Patent ID: 8324899

Claim:
A system comprising: a local RF coil assembly including: one or more RF coil elements, an electronic circuit operatively connected to the RF coil elements, which electronic circuit at least converts electrical MR signals into optical MR signals and converts optical control signals to electrical control signals, and a first connector having a first MR optical connection in operative communication with the electronic circuit to output the optical MR signals and a first control optical connection in communication with the electronic circuit which receives the optical control signals; and a detachable cable which includes: at least one MR optical fiber for carrying the optical MR signal from the local RF coil, at least one control optical fiber for carrying the optical control signal to the local RF coil, and a second connector which selectively mates with the first connector and connects the coil elements and the electronic circuit to an external device, the second connector including a second MR optical connection which optically couples the at least one MR optical fiber to the first MR optical connection and a second control optical connection which optically couples the at least one control optical fiber with the first control optical connection.