the TMDS1+/- optical signal over optical communication channel 1318 as TMDS1+/- optical signal 1320.
  • TMDS TX 1322 may transmit the TMDS2+/- electrical signal to VCSEL 1324.
  • VCSEL 1324 may convert the TMDS2+/- electrical signal into a TMDS2+/- optical signal, and transmit the TMDS2+/- optical signal over optical communication channel 1326 as TMDS2+/- optical signal 1328.
  • TMDS TX 1330 may transmit the TMDS3+/- electrical signal to VCSEL 1332.
  • VCSEL 1332 may convert the TMDS3+/- electrical signal into a TMDS3+/- optical signal, and transmit the TMDS3+/- optical signal over optical communication channel 1334 as TMDS3+/- optical signal 1336.
  • encoder/decoder 1338 encodes low-speed HDMI electrical signals SDA, SCL and CEC and transmits these encoded signals to VCSEL array 1340.
  • the encoding may include multiplexing (i.e., combining the low-speed HDMI electrical signals onto a single transmission channel), or encoding these signals onto two or more multiple, parallel transmission channels.
  • VCSEL array 1340 may include one or more VCSELs corresponding to the number of transmission channels associated with the low-speed electrical signals.
  • VCSEL array 1340 may convert the low-speed electrical signals into corresponding optical signals and transmit these optical signals over optical fiber array 1344 as low-speed optical signals 1348.
  • optical fiber array 1344 includes an optical fiber for each VCSEL in VCSEL array 1340, and may include an arbitrarily large number of optical fibers necessary to provide an appropriate transmission bandwidth for the low-speed HDMI signals.
  • Optical transmitter 1302 may be configured to receive one or more optical low- speed HDMI signals via optical fiber array 1346.
  • optical transmitter 1302 may receive a Utility signal (e.g., an ARC or an eARC signal) and HPD signal via optical fiber array 1346. These signals may be optical signals that are transmitted by an optical receiver using an encoding format suitable for optical fiber communication.
  • Optical fiber array 1346 may be comprised of two or more optical fibers configured to support signal transmission in the encoding format. Each optical fiber may be terminated in a unique photodetector (PD) in PD array 1342.
  • PD photodetector
  • optical transmitter 1302 functions similar to transmitter 602, with one difference being that optical fiber array 1344 and 1346 are used instead of multimode optical fiber cables 612 and 614. Another difference between transmitter 602 and optical transmitter 1302 is that the individual VCSEL or LED diode and photodetector transmitter 602 uses to handle low-speed HDMI signals are replaced by VCSEL array 1340 and PD array 1342, respectively. These arrays enable optical transmitter 1302 to support a larger bandwidth for low- speed HDMI signaling. Other low-speed HDMI signals supported by optical transmitter 1302 may include signals associated with an audio return channel (e.g., ARC or eARC). [00120] Power management 1304 may be configured to interface with +5V triggering circuitry associated with the HDMI source. Power management 1304 may also function to stabilize a voltage supply for optical transmitter 1302.
  • Power management 1304 may be configured to interface with +5V triggering circuitry associated with the HDMI source. Power management 1304 may also function to stabilize a voltage supply for optical transmitter 1302.
  • optical receiver 1402 receives high-speed and low-speed optical HDMI signals from an optical transmitter such as optical transmitter 1302. More specifically, optical receiver 1402 may receive TMDS0+/- optical signal 1312 via optical communication channel 1310, TMDS1+/- optical signal 1320 via optical communication channel 1318, TMDS2+/- optical signal 1328 via optical communication channel 1326, TMDS3+/- optical signal 1336 via optical communication channel 1334, and low-speed optical signals 1348 via optical fiber array 1344.
  • PD 1406 converts TMDS0+/- optical signal 1312 to a TMDS0+/- electrical signal and transmits this electrical signal to TMDS RX 1408.
  • TMDS RX 1408 transmits the TMDS0+/- electrical signal as a differential electrical signal (e.g., as differential signal pair RX_data+ 942 and RX data- 944) to an HDMI sink (e.g., sink 808) connected to optical receiver 1402.
  • PD 1410 converts TMDS1+/- optical signal 1320 to a TMDS1+/- electrical signal and transmits this electrical signal to TMDS RX 1412.
  • TMDS RX 1412 transmits the TMDS1+/- electrical signal as a differential electrical signal to the HDMI sink.
  • PD 1414 converts TMDS2+/- optical signal 1328 to a TMDS2+/- electrical signal and transmits this electrical signal to TMDS RX 1416.
  • TMDS RX 1416 transmits the TMDS2+/- electrical signal as a differential electrical signal to the HDMI sink.
  • PD 1418 converts TMDS3+/- optical signal 1334 to a TMDS3+/- electrical signal and transmits this electrical signal to TMDS RX 1420.
  • TMDS RX 1420 transmits the TMDS3+/- electrical signal as a differential electrical signal to the HDMI sink.
  • Each differential electrical signal pair may be transmitted to the HDMI sink in a manner similar to RX_data+ 942 and RX_data- 944.
  • low-speed optical signals 1348 (comprising an optical SDA signal, an optical SCL signal, and an optical CEC signal in a specified encoding format) are received by PD array 1422.
  • PD array 1422 includes a plurality of photodetectors, with at least one photodetector corresponding to each optical fiber in optical fiber array 1344.
  • PD array 1422 converts the set of encoded optical signals into a set of encoded electrical signals. This set of encoded electrical signals is decoded by encoder/decoder 1416, which extracts the electrical SDA signal, the electrical SCL signal, and the electrical CEC signal from the set of encoded electrical signals, and transmits these three decoded electrical signals to the HDMI sink.
  • encoder/decoder 1426 encodes low-speed HDMI electrical signals Utility and HPD, and transmits these encoded signals to VCSEL array 1424.
  • the encoding may include multiplexing (i.e., combining the low-speed HDMI electrical signals onto a single transmission channel), or encoding these signals onto two or more multiple, parallel transmission channels.
  • VCSEL array 1424 may include one or more VCSELs corresponding to the number of transmission channels associated with the low-speed electrical signals.
  • VCSEL array 1424 may convert the low-speed electrical signals into corresponding optical signals and transmit these optical signals over optical fiber array 1346 as low-speed optical signals 1350.
  • optical fiber array 1346 includes an optical fiber for each VCSEL in VCSEL array 1424, and may include an arbitrarily large number of optical fibers necessary to provide an appropriate transmission bandwidth for the low-speed HDMI signals.
  • optical receiver 1402 functions similar to receiver 604, with the difference being that multi-mode optical fiber cables 612 and 614 are replaced by optical fiber array 1344 and 1346, respectively.
  • the individual VCSEL or LED diode and photodetector associated with the low-speed portion of receiver 604 are replaced by VCSEL array 1424 and PD array 1422, respectively.
  • These arrays enable optical receiver 1402 to support a larger bandwidth for low-speed HDMI signaling.
  • Other low-speed HDMI signals supported by optical receiver 1402 may include signals associated with an audio return channel (e.g., ARC or eARC).
  • Power management 1404 may be configured to interface with +5V triggering circuitry associated with the HDMI sink. In one aspect power management 1404 may be similar to or perform functions similar to the triggering and/or power harvesting circuitry of HDMI optical receiver 902 or 1002. Power management 1404 may also function to stabilize a voltage supply for optical receiver 1402.
  • FIG. 15 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of an optical transmitter interface 1500.
  • optical transmitter interface 1500 includes optical transmitter 1502, TMDS optoelectronic transmitters TMDS TX 1506, TMDS TX 1514, TMDS TX 1522, and TMDS TX 1530, vertical cavity surface-emission lasers VCSEL 1508, VCSEL 1516, VCSEL 1524, and VCSEL 1532, encoder/decoder 1538, VCSEL array 1540, and photodetector PD array 1542.
  • Optical transmitter 1502 can also interface with (e.g., may be connected to) and/or may include optical communication channels 1510, 1518, 1526 and 1534, optical fiber array 1544, and optical fiber array 1546.
  • each of optical communication channel 1510 through 1534 is implemented using one or more optical fibers, and comprises a unidirectional optical communication channel.
  • each of optical fiber array 1544 and 1546 is comprised of multiple optical fibers, capable supporting multiple optical low-speed HDMI signals.
  • optical transmitter 1502 interfaces with (e.g., may be connected to) an HDMI source (e.g., source 802), and receives high-speed and low-speed HDMI signals from the HDMI source.
  • High speed HDMI signals may have a larger bandwidth as compared to low- speed HDMI signals.
  • Examples of high-speed HDMI signals are TMDS signals.
  • Examples of low- speed HDMI signals are SDA, SCL, CEC, Utility, and HPD signals. These high-speed and low- speed HDMI signals may be electrical signals.
  • optical transmitter 1502 may receive high-speed HDMI differential signals TMDS0+/- via TMDS TX 1506, TMDSU7- via TMDS TX 1514, TMDS2+/- via TMDS TX 1522, and TMDS3+/- via TMDS TX 1530.
  • Optical transmitter 1502 may receive low-speed HDMI signals SDA, SCL, and CEC, via encoder/decoder 1538.
  • TMDS TX 1506 may transmit the TMDS0+/- electrical signal to VCSEL 1508.
  • VCSEL 1508 may convert the TMDS0+/- electrical signal into a TMDS0+/- optical signal, and transmit the TMDS0+/- optical signal over optical communication channel 1510 as TMDS0+/- optical signal 1512.
  • TMDS TX 1514 may transmit the TMDSU7- electrical signal to VCSEL 1516.
  • VCSEL 1516 may convert the TMDSU7- electrical signal into a TMDSU7- optical signal, and transmit the TMDSU7- optical signal over optical communication channel 1518 as TMDSU7- optical signal 1520.
  • TMDS TX 1522 may transmit the TMDS2+/- electrical signal to VCSEL
  • encoder/decoder 1538 encodes low-speed HDMI electrical signals SDA, SCL and CEC and transmits these encoded signals to VCSEL array 1540.
  • the encoding may include multiplexing (i.e., combining the low-speed HDMI electrical signals onto a single transmission channel), or encoding these signals onto two or more multiple, parallel transmission channels.
  • VCSEL array 1540 may include one or more VCSELs corresponding to the number of transmission channels associated with the low-speed electrical signals.
  • VCSEL array 1540 may convert the low-speed electrical signals into corresponding optical signals and transmit these optical signals over optical fiber array 1544 as low-speed optical signals 1548.
  • optical fiber array 1544 includes an optical fiber for each VCSEL in VCSEL array 1540, and may include an arbitrarily large number of optical fibers necessary to provide an appropriate transmission bandwidth for the low-speed HDMI signals.
  • Optical transmitter 1502 may be configured to receive one or more optical low- speed HDMI signals via optical fiber array 1546. Specifically, optical transmitter 1502 may receive a Utility signal and HPD signal via optical fiber array 1546. These signals may be optical signals that are transmitted by an optical receiver using an encoding format suitable for optical fiber communication. Optical fiber array 1546 may be comprised of two or more optical fibers configured to support signal transmission in the encoding format. Each optical fiber may be terminated in a unique photodetector (PD) in PD array 1542. [00134] In one aspect, each photodetector in PD array 1542 converts a received optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal.
  • PD photodetector
  • optical transmitter 1502 functions similar to transmitter 642, with one difference being that optical fiber array 1544 and 1546 are used instead of multimode optical fiber cables 652 and 656. Another difference between transmitter 642 and optical transmitter 1502 is that the individual VCSEL or LED diode and photodetector uses to handle low- speed HDMI signals are replaced by VCSEL array 1540 and PD array 1542, respectively. These arrays enable optical transmitter 1502 to support a larger bandwidth for low-speed HDMI signaling. Other low-speed HDMI signals supported by optical transmitter 1502 may include signals associated with an audio return channel (e.g., ARC or eARC).
  • an audio return channel e.g., ARC or eARC
  • a +5V DC triggering voltage signal 1504 is routed from the source, through optical transmitter 1502, to an optical receiver.
  • a ground signal GND establishes a common ground between the source and optical transmitter 1502.
  • FIG. 16 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of an optical receiver interface 1600.
  • optical transmitter interface 1600 includes optical receiver 1602, TMDS optoelectronic receivers TMDS RX 1608, TMDS RX 1612, TMDS RX 1616, and TMDS RX 1620, photodetectors PD 1606, PD 1610, PD 1614, and PD 1618, encoder/decoder 1626, PD array 1622, and VCSEL array 1624.
  • Optical receiver 1602 can also interface with (e.g., may be connected to) and/or may include optical communication channels 1510, 1518, 1526 and 1534, optical fiber array 1544, and optical fiber array 1546.
  • optical receiver 1602 receives high-speed and low-speed optical HDMI signals from an optical transmitter such as optical transmitter 1502. More specifically, optical receiver 1602 may receive TMDS0+/- optical signal 1512 via optical communication channel 1510, TMDS1+/- optical signal 1520 via optical communication channel 1518, TMDS2+/- optical signal 1528 via optical communication channel 1526, TMDS3+/- optical signal 1536 via optical communication channel 1534, and low-speed optical signals 1548 via optical fiber array 1544.
  • PD 1606 converts TMDS0+/- optical signal 1512 to a TMDS0+/- electrical signal and transmits this electrical signal to TMDS RX 1608.
  • TMDS RX 1608 transmits the TMDS0+/- signal as a differential electrical signal (e.g., as differential signal pair RX_data+ 942 and RX data- 944) to an HDMI sink (e.g., sink 808) connected to optical receiver 1602.
  • PD 1610 converts TMDS1+/- optical signal 1520 to a TMDS1+/- electrical signal and transmits this electrical signal to TMDS RX 1612.
  • TMDS RX 1612 transmits the TMDS1+/- signal as a differential electrical signal to the HDMI sink.
  • low-speed optical signals 1548 (comprising an optical SDA signal, an optical SCL signal, and an optical CEC signal in a specified encoding format) are received by
  • PD array 1622 includes a plurality of photodetectors, with at least one photodetector corresponding to each optical fiber in optical fiber array 1544.
  • PD array 1622 converts the set of encoded optical signals into a set of encoded electrical signals. This set of encoded electrical signals is decoded by encoder/decoder 1626, which extracts the electrical SDA signal, the electrical SCL signal, and the electrical CEC signal from the set of encoded electrical signals, and transmits these three decoded electrical signals to the HDMI sink.
  • encoder/decoder 1626 encodes low-speed HDMI electrical signals Utility and HPD, and transmits these encoded signals to VCSEL array 1624.
  • the encoding may include multiplexing (i.e., combining the low-speed HDMI electrical signals onto a single transmission channel), or encoding these signals onto two or more multiple, parallel transmission channels.
  • VCSEL array 1624 may include one or more VCSELs corresponding to the number of transmission channels associated with the low-speed electrical signals.
  • VCSEL array 1624 may convert the low-speed electrical signals into corresponding optical signals and transmit these optical signals over optical fiber array 1546 as low-speed optical signals 1550.
  • optical fiber array 1546 includes an optical fiber for each VCSEL in VCSEL array 1624, and may include an arbitrarily large number of optical fibers necessary to provide an appropriate transmission bandwidth for the low-speed HDMI signals.
  • optical receiver 1602 functions similar to receiver 644, with the difference being that multi-mode optical fiber cables 652 and 656 are replaced by optical fiber array 1544 and 1546, respectively.
  • the individual VCSEL or LED diode and photodetector associated with the low-speed portion of receiver 644 are replaced by VCSEL array 1624 and PD array 1622, respectively. These arrays enable optical receiver 1602 to support a larger bandwidth for low-speed HDMI signaling.
  • Other low-speed HDMI signals supported by optical receiver 1602 may include signals associated with an audio return channel (e.g., ARC or eARC).
  • +5V DC triggering voltage signal 1504 received from optical transmitter 1502 is routed to the sink.
  • a ground signal GND establishes a common ground between the sink and optical receiver 1602.
  • FIG. 17 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of an optical connector 1700.
  • optical connector 1700 includes direction control circuit 1702, optical transmitter 1706, optical receiver 1708, optical receiver 1710, optical transmitter 1712, and direction control circuit 1704.
  • Optical transmitter 1706 and optical receiver 1708 may be connected via communication channel 1714.
  • Optical transmitter 1712 and optical receiver 1710 may be connected via communication channel 1716.
  • Each of direction control circuit 1702 and 1704 may be terminated in an HDMI-compatible electrical connector (i. e. , as an HDMI-compatible terminal), and is capable of electrically and mechanically connecting with an HDMI source or and HDMI sink.
  • optical connector 1700 is a direction-agnostic HDMI connector in the sense that either of direction control circuit 1702 or direction control circuit 1704 can be connected to an HDMI source (e.g., source 802), with the other direction control circuit (i.e., direction control circuit 1704 or direction control circuit 1702, respectively) being connected to an HDMI sink (e.g., sink 808).
  • an HDMI source e.g., source 802
  • the other direction control circuit i.e., direction control circuit 1704 or direction control circuit 1702, respectively
  • an HDMI sink e.g., sink 808
  • each of direction control circuit 1702 and 1704 is configured to automatically determine whether the respective direction control circuit is connected to an HDMI source or an HDMI sink. For example, if direction control circuit 1702 is connected to an HDMI source, direction control circuit 1702 automatically detects that the connection is associated with the HDMI source. At the same time, if direction control circuit 1704 is connected to an HDMI sink, then direction control circuit 1704 automatically detects that the connection is associated with the HDMI sink. In this case, direction control circuit 1702 activates optical transmitter 1706, and direction control circuit 1704 activates optical receiver 1708. Optical transmitter 1712 and optical receiver 1710 are not activated.
  • Optical receiver 1708 converts any optical signals received from optical transmitter 1706 into corresponding electrical signals, and transmits the set of converted electrical signals to the HDMI sink via direction control circuit 1704, as SDA signal 1736, SCL signal 1738, CEC signal 1740, TMDS0+/- signal 1746, TMDS1+/- signal 1748, TMDS2+/- signal 1750, and TMDS3+/- signal 1752.
  • optical connector (specifically, optical receiver 1708) may receive a utility signal 1742 and an HPD signal 1744 as electrical signals from the HDMI sink via direction control circuit 1704.
  • Optical receiver 1708 may convert these electrical signals into optical signals and transmit the optical signals to optical transmitter 1708 via communication channel 1714.
  • Optical transmitter 1706 converts any optical signals received from optical receiver 1708 into corresponding electrical signals, and transmits the set of converted electrical signals to the HDMI source via direction control circuit 1702, as Utility signal 1724 and HPD signal 1726.
  • direction control circuit 1704 if direction control circuit 1704 is connected to an HDMI source, direction control circuit 1704 automatically detects that the connection is associated with the HDMI source. At the same time, if direction control circuit 1702 is connected to an HDMI sink, then direction control circuit 1702 automatically detects that the connection is associated with the HDMI sink. In this case, direction control circuit 1704 activates optical transmitter 1712, and direction control circuit 1702 activates optical receiver 1710. Optical transmitter 1706 and optical receiver 1708 are not activated.
  • Optical connector 1700 (specifically, optical transmitter 1712) is now configured to receive SDA signal 1736, SCL signal 1738, CEC signal 1740, TMDS0+/- signal 1746, TMDS1+/- signal 1748, TMDS2+/- signal 1750, and TMDS3+/- signal 1752 as electrical signals from the HDMI source. These electrical signals are transmitted to optical transmitter 1712 via directional control circuit 1704. Optical transmitter 1712 may convert these electrical signals into optical signals and transmit the optical signals to optical receiver 1710 via communication channel 1716.
  • direction control circuit 1704 if direction control circuit 1704 is connected to a source and direction control circuit 1702 is connected to a sink, then direction control circuit 1704 routes a +5V triggering signal and a ground (GND) signal from a source connected to direction control circuit 1704 to optical transmitter 1712. In this case, direction control circuit 1702 connects a +5V triggering signal and a ground (GND) signal from optical receiver 1710 to the sink. These signals may be transmitted via one or more electrical conductors. (The +5V and GND signal connections are not depicted in FIG. 17.)
  • each of optical transmitter 1706 and optical transmitter 1712 is similar to transmitter 622, and each of optical receiver 1708 and optical receiver 1710 is similar to receiver 624.
  • each of communication channel 1714 and communication 1716 is comprised of multiple optical fibers for high-speed HDMI signal communication, and one or more conductors for low-speed HDMI signal communication.
  • Each of communication channel 1714 and 1716 also includes a pair of conductors to transmit a +5V triggering signal and a ground (GND) signal from the corresponding optical transmitter (i.e., optical transmitter 1706 and 1712, respectively) to the corresponding optical receiver (i.e., optical receiver 1708 and 1710, respectively).
  • GND ground
  • each of optical transmitter 1706 and optical transmitter 1712 is similar to transmitter 642, and each of optical receiver 1708 and optical receiver 1710 is similar to receiver 644.
  • each of communication channel 1714 and communication 1716 includes multiple optical fibers for high-speed HDMI signal and low-speed HDMI signal communication.
  • Each of communication channel 1714 and 1716 may also include a conductor that transmits a +5 V triggering signal from the corresponding optical transmitter (i.e., optical transmitter 1706 and 1712, respectively) to the corresponding optical receiver (i.e., optical receiver 1708 and 1710, respectively).
  • Receiver 1818 further includes power management 1828, encoder/decoder 1830, one or more laser diodes 1832, and one or more photodetectors 1834.
  • each of low-speed switch 1844 through 1850 is a low-speed single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch.
  • SPDT low-speed single-pole, double-throw
  • laser diodes 1824 and 1832 may be implemented using one or more VCSELs, or some other laser diodes.
  • encoder/decoder 1822 receives an SDA electrical signal from the HDMI source via SDA terminal 1804 and via switch 1844, an SCL electrical signal from the HDMI source via SCL terminal 1806 and via switch 1846, and an CEC electrical signal from the HDMI source via CEC terminal 1808 via switch 1848.
  • Encoder/decoder 1822 may multiplex or encode the SDA, SCL and CEC electrical signals to appropriately map to the number of optical fibers included in optical communication channel 1836. Accordingly, each optical fiber in optical communication channel 1836 may be connected upstream to a single laser diode included in laser diodes 1824. In other words, laser diodes 1824 may include a number of laser diodes that is equal to the number of optical fibers in optical communication channel 1836. Each laser diode converts an electrically-encoded signal (i.e., encoded SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals) from encoder/decoder 1822, and converts the associated electrically-encoded signal into a corresponding optical signal for transmission over optical communication channel 1836.
  • an electrically-encoded signal i.e., encoded SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals
  • encoder/decoder 1822 receives the encoded HPD and Utility electrical signals from photodetectors 1826, and decodes the HPD and Utility electrical signals. Encoder/decoder 1822 outputs the decoded HPD and Utility electrical signals. The decoded Utility electrical signal may be transmitted to Utility terminal 1810 via low-speed switch 1850. The decoded HPD electrical signal may be transmitted to HPD terminal 1812. The Utility and HPD signals are transmitted to the HDMI source via Utility terminal 1810 and HPD terminal 1812, respectively. [00166] In one aspect, power management 1820 is configured to provide a +5 V triggering voltage and ground signal to the HDMI source. The +5V triggering signal and ground signal function in accordance with the HDMI protocol.
  • encoder/decoder 1830 is configured to receive the Utility and HPD electrical signals, and appropriately encode these signals for transmission.
  • encoder/decoder 1830 maps any received electrical signals to a corresponding number of laser diodes and fiber optic channels, and any received optical signals to a corresponding number of photodetectors.
  • the encoded Utility and HPD electrical signals are converted into corresponding optical signals by laser diodes 1832, and transmitted over optical communication channel 1840 to a transmitter associated with an HDMI source.
  • optical communication channel 1840 is comprised of one or more optical fibers.
  • Encoder/decoder 1830 may multiplex or encode the Utility and HPD electrical signals to appropriately map to the number of optical fibers included in optical communication channel 1840.
  • each optical fiber in optical communication channel 1840 may be connected upstream to a single laser diode included in laser diodes 1832.
  • laser diodes 1832 may include a number of laser diodes that is equal to the number of optical fibers in optical communication channel 1840.
  • Each laser diode converts an electrically- encoded signal (i.e., encoded Utility and HPD electrical signals) from encoder/decoder 1830, and converts the associated electrically-encoded signal into a corresponding optical signal for transmission over optical communication channel 1840.
  • receiver 1818 is configured to receive SDA, SCL, and CEC optical signals over optical communication channel 1842. These optical communication signals may be received from a transmitter associated with an HDMI source.
  • the SDA, SCL, and CEC optical signals are received by photodetectors 1834 and converted into SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals.
  • the SDA, SCL, and CEC signals may be encoded in a suitable format.
  • optical communication channel 1842 is comprised of one or more optical fibers. Accordingly, each optical fiber in optical communication channel may be connected downstream to a photodetector included in photodetectors 1834.
  • photodetectors 1834 may include a number of photodetectors that is equal to the number of optical fibers in optical communication channel 1842.
  • Each photodetector converts an electrically-encoded signal (i.e., encoded SDA, SCL, and CEC optical signals) from the HDMI source, and converts the associated optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal.
  • encoder/decoder 1830 receives the encoded SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals from photodetectors 1834, and decodes the SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals. Encoder/decoder 1830 outputs the decoded SDA, SCL, and CEC signals.
  • the decoded SDA electrical signal may be transmitted to SDA terminal 1804 via low-speed switch 1844.
  • the decoded SCL electrical signal may be transmitted to SCL terminal 1806 via low-speed switch 1846.
  • the decoded CEC electrical signal may be transmitted to CEC terminal 1808 via low-speed switch 1848.
  • power management 1828 is configured to provide a +5 V triggering voltage and ground signal to the HDMI sink.
  • the +5 V triggering signal and ground signal function in accordance with the HDMI protocol.
  • low-speed switches 1844 through 1850 are any combination of radiofrequency switches, MEMS switches, relay switches, transmission gates, or any other kind of electrical switch. Low-speed switches 1844 through 1850 may be selected to provide minimal degradation in signal transmission quality.
  • each of highspeed switch 1918 through 1932 is a high-speed single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch.
  • Transmitter 1816 further includes TMDS optoelectronic transmitters TMDS TX 1934, TMDS TX 1936, TMDS TX 1938, and TMDS TX 1940.
  • Transmitter 1816 further includes laser diodes LD 1950, LD 1952, LD 1954, and LD 1956.
  • Receiver 1818 further includes TMDS optoelectronic receivers TMDS RX 1942, TMDS RX 1944, TMDS RX 1946, and TMDS RX 1948.
  • Receiver 1818 further includes photodetectors PD 1958, PD 1960, PD 1962, and PD 1964.
  • laser diodes LD 1950, LD 1952, LD 1954 and LD 1956 may be implemented using one or more
  • direction control circuit high-speed interface 1900 is a high-speed counterpart of direction control circuit low-speed interfacel800.
  • Direction control circuit 1802, transmitter 1816, and receiver 1818 may include all of the respective low-speed and high-speed components depicted in FIGs.18 and 19.
  • HPD voltage detect 1814 determines that the HDMI connection associated with direction control circuit 1802 is to an HDMI source.
  • each of high-speed switch 1918, 1920, 1922, 1924, 1926, 1928, 1930 and 1932 is switched by direction control circuit 1802 to connect TMDS0+ terminal 1902, TMDS0- terminal 1904, TMDS1+ terminal 1906, TMDS1- terminal 1908, TMDS2+ terminal 1910, TMDS2- terminal 1912, TMDS3+ terminal 1914, and TMDS3- terminal 1916 respectively, to transmitter 1816.
  • TMDS0+ terminal 1902 TMDS0- terminal 1904
  • TMDS1+ terminal 1906 TMDS1- terminal 1906
  • TMDS2+ terminal 1910 TMDS2- terminal 1912
  • TMDS3+ terminal 1914 TMDS3- terminal 1916 respectively
  • TMDS TX 1934 receives a TMDS0+ and TMDS0- HDMI differential electrical signal pair from the HDMI source via TMDS0+ terminal 1902 and via switch 1918, and via TMDS0- terminal 1904 and via switch 1920, respectively.
  • TMDS TX 1934 converts the input TMDS0+/- HDMI differential electrical signal pair into a single-ended TMDS0 electrical signal that is conditioned to drive laser diode 1950.
  • Laser diode 1950 converts the single-ended TMDS0 electrical signal into a TMDS0 optical signal 1968, and transmits TMDS0 optical signal 1968 over optical communication channel 1966.
  • TMDS TX 1936 converts the input TMDS1+/- HDMI differential electrical signal pair into a single-ended TMDS1 electrical signal that is conditioned to drive laser diode 1952.
  • Laser diode 1952 converts the single-ended TMDS1 electrical signal into a TMDS1 optical signal 1972, and transmits TMDS1 optical signal 1972 over optical communication channel 1970.
  • TMDS TX 1940 converts the input TMDS3+/- HDMI differential electrical signal pair into a single-ended TMDS3 electrical signal that is conditioned to drive laser diode 1956.
  • Laser diode 1956 converts the single-ended TMDS3 electrical signal into a TMDS3 optical signal 1980, and transmits TMDS3 optical signal 1980 over optical communication channel 1978.
  • HPD voltage detect 1814 determines that the HDMI connection associated with direction control circuit 1802 is to an HDMI sink. In this case, each of high-speed switch 1918, 1920, 1922,
  • Photodetector 1958 receives a TMDSO optical signal 1984 over optical communication channel 1982. Photodetector 1958 converts TMDSO optical signal 1984 into a single-ended TMDSO electrical signal and transmits this single-ended TMDSO electrical signal to TMDS RX 1942.
  • Photodetector 1964 receives a TMDS3 optical signal 1996 over optical communication channel 1994. Photodetector 1964 converts TMDS3 optical signal 1996 into a single-ended TMDS3 electrical signal and transmits this single-ended TMDS3 electrical signal to TMDS RX 1948.
  • each of TMDS RX 1942 through 1948 is a TMDS optoelectronic receiver that is configured to condition an electrical signal output by each of PD 1958 through 1964 (respectively) and transmit associated differential signal pairs to high-speed switches 1918 through 1932.
  • TMDS RX 1942 receives a single-ended TMDSO electrical signal from photodetector 1958, and converts the single-ended TMDSO electrical signal into a differential TMDS0+/- electrical signal pair. Of this signal pair, TMDS RX 1942 transmits the TMDS0+ signal to TMDS0+ terminal 1902 via high-speed switch 1918.
  • TMDS RX 1942 also transmits the TMDSO- signal to TMDSO- terminal 1904 via high-speed switch 1920.
  • TMDS RX 1944 receives a single-ended TMDS1 electrical signal from photodetector 1960, and converts the single-ended TMDS1 electrical signal into a differential TMDS1+/- electrical signal pair. Of this signal pair, TMDS RX 1944 transmits the TMDS1+ signal to TMDS1+ terminal 1906 via high-speed switch 1922. TMDS RX 1944 also transmits the TMDS1- signal to TMDS1- terminal 1908 via high-speed switch 1924.
  • TMDS RX 1948 receives a single-ended TMDS3 electrical signal from photodetector 1964, and converts the single-ended TMDS3 electrical signal into a differential TMDS3+/- electrical signal pair. Of this signal pair, TMDS RX 1948 transmits the TMDS3+ signal to TMDS3+ terminal 1914 via high-speed switch 1930. TMDS RX 1948 also transmits the TMDS3- signal to TMDS3- terminal 1916 via high-speed switch 1932.
  • each of optical communication channel 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, and 1994 is comprised of one or more optical fibers.
  • high-speed switches 1918 through 1932 are any combination of radio-frequency switches, MEMS switches, relay switches, transmission gates, or any other kind of electrical switch.
  • High-speed switches 1844 through 1850 may be selected to provide minimal degradation in signal transmission quality.
  • FIG. 20 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a direction control circuit low-speed interface 2000.
  • direction control circuit low-speed 2000 interface includes direction control circuit 2002, transmitter 2006, receiver 2004, and optical communication channels 1836, 1838, 1840, and 1842.
  • Direction control circuit 2002 further includes SD A terminal 2024, SCL terminal 2026, CEC terminal 2028, Utility terminal 2030, HPD terminal 2032, HPD voltage detect 2034, and low-speed switches 2036, 2038, 2040, and 2042.
  • Transmitter 2006 further includes power management 2016, encoder/decoder 2022, one or more laser diodes 2020, and one or more photodetectors 2018.
  • direction control circuit 2002 may be similar to direction control circuit 1704.
  • HPD voltage detect 2034 functions as a hot-plug detection (HPD) circuit. Specifically, HPD voltage detect 2034 monitors a hot-plug voltage associated with the HDMI receptacle. If this voltage is high, then HPD voltage detect 2034 determines that the HDMI connection associated with direction control circuit 2002 is to an HDMI sink.
  • each of low-speed switch 2036, 2038, 2040 and 2042 is switched by direction control circuit 2002 to connect SDA terminal 2024, SCL terminal 2026, CEC terminal 2028, and Utility terminal 2030 respectively, to receiver 2004.
  • encoder/decoder 2014 receives a Utility electrical signal from the HDMI sink via Utility terminal 2030 and via switch 2042, and an HPD electrical signal from the HDMI sink via HPD terminal 2032.
  • encoder/decoder 2014 is configured to receive the Utility and HPD electrical signals, and appropriately encode these signals for transmission.
  • encoder/decoder 2014 maps any received electrical signals to a corresponding number of laser diodes and fiber optic channels, and any received optical signals to a corresponding number of photodetectors.
  • the encoded Utility and HPD electrical signals are converted into corresponding optical signals by laser diodes 2012, and transmitted over optical communication channel 1838 to a transmitter associated with an HDMI source.
  • optical communication channel 1838 is comprised of one or more optical fibers.
  • Encoder/decoder 2014 may multiplex or encode the Utility and HPD electrical signals to appropriately map to the number of optical fibers included in optical communication channel 1838.
  • encoder/decoder 2014 receives the encoded SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals from photodetectors 2010, and decodes the SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals. Encoder/decoder 2014 outputs the decoded SDA, SCL, and CEC signals.
  • the decoded SDA electrical signal may be transmitted to SDA terminal 2024 via low-speed switch 2036.
  • the decoded SCL electrical signal may be transmitted to SCL terminal 2026 via low-speed switch 2038.
  • the decoded CEC electrical signal may be transmitted to CEC terminal 2028 via low-speed switch 2040.
  • power management 2008 is configured to provide a +5V triggering voltage and ground signal to the HDMI sink.
  • the +5 V triggering signal and ground signal function in accordance with the HDMI protocol.
  • HPD voltage detect 2034 determines that the HDMI connection associated with direction control circuit 2002 is to an HDMI source. In this case, each of low-speed switch 2036, 2038, 2040 and 2042 is switched by direction control circuit 2002 to connect SDA terminal 2024, SCL terminal 2026, CEC terminal 2028, and Utility terminal 2030 respectively, to transmitter 2006.
  • encoder/decoder 2022 receives an SDA electrical signal from the HDMI source via SDA terminal 2024 and via switch 2036, an SCL electrical signal from the HDMI source via SCL terminal 2026 and via switch 2038, and an CEC electrical signal from the HDMI source via CEC terminal 2028 via switch 2040.
  • encoder/decoder 2022 is configured to receive the SDA, SCL and CEC electrical signals, and appropriately encode these signals for transmission.
  • encoder/decoder 2022 maps any received electrical signals to a corresponding number of laser diodes and fiber optic channels, and any received optical signals to a corresponding number of photodetectors.
  • the encoded SDA, SCL and CEC electrical signals are converted into corresponding optical signals by laser diodes 2020, and transmitted over optical communication channel 1842 to a receiver associated with an HDMI sink.
  • optical communication channel 1842 is comprised of one or more optical fibers.
  • transmitter 2006 is configured to receive HPD and Utility optical signals over optical communication channel 1840. These optical communication signals may be received from a receiver associated with an HDMI sink. In one aspect, the HPD and Utility optical signals are received by photodetectors 2018 and converted into corresponding HPD and Utility electrical signals. The HPD and Utility signals may be encoded in a suitable format.
  • optical communication channel 1840 is comprised of one or more optical fibers. Accordingly, each optical fiber in optical communication channel may be connected downstream to a photodetector included in photodetectors 2018. In other words, photodetectors 2018 may include a number of photodetectors that is equal to the number of optical fibers in optical communication channel 1840. Each photodetector converts an electrically-encoded signal (i.e., encoded HPD and Utility optical signals) from the HDMI sink, and converts the associated optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal.
  • an electrically-encoded signal i.e., encoded HPD and Utility optical signals
  • encoder/decoder 2022 receives the encoded HPD and Utility electrical signals from photodetectors 2018, and decodes the HPD and Utility electrical signals. Encoder/decoder 2022 outputs the decoded HPD and Utility electrical signals.
  • the decoded Utility electrical signal may be transmitted to Utility terminal 2030 via low-speed switch 2042.
  • the decoded HPD electrical signal may be transmitted to HPD terminal 2032.
  • the Utility and HPD signals are transmitted to the HDMI source via Utility terminal 2030 and HPD terminal 2032, respectively.
  • power management 2016 is configured to provide a +5V triggering voltage and ground signal to the HDMI source. The +5V triggering signal and ground signal function in accordance with the HDMI protocol.
  • low-speed switches 2036 through 2042 are any combination of radiofrequency switches, MEMS switches, relay switches, transmission gates, or any other kind of electrical switch. Low-speed switches 2036 through 2042 may be selected to provide minimal degradation in signal transmission quality.
  • FIG. 21 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a direction control circuit high-speed interface 2100.
  • direction control circuit high-speed interface 2100 includes direction control circuit 2002, transmitter 2006, receiver 2004, and optical communication channels 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1892, 1896, 1990, and 1994.
  • Direction control circuit 2002 further includes TMDS0+ terminal 2150, TMDS0- terminal 2152, TMDS1+ terminal 2154, TMDS1- terminal 2156, TMDS2+ terminal 2158, TMDS2- terminal 2160, TMDS3+ terminal 2162, and TMDS3- terminal 2164.
  • Direction control circuit 2002 further includes highspeed switches 2134, 2136, 2138, 2140, 2142, 2144, 2146, and 2148.
  • direction control circuit high-speed interface 2100 is a high-speed counterpart of direction control circuit low-speed interface 2000.
  • Direction control circuit 2002, transmitter 2006, and receiver 2004 may include all of the respective low-speed and high-speed components depicted in FIGs. 20 and 21.
  • HPD voltage detect 2034 determines that the HDMI connection associated with direction control circuit 2002 is to an HDMI sink.
  • each of high-speed switch 2134, 2136, 2138, 2140, 2142, 2144, 2146 and 2148 is switched by direction control circuit 2002 to connect TMDS0+ terminal 2150, TMDS0- terminal 2152, TMDS1+ terminal 2154, TMDS1- terminal 2156, TMDS2+ terminal 2158, TMDS2- terminal 2160, TMDS3+ terminal 2162, and TMDS3- terminal 2164 respectively, to receiver 2004.
  • TMDS0+ terminal 2150 TMDS0- terminal 2152, TMDS1+ terminal 2154, TMDS1- terminal 2156, TMDS2+ terminal 2158, TMDS2- terminal 2160, TMDS3+ terminal 2162, and TMDS3- terminal 2164 respectively, to receiver 2004.
  • Photodetector 2104 receives TMDS1 optical signal 1972 over optical communication channel 1970. Photodetector 2104 converts TMDS1 optical signal 1972 into a single-ended TMDS1 electrical signal and transmits this single-ended TMDS1 electrical signal to TMDS RX 2112.
  • Photodetector 2016 receives TMDS2 optical signal 1976 over optical communication channel 1974.
  • Photodetector 2106 converts TMDS2 optical signal 1976 into a single-ended TMDS2 electrical signal and transmits this single-ended TMDS2 electrical signal to
  • each of TMDS RX 2110 through 2116 is a TMDS optoelectronic receiver that is configured to condition an electrical signal output by each of PD 2102 through 2108 (respectively) and transmit associated differential signal pairs to high-speed switches 2134 through 2148. Functionally:
  • TMDS RX 2110 receives a single-ended TMDS0 electrical signal from photodetector 2102, and converts the single-ended TMDS0 electrical signal into a differential TMDS0+/- electrical signal pair. Of this signal pair, TMDS RX 2110 transmits the TMDS0+ signal to TMDS0+ terminal 2150 via high-speed switch 2134. TMDS RX 2110 also transmits the TMDS0- signal to TMDS0- terminal 2152 via high-speed switch 2136.
  • TMDS RX 2114 receives a single-ended TMDS2 electrical signal from photodetector 2106, and converts the single-ended TMDS2 electrical signal into a differential TMDS2+/- electrical signal pair. Of this signal pair, TMDS RX 2114 transmits the TMDS2+ signal to TMDS2+ terminal 2158 via high-speed switch 2142. TMDS RX 2114 also transmits the
  • All the TMDS0+/-, TMDS1+/-, TMDS2+/-, and TMDS3+/- electrical signals are transmitted from the respective terminals to the HDMI sink.
  • TMDS TX 2126 receives a TMDS0+ and TMDS0- HDMI differential electrical signal pair from the HDMI source via TMDS0+ terminal 2150 and via switch 2134, and via TMDS0- terminal 2152 and via switch 2136, respectively.
  • TMDS TX 2132 receives a TMDS3+ and TMDS3- HDMI differential electrical signal pair from the HDMI source via TMDS3+ terminal 2162 and via switch 2146, and via TMDS3- terminal 2164 and via switch 2148, respectively.
  • each of TMDS TX 2126 through 2132 is a TMDS optoelectronic transmitter that is configured to perform signal conditioning such that the associated output signal is capable of driving a laser diode.
  • TMDS TX 2126 converts the input TMDS0+/- HDMI differential electrical signal pair into a single-ended TMDS0 electrical signal that is conditioned to drive laser diode 2118.
  • Laser diode 2118 converts the single-ended TMDS0 electrical signal into TMDS0 optical signal 1984, and transmits TMDS0 optical signal 1984 over optical communication channel 1982.
  • TMDS TX 2128 converts the input TMDS 1 +/- HDMI differential electrical signal pair into a single-ended TMDS1 electrical signal that is conditioned to drive laser diode 2120.
  • Laser diode 2120 converts the single-ended TMDS1 electrical signal into TMDS1 optical signal 1988, and transmits TMDS1 optical signal 1988 over optical communication channel 1986.
  • TMDS TX 2130 converts the input TMDS2+/- HDMI differential electrical signal pair into a single-ended TMDS2 electrical signal that is conditioned to drive laser diode 2122.
  • Laser diode 2122 converts the single-ended TMDS2 electrical signal into TMDS2 optical signal 1992, and transmits TMDS2 optical signal 1992 over optical communication channel 1990.
  • TMDS TX 2132 converts the input TMDS3+/- HDMI differential electrical signal pair into a single-ended TMDS3 electrical signal that is conditioned to drive laser diode 2124.
  • Laser diode 2124 converts the single-ended TMDS3 electrical signal into TMDS3 optical signal
  • high-speed switches 2134 through 2148 are any combination of radio-frequency switches, MEMS switches, relay switches, transmission gates, or any other kind of electrical switch.
  • Low-speed switches 2134 through 2148 may be selected to provide minimal degradation in signal transmission quality.
  • direction control circuit 1802 may be similar to direction control circuit 1702.
  • HPD voltage detect 1814 functions as a hot-plug detection (HPD) circuit. Specifically, HPD voltage detect 1814 monitors a hot-plug voltage associated with the HDMI receptacle. If this voltage is low, then HPD voltage detect 1814 determines that the HDMI connection associated with direction control circuit 1802 is to an HDMI source. In this case, each of low-speed switch 1844, 1846, 1848 and 1850 is switched by direction control circuit 1802 to connect SDA terminal 1804, SCL terminal 1806, CEC terminal 1808, and Utility terminal 1810 respectively, to transmitter 2204.
  • HPD hot-plug detection
  • encoder/decoder 1822 receives an SDA electrical signal from the HDMI source via SDA terminal 1804 and via switch 1844, an SCL electrical signal from the HDMI source via SCL terminal 1806 and via switch 1846, and an CEC electrical signal from the HDMI source via CEC terminal 1808 via switch 1848.
  • encoder/decoder 1822 is configured to receive the SDA, SCL and CEC electrical signals, and appropriately encode these signals for transmission.
  • the encoded SDA, SCL and CEC electrical signals are converted into corresponding optical signals by laser diodes 1824, and transmitted over optical communication channel 1836 to a receiver associated with an HDMI sink.
  • optical communication channel 1836 is comprised of one or more optical fibers.
  • Encoder/decoder 1822 may multiplex or encode the SDA, SCL and CEC electrical signals to appropriately map to the number of optical fibers included in optical communication channel 1836. Accordingly, each optical fiber in optical communication channel 1836 may be connected upstream to a single laser diode included in laser diodes 1824.
  • laser diodes 1824 may include a number of laser diodes that is equal to the number of optical fibers in optical communication channel 1836.
  • Each laser diode converts an electrically-encoded signal (i.e., encoded SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals) from encoder/decoder 1822, and converts the associated electrically-encoded signal into a corresponding optical signal for transmission over optical communication channel 1836.
  • transmitter 2204 is configured to receive HPD and Utility optical signals over optical communication channel 1838. These optical communication signals may be received from a receiver associated with an HDMI sink.
  • the HPD and Utility optical signals are received by photodetectors 1826 and converted into corresponding HPD and Utility electrical signals.
  • the HPD and Utility signals may be encoded in a suitable format.
  • optical communication channel 1838 is comprised of one or more optical fibers. Accordingly, each optical fiber in optical communication channel may be connected downstream to a photodetector included in photodetectors 1826.
  • photodetectors 1826 may include a number of photodetectors that is equal to the number of optical fibers in optical communication channel 1838.
  • Each photodetector converts an electrically-encoded signal (i.e., encoded HPD and Utility optical signals) from the HDMI sink, and converts the associated optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal.
  • encoder/decoder 1822 receives the encoded HPD and Utility electrical signals from photodetectors 1826, and decodes the HPD and Utility electrical signals. Encoder/decoder 1822 outputs the decoded HPD and Utility electrical signals. The decoded Utility electrical signal may be transmitted to Utility terminal 1818 via low-speed switch 1850. The decoded HPD electrical signal may be transmitted to HPD terminal 1812. The Utility and HPD signals are transmitted to the HDMI source via Utility terminal 1810 and HPD terminal 1812, respectively.
  • a +5V signal 2202 and associated ground (GND) triggering signal are transmitted by transmitter 2204 to a connected HDMI sink.
  • HPD voltage detect 1814 determines that the HDMI connection associated with direction control circuit 1802 is to an HDMI sink. In this case, each of low-speed switch 1844, 1846, 1848 and 1850 is switched by direction control circuit 1802 to connect SDA terminal 1804, SCL terminal 1806, CEC terminal 1808, and Utility terminal 1810 respectively, to receiver 2208. In this mode, encoder/decoder 1822 receives a Utility electrical signal from the HDMI sink via Utility terminal 1810 and via switch
  • encoder/decoder 1830 is configured to receive the Utility and HPD electrical signals, and appropriately encode these signals for transmission.
  • the encoded Utility and HPD electrical signals are converted into corresponding optical signals by laser diodes 1832, and transmitted over optical communication channel 1840 to a transmitter associated with an HDMI source.
  • optical communication channel 1840 is comprised of one or more optical fibers.
  • Encoder/decoder 1830 may multiplex or encode the Utility and HPD electrical signals to appropriately map to the number of optical fibers included in optical communication channel 1840. Accordingly, each optical fiber in optical communication channel 1840 may be connected upstream to a single laser diode included in laser diodes 1832.
  • laser diodes 1832 may include a number of laser diodes that is equal to the number of optical fibers in optical communication channel 1840.
  • Each laser diode converts an electrically-encoded signal (i.e., encoded Utility and HPD electrical signals) from encoder/decoder 1830, and converts the associated electrically-encoded signal into a corresponding optical signal for transmission over optical communication channel 1840.
  • receiver 2208 is configured to receive SDA, SCL, and CEC optical signals over optical communication channel 1842. These optical communication signals may be received from a transmitter associated with an HDMI source.
  • the SDA, SCL, and CEC optical signals are received by photodetectors 1834 and converted into SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals.
  • the SDA, SCL, and CEC signals may be encoded in a suitable format.
  • optical communication channel 1842 is comprised of one or more optical fibers. Accordingly, each optical fiber in optical communication channel may be connected downstream to a photodetector included in photodetectors 1834.
  • photodetectors 1834 may include a number of photodetectors that is equal to the number of optical fibers in optical communication channel 1842.
  • Each photodetector converts an electrically-encoded signal (i.e., encoded SDA, SCL, and CEC optical signals) from the HDMI source, and converts the associated optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal.
  • a +5V signal 2206 and associated ground (GND) triggering signal are received by receiver 2208 from a connected HDMI source.
  • direction control circuit low-speed interface 2200 may be combined with direction control circuit high-speed interface 1900 to implement a combination of direction control circuit 1702, transmitter 1706, and receiver 1710.
  • FIG. 23 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a direction control circuit low -speed interface 2300.
  • direction control circuit low-speed 2300 interface includes direction control circuit 2002, transmitter 2308, receiver 2304, and optical communication channels 1836, 1838, 1840, and 1842.
  • Direction control circuit 2002 further includes SDA terminal 2024, SCL terminal 2026, CEC terminal 2028, Utility terminal 2030, HPD terminal 2032, HPD voltage detect 2034, and low-speed switches 2036, 2038, 2040, and 2042.
  • Transmitter 2308 further includes encoder/decoder 2022, one or more laser diodes 2020, and one or more photodetectors 2018.
  • Receiver 2304 further includes encoder/decoder 2014, one or more laser diodes 2012, and one or more photodetectors 2010.
  • each of low-speed switch 2036 through 2042 is a low-speed single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch.
  • direction control circuit 2002 may be similar to direction control circuit 1704.
  • HPD voltage detect 2034 functions as a hot-plug detection (HPD) circuit. Specifically, HPD voltage detect 2034 monitors a hot-plug voltage associated with the HDMI receptacle. If this voltage is high, then HPD voltage detect 2034 determines that the HDMI connection associated with direction control circuit 2002 is to an HDMI sink.
  • each of low-speed switch 2036, 2038, 2040 and 2042 is switched by direction control circuit 2002 to connect SDA terminal 2024, SCL terminal 2026, CEC terminal 2028, and Utility terminal 2030 respectively, to receiver 2304.
  • encoder/decoder 2014 receives a Utility electrical signal from the HDMI sink via Utility terminal 2030 and via switch 2042, and an HPD electrical signal from the HDMI sink via HPD terminal 2032.
  • encoder/decoder 2014 is configured to receive the Utility and HPD electrical signals, and appropriately encode these signals for transmission.
  • encoder/decoder 2014 maps any received electrical signals to a corresponding number of laser diodes and fiber optic channels, and any received optical signals to a corresponding number of photodetectors.
  • the encoded Utility and HPD electrical signals are converted into corresponding optical signals by laser diodes 2012, and transmitted over optical communication channel 1838 to a transmitter associated with an HDMI source.
  • optical communication channel 1838 is comprised of one or more optical fibers.
  • Encoder/decoder 2014 may multiplex or encode the
  • each optical fiber in optical communication channel 1838 may be connected upstream to a single laser diode included in laser diodes 2012.
  • laser diodes 2012 may include a number of laser diodes that is equal to the number of optical fibers in optical communication channel 1838.
  • Each laser diode converts an electrically- encoded signal (i.e., encoded Utility and HPD electrical signals) from encoder/decoder 2014, and converts the associated electrically-encoded signal into a corresponding optical signal for transmission over optical communication channel 1838.
  • receiver 2304 is configured to receive SDA, SCL, and CEC optical signals over optical communication channel 1836. These optical communication signals may be received from a transmitter associated with an HDMI source.
  • the SDA, SCL, and CEC optical signals are received by photodetectors 2010 and converted into SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals.
  • the SDA, SCL, and CEC signals may be encoded in a suitable format.
  • optical communication channel 1836 is comprised of one or more optical fibers. Accordingly, each optical fiber in optical communication channel may be connected downstream to a photodetector included in photodetectors 2010.
  • photodetectors 2010 may include a number of photodetectors that is equal to the number of optical fibers in optical communication channel 1836.
  • Each photodetector converts an electrically-encoded signal (i.e., encoded SDA, SCL, and CEC optical signals) from the HDMI source, and converts the associated optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal.
  • encoder/decoder 2014 receives the encoded SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals from photodetectors 2010, and decodes the SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals. Encoder/decoder 2014 outputs the decoded SDA, SCL, and CEC signals. The decoded
  • SDA electrical signal may be transmitted to SDA terminal 2024 via low-speed switch 2036.
  • the decoded SCL electrical signal may be transmitted to SCL terminal 2026 via low-speed switch 2038.
  • the decoded CEC electrical signal may be transmitted to CEC terminal 2028 via low-speed switch 2040.
  • a +5Vsignal 2302 and associated ground (GND) triggering signal are received by receiver 2304 from a connected HDMI source.
  • encoder/decoder 2022 is configured to receive the SDA, SCL and CEC electrical signals, and appropriately encode these signals for transmission.
  • encoder/decoder 2022 maps any received electrical signals to a corresponding number of laser diodes and fiber optic channels, and any received optical signals to a corresponding number of photodetectors.
  • the encoded SDA, SCL and CEC electrical signals are converted into corresponding optical signals by laser diodes 2020, and transmitted over optical communication channel 1842 to a receiver associated with an HDMI sink.
  • optical communication channel 1842 is comprised of one or more optical fibers.
  • transmitter 2308 is configured to receive HPD and Utility optical signals over optical communication channel 1840. These optical communication signals may be received from a receiver associated with an HDMI sink. In one aspect, the HPD and Utility optical signals are received by photodetectors 2018 and converted into corresponding HPD and Utility electrical signals. The HPD and Utility signals may be encoded in a suitable format.
  • optical communication channel 1840 is comprised of one or more optical fibers. Accordingly, each optical fiber in optical communication channel may be connected downstream to a photodetector included in photodetectors 2018. In other words, photodetectors 2018 may include a number of photodetectors that is equal to the number of optical fibers in optical communication channel 1840. Each photodetector converts an electrically-encoded signal (i.e., encoded HPD and Utility optical signals) from the HDMI sink, and converts the associated optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal.
  • an electrically-encoded signal i.e., encoded HPD and Utility optical signals
  • encoder/decoder 2022 receives the encoded HPD and Utility electrical signals from photodetectors 2018, and decodes the HPD and Utility electrical signals. Encoder/decoder 2022 outputs the decoded HPD and Utility electrical signals. The decoded Utility electrical signal may be transmitted to Utility terminal 2030 via low-speed switch 2042. The decoded HPD electrical signal may be transmitted to HPD terminal 2032. The Utility and HPD signals are transmitted to the HDMI source via Utility terminal 2030 and HPD terminal 2032, respectively.
  • a +5V signal 2306 and associated ground (GND) triggering signal are transmitted by transmitter 2308 to a connected HDMI sink.
  • direction control circuit low-speed interface 2300 may be combined with direction control circuit high-speed interface 2100 to implement a combination of direction control circuit 1704, receiver 1708, and transmitter 1712.
  • FIG. 24 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a direction control circuit low-speed interface 2400.
  • direction control circuit low-speed 2400 interface includes direction control circuit 1802, transmitter 2402, and receiver 2404.
  • Direction control circuit 1802 further includes SDA terminal 1804, SCL terminal 1806, CEC terminal 1808, Utility terminal 1810, HPD terminal 1812, HPD voltage detect 1814, and low-speed switches 1844, 1846, 1848, and 1850.
  • Transmitter 2402 further includes power management 1820.
  • Receiver 2404 further includes power management 1828.
  • each of low-speed switch 1844 through 1850 is a low-speed single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch.
  • SPDT low-speed single-pole, double-throw
  • direction control circuit 1802 may be similar to direction control circuit 1702.
  • HPD voltage detect 1814 functions as a hot-plug detection (HPD) circuit. Specifically, HPD voltage detect 1814 monitors a hot-plug voltage associated with the HDMI receptacle. If this voltage is low, then HPD voltage detect 1814 determines that the HDMI connection associated with direction control circuit 1802 is to an HDMI source. In this case, each of low-speed switch 1844, 1846, 1848 and 1850 is switched by direction control circuit 1802 to connect SDA terminal 1804, SCL terminal 1806, CEC terminal 1808, and Utility terminal 1810 respectively, to transmitter 2402.
  • HPD hot-plug detection
  • an SDA electrical signal from the HDMI source via SDA terminal 1804 and via switch 1844, an SCL electrical signal from the HDMI source via SCL terminal 1806 and via switch 1846, and an CEC electrical signal from the HDMI source via CEC terminal 1808 via switch 1848 are each transmitted via an electrical conductor (e.g., an electrically-conducting wire), to a receiver.
  • the set of electrical conductors transmitting the electrical SDA, SCL, and CEC signals may be routed through transmitter 2402.
  • transmitter 2402 receives HPD and Utility electrical signals via one or more electrical conductors.
  • the Utility and HPD signals are transmitted to the HDMI source via Utility terminal 1810 and HPD terminal 1812, respectively.
  • a +5V and associated ground (GND) triggering signal are transmitted by transmitter 2402 to a connected HDMI sink.
  • HPD voltage detect 1814 determines that the HDMI connection associated with direction control circuit 1802 is to an HDMI sink. In this case, each of low-speed switch 1844, 1846, 1848 and 1850 is switched by direction control circuit 1802 to connect SDA terminal 1804, SCL terminal 1806, CEC terminal 1808, and Utility terminal 1810 respectively, to receiver 2404. In this mode, receiver 2404 receives a Utility electrical signal from the HDMI sink via Utility terminal 1810 and via switch 1850, and an HPD electrical signal from the HDMI sink via HPD terminal 1812. The Utility electrical signal and the HPD electrical signal may be transmitted using two or more electrical conductors to an HDMI transmitter. In one aspect, the electrical conductors are routed through receiver 2404.
  • receiver 2404 is configured to receive SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals via a plurality of electrical conductors. For example, each of the SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signal may be received over a single electrical conductor.
  • the SDA electrical signal may be transmitted to SDA terminal 1804 via low-speed switch 1844.
  • the SCL electrical signal may be transmitted to SCL terminal 1806 via low-speed switch 1846.
  • the CEC electrical signal may be transmitted to CEC terminal 1808 via low-speed switch 1848.
  • SDA, SCL and CEC signals are transmitted to the HDMI sink, via SDA terminal 1804, SCL terminal 1806, and CEC terminal 1808, respectively.
  • power management 1828 is configured to provide a +5 V triggering voltage and ground signal to the HDMI sink.
  • the +5 V triggering signal and ground signal function in accordance with the HDMI protocol.
  • direction control circuit low-speed interface 2400 may be combined with direction control circuit high-speed interface 1900 to implement a combination of direction control circuit 1702, transmitter 1706, and receiver 1710.
  • FIG. 25 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a direction control circuit low -speed interface 2500.
  • direction control circuit low-speed 2500 interface includes direction control circuit 2002, transmitter 2504, and receiver 2502.
  • Direction control circuit 2002 further includes SDA terminal 2024, SCL terminal 2026, CEC terminal 2028, Utility terminal 2030, HPD terminal 2032, HPD voltage detect 2034, and low-speed switches 2036, 2038, 2040, and 2042.
  • Transmitter 2504 further includes power management 2016.
  • Receiver 2502 further includes power management 2008.
  • each of low-speed switch 2036 through 2042 is a low-speed single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch.
  • SPDT low-speed single-pole, double-throw
  • direction control circuit 2002 may be similar to direction control circuit 1704.
  • HPD voltage detect 2034 functions as a hot-plug detection (HPD) circuit. Specifically, HPD voltage detect 2034 monitors a hot-plug voltage associated with the HDMI receptacle. If this voltage is high, then HPD voltage detect 2034 determines that the HDMI connection associated with direction control circuit 2002 is to an HDMI sink.
  • HPD hot-plug detection
  • each of low-speed switch 2036, 2038, 2040 and 2042 is switched by direction control circuit 2002 to connect SDA terminal 2024, SCL terminal 2026, CEC terminal 2028, and Utility terminal 2030 respectively, to receiver 2502.
  • receiver 2502 is configured to receive SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals via a plurality of electrical conductors. For example, each of the SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signal may be received over a single electrical conductor.
  • the SDA electrical signal may be transmitted to SDA terminal 2024 via low-speed switch 2036.
  • the SCL electrical signal may be transmitted to SCL terminal 2026 via low-speed switch 2038.
  • the CEC electrical signal may be transmitted to CEC terminal 2028 via low-speed switch 2040.
  • These SDA, SCL and CEC signals are transmitted to the HDMI sink, via SDA terminal 2024, SCL terminal 2026, and CEC terminal 2030, respectively.
  • power management 2008 is configured to provide a +5V triggering voltage and ground signal to the HDMI sink.
  • the +5 V triggering signal and ground signal function in accordance with the HDMI protocol.
  • transmitter 2504 receives HPD and Utility electrical signals via one or more electrical conductors.
  • the Utility and HPD signals are transmitted to the HDMI source via Utility terminal 2030 and HPD terminal 2032, respectively.
  • power management 2016 is configured to provide a +5V triggering voltage and ground signal to the HDMI source.
  • the +5V triggering signal and ground signal function in accordance with the HDMI protocol.
  • FIG. 26 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a direction control circuit low-speed interface 2600.
  • direction control circuit low-speed 2600 interface includes direction control circuit 1802, transmitter 2602, and receiver 2604.
  • Direction control circuit 1802 further includes SDA terminal 1804, SCL terminal 1806, CEC terminal 1808, Utility terminal 1810, HPD terminal 1812, HPD voltage detect 1814, and low-speed switches 1844, 1846, 1848, and 1850.
  • each of low-speed switch 1844 through 1850 is a low-speed single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch.
  • direction control circuit 1802 may be similar to direction control circuit 1702.
  • an SDA electrical signal from the HDMI source via SDA terminal 1804 and via switch 1844, an SCL electrical signal from the HDMI source via SCL terminal 1806 and via switch 1846, and an CEC electrical signal from the HDMI source via CEC terminal 1808 via switch 1848 are each transmitted via an electrical conductor (e.g., an electrically-conducting wire), to a receiver.
  • the set of electrical conductors transmitting the electrical SDA, SCL, and CEC signals may be routed through transmitter 2602.
  • transmitter 2602 receives HPD and Utility electrical signals via one or more electrical conductors.
  • the Utility and HPD signals are transmitted to the HDMI source via Utility terminal 1810 and HPD terminal 1812, respectively.
  • a +5V and associated ground (GND) triggering signal are transmitted by transmitter 2604 to a connected HDMI sink.
  • HPD voltage detect 1814 determines that the HDMI connection associated with direction control circuit 1802 is to an HDMI sink. In this case, each of low-speed switch 1844, 1846, 1848 and 1850 is switched by direction control circuit 1802 to connect SDA terminal 1804, SCL terminal 1806, CEC terminal 1808, and Utility terminal 1810 respectively, to receiver 2604. In this mode, receiver 2604 receives a Utility electrical signal from the HDMI sink via Utility terminal 1810 and via switch 1850, and an HPD electrical signal from the HDMI sink via HPD terminal 1812. The Utility electrical signal and the HPD electrical signal may be transmitted using two or more electrical conductors to an HDMI transmitter. In one aspect, the electrical conductors are routed through receiver 2604.
  • receiver 2604 is configured to receive SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals via a plurality of electrical conductors. For example, each of the SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signal may be received over a single electrical conductor.
  • the SDA electrical signal may be transmitted to SDA terminal 1804 via low-speed switch 1844.
  • the SCL electrical signal may be transmitted to SCL terminal 1806 via low-speed switch 1846.
  • the CEC electrical signal may be transmitted to CEC terminal 1808 via low-speed switch 1848.
  • SDA, SCL and CEC signals are transmitted to the HDMI sink, via SDA terminal 1804, SCL terminal 1806, and CEC terminal 1808, respectively.
  • a +5V and associated ground (GND) triggering signal are received by receiver 2604 from a connected HDMI source.
  • direction control circuit low-speed interface 2600 may be combined with direction control circuit high-speed interface 1900 to implement a combination of direction control circuit 1702, transmitter 1706, and receiver 1710.
  • FIG. 27 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a direction control circuit low -speed interface 2700.
  • direction control circuit low-speed 2700 interface includes direction control circuit 2002, transmitter 2704, and receiver 2702.
  • Direction control circuit 2002 further includes SDA terminal 2024, SCL terminal 2026, CEC terminal 2028, Utility terminal
  • each of low-speed switch 2036 through 2042 is a low-speed single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch.
  • receiver 2702 receives a Utility electrical signal from the HDMI sink via Utility terminal 2030 and via switch 2042, and an HPD electrical signal from the HDMI sink via HPD terminal 2032.
  • Receiver 2702 transmits the Utility and HPD electrical signals via two or more conductors to a transmitter. In one aspect, each of the Utility and HPD electrical signals is transmitted over a separate conductor.
  • HPD voltage detect 2034 determines that the HDMI connection associated with direction control circuit 2002 is to an HDMI source.
  • each of low-speed switch 2036, 2038, 2040 and 2042 is switched by direction control circuit 2002 to connect SDA terminal 2024, SCL terminal 2026, CEC terminal 2028, and Utility terminal 2030 respectively, to transmitter 2504.
  • transmitter 2704 receives an SDA electrical signal from the HDMI source via SDA terminal 2024 and via switch 2036, an SCL electrical signal from the HDMI source via SCL terminal 2026 and via switch 2038, and an CEC electrical signal from the HDMI source via CEC terminal 2028 via switch 2040.
  • transmitter 2704 receives HPD and Utility electrical signals via one or more electrical conductors.
  • the Utility and HPD signals are transmitted to the HDMI source via Utility terminal 2030 and HPD terminal 2032, respectively.
  • a +5V signal 2708 and associated ground (GND) triggering signal are transmitted by transmitter 2704 to a connected HDMI sink.
  • direction control circuit low-speed interface 2700 may be combined with direction control circuit high-speed interface 1900 to implement a combination of direction control circuit 1704, transmitter 1708, and receiver 1712.
  • FIG. 28 is a flow diagram depicting a method 2800 to transmit high-speed HDMI optical signals and low-speed HDMI optical signals.
  • Method 2800 may include receiving first electrical signals from an HDMI source (2802).
  • receiver 1706 may receive highspeed and low-speed HDMI electrical signals (e.g., SDA, SCL, and CEC low-speed HDMI electrical signals, and TMDS0/1/2/3+- high-speed HDMI electrical signals).
  • Method 2800 may include converting the first high-speed HDMI electrical signals into high-speed HDMI optical signals (2804).
  • TMDS TX 1306 and VCSEL 1308 through TMDS TX 1330 and VCSEL 1332 may convert high-speed HDMI electrical signals (i.e., TMDS differential signals) into corresponding optical signals.
  • Method 2800 may include transmitting the high-speed HDMI optical signals over a first optical communication channel (2806).
  • optical transmitter 1302 may transmit high-speed HDMI optical signals over an optical communication channel comprising optical communication channels 1310, 1318, 1326, and 1334.
  • Method 2800 may include encoding the first low-speed HDMI electrical signals (2808).
  • encoder/decoder 1338 may encode SDA, SCL, and CEC HDMI low-speed electrical signals received from an HDMI source.
  • Method 2800 may include transmitting the low-speed HDMI optical signals over a second optical communication channel (2012).
  • VCSEL array 1340 may transmit the SDA, SCL, and CEC HDMI optical signals over optical fiber array 1344.
  • FIG. 29 is a flow diagram depicting a method 2900 to receive high-speed HDMI optical signals and low-speed HDMI optical signals.
  • Method 2900 may include receiving highspeed HDMI optical signals via a first optical communication channel (2902).
  • receiver 1402 may receive high-speed HDMI optical signals (i.e., TMDS optical signals) over an optical communication channel comprising optical communication channels 1310, 1318, 1326, and 1334.
  • TMDS optical signals high-speed HDMI optical signals
  • Method 2900 may include receiving low-speed HDMI optical signals via a second optical communication channel (2906).
  • optical receiver 1402 may receive optical SDA, SCL, and CEC signals via optical fiber array 1344.
  • Method 2900 may include converting the low-speed HDMI optical signals into second low-speed HDMI electrical signals (2908).
  • photodetector array 1422 may convert the optical SDA, SCL and CEC signals to a corresponding set of SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals.
  • this set of SDA, SCL and CEC electrical signals is encoded in a specific format.
  • Method 2900 may include decoding the second low-speed HDMI electrical signals (2910).
  • encoder/decoder 1426 may decode the encoded SDA, SCL and CEC electrical signals to generated decoded SDA, SCL, and CEC electrical signals.
  • Method 2900 may include transmitting the second high-speed HDMI electrical signals and the decoded low-speed HDMI electrical signals to an HDMI sink (2912).
  • the TMDS electrical signals output by TMDS RX 1408 through TMDS RX 1420 may transmitted to an HDMI sink.
  • the SDA, SCL and CEC electrical signals output by receiver 1402 may be transmitted to the HDMI sink.
  • FIG. 30 is a flow diagram depicting a method 3000 to perform HDMI communication via an optical communication channel.
  • Method 3000 may include detecting a first HDMI connection of a first terminal of an optical connector (3002).
  • direction control circuit 1702 may detect an HDMI connection of an HDMI terminal associated with direction control circuit 1702.
  • the HDMI terminal associated with direction control circuit 1702 may be selectable between a transmission mode and a reception mode.
  • Method 3000 may include detecting a second HDMI connection of a second terminal of an optical connector (3004).
  • direction control circuit 1704 may detect an HDMI connection of an HDMI terminal associated with direction control circuit 1704.
  • the HDMI terminal associated with direction control circuit 1704 may be selectable between a transmission mode and a reception mode.
  • Method 3000 may include determining that the first HDMI connection is associated with an HDMI source (3006). For example, direction control circuit 1702 may determine that the first HDMI connection is associated with an HDMI source.
  • Method 3000 may include determining that the second HDMI connection is associated with an HDMI sink (3008). For example, direction control circuit 1704 may determine that the second HDMI connection is associated with an HDMI sink.
  • Method 3000 may include selecting an HDMI transmission mode for the first terminal (3010). For example, responsive to determining that the first HDMI connection is associated with the HDMI source, direction control circuit 1702 may select an HDMI transmission mode (i.e., a mode where the first terminal transmits one or more high-speed and low-speed HDMI signals) for the first terminal. This process may also include, for example, configuring the low- speed and high-speed switches associated with direction control circuit 1702 into an HDMI transmission mode. This process may also include activating optical transmitter 1706.
  • HDMI transmission mode i.e., a mode where the first terminal transmits one or more high-speed and low-speed HDMI signals
  • Method 3000 may include selecting an HDMI reception mode for the second terminal (3012). For example, responsive to determining that the second HDMI connection is associated with the HDMI sink, direction control circuit 1704 may select an HDMI reception mode (i.e., a mode where the first terminal receives one or more high-speed and low-speed HDMI signals) for the second terminal. This process may also include, for example, configuring the low- speed and high-speed switches associated with direction control circuit 1704 into an HDMI reception mode. This process may also include activating optical receiver 1708.
  • HDMI reception mode i.e., a mode where the first terminal receives one or more high-speed and low-speed HDMI signals
  • Method 3000 may include performing HDMI optical communication between the first terminal and the second terminal via an optical communication channel (3014).
  • direction control circuits 1702 and 1704 may be configured such that HDMI optical communication is performed using optical transmitter 1706 and optical receiver 1708, via communication channel 1714.
  • the system and methods described herein can operate for interaction with devices such as servers, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, game consoles, or smart phones.
  • Data and control signals can be received, generated, or transported between varieties of external data sources, including wireless networks, personal area networks, cellular networks, the Internet, or cloud mediated data sources.
  • sources of local data e.g. a hard drive, solid state drive, flash memory, or any other suitable memory, including dynamic memory, such as SRAM or DRAM
  • SRAM static random access memory

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  • Optical Communication System (AREA)

Abstract

Sont décrits des systèmes et des procédés d'interconnexion de données optiques. Un aspect comprend un premier convertisseur de signal qui convertit des premiers signaux électriques HDMI à grande vitesse en signaux optiques HDMI à grande vitesse, et transmet les signaux optiques sur un premier canal de communication optique. Un deuxième convertisseur de signal code des premiers signaux électriques HDMI à basse vitesse, convertit ces signaux codés en signaux optiques HDMI à basse vitesse, et transmet ces signaux optiques sur un second canal de communication optique. Un troisième convertisseur de signal reçoit les signaux optiques HDMI à grande vitesse, et convertit ces signaux optiques en seconds signaux électriques HDMI à grande vitesse. Un quatrième convertisseur de signal reçoit les signaux optiques HDMI à basse vitesse, convertit ces signaux optiques en seconds signaux électriques HDMI à basse vitesse, et décode les seconds signaux électriques HDMI à basse vitesse.
PCT/IB2022/062181 2021-12-16 2022-12-14 Système d'interconnexion de données optiques WO2023111875A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17/553,437 2021-12-16
US17/553,437 US20220109906A1 (en) 2019-03-12 2021-12-16 Optical Data Interconnect System
US17/853,336 US20220337318A1 (en) 2019-03-12 2022-06-29 Optical Data Interconnect System
US17/853,336 2022-06-29

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20200295832A1 (en) * 2019-03-12 2020-09-17 Wingcomm Co. Ltd. Optical Data Interconnect System
US20200295846A1 (en) * 2019-03-12 2020-09-17 Wingcomm Co. Ltd. Battery Triggering For Activation Of An Optical Data Interconnect System

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20200295832A1 (en) * 2019-03-12 2020-09-17 Wingcomm Co. Ltd. Optical Data Interconnect System
US20200295846A1 (en) * 2019-03-12 2020-09-17 Wingcomm Co. Ltd. Battery Triggering For Activation Of An Optical Data Interconnect System

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