Patent ID: 7499616

Claim:
An integrated cable comprising: a first optical fiber within the integrated cable; a first opto-electrical transducer within the integrated cable and coupled to a first end of the first optical fiber such that when a first optical signal is present on the first optical fiber, the first opto-electrical transducer receives the first optical signal and converts the first optical signal into a first electrical signal; a first electrical connector integrated with the integrated cable and coupled to the first opto-electrical transducer such that when the first optical signal is received by the first opto-electrical transducer, the first electrical connector receives the first electrical signal, wherein the first electrical connector is sized to connect with a first electrical port external to the cable such that when connected to the first electrical port and when the first electrical signal is present on the first electrical connector, the first electrical signal is provided to the first electrical port, wherein the first electrical connector further includes one or more connections for a serial data interface; nonvolatile memory disposed in the first electrical connector, wherein the serial data interface is configured to be used to read or write data to the nonvolatile memory; a laser driver and a post amplifier disposed in the first electrical connector, the serial interface being configured to load setup data to the nonvolatile memory for control of the laser driver or post amplifier; and a protective coating configured to surround the first optical fiber, the first opto-electrical transducer and at least portions of the first electrical connector such that the first electrical connector is permanently affixed to the first optical fiber of the integrated cable.