THAI MALE A A A ALUN ALT TAKIMATA MITTE US009979479B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 9 ,979,479 B2

Parekh et al. (45) Date of Patent: *May 22, 2018
(54 ) DATA COMMUNICATIONS CABLE WITH (56 ) References Cited
WIRELINE CAPACITANCE COMPENSATION
U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
(71 ) Applicant: Cosemi Technologies, Inc., Irvine, CA 5 / 1984 Casper
(US ) 4 ,451,916 A
5 ,430 ,568 A 7/ 1995 Little
(72) Inventors : Devang Parekh , Sunnyvale, CA (US) ; (Continued )
Nguyen X . Nguyen , Irvine, CA ( US );
Chien - Yu Kuo , Irvine, CA (US) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
EP 1978656 10 /2008
(73) Assignee : cosemi technologies, inc ., Irvine , CA JP 2009055306 12 /2009
(US) (Continued )
( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
@
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U . S .C . 154 (b ) by 0 days . days . PCT/US12 /57520 . Int'l Search Report & Written Opinion (dated
This patent is subject to a terminal dis Feb . 1 , 2013 ).
claimer . (Continued )
(21) Appl. No.: 15/800,335 Primary Examiner — Hibret Woldekidan
(22) Filed : Nov. 1, 2017 (74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Loza & Loza, LLP;
George Fountain
(65 ) Prior Publication Data
(57) ABSTRACT
US 2018 /0097565 A1 Apr. 5, 2018 A communications cable is disclosed . The cable includes a
Related U .S . Application Data first circuit configured to receive electrical data signals from
(63 ) Continuation of application No. 15 / 186 ,658, filed on a data source via an input connector, and convert the
Jun. 20 , 2016 , now Pat. No . 9 ,813 ,153 , which is a electrical data signals into optical signals for transmission by
(Continued ) way of one or more optical fibers. The cable includes a
second circuit configured to convert the optical signals
(51) H04B
Int. Ci.10 /25 received via the one ormore optical fibers back to electrical
( 2013 . 01) data signals for providing to a data sink via an output
GO2B 6 /42 (2006 .01) connector. The cable includes a third circuit for applying
G09G 5 / 00 ( 2006 .01) pre - and post-signal conditioning to bi-directional control
(52) U .S . CI. data for transmission to and received from the data sink via
H04B 10 /25 (2013.01) ; GO2B 6 /4246 wires . The cable includes a fourth circuit for applying pre
and post- signal conditioning to bi- directional control data
(2013.01); G02B 6 /4277 ( 2013 .01); for transmission to and received from the data source via
(Continued ) wires . The pre - and post- signal conditioning compensate for
(58 ) Field of Classification Search capacitance and /or resistance effects on the signals intro
CPC .... GO2B 6 / 4293 ; GO2B 6 /4246 ; H04B 10IZ/25; duced by the wires .
H04B 10 /40 ; H04B 10 /801;
(Continued ) 28 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
S
100
100

110 140 170

112 -04 INPUT CONNECTOR 114 -0 CABLE HOUSING 172-0 OUTPUT CONNECTOR 176 -0
IN
DO + + SIG LASER T - 142- 0 DOPT - SIGUI HELT -SIG + ODO+
112-1-DO- 0 + COND - SOURCEA 114 -11 OPTICAL FIBER 172 - 1 MICONDA PD
174 - 0
COND + ODO
176 - 0
INPUT
01+ 0 + COND
01+ 0 +
. . -2 - 01. OH
HIGH 112
SIGSIG SOURCE
LASER
LASER 142- 1
OPTICAL FIBER
OPT- SIGU
CONDI " COND + OD1
ELT - SIG D1+ OUTPUT
HIGH
SPEED D2D2-+OT
SPEED 0 COND
SIG SOURCE
LASER ||
D2+ 0 + SIG LASER
114 - 2
142-2 in
I OPT - SIG
174-12 176 -12ELT -SIG + OD2+ SPEED
DIFF DIFF
DATA / 11
OPTICAL FIBER TT COND 174L- 2 E 176 -2 COND D2- DATA !
CLK CLK
112 - N 114 -NIT 172- N 1 174 - 176-N
- 142 - N
DN + O SIG LASER #
= OPT-SIG H ELT-SIGLODN +
DN - O COND SOURCI OPTICAL FIBER CONDO HCOND ODN
120 -0 122 -02 124-0 182 -07
PRE-SIG 180 -0 | | POST -SIG 184 - 0
COND BUS 11 150-0 + H BUS COND Vo Foco
ARB
POST - SIG ARB 11 WIRE ARB PRE- SIG ARB
COND COND
122 - 1 5 - 126- 0 182 -1 186 01
-
LOW PRE- SIG m 180 -1111 POST -SIG 184- 1 LOW
SPEED Ci o 1/ 0 COND BUS | | 124.- 1 150 - 1 BUS COND Ivo SPEED
CNTY ARBI POST - SIG ARB WIRE ARB PRE - SIG ARB CNTU
CLK 120 - 1 1 COND COND CLK
122-CLK 1 126-1 182-CLK 11 186 - 1
PRE- SIG POST -SIG
COND 150-CLK COND
CLKOIVO
ARB POST - SIG
BUS
ARB TN WIRE ARB PRE - SIG
10
ARB - HO CLK
120 - CLK COND 1 1124 - CLK 180 -CLK IN COND 184 -CLK
- - - - - JL - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - IL- - - - - - - - - - - -
126 - CLK 186 - CLK
 US 9,979 ,479 B2
Page 2

Related U .S . Application Data 9 ,813 , 153 B2 * 11/2017 Parekh ................... H04B 10 / 25

9 ,813 ,154 B2 * 11/2017 Parekh ............... H04B 10 / 2503
continuation of application No. 14 /322 ,683 , filed on 2002/0126967 A1 9 /2002 Panak et al.
Jul. 2 , 2014 , now Pat. No . 9 ,397 , 750 . 2003 /0132941 Al 7 /2003 Echizenya
2004 /0056732 A1 3 /2004 Errington
(60 ) Provisional application No. 61/842,890 , filed on Jul. 2004 /0070411 Al 4 /2004 Self
2004 /0184746 Al 9 /2004 Chang et al.
3, 2013 , provisional application No . 61 /982 ,727 , filed 2006 /0024067 A1 2 /2006 Koontz
on Apr. 22 , 2014 2006 /0221948 A1 10 /2006 Benner et al.
2006 /0268167 A1 11/2006 Cole et al.
(52) CPC
U .S . CI............ 2007/ 0014522 AL 1/ 2007 Yamaguchi et al.
GO2B 6 / 4293 ( 2013 .01); G09G 5 /006 2007 /0237463 Al 10 /2007 Aronson
2007/ 0237470 A110/ 2007 Aronson et al .
( 2013. 01) ; G096 2370/ 045 (2013. 01 ); G09 2007/ 0286600 A1 * 12/ 2007 Guo .. . HO4B 10 / 1143
2370 / 10 ( 2013 .01); G09G 2370 / 18 ( 2013 .01) 398 / 43
(58 ) Field of Classification Search 2008/0031629 AL 2/ 2008 Nguyen et al.
CPC .. HO4B 10 /1143; H04B 3 / 00 ; GO9G 2370 / 12 ; 2008 /0107424 A1* 5 /2008 Tonietto ........... G11B 20 / 10009
GO9G 2370 /045 ; GO9G 2370 / 10 ; GOOG 398 / 136
2009/ 0009662 A11 / 2009 Manapragada
2370 / 18 ; H04L 25 /0272 ; H04L 25 /03878 2009/ 0260043 A1 10 / 2009 Tatsuta et al .
USPC ........ 398 / 115 - 117 , 135 , 138 , 139 , 140 , 141, 2010 /0150573 A 6 /2010 Furuyama
398 /158 - 162 2010 /0284323 AL 11/2010 Tang et al .
See application file for complete search history. 2011/ 0091219 A1 * 4 / 2011 Tatum . GO2B 6 / 4201
398 / 142
2011/0111642 Al 5 / 2011 Sloey et al.
(56 ) References Cited 2012 /0249871 A1 10 /2012 Nguyen et al.
2013/0109317 A1 5 /2013 Kikuchi et al.
U .S . PATENT DOCUMENTS 2013 /0147520 Al 6 /2013 Payne
2013 /0243437 AL 9 /2013 Kishima
5 ,966 ,387 A 10 / 1999 Cloutier 2014 /0346325 AL 11/2014 Frank
6 , 931 , 183 B2 * 8 / 2005 Panak ........ GO2B 6 /4405 2015 /0110499 A1* 4 /2015 Jiang .................... GO2B 6 /4274
385 / 101 398 / 139
6 , 940 ,477 B2 9 /2005 Moon et al. 2015 /0295647 A1 10 /2015 Parekh et al.
7 , 155, 134 B2 12 / 2006 Azadet
7 ,551, 852 B26 / 2009 Reintjes et al. FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
7 ,602 ,739 B2 * 10 / 2009 Weigert ............. H04B 10 /2503
370 /276 JP 2011244179 12 / 2011
7 ,706 ,692 B2 4 /2010 Tatum WO WO2008119669 10 /2008
7 ,714,677 B2 5 / 2010 Wang wo WO2012059071 5 / 2012
7, 734 ,183 B2 6 / 2010 Whitehead
7 , 941 , 052 B2 5 /2011 Epitaux et al.
8,068,742 B2 11 / 2011 Cole et al. OTHER PUBLICATIONS
8,233, 805 B2 7 / 2012 Tatum
8 ,251,594
8 ,804, 792
B2
B1
8/ 2012
8 /2014
Lavoie
Cheung
PCT/US12/57520. Int'l Prelim . Report of Patentability (dated Apr.
1 , 2014 ) .
8 ,805,195 B2 8 /2014 Mateosky et al. PCT/US14 /045310 . Int' l Search Report & Written Opinion ( dated
8,824,898 B2 9 / 2014 Groepl et al. Nov . 5 , 2014 ).
8,831, 436 B2 9 / 2014 Evans et al. Chinese Patent Application No. 201480038089 .9 , First Office
8 ,935, 740 B21 / 2015 Suzuki et al. Action dated Oct. 28 , 2016 .
8 ,948 , 197 B2 * 2 /2015 Jiang GO2B 6 /4274 http ://www .ophit.com /products/product_ view .asp ? boardid = 1
330 /59 & num = 6 & ptitle = DVI % 20fiber % 20optic % 20cable % 20 : % 20DDI.
9 ,025, 971 B25 / 2015 Ide https://web .archive. org /web / 20080611135155 /http ://www .ophit .
9 ,040 ,823 B2 * 5 /2015 Horan .. .................. HO1B 11 /00
174 / 74 R com /html/main02-01-05.asp .
9 ,076 ,575 B2 * 7 /2015 Horan ............... HOIB 11 /00 Japanese Office Action for Japanese Application No . 2016 -524354
9 , 397 ,750 B2 * 7 / 2016 Parekh .. .. GO2B 6 / 4293 dated Mar. 28 , 2018, 3 pages .
9 , 397 ,751 B2 * 7 / 2016 Parekh ............... H04B 10 /2503
9 ,602, 116 B13 / 2017 Le * cited by examiner
U . S . Patent May 22, 2018 Sheet 1 of 11 US 9, 979 ,479 B2

0
-
176
0
-
176
OUTP HIGH SPE D DIFCO-ND)AODT2A CLK
+
ODN
LOW SPE D CNTL/ CLK
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O
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000
T
SIG
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T
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i

01 184-11 !
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o

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ARB ARB ARB

COUNTEPCUTOTR LOOCONDHPDCTLONDA
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170mm 1111 |
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FIG
WIRE WIRE WIRE er
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0
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124
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tt CLK
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124
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e

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114 1
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124
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BUS
11 11
114 114 NIT
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LASER SOURCE LASER SOURCE SOURCE LASER SOURCE
when

COND POST-SIGCONDCOND PRE-SIG COND POST-SIG COND PRE-SIG COND POST-SIG COND
CIONPECUTOR SIG SIGHCSOOpeUNnRCDCOEND COND 04
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0
/
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110metre mene
112
0
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OTDOC-1112OND
Of
+
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112
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O
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112
-
N
DN+OHSIGHDN
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120 O
CO
L
-
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122
.
1
1

122 120
1
-
|
CLK
-
122 CLK
-
120

LOW SPE D CNTL/ CLK

INPUT SPE D DIF DATA/ CLK
U . S . Patent May 22, 2018 Sheet 2 of 11 US 9, 979 ,479 B2

HIGH SPE D DIF CLK LOW SPE D CNTL/ CLK

1
-
276
CON-D)?AODT2A 2
-
276 L C1 *CLKTO
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CHODN1 CHONDN
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H
SIG
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286 1
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284
CLK
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284
me 1
286
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/
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DE MUX 275 |
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274
282
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SIG
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PRE

BUS ARBARB
SIG
-
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BUS ARB
SIG
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PRE

272 BUS ARB CLK

286
-
280
SIG
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OPT
L
CTILOND 11Il11111111
TO
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1280
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|
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.

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200
242 0
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met CLK
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HCOAUBSILNEG FOPITBCEARL WIRE WIRE WIRE 2

.
FIG

240 1
-
224
11224
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CLK
CLK
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111111 11 11 11 1111 11 1111 11 11 II 11

STTOURCE 0
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226 1
11
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216mm LASER BUS ARB w

BUS ARB BUS ARB

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m SIGCOND
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212 212
1
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at SIG
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DIFF
HCOND
o
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212
CLK N
-
212 o
C1
CLKT
-
222 CLKO !
CLK
-
220

INPUT HIGH SPE D LOW SPE D CNTL/ CLK

U . S . Patent May 22 , 2018 Sheet 3 of 11 US 9 ,979 ,479 B2

CLK
+
DO
1
376
- 2
-
376 OU+OD2TPUTHIGHOD2SPEED376-3 )D-COANTDOAD3 N
-
76
LOW SPE D CNTL/ CLK CLK

CHOND 01 HOCO
0
376
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CTOND1 DIFF
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2
7375
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SIG
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1
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CLK
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HmDEuOCDNO
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386 1
-
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1
375 SIG
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384
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DECONDH 0
/
1
ARB 0
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1
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1
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MUX MUX MUX 375 M

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PD
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300
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1
342
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342
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HCOAU-CABLEROOSNBSILNEG FOPITBCEARL FOPITBCEARL FOPITBCEARL WIRE WIRE WIRE 3

.
FIG

-
340
1
-
1324
|
CLK
-
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!
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11 11 11 11 .. .

LASER RCEIT LASER TTSOURCE

326
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1
-
316
2
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316
316
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LASERSOURCE BUS ARB BUS ARB BUS ARB
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324
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-
314
CIONPECUTOR MUX MUX 2
-
314
MUXMUX
SIG
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314 0
-
322
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SIG
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SIG
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CLK
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326
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COND :

SIG HCOND
314
O
+
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|
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-
0 i
0
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/
1
ARB 0
/
1
ARB
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310 SIG DO
O
+
DO COND
O
-
312
17UT
- SIGCOND
0
+
D1 #
O
-
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HIGH Nt DN
-
312
312
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320 O
CO 174
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-
320 i
CLK
-
320
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0

?? ??? CONDOto-D2DATA???DATA/312331-12 ?? ?D2

SIG
O+
D2
DIFF +
D2 + c

DN
C10/
CNTL
CLKL
-
322
INPUT SPE D DIF CLK LOW SPE D CLK
U . S . Patent May 22, 2018 Sheet 4 of 11 US 9, 979 ,479 B2

www 400

- 415 420
405
--410 425
INPUT CONNECTOR
.. . .
CABLE HOUSING OUTPUT CONNECTOR /
417 -1
DO +OH TODO +
DO - O aman aman OPTICAL FIBER HODO
P21
. 1
DN +OH SIGNAL 117 - P
SIGNAL H ODN +
ot PROCESSING OPTICAL FIBER PROCESSING HODN
INTEGRATED - 419 - 1 store INTEGRATED
co o CIRCUIT -

-
WIRE
CIRCUIT HOCO
-

-
Q21
419- 0
CL 0 - 1
-

-
O CL
-
WIRE
- - - - - - - - - - - -

FIG . 4A

450

455 - 465 - 470

460 475 -
INPUT CONNECTOR CABLE HOUSING OUTPUT CONNECTOR
462 - - - - - overens mesures comment - 477
- 477

_ 467 - 1
DO +OHH
DO + www ........ .... ... ..... ..... . www .
HODO +
DO- O HIGH SPEED OPTICAL FIBER HIGH SPEED O DO
SIGNAL P21 SIGNAL
PROCESSING PROCESSING
DN + CIRCUIT 167 - P CIRCUIT mennes ODN +
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-
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- - - - OPTICAL FIBER - I
Lom
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SIGNAL Q21 SIGNAL
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CIRCUIT . - 469- 0 CIRCUIT
Clan WIRE
O CL

464 . more 479

FIG . 4B
U . S . Patent May 22, 2018 Sheet 5 of 11 US 9, 979 ,479 B2

500

505 515 520

502
502 INPUT
INPUT INPUT
INPUT 510
510
525 OUTPUT OUTPUT 527
CONNECTOR HOUSING CABLE HOUSING HOUSING CONNECTOR
- - - - - --
- - - ata
517 - 1
DO + A ODO +
DO OPTICAL FIBER O DO
tot
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.
T
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noten WIRE
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FIG .5A
550
h
555 - 565 570
552 INPUT INPUT 560 575 OUTPUT OUTPUT
CONNECTOR HOUSING
. . ...
CABLE HOUSING HOUSING
. .. .. ...
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562
562
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il OPTICAL FIBER
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.
w
.

CIRCUIT CIRCUIT .

564 Iii 569- 0 .

579
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.

Ci ? .
.

WIRE
w .. .
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FIG . 5B
U . S . Patent May 22, 2018 Sheet 6 of 11 US 9 ,979 ,479 B2

HDMI HDMI CONSTCL CHNS

C-IHONDS2 CONDD3 LOCEC
COND
0
676
-
TMDS
OD2
+
-
ELT
SIG OSDA+
+
ODO
SIG
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+
D1
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686
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684
-
676
1 2
-
676
-
676
0
3
-
676 0
/
1
ARB 0
/
1
ARB 0
/
1
ARB
COUNTEPOR PD
674
0
-
PD
674
1
-
PD
2
-
674
PD
por -
674
3
L

COND COND POST-SIG COND COND POST-SIG COND COND

SIG
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-
PRE SIG
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686
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670
m I
11 11 u

0
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672 1
-
672 !
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SCL
682 CEC
682
-
600-

0
642
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642
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642
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3
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642 SDA
650
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-
650 CEC
-
650

CHOAUBSILNEG FOPITBCEARL FOPITBCEARL FOPITBCEARL FOPITBCEARL

N
6A
.
FIG
WIRE WIRE WIRE

-
640
SDA
-
624 SDA
-
626
to SCL-1626 1
1624
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614
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- N 614-21 311
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H
SIG
SOURCE LASER SOURCE LASERSCOMURNCDE SIGLASER
SIG
SIG
HLASER
IG
CSOUNRCDE SDA
-
622
SIG
-
PRE
CONDI
COND POST-SIG COND PRE-SIG COND POST-SIG COND SIG
-
PRE
COND
L
POST-SIG
COND
CEC
-
626
ARB ARB ARB
SDA10
0
/
1

-
610
O
+
DO
OTCOND
+
D1 0
+
D3
D3
O
-
SDA
-
620 620 622
SCLI
- +
CEC
-
110CECOH
COND
+O
-
DO
1
-
612 +
0
-
01
2
-612 +
D2 SCL
622
- CEC
-
620
1
TMDS
0+
+
D2 O
-
D2
3
-
612
SCNLOTULCHNS
0
-
612 1

HDMI
HDMI TMDS CHNS
 atent May 22, 2018 Sheet 7 of 11 US 9 ,979 ,479 B2

1
-
676
TDMS
2
-
676
L
HDMI CONSTCL CHNS
TOSDA
676
3
-
0
676
-
LD1-HCDOMNID CS+ELT-IHGLNOSD2 CEC !
fi
umum
CSELT-IGODOLONDO +ELT-SIGLOD1 CLD2OND ELT-S+IGLODCOND3|003 684
SDAL
- SDAI684
686
- SCLT
- SCL
-
686
l

!
CEC
-
684
??
?

vo ARB 0
/
1
ARB 10 ARB
0
/
1 ??
?

DE 675MUX
PD
SIG
-
POST COND COND POST-SIG COND COND POST-SIG COND COND
SIG
-
PRE SIG
-
PRE SIG
-
PRE

COUTPUT
O_
N ECTOR 672 674 SDA
-
682 ARB BUS ARB BUS ARBARB
_

_
CEC
-
686
SIG
-
OPT
medium
gran
11111111 1111 I
CTILOND 11 11 11 11 1111 11 Il 1111 I

en
670 II
SDA
-
680 682-SCL11680
-
SCL
II 682-CECHT
!
CEC
-
680IL
-

acest
se
-
-

690
-

SDA
650
- SCL
-
650 CEC
-
650
-

642
- -

HCOAUBSILNEG FOPITBCEARL WIRE WIRE WIRE

-

-
6B
.
FIG

-
conden
care
care
avea
pot
640 SDA
-TT
624 SCL
-
626
SDA
7626
- SCL
-
624
|BUS SCL
-
020
7 CEC
-
1624
1
- - 1111 11 11 11 11 11 TT Il | 11 -CEC1CO6N2D4L
- SLASER TIOURCE 7
-
L

BUS ARB ARB BUS ARB

616
CIONPEUTOR MUX 614
SDA
-
622
SIG
-
PRE
COND POST-SIG COND PRE-SIG COND POST-SIG COND PRE-SIG COND POST-SIG COND
CEC
-
626
COND COND COND SIG COND
SIG SIG 180ARB ARB ARB
610 07
-
612
D0
+
?
-
SIG
DO1 D1
O612
- - +
O D1
O
-
2TOMS
-
612
HDMI +02
D2-CHNS
31
-
612D3
0
+
D3 SDA
-
620 SDHSDAU __ _ SCNLOTUL
622
-
SCL? SCLI +
-
620 CEC
-
622
CE OT ILscer CEC
620
-

TDMS HDMI CHNS

U . S . Patent May 22 , 2018 Sheet 8 of 11 US 9,979 ,479 B2

DISPLAY PORT TMDSCHNS DISPLAY PORT CNTLCHNS AUX

0
-
776
001 002 +
AUX
O

CONDI
+
002
-
DO
+
ELT
SIG
-

CONDCAOND2
SIG0COND1 SIG
-
HELT
P
+ -
ELT
D3
O
+
SIG
-
ELT
CTOND3 1 AUX
-
784 +
1
786 AUX+ 784 AUX
-

SI
.
HELT
DP 0
-
776 776
1
- 2
-
776 3
-
776 0
/
1
ARB O
/
I
ARB -

COUNTEPOR 0
-
774
PD
774
-
1
H
PD
PD
2
-
774
PD
3
-
774 SIG
-
POST
COND COND COND COND
SIG
-
PRE SIG
-
POST SIG
-
PRE
-

SIG
-
OPT OPT
-
SIGH
SIG
-
TOPT SIG
-
OPT
P
OPT
-
SIG 782-AUX -
AUX
-
786
TTLCOND TTLCOND SIG
-
OPT
I
BUS ARB
770 0
-
772
W
COND
ITL
1
-
772 1

2
-
772 772
-
3
ay
CONDTT
11Il 11
780
-
AUX
11
+
BUS11
TARB 780
AUX
-
|
-

782
-AUX
-

700
mw -

-
-
-
-
0
742
= -

3
-
742
+
AUX
-
750
0
742
- 1
-
742 2
742
- AUX
750
- -

CHOAUBSILNEG FOPITBCEARL FOPITBCEARL FOPITBCEARL FOPITBCEARL WIRE

-

WIRE -

-
7A
,
FIG

-
740 -

714-0CION PECUTOR
-

171
-
714 211
-
714
11
311
-
7714
1
+
AUX
724
-

BUS 11
TT111 !
ARB
AUX
726
-
+

M
lBUSI inux
II
ARB
AUX
-
724 -

-
-
-
-
-

LASER SOURCE SOURCE LASER SOURCE SIG

-
PRE
COND COND COND COND
SIG
-
POST SIG
-
PRE SIG
-
POST
-

+
AUX
-
722
COND D1+0SIGLASERCOND SIG
LASER
.
277
$
0
/
1
ARB
-

AUX
726
-
SIG
a
+
DO D01.ISCPLSOAYNURDCE O
+
D2
SIG
O
+
D3
LASER OSD3-HCUROCNED ... ..

TL
0
+
AUX 10
OD
-AUX
ARB
L

1
AUX
-
720
710 +
O
-
DO
_
1
-
712
+
O
-
D1
_
2
-
712
PORT
+
0
-
D2
3
712 +
AUX
-
720 722
AUX
-
0
-
712

TMDSCHNSCHNS DISPLAY PORT CNTL CHNS

U . S . Patent May 22, 2018 Sheet 9 of 11 US 9, 979,479 B2
TMDS CHNS +
AUX
DISPLAY PORT CNTL CHNS
PORT
2
-
776
new
1
-
776

DIL.SCPOLDANY1D 3
-
776
0
-
1776

COND 2
OAUX
ELTCOND
+
TODO
SIG
- DO SIGL0 1
-
ELT
+ +
LOD2
SIG
-
ELT AUX
+
1
cuesta
SIG
-
ELT
COND 784 786 AUX+ 1
N
ARB
784 AUX
0
/
1
ARB 0
/
1
ARB

COUNTEPCUOTR
DE MUX 775
PD
SIG
-
POST
COND PRE-SIG COND POST-SIG COND PRE-SIGARBPRE-SIG COND 7UNCO8ND4U
-
774 +
AUX
-
782
AUX
-
786
772 BUS ARB BUS ARB
SIG
-
OPT
COND -
-
I
-
-

-
Il 11 11 11 IL 11 11 11 11 11 11 !
I
T 11Il 11 Il
770 780
-
AUX
11
+ 782
AUX
--
IT II
-
AUX
780
770 -
-

790
+
AUX
-
750
AUX
750
-
742
-

HCOAUBSILNEG FOPITBCEARL WIRE WIRE 7B

.
FIG

-
-

- +
AUX
-
724
740 - AUX
-
726
+ AUX
1724
-
Il TI 11 Il |
11 1111 Il11 11 Il ,
!

LASER SIIOURCE
-

716
BUS ARB BUS ARB

CIONPECUTOR MUX 714 SIG

-
PRE COND POST-SIG COND COND POST-SIGPOST-SIG|CONDICLOND
SIG
-
PRE -
-
-

726-AUX
si
COND
4 D3 720
!
COND
|
-
0 722
+
AUX
-
0
/
1
ARB voÄRB
7100 0
-
712 poto O
-
DO
1DISPLAY
-
712
COND
O
-
D1
TMDS
2
-
712
CHNS
+
D2 O D3
SIGCOND
D2
- SIG
+
31
-
712 ?
+
AUX
T -
PORT
722
-
AUX
-
AUX
o-
O
AUX U
-
AUX
720
1
AUX
-
720

PORT
D1+
DISPLAY CHNS
U . S . Patent May 22, 2018 Sheet 10 of 11 US 9,979 ,479 B2

DVI TMDS CHNS

0
-
876
on
DATA DVI CNTL CHNS
DDC CLKLOD C
DO
+
SIG
ELT
-

CONDI - 11CD1ONDO - COD2HOND -it - CONDD4

1
-
876

SIGHT
-
OPT
+
OD1
SIG
-
ELT -
876
1
+
2
D
SIG
-
ELT 1

+
COND 3
SIGOD3
ELT
H
SIG
-
OPT 874
.
3
-
876
1
+TOPT-SIGHELTSIGD4 4
+ CHO0ND5 CHODN6D
SIG0D5
-
LT
E
876
5
-
+
6
D
SIG
-
ELT

6
876
-
76
874
DATA
DDC
-
11882
884
-
DDC
.
DATA
0
/
1
|
T

ARB
886 DDC
DATA
i

0
/
1

ARB
1
.
884

COUNTEPOR PD
0
-
874
PD

-
874
PD 874
2
-
876 PD

PDCTTLOCNODNDA COND TOPT-SIGHCOND OPT-SIGCOND

876
4
-
874
874
5
- SIG
-
POST
COND COND POST-SIG COND COND
SIG
-
PRE SIG
-
PRE DOCCIA
---
--

OPT-SIG COND COND TOPT-SIGUCOND to

open
on BUS ARB
CLK

870 IP 0
-
872
-
872
372
-
2
TT
872 3
-
872 4
-
872
872
872
61
-
DDCUDATA
880
- 111
BUS
J
TARB D880-CHI CLK
-
-
DDC CLK
-
882
-
800
-
-
-

4
-
842 842
6
-
DATA
DDC
-
850 CLK
DDC
850
-
0
842
- 1
842
- 2
842
- 3
842
- 5
842
-

CHOAUBSILNEG FOPITBCEARL FOPITBCEARL FOPITBCEARL OFPITBCEARL FOPITBCEARL FOPITBCEARL FOPITBCEARL WIRE WIRE 8A
,
FIG

-
840
824-DDCDATA DATA
DDC
-
826
TT 1824
!DDC
-
CLK
1824
DDC
-
CLK
8140 10
0
-
814

814
111
- 211
-
814 814
411
- 814
-
5 11
BUS
11
IL
LASER 81 BUS ARB BUS ARB
LASER SOURCE LASER SOURCE LASER SOURCE LASER SOURCE LASER SOURCE LASER
LASER SOURCE LASER COND POST-SIG COND COND ARBPOST-SIG CONDI
CIONI PECUTORCUTOTR COND COND
SIG
-
PRE SIG
-
PRE
-

DDC CLK
-
826
SIG

QLLLLLLL
D1
+
0
SIG
SIG

/ D5
OUT
+
SIG9
SIG
SIG SIG
O
SIG D6-OHCONDSOURCE
L822
DATA
DDC
-
820
10ARB
O
/
I
CLKOHH
DDC niCOND -

8102 8120
% 0
-
812
+
DO
812 Op-
ECOND
O
-
DO
1 +
D1
812
Om
+
D2
nCOND COND
D1
e2 OT
-
D2
3
812
0
+
D3 Oy
+
D4
+
O
-
04
5
-
812
COND
.
OH
-
D5
_
6
812
O
-
D3
4
-
812
CHNS
D6
+
O
DATA
DDC CLK
DDC CLK
822
-
|
DDC
-
820
CLK

DVI TMDS DVI CNTL CHNS

U . S . Patent May 22 , 2018 Sheet 11 of 11 US 9, 979,479 B2

DADTCA DVI CNTL CHNS ODDCCLK

+ LOD3+TMDSLOD3-CHNS
1
-
876 -
876
-3
DVI 4
-
876
2
876
- 6
-
876
w
OD4+
0
-
876
LoD2
LOD2 5
-
876
1

CLONDO
+SELT-IGLODO S+ELT-IGMOD1COND.D1
SIG
-
ELT
COND CONDprendSIG
-
ELT SIG
-
ELT
004
|
COND +

COND5
OD5
W
SIG
-
ELT +
D6
|
- COND006
SIG
ELT
DDC
-
884 DATA
0
/
1
ARB
8 6 DDC DATA
0
/
1
ARB
1
-
884

-
DE MUX
COUNTEPR
-

PD
SIG
-
POST COND COND POST-SIG COND COND
SIG
-
PRE SIG
-
PRE

DDC
-
886
874 882
DDC
-
DATA CLK
BUS ARBARB BUS ARB

870
Il 11 1111111111 1 872
872
M OPT
SIG
-

I
COND
for
the
11 1111Il11 11 11 11 11
880DATA
DDCI
-I ii Il CLK11 11
BUSmovem nd

882-DDC1 CLK att 1

DDCI
880
-
pc
386
-
DOC
!
_
CLK
-

890 DATA
DDC
-
850 CLK
DDC
-
850
842
HCOAUBSILNEG FOPITBECARL WIRE WIRE 8B
.
FIG

840 1824-DDCDATA 6-DDCDATA

CLKDDC1824
-
1r 11 11 711 11 11 11 1111 I
!
Il IL
amantha
LASER SOURCE
CIONPECUTOR
816
MUX 814
SIGH
SIG
-
PRE
BUS ARB

COND POST-SIG COND COND POST-SIG COND

ARB
I
SIG
-
PRE
BUS ARB

ARB
CONDI -
CLK

2
DDC
826
-
CLK
SIG
1
-
O
+
DO COND
O
DO SIG COND
D1
O
+ D1
O
- D2
+
SIGD2
COND
0
- SIG 03
D3
+ O
-
COND
O
SIG CONDO SIGCOND
D5
+ D5
O
- D6 DATA
COND
0
- 1822-DDC820 I--
-5812
- -06
+0
-
810 0
-
812 1
-
812 2
812
- 3
-
812 4 D4
-
812 - D4 812
6

DATCO DDCLCLK
DD
-
2
DVI
822
- CDDCLKot DD
-
820

DV TMDS CHNS !
DV
CNTL CHNS
 US 9 ,979,479 B2
DATA COMMUNICATIONS CABLE WITH communications cable comprises a plurality of optical fibers
WIRELINE CAPACITANCE COMPENSATION and wires coupled to the input and output connectors ,
respectively .
CROSS -REFERENCE TO RELATED The input connector is configured to receive a first set of
APPLICATIONS 5 electrical data signals from the data source . Examples of the
first set of electrical signals are multimedia (e .g ., audio /
This application is a continuation of U . S . patent applica video and associated clock ) TMDS differential signals gen
tion Ser. No. 15 /186 ,658 , filed on Jun . 20 , 2016 , which , in erated by an HDMI-, DisplayPort-, or DVI-compliant data
turn , is a continuation of U .S . patent application Ser. No. source . The input connector is also configured to receive a
14 /322 ,683, filed on Jul. 2 . 2014 . now U . S . Pat. No. 9 . 397 . 10 second set of electrical data signals from the data source.
750, which , in turn , claims the benefit of the filing dates of Ex Examples of the second set of electrical signals include
SDA , SCL , and CEC control data signals generated by an
Provisional Application Ser. No.61/842,890 , filed on Jul. 3, HDMI-compliant data source, AUX + and AUX - control
2013 , and Provisional Application Ser. No .61/ 982 ,727 , filed data signals generated by a DisplayPort-compliant source ,
on Apr. 22 , 2014 , all of which are incorporated herein by
reference . 15 and DDC DATA and DDC CLOCK control data signals
generated by a DVI source.
FIELD The input connector is further configured to provide a
third set of electrical data signals to the data source , the third
This disclosure relates generally to data communications set of electrical signals being received from the data sink by
cables, and in particular, to a hybrid electrical-optical data 20 way of the output connector and wires , respectively.
communications cable with wireline capacitance compen - Examples of the third set of electrical signals include the
sation . control-related data signals generated by an HDMI-, Dis
playPort-, or DVI-compliant data sink .
BACKGROUND The output connector is configured to provide the first set
25 of electrical data signals to the data sink , the first set of
Multimedia data , such as audio and video data, are electrical data signals being received from the data source by
typically communicated from a source of multimedia data way of the input connector and the optical fibers , respec
(e.g., a digital video recorder (DVR ), optical disc player, tively . Additionally, the output connector is configured to
multimedia distribution facility , etc .) to a sink for the mul- provide the second set of electrical data signals to the data
timedia data (e. g ., a television , DVR , audio processing unit, 30 sink , the second set of electrical data signals being received
etc .). Generally , data communications cables are employed from the data source by way of the input connector and the
to route the multimedia data and associated control signals wires, respectively . Further, the output connector is config
from a source to a sink . Typically , such cables are compliant ured to receive the third set of electrical data signals from the
with one or more data transmission protocols , such as data sink .
High -Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Display - 35 The communications cable further comprises a first circuit
Port, and Digital Visual Interface (DVI) . (e. g ., proximate or at the input connector ) configured to
In the past, these data communications cables have been convert the first set of electrical signals into optical signals
traditionally implemented with exclusively electrical wires. for transmission to the data sink by way of the optical fibers
There are several drawbacks with the conventional cables. and output connector, respectively . The communications
Generally , the length of the cables is limited to relatively 40 cable also comprises a second circuit ( e . g ., proximate or at
short distances due to the capacitance and resistive loading the output connector ) to convert the optical signals substan
associated with the electrical wires. Such capacitance and tially back to the first set of electrical signals for providing
resistive loading have a greater adverse effect on the rela - them to the data sink .
tively high speed multimedia data than on the relatively low The communications cable further comprises a third cir
speed control data . In this regards, the capacitance of the 45 cuit (e.g ., proximate or at the input connector) for applying
wires generally limit the bandwidth and data rates of the post -signal conditioning to the third set of electrical signals
multimedia data . Further, the high speed multimedia data are received from the data sink via the output connector and
more susceptible to electromagnetic interference when ne the wires, respectively. The post-signal conditioning compen
data are transmitted over electrical wires . Additionally , the sate for adverse effects (e . g ., capacitance and /or resistive
use of electrical wires , in particular with relatively long 50 effects ) on the signals introduced by the wires , and may
length cables, causes the cables to be undesirably heavy for comprise any one or more of the following : amplifying,
handling, transportation , installation , and use . buffering , and equalizing the third set of electrical signals .
Thus, there is a need , among other needs, for an improved Similarly, the communications cable further comprises a
lighter -weight data communications cable for transmitting fourth circuit (e .g ., proximate or at the output connector) for
high speed multimedia data and low speed control data with 55 applying post- signal conditioning to the second set of elec
greater distances, less signal loss and corruption, and trical signals received from the data source via the input
reduced electromagnetic interference . connector and wires, respectively. The post-signal condi
tioning compensate for adverse effects ( e . g ., capacitance
SUMMARY and / or resistive effects ) on the signals introduced by the
60 wires , and may comprise any one or more of the following :
An aspect of the disclosure relates to a communications amplifying, buffering, and equalizing the third set of elec
cable comprising an input connector configured for connec t rical signals .
tion to a data source , such as an HDMI-, DisplayPort-, or The third circuit of the communications cable may also
DVI-compliant data source . The communications cable also apply pre -signal conditioning to the second set of electrical
comprises an output connector configured for connection to 65 signals prior to transmission to the data sink via the wires
a data sink , such as an HDMI-, DisplayPort-, or DVI- and output connector, respectively . The pre -signal condi
compliant data sink . Additionally , in one embodiment, the tioning also compensates for adverse effects (e.g., capaci
 US 9 ,979,479 B2
tance and /or resistive effects ) on the signals to be introduced For instance , the input connector 110 is configured to receive
by the wires , and may comprise any one or more of the N number of parallel high speed differential signals D0 + /
following: amplifying and pre - emphasizing the second setof DO -, D1 + /D1 -, D2 + /D2 - to DN + /DN - .
electrical signals . The source of high speed data may also serve as a source
Similarly, the fourth circuit of the communications cable 5 of low speed control data and associated clock , as well as a
may also apply pre - signal conditioning to the third set of sink for low speed control data and associated clock . In this
electrical signals prior to transmission to the data source via regards, the input connector 110 may be configured to
the wires and input connector, respectively . The pre -signal receive parallel low speed control data CO and C1 and
conditioning also compensates for adverse effects ( e.g ., associated clock CLK from the source of high speed data , as
capacitance and/or resistive effects ) on the signals to be 10 well as provide low speed control data CO and C1 and
introduced by the wires, and may comprise any one ormore associated clock to the source of high speed data . The low
of the following: amplifying and pre - emphasizing the third speed data and associated clock may also be configured as
set of electrical signals. electrical digital signals .
Other embodiments or variants of the aforementioned The input connector 110 includes components configured
communications cable are disclosed . Further, other aspects, 15 to convert the high speed electrical signals D0 +/DC - to
advantages and novel features of the disclosure will become DN + /DN - into optical signals for transmission to the output
apparent from the following detailed description of the connector 170 by way of optical fibers 142 -0 to 142 -N ,
invention when considered in conjunction with the accom respectively. In this regards, the input connector 110 com
panying drawings. prises signal conditioners 112 -0 , 112 - 1 , 112 -2 to 112 - N
20 configured to receive the high speed electrical signals D0 + /
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS DO - , D1 + /D1- , D2 + /D2 - to DN + /DN - , and generate there
from suitable voltages for driving laser sources 114 - 0 , 114 - 1 ,
FIG . 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary hybrid 114 -2 to 114 - N , respectively . The laser sources 114 -0 , 114 - 1,
electrical- optical data communications cable in accordance 114 - 2 to 114 -N , in turn , generate optical signals based on the
with an aspect of the disclosure . 25 drive voltages, the optical signals being coupled to the
FIG . 2 illustrates a diagram of another exemplary hybrid optical fibers 142- 0 , 142 - 1 , 142 - 2 to 142 - N for transmission
electrical-optical data communications cable in accordance to the output connector 170 , respectively.
with another aspect of the disclosure. The input connector 110 also includes components for
FIG . 3 illustrates a diagram of another exemplary hybrid configuring the low speed electrical signals CO , C1, and
electrical- optical data communications cable in accordance 30 CLK received from the high speed data source for trans
with another aspect of the disclosure. mission to the output connector 170 by way of electrically
FIGS. 4A -4B illustrate diagrams of yet other exemplary conductive wires 150 - 0 , 150 - 1 , and 150 -CLK , respectively .
hybrid electrical- optical data communication cables in Additionally , the input connector 110 includes components
accordance with another aspect of the disclosure . for receiving low speed electrical signals CO, C1, and CLK
FIGS. 5A -5B illustrate diagrams of still other exemplary 35 from the output connector 170 by way of respective wires
hybrid electrical- optical data communication cables in 150 - 0 , 150 - 1 , and 150 -CLK , and providing the low speed
accordance with another aspect of the disclosure . electrical signals to the source of high speed data .
FIGS. 6A -6B illustrate diagrams of exemplary hybrid In this regards, the input connector 110 comprises input/
electrical- optical data communications cables used for trans -output (I/ O ) arbiters 120 - 0 , 120 - 1 , and 120 -CLK , pre - signal
mitting HDMI compliant signals in accordance with another 40 conditioners 122-0 , 122 - 1 , and 122-CLK ,bus arbiters 124 -0 ,
aspect of the disclosure . 124 - 1, and 124 - CLK , and post-signal conditioners 126 -0 ,
FIGS. 7A -7B illustrate diagrams of exemplary hybrid 126 - 1, and 126 -CLK . The I/O arbiters 120 -0 , 120 - 1 , and
electrical- optical data communications cables used for trans 120 -CLK arbitrate between low speed signals being
mitting DisplayPort compliant signals in accordance with received from the high speed data source via connector
another aspect of the disclosure . 45 interface ( e . g , pins) for CO , C1, and CLK , and low speed
FIGS. 8A - 8B illustrate diagrams of exemplary hybrid signals being transmitted to the high speed data source via
electrical-optical data communications cables used for trans the same connector interface for CO, C1, and CLK .
mitting DVI compliant signals in accordance with another The pre-signal conditioners 122- 0 , 122 - 1 , and 122 -CLK
aspect of the disclosure . condition the low speed electrical signals CO , C1, and CLK
50 received from the I/ O arbiters 120 -0 , 120 - 1 , and 120 -CLK
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE for transmissions via the wires 150 - 0 , 150 - 1 , and 150 -CLK ,
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS respectively . Because of the communications cable 100 may
be used for transmitting signals for long distances , the wires
FIG . 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary hybrid 150 - 0 , 150 - 1 , and 150 -CLK may exhibit high capacitance
electrical-optical data communications cable 100 in accor- 55 and resistive loss that may have adverse effects on the low
dance with an aspect of the disclosure . The communications speed electrical signals . Accordingly , the pre - signal condi
cable 100 comprises an input connector 110 , a cable housing tioners 122 - 0 , 122 - 1 , and 122 -CLK apply pre - conditioning
140, and an output connector 170 . The input connector 110 to the low speed electrical signals CO, C1, and CLK to
is configured to connect with a corresponding connector of compensate for the adverse effects associated with the high
a source of high speed data . The high speed data may be 60 capacitance and resistive loss of the wires 150 -0 , 150 -1 , and
multimedia data , such as audio , video , and associated clock . 150 -CLK , respectively . Examples of pre - conditioning may
Examples of sources of high speed data include a digital include any one or more of the following: amplifying the
video recorder (DVR ), an optical disc player, a multimedia signals , and pre -emphasizing the signals (e . g ., providing
distribution facility , and others . faster transitions (rise or fall times )).
The high speed data are in the form of electrical digital 65 The bus arbiters 124 -0 , 124 - 1, and 124 -CLK arbitrate
signals. As an example , the high speed data may be config - between low speed signals CO, C1, and CLK being trans
ured as transition -minimized differential signaling ( TMDS). mitted to the output connector 170 by way of the wires
 US 9,979 ,479 B2
150 - 0, 150- 1 , and 150 - CLK , and low speed signals CO, C1, 170 . Additionally , the output connector 170 includes com
and CLK being received from the output connector 170 via ponents for receiving low speed electrical signals CO , C1,
the wires 150 - 0 , 150- 1, and 150 - CLK , respectively . and CLK from the sink of the high speed data, and provide
The post- signal conditioners 126 - 0 , 126 - 1 , and 126 -CLK the signals to the wires 150 - 0 , 150 - 1 , and 150 -CLK for
condition the low speed electrical signals CO, C1, and CLK 5 transmission to the input connector 110 , and ultimately , to
received from the bus arbiters 124 -0 , 124 - 1, and 124 -CLK the source of the high speed data connected to the input
for transmissions to the source of high speed data via the I/ O connector.
arbiters 120 - 0 , 120- 1 , and 120 -CLK , respectively . Similarly, In this regards, the output connector 170 includes com
the post- signal conditioners 126 - 0 , 126 - 1 , and 126 -CLK ponents substantially the same or similar to that of input
apply post - conditioning to the low speed electrical signals 10 connector 110 for processing the low speed electrical sig
CO , C1, and CLK to compensate for the adverse effects nals . In particular, the output connector 170 comprises bus
associated with the high capacitance and resistive loss of the arbiters 180 - 0 , 180 - 1, and 180 -CLK , post -signal condition
wires 150 -0 , 150 - 1, and 150-CLK , respectively. Examples e rs 182-0 , 182 -1 , and 182 -CLK , I/O arbiters 184 - 0, 184 - 1,
of post- conditioning may include any one or more of the and 184 -CLK , and pre - signal conditioners 186 - 0 , 186 - 1 , and
following: amplification of the signals to account for the 15 186 -CLK .
resistive loss of the wires, buffering the signals to account The bus arbiters 180 -0 , 180 - 1 , and 180 -CLK arbitrate
for the capacitive load of the wires, and equalizing the between low speed data CO , C1, and CLK being received
signals to negate the effects of the wire capacitance. from the input connector 110 by way of wires 150 -0 , 150 - 1,
The cable housing 140 is configured to protectively and 150 -CLK , and low speed data CO , C1, and CLK for
enclose the optical fibers 142 - 0 to 142- N and the wires 150 - 0 20 transmission to the input connector 110 via the wires 150 -0 ,
to 150 -CLK . Accordingly , the cable housing 140 protects the 150 - 1 , and 150 -CLK , respectively . The post -signal condi
optical fibers and wires against damage due to handling , tioners 182- 0 , 182 - 1 , and 182 -CLK condition the low speed
transportation , installation , environmental effects , and gen - electrical signals CO, C1, and CLK received from the bus
eral use of the communications cable 100 . The cable housing arbiters 180 - 0 , 180 - 1 , and 180 - CLK for transmissions to the
140 may be made of suitable resilient or bendable material 25 sink of high speed data , respectively . The post-signal con
useful for routing the communications cable 100 . ditioners 182 -0 , 182 -1 , and 182 - CLK may perform any one
The output connector 170 includes components config - or more of: signal amplification , buffering, and equalization
ured to convert the optical signals received by way of the to counter the capacitance and resistive effects on the signals
optical fibers 140 - 0 to 142 - N back to the high speed elec - introduced by the wires 150 - 0 , 150 - 1 , and 150 - CLK , respec
trical signals D0 + /D0 - to DN + /DN , for providing them to 30 tively .
a sink of the high speed data connected to the output The I/ O arbiters 184- 0 , 184 - 1 , and 184 -CLK arbitrate
connector 170 . In this regards, the output connector 170 between low speed data being received from the high speed
comprises optical signal conditioners 172 - 0 , 172 - 1 , 172 - 2 to data sink via connector interface ( e . g , pins ) for CO , C1, and
172- N to condition the optical signals received by way of the CLK , and low speed data being transmitted to the high speed
optical fibers 140 - 0 , 140 - 1 , 140 - 2 to 142 - N for efficient 35 data sink via connector interface for CO, C1, and CLK . The
coupling to photo detectors 174 - 0 , 174 - 1 , 174 - 2 to 174 -N , pre -signal conditioners 186 - 0 , 186 - 1 , and 186 - CLK condi
respectively . For instance , the optical conditioners 172 -0 to tion the low speed electrical signals CO, C1, and CLK
172- N may include lenses and / or other optical components received from the I/ O arbiters 184 - 0 , 184 - 1, and 184 -CLK
configured to direct substantially all of the optical signals to for transmission to the input connector 110 via wires 150 -0 ,
substantially the most sensitive region of the photo detectors 40 150 - 1 , and 150 - CLK , respectively . The pre - signal condition
174- 0 to 174 - N , respectively. The photo detectors 174 - 0 to ers 186 - 0 , 186 - 1 , and 186 -CLK may perform any one or
174- N convert the received optical signals into electrical more of: signal amplification and pre - emphasizing to coun
signals . ter the capacitance and resistive effects on the signals that
The output connector 170 further includes electrical sig - may be introduced by the wires 150- 0 , 150 - 1 , and 150 -CLK ,
nal conditioners 176 -0 , 176 - 1, 176 - 2 to 176 - N configured to 45 respectively .
apply signal conditioning to the electrical signals generated In such configuration , the hybrid electrical- optical com
by the photo detectors 174 -0 , 174 - 1 , 174 - 2 to 174 - N , respec - munications cable 100 is suitable for longer transmission
tively . In general, the signal conditioners 176 -0 to 176 - N are distances. The optical fiber medium of the cable introduces
configured to generate the high speed electrical signals less losses and adverse effects on the high speed signals than
D0 + /D0 - to DN + /DN , from the electrical signals generated 50 would otherwise be introduced by wireline alternative . Also ,
by the photo detectors 174 - 0 to 174 - N , respectively . That is, the optical fiber medium is capable of greater bandwidth ,
the high speed electrical signals D0 + /DC - to DN + /DN and thus , higher data rates and more signal channels . Addi
generated by the signal conditioners 176 - 0 to 176 -N should tionally , the use of the optical fiber medium better protects
be substantially the same as the high speed electrical signals the signals against electromagnetic interference , and allows
DO + /D0 - to DN + /DN , received by the input connector 110 , 55 the cable to be lighter to facilitate handling , transportation ,
or least compliant with an associated signal protocol. In this installation , and use . Finally , regarding the low speed sig
regards, the signal conditioners 176 -0 to 176 -N may convert nals , the communications cable 100 includes pre - and post
the electrical signals from the photo detectors 174 - 0 to signal conditioners to compensate for capacitance and resis
174 - N into differential signals , such as TMDS. Additionally, tive effects on the signals introduced by the wires . This again
the signal conditioners 176 -0 to 176 - N may amplify and /or 60 allows the communications cable 100 to be used in longer
filter the signals to bring the signals to appropriate levels and transmission distance applications. The following provide a
reduce unwanted noise from the signals discussion of examples of variants of communications cable
The output connector 170 also includes components for 100 .
receiving low speed electrical signals CO , C1, and CLK from FIG . 2 illustrates a diagram of another exemplary hybrid
the input connector 110 by way of wires 150 - 0 , 150 - 1, and 65 electrical-optical data communications cable 200 in accor
150 - CLK , and providing the signals CO , C1, and CLK to the dance with another aspect of the disclosure . The communi
sink of the high speed data connected to the output connector cations cable 200 is similar to that of communications cable
 US 9 ,979,479 B2
100, including many of the same or similar elements, as bi- directional low speed electrical signals CO, C1 and CLK
indicated by the same reference numbers , but using a “ 2 ” as transmitted between the input and output connectors 210 and
the most significant digit rather than a “ 1” . The communi 270 via the wires 250 -0 , 250- 1 , and 250- CLK . For instance,
cations cable 200 differs from communications cable 100 in the output connector 270 comprises bus arbiters 280 - 0 ,
that it has an input connector comprising a multiplexer for 5 280 - 1 , and 280 -CLK , post- signal conditioners 282- 0 , 282 - 1 ,
multiplexing high speed electrical data signals onto a single and 282-CLK , I/O arbiters 284 -0 , 284 - 1 , and 284 -CLK , and
optical fiber, and an output connector comprising a de pre - signal conditioners 286 - 0 , 286 - 1 , and 286 - CLK . The
multiplexer for de -multiplexing the high speed electrical detail discussion of these elements has been previously
data signals from the single optical fiber. provided with reference to communications cable 100 .
In particular, the optical communications cable 200 com - 10 FIG . 3 illustrates a diagram of another exemplary hybrid
prises an input connector 210 for connecting to a high speed electrical- optical data communications cable in accordance
data source , a cable housing 240 for enclosing the various with another aspect of the disclosure . The communications
transmission mediums of the cable , and an output connector cable 300 is similar to that of communications cable 200 (as
270 for connecting to a high speed data sink . well as cable 100 ), including many of the same or similar
The input connector 210 , in turn , comprises signal con - 15 elements , as indicated by the same reference numbers , but
ditioners 212 - 0 , 212 - 1 , 212 - 2 to 212 - N for applying signal using a “ 3 ” as the most significant digit rather than a “ 2 ” .
conditioning to the high speed data D0 + /DO - , D1 + /D1- , The communications cable 300 differs from communica
D2+ /D2- to DN +/DN - received from the source of high tions cable 200 in that it includes an input connector
speed data . The input connector 210 further includes a comprising a plurality of multiplexers for multiplexing
multiplexer 214 to multiplex the conditioned signals from 20 respective portions of high speed data components onto a
the signal conditioners 212 - 0 to 212 - N . Additionally , the plurality of optical fibers , and an output connector compris
input connector 210 comprises a laser source 216 for gen - ing a plurality of de -multiplexers for de -multiplexing the
erating an optical signal based on the multiplexed signal respective multiplexed portions of the high speed data
generated by the multiplexer 214 . The optical signal is components from the optical fibers.
transmitted to the output connector 270 by way of optical 25 In particular, the optical communications cable 300 com
fiber 242 housed in cable housing 240 . prises an input connector 310 for connecting to a high speed
The input connector 210 of communications cable 200 data source , a cable housing 340 for enclosing the various
includes substantially the same elements as the input con transmission mediums of the cable 300, and an output
nector 110 of communications cable 100 for processing connector 370 for connecting to a high speed data sink .
bi-directional low speed electrical signals CO, C1 and CLK 30 The input connector 310 , in turn , comprises signal con
transmitted between the input and output connectors 210 and ditioners 312 - 0 , 312 - 1 , 312 - 2 , 312 - 3 to 312 - N for applying
270 via wires 250 -0 , 250 - 1 , and 250 -CLK housed in the signal conditioning to the high speed data D0 + /DO - , D1+ /
cable housing 240. For instance , the input connector 210 D1 -, D2 + /D2 - , D3+ /D3 - to DN + /DN , received from the
comprises I/O arbiters 220 - 0 , 220 -1 , and 220 -CLK , pre - source of high speed data . The input connector 310 further
signal conditioners 222- 0 , 222 - 1 , and 222-CLK , bus arbiters 35 includes a plurality of multiplexers 314 - 1 , 314 - 2 to 314 - M
224 - 0 , 224 - 1 , and 224 -CLK , and post- signal conditioners to multiplex respective portions D0 + /DO- and D1+ /D1 - ,
226 - 0, 226 -1 , and 226 -CLK . The detail discussion of these D2 + /D2 -, D3 + /D3 -, to DN - 1 + DN - 1 - and DN + /DN - of
elements has been previously provided with reference to the conditioned signals from the signal conditioners 312 - 0 to
communications cable 100 . 312 - N . Additionally , the input connector 310 comprises a
The output connector 270 , in turn , comprises optical 40 plurality of laser sources 316 -1 , 316 - 2, to 316 -M for gen
signal conditioner 272 , photo detector 274 , de-multiplexer erating respective optical signals based on the multiplexed
275 , and electrical signal conditioners 276 - 0 , 276 - 1, 276 - 2 , signals generated by themultiplexer 314 - 1, 314 - 2 to 314 - M ,
and 276 - N . The optical signal conditioner 272 receives the respectively . The optical signals are transmitted to the output
optical signal from the optical fiber 242 , and conditions the connector 370 by way of optical fiber 342 - 1 to 342 - M
optical signal for efficient detection by the photo detector 45 housed in cable housing 340 , respectively . Although , in this
274 , as discussed with reference to optical signal condition - example , each of the multiplexers 314 - 1 , 314 - 2 to 314 - M
ers 172 - 0 to 172 - N of communications cable 100 . The photo multiplexes two sets of differential signals , it shall be
detector 274 generates an electrical signal based on the understood that any of the multiplexers may multiplex more
conditioned optical signal from the optical signal condi- than two sets of differential signals .
tioner 272 . 50 The input connector 310 of communications cable 300
The de -multiplexer 275 de-multiplexes the multiplexed includes substantially the same elements as the input con
high speed data components from the electrical signal gen - nector 110 of communications cable 100 for processing
erated by the photo detector 274, and provides the signals to bi- directional low speed electrical signals CO , C1 and CLK
the signal conditioners 276 - 0 to 276 - N , respectively. The transmitted between the input and output connectors 310 and
signal conditioners 276 -0 to 276 - N apply the appropriate 55 370 via wires 350 - 0 , 350 - 1 , and 350 -CLK housed in cable
signal conditioners to generate the respective high speed housing 340. For instance , the input connector 310 com
data D0 + /DO - to DN + /DN - , as per signal conditioners prises I/ O arbiters 320 -0 , 320 - 1 , and 320-CLK , pre -signal
176 -0 to 176 -N of communications cable 100 previously conditioners 322 -0 , 322- 1, and 322 -CLK , bus arbiters 324 -0 ,
discussed . That is , the signal conditioners 276 - 0 to 276 - N 324 - 1 , and 324 - CLK , and post -signal conditioners 326 - 0 ,
apply signal conditioning so that the generated high speed 60 326 - 1 , and 326 -CLK . The detail discussion of these ele
data D0 + /DO - to DN + /DN , is substantially the same as the ments has been previously provided with reference to com
high speed data D0 + /DO - to DN + /DN - received by the munications cable 100 .
input connector 210 , or at least compliant with an associated The output connector 370 , in turn , comprises optical
protocol. signal conditioners 372 - 1 , 372 - 2 , to 372 - M , photo detectors
The output connector 270 of communications cable 200 65 374 - 1, 374 - 2 , to 374 - M , de -multiplexer 375 - 1 , 375 - 2 , to
includes substantially the same elements as the output 375 -M , and electrical signal conditioners 376 -0 , 376 - 1 ,
connector 170 of communications cable 100 for processing 376 - 2 , 376 - 3 to 376 - N . The optical signal conditioners
 US 9, 979,479 B2
10
372 - 1, 372 -2 , to 372 -M receive the optical signals from lar, the communications cable 450 comprises an input
optical fibers 342- 1 , 342 - 2 , to 342- M , and conditions the connector 455 for connection to a source of high speed data ,
optical signals for efficient detection by the photo detectors a cable housing 465 for protectively enclosing transmission
374- 1, 374 -2 , to 374 - M , as discussed with reference to mediums of the cable , and an output connector 470 for
optical signal conditioners 172 - 0 to 172 - N of communica - 5 connection to a sink of the high speed data .
tions cable 100 . The photo detectors 374 - 1 , 374 - 2 , to 374 - M The input connector 455 , in turn , comprises an integrated
generate electrical signals based on the conditioned optical circuit 462 for processing high speed data D0 + /DO - to
signals from the optical signal conditioner 372 -1 , 372-2 , to DN + /DN , for transmission to the output connector 470 via
372- M , respectively. one or more optical fibers 467- 1 to 467- P , as per the previous
The de-multiplexers 375 -1 , 375 - 2, to 375 -M de-multiplex 10 embodiments . The input connector 455 further comprises
the multiplexed high speed data components from the elec - another integrated circuit 464 for processing bi- directional
trical signals generated by the photo detector 374 - 1, 374 -2 , low speed data C0 to CL transmitted between the input and
to 374 -M , and provide the signals to the signal conditioner output connectors 455 and 470 via one or more wires 469- 1
pairs 376 - 0 and 376 - 1, 376 -2 and 376 - 3 , to 376 - N - 1 and to 469- Q , as per the previous embodiments . The integrated
376 - N , respectively. The signal conditioners 376 -0 to 376 -N 15 circuits 462 and 464 may be disposed on a single substrate
apply the appropriate signal conditioning to generate the 460.
respective high speed data D0 + /DO - to DN + /DN - , as per Similarly, the output connector 470 comprises an inte
signal conditioners 176 - 0 to 176 - N of communications cable grated circuit 477 for processing high speed data D0 + /DO
100 previously discussed . That is, the signal conditioners to DN + /DN , received from the input connector 455 via the
376 - 0 to 376 - N apply the signal conditioning so that the 20 one ormore optical fibers 467- 1 to 467-P , as per the previous
generated high speed data D0 + /DO - to DN + /DN , is sub - embodiments . The output connector 470 further comprises
stantially the same as the high speed data D0 + /DO - to another integrated circuit 479 for processing bi- directional
DN + /DN , received by the input connector 310 , or at least low speed data C0 to CL transmitted between the input and
compliant with an associated protocol. output connectors 455 and 470 via the one or more wires
The output connector 370 of communications cable 300 25 469 - 1 to 469 - Q , as per the previous embodiments. The
includes substantially the same elements as the output integrated circuits 477 and 479 may be disposed on a single
connector 170 of communications cable 100 for processing substrate 475 .
bi- directional low speed data CO, C1 and CLK transmitted FIG . 5A illustrates a diagram of another exemplary hybrid
between the input and output connectors 310 and 370 via the electrical-optical data communications cable 500 in accor
wires 350 - 0 , 350 - 1 , and 350 -CLK . For instance , the output 30 dance with another aspect of the disclosure . In summary, the
connector 370 comprises bus arbiters 380 - 0 , 380 - 1 , and communications cable 500 includes separate housings, apart
380 -CLK , post-signal conditioners 382 -0, 382 - 1, and 382 - from input and output connectors , for housing respective
CLK , I/ O arbiters 384 - 0 , 384 - 1 , and 384 -CLK , and pre - integrated circuits for processing both high speed and low
signal conditioners 386 -0 , 386 - 1 , and 386 -CLK . The detail speed data . In particular, the communications cable 500
discussion of these elements has been previously provided 35 comprises an input connector 502 for connection to a source
with reference to communications cable 100 . of high speed data , an input housing 505 for housing an
FIG . 4A illustrates a diagram of another exemplary hybrid integrated circuit 510 , a cable housing 515 for protectively
electrical- optical data communications cable 400 in accor - enclosing transmission mediums of the cable , an output
dance with another aspect of the disclosure . In summary, the housing 520 forhousing another integrated circuit 525 , and
communications cable 400 includes respective integrated 40 an output connector 527 for connection to a sink of the high
circuits at the input and output connectors for processing speed data .
both high speed and low speed data . In particular, the As mentioned , the input housing 505 comprises a single
communications cable 400 comprises an input connector integrated circuit 510 for processing the high speed data
405 for connection to a source of high speed data , a cable D0 + /D0 - to DN + /DN , for transmission to the output con
housing 415 for protectively enclosing transmission medi- 45 nector 527 via one or more optical fibers 517 - 1 to 517 - P, and
ums of the cable , and an output connector 425 for connec - processing bi- directional low speed data CO to CL transmit
tion to a sink of the high speed data . ted between the connectors 502 and 527 via one or more
The input connector 405 , in turn , comprises a single wires 517 - 1 to 517 - Q , per the previous embodiments. Simi
integrated circuit 410 for processing the high speed data larly , the output housing 520 comprises a single integrated
D0 + /D0 - to DN + /DN - for transmission to the output con - 50 circuit 525 for processing the high speed data D0 + /D0 - to
nector 420 via one or more optical fibers 417 - 1 to 417 - P , and DN + /DN - received from the input connector 502 via the one
processing bi-directional low speed data CO to CL transmit- or more optical fibers 517 - 1 to 517 - P , and processing bi
ted via one or more wires 417 - 1 to 417 - Q , as discussed with directional low speed data CO to CL transmitted between the
reference to communications cables 100 , 200 and 300 . connectors 502 and 527 via one or more wires 519 - 1 to
Similarly , the output connector 420 comprises a single 55 519 - Q , as per the previous embodiments .
integrated circuit 425 for processing the high speed data FIG . 5B illustrates a diagram of another exemplary hybrid
DO + /DO - to DN + /DN , received from the input connector electrical -optical data communications cable 550 in accor
405 via the one or more optical fibers 417 - 1 to 417- P, and dance with another aspect of the disclosure . In summary , the
processing bi- directional low speed data C0 to CL transmit- communications cable 550 includes separate housings, apart
ted via one ormore wires 417 - 1 to 417 - Q , as discussed with 60 from the input and output connectors, for each housing a pair
reference to communications cables 100 , 200 and 300 . of integrated circuits for processing high speed and low
FIG . 4B illustrates a diagram of another exemplary hybrid speed data, respectively. In particular, the communications
electrical-optical data communications cable 450 in accor cable 550 comprises an input connector 552 for connection
dance with another aspect of the disclosure . In summary , the to a source of high speed data , an input housing 555 for
communications cable 450 includes separate integrated cir- 65 housing integrated circuits 562 and 564, a cable housing 565
cuits in each of the input and output connectors for process for protectively enclosing transmission mediums of the
ing high speed and low speed data , respectively. In particu cable, an output housing 570 for housing integrated circuits
 US 9 ,979,479 B2
11
577 and 579 , and an output connector 577 for connection to FIG . 6B illustrates a diagram of another exemplary hybrid
a sink of the high speed data . electrical- optical data communications cable 690 configured
Asmentioned , the input housing 555 comprises integrated for transmitting HDMI compliant signals in accordance with
circuit 562 for processing high speed data D0 + /D0 - to another aspect of the disclosure . In summary, the commu
DN + /DN , for transmission to the output connector 577 via 5 nications cable 690 is configured generally like communi
one ormore optical fibers 567 -1 to 567-P, as per the previous cations cable 200 , but specifically to transmit HDMI com
embodiments . The input housing 555 further comprises pliant signals between an HDMI data source and an HDMI
another integrated circuit 564 for processing bi-directional data sink . In particular, the communications cable 690
low speed data C0 to CL transmitted between the connectors comprises an input connector 610 for connection to an
552 and 577 via one or more wires 569- 1 to 569 - Q , as per 1 HDMI data source , a cable housing 640 for protectively
the previous embodiments . The integrated circuits 562 and enclosing the transmission mediums of the cable , and an
564 may be disposed on a single substrate 560 . output connector 670 for connection to an HDMI data sink .
Similarly, the output housing 570 comprises an integrated The input connector 610 comprises signal conditioners
circuit 577 for processing high speed data D0 + /DO - to 16 612 - 0 , 612 - 1 , 612 - 2 , and 612 - 3 , multiplexer 614 , and laser
DN + /DN , received from the input connector 552 via the one source 616 for converting HDMI TMDS channel data D0 + /
or more optical fibers 567- 1 to 567 -P , as per the previous DO -, D1 + /D1 -, D2+ /D2 - , and D3 + /D3 , received from the
embodiments. The output connector 570 further comprises HDMI data source into a multiplexed optical signal for
another integrated circuit 579 for processing bi-directional transmission to the output connector 670 by way of optical
low speed data C0 to CL transmitted between the connectors 20 fiber 642 . The input connector 610 also comprises I/ O
552 and 577 via the one or more wires 569 -1 to 569 - Q , as arbiters 620 -SDA , 620 -SCL , and 620 -CEC , pre -signal con
per the previous embodiments. The integrated circuits 577 ditioners 622 -SDA , 622 -SCL , and 622 -CEC , bus arbiters
and 579 may be disposed on a single substrate 575 . 624 -SDA , 624 - SCL , and 624 - CEC , and post-signal condi
FIG . 6A illustrates a diagram of an exemplary hybrid tioners 626 -SDA , 626 - SCL , and 626 -CEC for processing
electrical- optical data communications cable 600 configured 25 bi- directional SDA , SCL , and CEC signals transmitted
for transmitting HDMI compliant signals in accordance with between the input and output connectors 610 and 670 via
another aspect of the disclosure . In summary , the commu- wires 650 -SDA , 650 - SCL , and 650- CEC , respectively .
nications cable 600 is configured generally like communi- The output connector 670 comprises optical signal con
cations cable 100 , but specifically to transmit HDMI com - ditioner 672 , photo detector 674 , de -multiplexer 675 , and
pliant signals between an HDMI data source and an HDMI 30 electrical signal conditioners 676 - 0 , 676 - 1 , 676 - 2 , and 676 - 3
data sink . In particular, the communications cable 600 for converting the multiplexed optical signal received from
comprises an input connector 610 for connection to an the input connector 670 via the optical fiber 642 into HDMI
HDMI data source , a cable housing 640 for protectively TMDS channel data D0 + /DO - , D1 + /D1 - , D2+ /D2 - , and
enclosing the transmission mediums of the cable, and an D3 + /D3 , for transmission to the HDMI data sink , respec
output connector 670 for connection to an HDMI data sink . 35 tively . The output connector 670 also comprises bus arbiters
The input connector 610 comprises signal conditioners 680 -SDA , 680 - SCL , and 680 -CEC , post -signal conditioners
612 - 0 , 612 - 1 , 612 - 2 , and 612 - 3 and laser sources 614 - 0 , 682 - SDA , 682 - SCL , and 682 - CEC , I/ O arbiters 684 - SDA ,
614 - 1, 614 - 2, and 614 - 3 for converting HDMI TMDS chan 684 - SCL , and 684-CEC , and pre - signal conditioners 686
nel data D0 + /DO -, D1+ /D1- , D2 + /D2 - , and D3 + /D3 - SDA , 686 - SCL , and 686 - CEC for processing bi- directional
received from the HDMIdata source into optical signals for 40 SDA , SCL , and CEC signals transmitted between the input
transmission to the output connector 670 by way of optical and output connectors 610 and 670 via wires 650 -SDA ,
fibers 642 -0 , 642 - 1 , 642 -2 , and 642 -3 , respectively . The 650 -SCL , and 650 -CEC , respectively.
input connector 610 also comprises I/ O arbiters 620 -SDA , FIG . 7A illustrates a diagram of exemplary hybrid elec
620- SCL , and 620 -CEC , pre -signal conditioners 622-SDA , trical -optical data communications cable 700 configured for
622 - SCL , and 622 -CEC , bus arbiters 624 - SDA, 624 -SCL , 45 transmitting DisplayPort compliant signals in accordance
and 624 -CEC , and post- signal conditioners 626 -SDA , 626 - with another aspect of the disclosure . In summary , the
SCL , and 626 -CEC for processing bi- directional Serial Data communications cable 700 is configured generally like com
(SDA ), Serial Clock (SCL ), and Consumer Electronics munications cable 100 , but specifically to transmit Display
Control (CEC ) signals transmitted between the input and Port compliant signals between a DisplayPort data source
output connectors 610 and 670 via wires 650 - SDA , 650 - 50 and a DisplayPort data sink . In particular, the communica
SCL , and 650 -CEC , respectively . tions cable 700 comprises an input connector 710 for
The output connector 670 comprises optical signal con - connection to a DisplayPort data source , a cable housing 740
ditioners 672 - 0 , 672 - 1, 672 - 2 , and 672 - 3 , photo detectors for protectively enclosing the transmission mediums of the
674 -0 , 674- 1 , 674 -2 , and 674 - 3 , and electrical signal con - cable , and an output connector 770 for connection to a
ditioners 676 -0 , 676 - 1 , 676 -2 , and 676 - 3 for converting the 55 DisplayPort data sink.
optical signals received from the input connector 610 via the The input connector 710 comprises signal conditioners
optical fibers 642 -0 , 642- 1, 642- 2, and 642 -3 into HDMI 712 - 0, 712 -1 , 712 -2 , and 712 -3 and laser sources 714 -0 ,
TMDS channel data D0+ /DO- , D1+ /D1 -, D2+ /D2– , and 714 - 1, 714 -2 , and 714 -3 for converting DisplayPort TMDS
D3 + /D3 , for transmission to the HDMI data sink , respec - channel data D0 + /DO - , D1 + /D1 - , D2 + /D2 - , and D3 + /D3
tively . The output connector 670 also comprises bus arbiters 60 received from the DisplayPort data source into optical
680 - SDA , 680 -SCL , and 680 -CEC , post- signal conditioners signals for transmission to the output connector 770 by way
682- SDA , 682 - SCL , and 682 -CEC , 1/0 arbiters 684 -SDA , of optical fibers 742 - 0 , 742- 1, 742 - 2 , and 742 - 3 , respec
684 - SCL , and 684-CEC , and pre -signal conditioners 686 - tively. The input connector 710 also comprises I/ O arbiters
SDA , 686 -SCL , and 686 -CEC for processing bi -directional 720 - AUX + and 720 - AUX - , pre - signal conditioners 722
SDA , SCL , and CEC signals transmitted between the input 65 AUX + and 722 -AUX - , bus arbiters 724 - AUX + and 724
and output connectors 610 and 670 via wires 650 -SDA , AUX - , and post-signal conditioners 726 -AUX + and 726
650 - SCL , and 650 - CEC , respectively. AUX - for processing bi- directional signals AUX + and
 US 9, 979,479 B2
13 14
AUX - transmitted between the input and output connectors signals between a DVI data source and a DVI data sink . In
710 and 770 via wires 750 - AUX + and 750 -AUX -, respec - particular, the communications cable 800 comprises an input
tively. connector 810 for connection to a DVI data source, a cable
The output connector 770 comprises optical signal con housing 840 for protectively enclosing the transmission
ditioners 772 -0 , 772 - 1, 772 -2 , and 772 - 3, photo detectors 5 mediums of the cable, and an output connector 870 for
774- 0 , 774 - 1 , 774 - 2 , and 774 - 3 , and electrical signal con connection to a DVI data sink .
ditioners 776 -0 , 776 - 1 , 776 -2 , and 776 - 3 for converting the The input connector 810 comprises signal conditioners
optical signals received from the input connector 710 via the 812 -0 , 812 - 1, 812 -2 , 812 -3 , 812 -4 , 812 - 5 , and 812 -6 and
optical fibers 742 -0 , 742 -1 , 742- 2 , and 742 - 3 into Display - laser sources 814 -0 , 814 - 1 , 814 -2 , 814 - 3 , 814 -4 , 814 -5 , and
Port TMDS channel data D0 + /DO - , D1+ /D1- , D2 + /D2- , 10 814 -6 for converting DVI TMDS channel data D0 + /DO- ,
and D3 + /D3 , for transmission to the DisplayPort data sink , D1 + /D1 - , D2 + /D2 - , D3 + /D3 - , D4 + /D4 -, D5 + /D5 - , and
respectively . The output connector 770 also comprises bus D6 + /D6 , received from the DVI data source into optical
arbiters 780 -AUX + and 780 -AUX - , post -signal condition signals for transmission to the output connector 870 by way
ers 782 - AUX + and 782 -AUX - , I/O arbiters 784 - AUX + and of optical fibers 842 -0 , 842 - 1 , 842- 2 , 842 - 3 , 842 - 4 , 842 -5 ,
784 -AUX -, and pre -signal conditioners 786 -AUX + and 15 and 842 -6 , respectively . The input connector 810 also com
786 -AUX - for processing bi-directional AUX + and AUX prises I/O arbiters 820 -DDC DATA and 820 -DDC CLK ,
signals transmitted between the input and output connectors pre -signal conditioners 822 -DDC DATA and 822-DDC
710 and 770 via wires 750 -AUX + and 750 -AUX -, respec CLK , bus arbiters 824 -DDC DATA and 824 -DDC CLK , and
tively . post - signal conditioners 826 -DDC DATA and 826 -DDC
FIG . 7B illustrates a diagram of another exemplary hybrid 20 CLK for processing bi- directional display data channel
electrical-optical data communications cable 790 configured (DDC DATA ) and display data clock (DDC CLK ) signals
for transmitting DisplayPort compliant signals in accor - transmitted between the input and output connectors 810 and
dance with another aspect of the disclosure. In summary, the 870 via wires 850 -DDC DATA and 850 -DDC CLK , respec
communications cable 790 is configured generally like com - tively .
munications cable 200 , but specifically to transmit Display - 25 The output connector 870 comprises optical signal con
Port compliant signals between a DisplayPort data source ditioners 872 -0 , 872 - 1 , 872 - 2 , 872 - 3 , 872 - 4 , 872 -5 , and
and a DisplayPort data sink . In particular, the communica - 872 -6 , photo detectors 874 -0 , 874 - 1 , 874 - 2 , 874 -3 , 874 -4 ,
tions cable 790 comprises an input connector 710 for 874 -5 , and 874 -6 , and electrical signal conditioners 876 - 0 ,
connection to a DisplayPort data source , a cable housing 740 876 - 1, 876 - 2 , 876 - 3 , 876 - 4 , 876 -5 , and 876 -6 for converting
for protectively enclosing the transmission mediums of the 30 the optical signals received from the input connector 810 via
cable , and an output connector 770 for connection to a the optical fibers 842 -0 , 842- 1 , 842 -2 , 842 - 4 , 842 -4 , 842 -5 ,
DisplayPort data sink . and 842 - 6 into DVI TMDS channel data D0 + /DO - , D1 + /
The input connector 710 comprises signal conditioners D1 -, D2 + /D2 - , D3 + /D3 -, D4 + /D4 - , D5 + /D5 -, and D6 + /
712- 0 , 712 - 1, 712- 2 , and 712 - 3 , multiplexer 714 , and laser D6 , for transmission to the DVI data sink , respectively . The
source 716 for converting DisplayPort TMDS channel data 35 output connector 870 also comprises bus arbiters 880 -DDC
DO + /DO - , D1 + /D1- , D2 + /D2 - , and D3+ /D3, received from DATA and 880 -DDC CLK , post -signal conditioners 882
the DisplayPort data source into a multiplexed optical signal DDC DATA and 882- DDC CLK , I/O arbiters 884 -DDC
for transmission to the output connector 770 by way of DATA and 884 -DDC CLK , and pre -signal conditioners
optical fiber 742 . The input connector 710 also comprises 886 -DDC DATA and 886 -DDC CLK for processing bi
I/ O arbiters 720 - AUX + and 720 - AUX - , pre - signal condi- 40 directional signals DDC DATA and DDC CLK transmitted
tioners 722-AUX + and 722 -AUX -, bus arbiters 724 - AUX + between the input and output connectors 810 and 870 via
and 724 - AUX , and post- signal conditioners 726 - AUX + and wires 850 -DDC DATA and 850 -DDC CLK , respectively.
726 -AUX - for processing bi-directional AUX + and AUX FIG . 8B illustrates a diagram of exemplary hybrid elec
signals transmitted between the input and output connectors trical-optical data communications cable 890 configured for
710 and 770 via wires 750 - AUX + and 750 - AUX - , respec - 45 transmitting DVI compliant signals in accordance with
tively . another aspect of the disclosure . In summary , the commu
The output connector 770 comprises optical signal con nications cable 890 is configured generally like communi
ditioner 772 , photo detector 774 , de -multiplexer 775 , and cations cable 200 , butspecifically to transmit DVI compliant
electrical signal conditioners 776 - 0 , 776 - 1 , 776 - 2 , and 776 - 3 signals between a DVI data source and a DVI data sink . In
for converting themultiplexed optical signal received from 50 particular, the communications cable 890 comprises input
the input connector 710 via the optical fiber 742 into connector 810 for connection to a DVI data source, a cable
DisplayPort TMDS channel data D0 + /D0 -, D1 +/D1 -, D2+ housing 840 for protectively enclosing the transmission
D2 - and D3 + /D3 , for transmission to the DisplayPort data mediums of the cable, and an output connector 870 for
sink , respectively. The output connector 770 also comprises connection to a DVI data sink .
bus arbiters 780 -AUX + and 780 -AUX - , post- signal condi- 55 The input connector 810 comprises signal conditioners
tioners 782-AUX + and 782 - AUX - , I/O arbiters 784 -AUX + 812 -0 , 812 - 1, 812 -2 , 812 - 3 , 812 - 4 , 812-5 , and 812 -6 ,mul
and 784 -AUX - , and pre - signal conditioners 786 - AUX + and tiplexer 814 , and laser source 816 for converting DVI
786 -AUX - for processing bi-directional signals AUX + and TMDS channel data D0 + /DO - , D1 + /D1 -, D2+ /D2 - , D3 + /
AUX - transmitted between the input and output connectors D3 - , D4 + /D4 - , D5 + /D5 - , and D6 + /D6 , received from the
710 and 770 via wires 750 -AUX + and 750 - AUX - , respec - 60 DVI data source into a multiplexed optical signal for trans
tively. mission to the output connector 870 by way of optical fiber
FIG . 8A illustrates a diagram of exemplary hybrid elec - 842 . The input connector 810 also comprises I/ O arbiters
trical-optical data communications cable 800 configured for 820 -DDC DATA and 820 -DDC CLK , pre -signal condition
transmitting DVI compliant signals in accordance with ers 822- DDC DATA and 822 -DDC CLK , bus arbiters 824
another aspect of the disclosure . In summary , the commu - 65 DDC DATA and 824 -DDC CLK , and post-signal condition
nications cable 800 is configured generally like communi- ers 826 - DDC DATA and 826 -DDC CLK for processing
cations cable 100 , but specifically to transmit DVIcompliant bi-directional signals DDC DATA and DDC CLK transmit
 US 9 ,979,479 B2
15
ted between the input and output connectors 810 and 870 via compensates for adverse effects on the second set of
wires 850 -DDC DATA and 850-DDC CLK , respectively. electrical data signals introduced by the set of one or
The output connector 870 comprises optical signal con more electrical wires .
ditioner 872 , photo detector 874 , and electrical signal con 2 . The communications cable of claim 1 , wherein the first
ditioners 876 - 0 , 876 - 1 , 876 - 2 , 876 - 3 , 876 -4 , 876 -5 , and 5 signal conditioning comprises equalizing the second set of
876 -6 for converting the multiplexed optical signal received electrical data signals .
from the input connector 810 via the optical fiber 842 into 3 . The communications cable of claim 1, wherein the first
DVI TMDS channel data D0 + /DO -, D1 + /D1 -, D2 + /D2 -, electrical signal conditioning comprises amplifying the second set of
data signals .
D3 + /D3 - , D4 + /D4 -, D5 + /D5 - , and D6 + /D6 , for transmis 10 4 . The communications
sion to the DVI data sink , respectively. The output connector 10 signal conditioning comprises cable of claim 1 , wherein the first
870 also comprises bus arbiters 880 -DDC DATA and 880 buffering the second set of
electrical data signals.
DDC CLK , post -signal conditioners 882 -DDC DATA and 5 . The communications cable of claim 1, wherein the first
882-DDC CLK , I/ O arbiters 884 -DDC DATA and 884 -DDC signal conditioning comprises buffering or amplifying and
CLK , and pre -signal conditioners 886 -DDC DATA and 15 equalizing the second set of electrical data signals .
886 -DDC CLK for processing bi-directional signals DDC 6 . The communications cable of claim 1 , wherein the first
DATA and DDC CLK transmitted between the input and signal conditioning comprises buffering , amplifying and
output connectors 810 and 870 via wires 850 -DDC DATA equalizing the second set of electrical data signals.
and 850 -DDC CLK , respectively . 7 . The communications cable of claim 1, further com
While the invention has been described in connection 20 prising a fourth circuit situated within the output connector
with various embodiments, it will be understood that the or the output housing , wherein the fourth circuit is config
invention is capable of further modifications. This applica - ured to apply a second signal conditioning on the third set of
tion is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptation electrical data signals.
of the invention following, in general, the principles of the 8 . The communications cable of claim 7 , wherein the
invention , and including such departures from the present 25 second signal conditioning comprises pre -emphasizing the
disclosure as come within the known and customary practice third set of electrical data signals.
within the art to which the invention pertains. 9 . The communications cable of claim 7 , wherein the
second signal conditioning comprises amplifying the third
What is claimed is: set of electrical data signals .
1 . A communications cable, comprising: 30 10 . The communications cable of claim 7 , wherein the
an input connector configured to : second signal conditioning comprises amplifying and pre
connect to a data source ; emphasizing the third set of electrical data signals .
receive a first set of electrical data signals from the data 11 . A communications cable, comprising:
source ; an input connector configured to :
receive a second set of electrical data signals from the 35 connect to a data source ;
data source ; and receive a first set of electrical data signals from the data
provide a third set of electrical data signals from a data source ;
sink to the data source ; receive a second set of electrical data signals from the
an output connector configured to : data source; and
connect to the data sink ; 40
40 provide a third set of electrical data signals from a data
provide the first set of electrical data signals to the data sink to the data source ;
sink ; an output connector configured to :
provide the second set of electrical data signals to the connect to the data sink ;
data sink ; and provide the first set of electrical data signals to the data
receive the third set of electrical data signals from the 45 sink ;
data sink ; provide the second set of electrical data signals to the
a set of one or more optical fibers coupled to the input and data sink ; and
output connectors; receive the third set of electrical data signals from the
a set of one or more electrical wires extending from data sink ;
proximate the input connector to proximate the output 50 a set of one or more optical fibers coupled to the input and
connector; output connectors ;
a first circuit situated within the input connector or an a set of one or more electrical wires extending from
input housing, wherein the first circuit is configured to proximate the input connector to proximate the output
convert the first set of electrical data signals into one or connector ;
more optical signals for transmission to the output 55 a first circuit situated within the input connector or an
connector by way of the set of one or more optical input housing , wherein the first circuit is configured to
fibers , respectively ; convert the first set of electrical data signals into one or
a second circuit situated within the output connector or an more optical signals for transmission to the output
output housing, wherein the second circuit is config connector by way of the set of one or more optical
ured to convert the one or more optical signals received 60 fibers , respectively ;
by way of the set of one or more optical fibers back to a second circuit situated within the output connector or an
the first set of electrical data signals, respectively ; and output housing, wherein the second circuit is config
a third circuit situated within the output connector or the ured to convert the one or more optical signals received
output housing, wherein the third circuit is configured by way of the set of one or more optical fibers back to
to apply a first signal conditioning on the second set of 65 the first set of electrical data signals, respectively ; and
electrical data signals received by way of the set of one a third circuit situated within the output connector or the
or more wires, wherein the first signal conditioning output housing, wherein the third circuit is configured
 US 9,979 ,479 B2
17 18
to apply a signal conditioning on the third set of 20 . The communications cable of claim 15 , wherein the
electrical data signals, wherein the signal conditioning first signal conditioning comprises buffering, amplifying and
compensates for adverse effects on the third set of equalizing the third set of electrical data signals .
electrical data signals to be introduced by the set of one 21. The communications cable of claim 15 , further com
or more electrical wires . 5 prising a fourth circuit situated within the input connector or
12 . The communications cable of claim 11 . wherein the the input housing, wherein the fourth circuit is configured to
signal conditioning comprises pre - emphasizing the third set apply a second signal conditioning on the second set of
of electrical data signals . electrical data signals.
13 . The communications cable of claim 11, wherein the 22 . The communications cable of claim 21 , wherein the
signal conditioning comprises amplifying the third set of 1010 second
second signal conditioning comprises pre -emphasizing the
set of electrical data signals .
electrical data signals. 23 . The communications cable of claim 21 , wherein the
14 . The communications cable of claim 11 , wherein the
signal conditioning comprises amplifying and pre -empha second signal conditioning comprises amplifying the second
set of electrical data signals .
sizing the third set of electrical data signals .
15 . A communications cable, comprising : 15 24 . The communications cable of claim 21 , wherein the
an input connector configured to : second signal conditioning comprises amplifying and pre
connect to a data source ; emphasizing the second set of electrical data signals .
receive a first set of electrical data signals from the data 25 . A communications cable , comprising :
source ; an input connector configured to :
receive a second set of electrical data signals from the 20 connect to a data source;
data source ; and receive a first set of electrical data signals from the data
provide a third set of electrical data signals from a data source ;
sink to the data source ; receive a second set of electrical data signals from the
an output connector configured to : data source; and
connect to the data sink ; 25 provide a third set of electrical data signals from a data
provide the first setof electrical data signals to the data sink to the data source;
sink ; an output connector configured to :
provide the second set of electrical data signals to the connect to the data sink ;
data sink ; and provide the first setof electrical data signals to the data
receive the third set of electrical data signals from the 30 sink ;
data sink ; provide the second set of electrical data signals to the
a setof one or more optical fibers coupled to the input and data sink ; and
output connectors ; receive the third set of electrical data signals from the
a set of one or more electrical wires extending from data sink ;
proximate the input connector to proximate the output 35 a set of one ormore optical fibers coupled to the input and
connector; output connectors ;
a first circuit situated within the input connector or an a set of one or more electrical wires extending from
input housing , wherein the first circuit is configured to proximate the input connector to proximate the output
convert the first set of electrical data signals into one or connector;
more optical signals for transmission to the output 40 a first circuit situated within the input connector or an
connector by way of the set of one or more optical input housing , wherein the first circuit is configured to
fibers , respectively ; convert the first set of electrical data signals into one or
a second circuit situated within the output connector or an more optical signals for transmission to the output
output housing, wherein the second circuit is config connector by way of the set of one or more optical
ured to convert the one or more optical signals received 45 fibers, respectively ;
by way of the set of one or more optical fibers back to a second circuit situated within the output connector or an
the first set of electrical data signals , respectively ; and output housing, wherein the second circuit is config
a third circuit situated within the input connector or the ured to convert the one or more optical signals received
input housing, wherein the third circuit is configured to by way of the set of one or more optical fibers back to
apply a first signal conditioning on the third set of 50 the first set of electrical data signals , respectively ; and
electrical data signals received by way of the set of one a third circuit situated within the input connector or the
or more wires , wherein the first signal conditioning input housing , wherein the third circuit is configured to
compensates for adverse effects on the third set of apply a signal conditioning on the second set of elec
electrical data signals introduced by the set of one or trical data signals, wherein the signal conditioning
more electrical wires . 55 compensates for adverse effects on the second set of
16 . The communications cable of claim 15 , wherein the electrical data signals to be introduced by the set of one
first signal conditioning comprises equalizing the third set of or more electrical wires.
electrical data signals . 26 . The communications cable of claim 25 , wherein the
17 . The communications cable of claim 15 . wherein the signal conditioning comprises pre -emphasizing the second
first signal conditioning comprises amplifying the third set 60 set
se 27of. electrical data signals .
of electrical data signals . The communications cable of claim 25 , wherein the
18 . The communications cable of claim 15 , wherein the signal conditioning comprises amplifying the second set of
sig
first signal conditioning comprises buffering the third set of electrical
el 28 . Thedata signals.
electrical data signals. communications cable of claim 25 , wherein the
19 . The communications cable of claim 15 , wherein the 65 signal conditioning comprises amplifying and pre -empha
65 signal
first signal conditioning comprises buffering or amplifying sizing
1 the second set of electrical data signals .
and equalizing the third set of electrical data signals . * * *