Optical Cables for Consumer Applications

• Published in: Journal of lightwave technology Vol. 33; no. 4; pp. 872 - 877
• Main Authors: Charbonneau-Lefort, Mathieu, Yadlowsky, Michael J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 15.02.2015
• Subjects: Active optical cable; Consumer electronics; Couplings; Data communication; Lens module; Multi-mode optical fiber; Optical assembly; Optical coupling; Optical fiber applications; Optical fiber cables; Optical fiber communication; Optical fiber devices; Optical fiber dispersion; Optical fibers; Optical interconnections; Personal communication networks; optical fiber applications; consumer electronics; multi-mode optical fiber; optical assembly; personal communication networks; optical interconnections; lens module; data communication; optical fiber communication; Active optical cable; optical coupling
• ISSN: 0733-8724; 1558-2213
• DOI: 10.1109/JLT.2015.2390223

As communication data rates increase, the maximum propagation distance in copper cables decreases. This trend is driving the use of fiber-optic links at shorter and shorter distances. Now, well established in the telecom and datacom market segments, optical fiber is poised to find applications in the consumer market segment. Consumer protocols such as USB and Thunderbolt are achieving data rates of 10 Gb/s and higher, and as a result, the reach of traditional copper interconnects becomes limited to a few meters. Optics can remove the distance limitation and enable longer-reach applications. However, to be successful in the consumer market, optical cables need to be robust--both optically and mechanically-and low cost. In this paper, we describe how the various elements of the optical link, including the fiber, the cable, and the coupling optics, can be engineered to work together on a system level in order to meet those requirements.