Patent Description:
In the prior art, <CIT> (<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>) (hereinafter, "D1"), and <CIT> (<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>) (hereinafter, "D2") are referenced.

D1 discloses a communication network that includes an optical receiver. This optical receiver can be selectively powered up or powered down depending on detected network activity. D1 also discloses a single power supply that supplies power to the transmitter and the receiver, while also providing power for each multimedia device in the associated network, and for the network interface itself. A battery circuit is provided to provide power to the receiver circuit. However, D1 does not disclose any differential circuitry for conversion of optical signals to differential electrical signals. Also, D1 does not disclose a power tap, or any HDMI electro-optical connectivity.

D2 discloses a cable for automatically maintaining a connection between a digital audio/video source and a digital audio/video sink. The cable is disclosed to be an optical cable that is capable of switching between a first communication method (e.g., clock stretching) and a second communication method (e.g., data mirroring) without intervention by a user. Signals supported by the cable include HDMI cables, with one end of the cable being connected to an HDMI signal source, and the other end being connected to an HDMI signal sink. Reference D2 is related to HDMI data communication via an optical communication channel; however, this reference does not disclose aspects related to a power tap or a voltage regulator. Power to the connector (cable) is provided by a 5V signal in D2; however, this power signal is not used to trigger HDMI power activation of HDMI differential electrical data ports at the HDMI sink.

The present disclosure relates to system for optical interconnect. In particular, a system and method for emulating electrical HDMI interconnects with an optical system is described.

High Definition (HD) signals are typically transmitted from one system to another using cables carrying DVI (Digital Video Interface) or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) signals. Conventionally, DVI/HDMI signals are conveyed over copper cables using a form of differential signaling called Transition Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS). In TMDS, video, audio, and control data can be carried on three TMDS data channels with a separate TMDS channel for clock information. Recently HDMI <NUM> introduced another differential signaling form called Fixed Rate Link (FRL) to replace TMDS for delivering higher uncompressed resolutions such as 8K60Hz. Unfortunately, over long distances of (e.g. <NUM> meters or greater) the impedance of copper cable can cause a large signal loss resulting in artifacts such as pixelation, optical flashing or sparkling, or even loss of picture. These artifacts can be reduced by passive connection designs involved large or well shielded copper cables, but this is costly, bulky, and limits cable flexibility. Alternatively, active electronic modules such as signal boosters can be used to reduce signal loss, but these techniques are also costly and can result in introduction of signal errors.

SUMMARY The invention is defined by the appended claims. The following embodiments of optical data interconnects are useful for explaining the invention, and for explaining the context of the inventive subject matter.

In one embodiment, a system for optical data interconnect of a source and a sink includes a first HDMI compatible electrical connector able to receive electrical signals from the source. A first signal converter is connected to the first HDMI compatible electrical connector and includes electronics for conversion of differential (including but not limited to HDMI standard TMDS or FRL) electrical signals to optical signals, with the electronics including an optical conversion device connectable to source ground to reduce noise. At least one optical fiber is connected to the first signal converter. A second signal converter is connected to the at least one optical fiber and includes electronics for conversion of optical signals to HDMI standard TMDS or FRL electrical signals. A power module for the second signal converter provides power to an electrical signal amplifier connectable to sink ground. A second HDMI compatible electrical connector is connected to the second signal converter and able to send signals to the sink.

In a method embodiment, operating an optical data interconnect system for a source and a sink can include the steps of providing a first HDMI compatible electrical connector able to receive electrical signals from the source. HDMI standard TMDS or FRL signals are converted to optical signals using a first signal converter connected to the first HDMI compatible electrical connector, with the first signal converter including an optical conversion device connectable to source ground to reduce noise. Optical signals can be sent along at least one optical fiber connected to the first signal converter. Optical signals are received and converted to HDMI standard TMDS or FRL electrical signals using electronics in a second signal converter connected to the at least one optical fiber. A power module for the second signal converter provides power to an electrical signal amplifier. A second HDMI compatible electrical connector is connected to the second signal converter and able to send signals to the sink.

In another embodiment, a system for optical data interconnect of a source and a sink includes a first electrical connector able to receive electrical signals from the source. A first signal converter is connected to the first electrical connector and includes electronics for conversion of electrical signals to optical signals, with the electronics including an optical conversion device connectable to source ground to reduce noise. At least one optical fiber is connected to the first signal converter. A second signal converter is connected to the at least one optical fiber and includes electronics for conversion of optical signals to electrical signals. A power module for the second signal converter provides power to an electrical signal amplifier. A second electrical connector is connected to the second signal converter and able to send signals to the sink.

In one embodiment, a system for optical data interconnect of a source and a sink includes a first HDMI compatible electrical connector able to receive electrical signals from the source. A first signal converter is connected to the first HDMI compatible electrical connector and includes electronics for conversion of HDMI standard TMDS or FRL electrical signals to optical signals, with the electronics including an optical conversion device. At least one optical fiber is connected to the first signal converter. A second signal converter is connected to the at least one optical fiber and includes electronics for conversion of optical signals to HDMI standard TMDS or FRL electrical signals. A power module for the second signal converter includes a power tap connected to HDMI standard TMDS or FRL circuitry and a voltage regulator connected to the power tap to provide power to an electrical signal amplifier. A second HDMI compatible electrical connector is connected to the second signal converter and able to send signals to the sink.

In a method embodiment, operating an optical data interconnect system for a source and a sink can include the steps of providing a first HDMI compatible electrical connector able to receive electrical signals from the source. HDMI standard TMDS or FRL signals are converted to optical signals using a first signal converter connected to the first HDMI compatible electrical connector, with the first signal converter including an optical conversion device. Optical signals can be sent along at least one optical fiber connected to the first signal converter. Optical signals are received and converted to HDMI standard TMDS or FRL electrical signals using electronics in a second signal converter connected to the at least one optical fiber. The second signal converter is powered using a power module to provide power to an electrical signal amplifier. A second HDMI compatible electrical connector is connected to the second signal converter and able to send signals to the sink.

In another embodiment, a system for optical data interconnect of a source and a sink includes a first electrical connector able to receive electrical signals from the source. A first signal converter is connected to the first electrical connector and includes electronics for conversion of electrical signals to optical signals, with the electronics including an optical conversion device. At least one optical fiber is connected to the first signal converter. A second signal converter is connected to the at least one optical fiber and includes electronics for conversion of optical signals to electrical signals. A power module for the second signal converter includes a power tap to provide power to an electrical signal amplifier. A second electrical connector is connected to the second signal converter and able to send signals to the sink.

In yet another embodiment, a system for optical data interconnect of a source and a sink includes a first HDMI compatible electrical connector able to receive electrical signals from the source. A first signal converter is connected to the first HDMI compatible electrical connector and includes electronics for conversion of HDMI standard TMDS or FRL electrical signals to optical signals, with the electronics including an optical conversion device. At least one optical fiber is connected to the first signal converter. A second signal converter is connected to the at least one optical fiber and includes electronics for conversion of optical signals to HDMI standard TMDS or FRL electrical signals. A power module for the second signal converter includes a power tap connected to HDMI standard TMDS or FRL circuitry and a first voltage regulator is connected to the power tap to provide power to an electrical signal amplifier. A rechargeable battery module is used to trigger power activation of connected ports, with the battery module being connected to the power tap. A second HDMI compatible electrical connector is connected to the second signal converter and able to send signals to the sink.

In a method embodiment, operating an optical data interconnect system for a source and a sink can include the steps of providing a first HDMI compatible electrical connector able to receive electrical signals from the source. HDMI standard TMDS or FRL signals are converted to optical signals using a first signal converter connected to the first HDMI compatible electrical connector, with the first signal converter including an optical conversion device. Optical signals can be sent along at least one optical fiber connected to the first signal converter. Optical signals are received and converted to HDMI standard TMDS or FRL electrical signals using electronics in a second signal converter connected to the at least one optical fiber. The second signal converter is powered using a power module to provide power to an electrical signal amplifier. A rechargeable battery module able to trigger HDMI power activation of connected HDMI standard TMDS or FRL ports is used, with the battery module being connected to the power tap. A second HDMI compatible electrical connector is connected to the second signal converter and able to send signals to the sink.

In another embodiment, a system for optical data interconnect of a source and a sink includes a first electrical connector able to receive electrical signals from the source. A first signal converter is connected to the first electrical connector and includes electronics for conversion of electrical signals to optical signals, with the electronics including an optical conversion device. At least one optical fiber is connected to the first signal converter. A second signal converter is connected to the at least one optical fiber and includes electronics for conversion of optical signals to electrical signals. A power module for the second signal converter includes a power tap to provide power to an electrical signal amplifier. A rechargeable battery module able to trigger power activation of connected ports is used, with the battery module being connected to the power tap. A second electrical connector is connected to the second signal converter and able to send signals to the sink.

In an embodiment, the optical conversion device is a laser device driver (LDD).

In an embodiment, at least one optical fiber is multi-mode optical fiber and can include four or more optical fibers.

In an embodiment, the first HDMI compatible electrical connector is able to transmit control or other signals from the source to the sink using at least one of an electrical and an optical connection to the second HDMI compatible electrical connector. Similarly, in some embodiments the second HDMI compatible electrical connector is able to transmit control or other signals from the sink to the source using at least one of an electrical and an optical connection to the first HDMI compatible electrical connector.

In an embodiment, the electrical signal amplifier of the second signal converter further includes a transimpedance amplifier (TIA).

In an embodiment, the first signal converter connected to the first HDMI compatible electrical connector further includes a photodetector, a VCSEL laser or LED diode and encoder/decoder to receive and transmit optical signals.

In an embodiment, the second signal converter connected to the second HDMI compatible electrical connector further includes a photodetector, a VCSEL laser or LED diode and encoder/decoder to receive and transmit optical signals.

In an embodiment, a direct electrical data connection is made between the first and second HDMI compatible electrical connectors.

In an embodiment, a direct electrical power connection is made between the first and second HDMI compatible electrical connectors.

In an embodiment, the power module is connectable to a second power port.

In an embodiment, the electrical signal amplifier is connectable to sink ground.

In an embodiment, the power tap includes an inductor.

In an embodiment, the power tap includes a ferrite bead.

In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery module further comprises a second voltage regulator to supply <NUM> volts to a 5V port on the HDMI connector of the sink device.

In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery module is disconnected from the second voltage regulator after power is received from the power tap.

In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery module is recharged by the power tap.

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

As seen in <FIG>, an optical interconnect system <NUM> capable of supporting conversion of electrical signals to optical signals, and back to electrical signals is illustrated. A signal source <NUM> is connected to an optical transmitter <NUM> that acts as a first signal converter to convert electrical signals received from the signal source <NUM> into optical signals. One or more optical fibers <NUM> are used to transfer optically encoded data to an optical receiver <NUM>. The optical receiver decodes and acts as a second signal converter to convert the data to electrical signals that are provided to a sink device <NUM>. The optical receiver <NUM> can include a separate power module <NUM>, which in at least one embodiment is connected via electrical power connection <NUM> to the sink device.

Various signaling protocols are supported by the optical interconnect system. In some embodiments, electrical signals can be provided in a first protocol by source <NUM> and converted to a second protocol by the optical receiver <NUM>. In other embodiments, electrical signals can be provided in a first protocol by source <NUM> and converted back to the same protocol by the optical receiver <NUM>.

In one particular embodiment, HDMI <NUM>. 4b/<NUM>, HDMI <NUM>. 0b/<NUM>, HDMI2. <NUM>, or other suitable HDMI protocols can be supported. HDMI <NUM>. 4b/<NUM> supports <NUM> (<NUM> x <NUM> pixels) video at <NUM> frames per second, while HDMI <NUM>. 0b/<NUM> supports <NUM> video at <NUM> frames per second, with a bit rate of up to <NUM> Gbps. The latest HDMI <NUM> supports <NUM> video at <NUM> frames per second and <NUM> video at <NUM> frames per second, with a bit rate of up to <NUM> Gbps. HDMI is based on HDMI standard TMDS or FRL serial links for transmitting video and audio data. Typically, the HDMI interface is provided for transmitting digital television audiovisual signals from DVD players, game consoles, set-top boxes and other audiovisual source devices to other HDMI compatible devices, such as television sets, displays, projectors and other audiovisual devices. HDMI can also carry control and status information in both directions.

In other embodiments, other connectors and protocols can be supported, including but not limited to serial or parallel connectors, Digital Video Interface (DVI), other suitable connectors such as those based on LVDS, DisplayPort, USB-C or SATA. In some embodiments, alternative encoding systems can be used. For example, TMDS serial links can be replaced with low density parity check (LDPC) code for video data. Alternatively, or in addition, a variable length and rate Reed-Solomon (RS) code can be used for audio and control information to provide error protection. Advantageously, such codes require no additional overhead for DC-balancing or transition minimization, resulting in an increased data rate as compared to TMDS encoded signals.

In one embodiment, source <NUM> can include, for example, DVD players, game consoles, smartphones, set-top boxes, telephones, computers, audio systems, or other network client devices. Source <NUM> can playback media data stored in a hard drive, a spinnable disk (e.g. Blu-ray or DVD), or held in solid state storage. In other embodiments, the source <NUM> can receive data through wired or wireless connection to cable providers, satellite systems, or phone networks. Similarly, sink device <NUM> can also be televisions, monitors, displays, audio systems, projectors, or other network client devices.

In one embodiment, the optical transmitter <NUM> can convert HDMI standard TMDS or FRL electrical signals using an optical conversion device connected to ground to reduce noise. Typically, this can be a laser diode driver (LDD). The optical conversion driver device can include an infrared or optical LED, semiconductor laser, or VCSEL device.

Advantageously, use of optical fiber <NUM> and elimination of electrical wired connection both provides electrical isolation and greatly improved signal. The optical fiber <NUM> is well suited for using consumer or household environments, as well as in electrically active, wet, or moist environments such as are found in industrial, manufacturing, automobile, trucking, shipping, and avionics. In one embodiment, the optical fiber <NUM> includes one or more multi-mode optical fibers protected by braided fiber or plastic sheathing or other suitable covering. If complete electrical isolation is not required, in another embodiment one or more low voltage electrical wires are also supported to provide power or control signals.

In one embodiment, the optical receiver <NUM> can convert optical signals to HDMI standard TMDS or FRL or other suitable electrical signals. The optical receiver <NUM> can include a photo detector and an optical receiver that convert light impulses to an electrical signal. In some embodiments, a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) or other suitable signal amplification system can be used to increase signal power, and a PD (photodiode) or an APD (avalanche photodiode) can be used to convert optical signals to electrical currents.

Power from power module <NUM> to operate the optical receiver <NUM> can be provided by connection to the sink device <NUM>, by connection to a second power port or another external power source (not shown), or by an internal battery source. In some embodiments, a sink device can support multiple connector types (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB, USB-C, DC power connector) that can be used as external secondary power sources and/or internal battery charging stations. In those embodiments that support source HDMI to sink HDMI connections, both power to operate optical receiver <NUM> and additional power to emulate an electrical HDMI connection can be required since conventional HDMI connectable devices require a DC connection between the source <NUM> and a grounded sink device <NUM> to complete the circuit. This DC connection creates a current return path from the sink device <NUM> to the source <NUM>. Since this connection is typically provided through internal shields covering the individual twisted wire pairs and a covering braid shield that are not available in a dedicated optical interconnect system, an additional power source is needed.

<FIG> illustrates a method <NUM> for interconnecting a source and a sink. Electrical signals from the source are converted to an optical signal (step <NUM>) using a driver device for an infrared or optical LED, semiconductor laser, or VCSEL device. The optical signal is injected into a fiber optic cable and transferred (step <NUM>). The transferred optical system is converted to an electrical signal (step <NUM>) that is received by a sink (step <NUM>). In order to ensure conversion of the electrical signal, plugging into the sink or connection to another external power source can supply power, wake signal conversion microprocessors or other electronics, and charge optional batteries (step <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrates an optical interconnect system with external power. In this embodiment a signal source <NUM> is connected to an optical transmitter <NUM> that converts electrical signals received from the signal source <NUM>. One or more optical fibers <NUM> are used to transfer optically encoded data to an optical receiver <NUM>. The optical receiver decodes and converts the data to electrical signals that are provided to a sink device <NUM>. The optical receiver <NUM> can include a separate power module <NUM>, which in at least one embodiment is provided by electrical power connection <NUM> to an external power module <NUM>. In some embodiments the power module can be provided via other ports or power supplies on the sink device (e.g. a USB port), while in other embodiments power can be supplied by another device (e.g. a power over ethernet connection from a network switch) or a suitable direct power supply.

<FIG> illustrates a bi-directional optical interconnect system <NUM> capable of supporting conversion of electrical signals to optical signals, and back to electrical signals. In a first direction of data transfer, signal source <NUM> is connected to an optical transceiver <NUM> that converts electrical signals received from the signal source <NUM>. One or more optical fibers <NUM> are used to transfer optically encoded data to an optical transceiver <NUM>. The optical transceiver <NUM> decodes and converts the data to electrical signals that are provided to a sink device <NUM>. A return signal from the sink device <NUM> to source <NUM> is also supported.

Both the optical transceiver <NUM> and <NUM> can include a respective separate power module <NUM> and <NUM>. In at least one embodiment an electrical power connection can be made from power module <NUM> to the sink device <NUM>. Similarly, an electrical power connection can be made to the source device <NUM> from the power module <NUM>.

In one embodiment optical fiber can used for data transmission from the source device to the sink device. Additional optical fiber can be used for the transmission of a return signal from the sink device <NUM> to the source device <NUM>. Such bi-directional signal functionality allows fuller support of the HDMI specification, including channels supporting low data-rate remote control commands, audio return from sink device to source, ethernet communication, and hot plug detection. Such data channels can include, but not limited to, a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), an Audio Return Channel (ARC) or Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), a HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) and a Hot Plug Detect (HPD). CEC allows a user to use a single remote to control multiple devices coupled together via HDMI cables. More specifically, a unique address is assigned to the connected group of devices, which is used for sending remote control commands to the devices. ARC or eARC is an audio link meant to replace other cables between sink device and source that allows source to reproduce the audio output from the sink device without using other cables. HEC enables IP-based applications over HDMI and provides a bidirectional Ethernet communication. HPD allows the source to sense the presence of sink device and reinitiates link if necessary.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of HDMI optical fiber data connection system <NUM> that includes electrical to optical, and subsequent optical to electrical conversion. This embodiment can substantially replace a conventional electrical HDMI interface having two identical connectors attached to opposite ends of a cable. Such cables typically include four shielded twisted pairs of copper wires and seven separate copper wires for communicating various information. Four of the shielded twisted wire pairs are adapted to communicate relatively high-speed data and clock in the form of Transition Minimized Differential Signaling (HDMI standard TMDS or FRL). In HDMI <NUM>. 0b and previous HDMI standards, three pairs are used for communicating video, audio, and auxiliary data, and are typically referred to as D0-D2. The last pair is used for transmitting a clock associated with the data, and is typically referred to as CLK. In HDMI <NUM>, all four pairs are used for communicating video, audio and auxiliary data, and are typically referred to as D0-D3. The speed of the high-speed data may range from <NUM> to <NUM> gigabits per second (Gbps) per lane. The remaining seven separate wires are used for communicating relatively low-speed data, such as in the range of <NUM> kilobits per second (kbit/s) to <NUM> kbit/s. Two of such wires are referred to as Display Data Channel (DDC) for providing communication between devices using a communication channel that adheres to an I<NUM>C bus specification. One of the DDC wire pair, typically referred to as DDC DATA, is used to communicate data between the devices. The other DDC wire pair, typically referred to as DDC CLK, is used to transmit a clock associated with the data. The other five of the seven separate wires are CEC, utility, HPD, 5V power and ground.

In operation, the respective HDMI standard TMDS or FRL, DDC, and other electrical signals from source <NUM> are provided to a transmitter <NUM> housed in an HDMI compatible connector. Using a laser diode driver (LDD) and a semiconductor laser or LED diode powered by voltage regulator REG1, an optical signal is generated and transferred to a photodetector and HDMI standard TMDS or FRL receiver <NUM> housed in another HDMI compatible connector. The HDMI standard TMDS or FRL receiver includes a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) connected to amplify the photodetector signal. The amplified electrical signals corresponding to the originally provided HDMI standard TMDS or FRL, DDC, and other electrical signals are sent to a television, display, or other suitable sink <NUM>.

In one embodiment, electrical power is supplied to the HDMI standard TMDS or FRL receiver through an electrical tap of the HDMI standard TMDS or FRL port by inductors L1 and L2 (or other suitable electrical filtering circuit element such as ferrite beads) connected to a voltage regulator (REG2). The voltage regulator REG2 is connected to ground to reduce noise and acts to convert the voltage to the required operating voltage or voltages for a transimpedance amplifier that receives optical signals and converts them to electrical signals.

In some commercially available embodiments however, this mechanism will not work unassisted, since application of a specific voltage power is required to enable or otherwise trigger provision of power to the HDMI connection and connected electronics from sink <NUM>.

For embodiments that require power triggering of the HDMI connection, a rechargeable battery, supercapacitor, or similar charge bank can be used to supply an initial <NUM>-volt charge via regulator (REG3) to the 5V pin on the HDMI port (RX5V) of the sink <NUM>. After triggering activation of the HDMI port, the electrical tap by inductors L1 and L2 (or other suitable electrical filtering circuit element such as ferrite beads) can be used to charge the battery or other power source. In operation, when the HDMI connector is not plugged into the sink <NUM>, an enable pin "en" of REG3 is kept as open circuit and pulled to ground by resistor R4. Therefore, REG3 is turned off and thus does not draw current from the battery. When the HDMI connector is plugged into the sink <NUM> (e.g. a TV or display), the CEC pin or other appropriate pins, such as DDC, is connected to REG3 "en", which has certain voltage, e.g. <NUM>. REG3 is turned on and up-converts the battery voltage, e.g. <NUM>. When the "5V" pin of the sink <NUM> is pulled to 5V, it starts to power the HDMI standard TMDS or FRL + and HDMI standard TMDS or FRL - ports. Inductors L1 and L2 block the AC signal provided by HDMI standard TMDS or FRL data connections and pass through the DC voltage (e.g. 2V) from HDMI standard TMDS or FRL ports to REG2 "in". REG2 up-converts or down-converts this voltage to the necessary voltage or voltages for the TIA to operate. Once REG2 starts to output a voltage, it switches the MUX input so that REG3 "in" is connected to REG2 "in". It also closes switch S1 and REG3 "out" starts to charge the battery.

Effectively, operation of the described circuit allows for the rechargeable battery supplying power to the 5V pin on the HDMI port of the sink <NUM> (RX5V) to be controlled to prevent battery dissipation when HDMI connector is unplugged. The rechargeable battery only operates when the cable is first plugged into the sink <NUM>. After the sink <NUM> starts to power the HDMI standard TMDS or FRL ports, the rechargeable battery stops output current and instead is switched into a recharge mode.

Alternatively, <FIG> illustrates one embodiment of an optical interconnect system <NUM> similar to that discussed with respect to <FIG> that converts HDMI standard TMDS or FRL signals to optical signals that includes a power tapping circuit without a battery. In operation, the respective HDMI standard TMDS or FRL, DDC, and other electrical signals from source <NUM> are provided to a transmitter <NUM> housed in an HDMI compatible connector. Using a laser diode driver (LDD) and a semiconductor laser or LED diode powered by voltage regulator REG1, an optical signal is generated and transferred to a photodetector and HDMI standard TMDS or FRL receiver <NUM> housed in another HDMI compatible connector. The HDMI standard TMDS or FRL receiver includes a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) connected to amplify the photodetector signal. The amplified electrical signals corresponding to the originally provided HDMI standard TMDS or FRL, DDC, and other electrical signals are sent to a television, display, or other suitable sink <NUM>. In addition, the described circuit includes a slew rate controller to control ramp up time of current draw of REG2 from the power taps on the high speed differential signal RX_Data[<NUM>:<NUM>]. If this ramp up time is too short, the DC voltage on RX _Data[<NUM>:<NUM>] can drop to such a low level that REG2 stops working. This is prevented by the slew rate controller regulating the ramp up time to be slow enough to ensure the proper power tapping on RX_Data[<NUM>:<NUM>].

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of an optical interconnect system <NUM> that converts both HDMI standard TMDS or FRL and control or other non- HDMI standard TMDS or FRL signals to optical signals. HDMI protocol requires bi-directional communication channels between source <NUM> and sink <NUM> for successful video/audio transmission and reception, which include but not limited to CEC, Utility, DDC (SCL), DDC (SDA), Ground, 5V Power and HPD. In the embodiment of <FIG>, all communication channels between source <NUM> and sink <NUM> are aggregated onto two optical fibers. An optical fiber <NUM> carries data from source <NUM> to sink <NUM>, while an optical fiber <NUM> carries data from sink <NUM> to source <NUM>, thus establishing bidirectional communication. Digital signal processing are realized by Digital Encoder/Decoder <NUM> (DED1 <NUM>) on the source side and Digital Encoder/Decoder <NUM> (DED <NUM>) on the sink side. DED1 <NUM> and <NUM> can either combine multiple communication channels into single aggregated channel or separate single aggregated channel into multiple communication channels. As illustrated, P2 is a current source that is powered by REG1 "out" and modulated by DED1 and drives a VCSEL or LED diode. REG1 in <FIG> operates in a manner similar to REG <NUM> as seen in <FIG>. P1, N1 and R5 form a transimpedance amplifier that is powered by REG1 "out" and buffers a photodetector's output into DED1. Similarly, P4 is a current source that is powered by REG2 "out" and modulated by DED2 and drives a VCSEL or LED diode. REG2 in <FIG> operates in a manner similar to REG2 as seen in <FIG> that utilizes inductive power tapping from the HDMI standard TMDS or FRL ports. P3, N3 and R6 form a transimpedance amplifier that is powered by REG2 "out" and buffers a photodetector's output into DED2. In this embodiment, multiple HDMI communication channels are replicated on both source and sink sides using only two optical fibers.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of a HDMI compatible fully optical interconnect system <NUM>. As illustrated, multiple multi-mode optical fiber cables <NUM> and <NUM> are used to transmit data from a transmitter <NUM> to a receiver <NUM>, and at least one multi-mode optical fiber <NUM> that transmits signals back from the receiver <NUM> to the transmitter <NUM>. In the transmitter <NUM>, electrical HDMI standard TMDS or FRL and non-HDMI standard TMDS or FRL data are converted to optical pulses using VCSEL laser or LED diodes. A photodetector and associated circuits are used to convert received optical pulses from optical fiber <NUM> to electrical signals that can be processed by a connected source (not shown). The receiver <NUM> has multiple photodetectors and respectively connected HDMI standard TMDS or FRL optoelectronic transmitters to convert received optical pulses from optical fiber <NUM> and <NUM> to electrical signals that can be processed by a connected sink (not shown). The receiver <NUM> also includes a VCSEL laser or LED diode connected to an encoder/decoder to convert electrical signals to optical signals that can be sent to the transmitter <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of a HDMI compatible hybrid electrical and optical interconnect system <NUM>. As illustrated, multiple multi-mode optical fiber cables <NUM> are used to transmit data from a transmitter <NUM> to a receiver <NUM>. In the transmitter <NUM>, electrical HDMI standard TMDS or FRL data is converted to optical pulses using VCSEL laser or other laser diodes. A photodetector and associated circuits are used to convert received optical pulses from optical fiber <NUM> to electrical signals that can be processed by a connected source (not shown). The receiver <NUM> has multiple photodetectors and respectively connected HDMI standard TMDS or FRL optoelectronic transmitters to convert received optical pulses from optical fiber <NUM> to electrical signals that can be processed by a connected sink (not shown). In addition to the optical connections, the system <NUM> also supports electrical wired connection <NUM> for various control and data signals. As will be understood, these connections can be unidirectional or bidirectional between transmitter <NUM> and receiver <NUM>. In addition, the system includes an electrical power connection <NUM> connecting respective power management units of transmitter <NUM> and receiver <NUM>. Advantageously, because power is available, power triggering of the HDMI connection and their associated electronics and battery systems such as described with respect to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> are not necessary.

<FIG> illustrates all optical data connections and an electrical power connection for an HDMI compatible interconnect system <NUM>. As illustrated, multiple multi-mode optical fiber cables <NUM> and <NUM> are used to respectively transmit data and control data from a transmitter <NUM> to a receiver <NUM>, and as well as at least one multi-mode optical fiber <NUM> that transmits signals back from the receiver <NUM> to the transmitter <NUM>. In the transmitter <NUM>, electrical HDMI standard TMDS or FRL data is converted to optical pulses using VCSEL laser or LED diodes. The receiver <NUM> has multiple photodetectors and respectively connected HDMI standard TMDS or FRL optoelectronic transmitters to convert received optical pulses from optical fiber <NUM> and <NUM> to electrical signals that can be processed by a connected sink (not shown). The receiver <NUM> also includes a VCSEL laser or LED diode connected to an encoder/decoder to convert electrical signals to optical signals that can be sent to the transmitter <NUM> along multi-mode optical fiber <NUM>. In addition, the system includes an electrical power connection <NUM> connecting transmitter <NUM> and receiver <NUM>. Advantageously, because power is available, power triggering of the HDMI connection and their associated electronics and battery systems such as described with respect to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> are not necessary. However, in certain embodiments, a power tap on HDMI standard TMDS or FRL ports (e.g. using inductors and regulators) can still be used to power the HDMI standard TMDS or FRL receiver or other associated circuitry.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of a HDMI compatible interconnect system <NUM> including bundled and loosely looped optical cables <NUM>, and source <NUM> and sink <NUM> HDMI connectors. Signal converters <NUM> and <NUM> include housing and board layout for HDMI standard TMDS or FRL receiver, as well as other electronics supporting electrical to optical conversion or optical to electrical conversion and are located adjacent to respective HDMI connector <NUM> and <NUM>.

As will be understood, the system and methods described herein can operate for interaction with devices such as servers, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, game consoles, or smart phones. Data and control signals can be received, generated, or transported between varieties of external data sources, including wireless networks, personal area networks, cellular networks, the Internet, or cloud mediated data sources. In addition, sources of local data (e.g. a hard drive, solid state drive, flash memory, or any other suitable memory, including dynamic memory, such as SRAM or DRAM) that can allow for local data storage of user-specified preferences or protocols.

Claim 1:
A battery triggered optical data interconnect system for electro-optical HDMI signal communication between an HDMI source and an HDMI sink, comprising:
a first HDMI compatible electrical connector (<NUM>) configured to receive HDMI electrical signals from the source;
a first signal converter (<NUM>) connected to the first HDMI compatible electrical connector and including electronics for conversion of differential electrical signals to optical signals, with the electronics including an optical conversion device;
at least one optical fiber connected to the first signal converter;
a second signal converter (<NUM>) connected to the at least one optical fiber and including electronics for conversion of optical signals to differential electrical signals, the electronics including differential circuitry that further includes an electric signal amplifier;
a power module for the second signal converter including a power tap connected to the differential circuitry and a first voltage regulator (REG2) connected to the power tap to provide power to the electrical signal amplifier;
a rechargeable battery module configured to trigger HDMI power activation of connected HDMI differential electrical data ports, the battery module being connected to the power tap; and
a second HDMI compatible electrical connector (<NUM>) connected to the second signal converter and configured to send the differential electrical data as HDMI differential data signals to the sink.