Abstract: A method of making modular multi-function active optical cables (AOC) that enables multiple functions with minimal non-recurring engineering is described herein. In a non-limiting embodiment, one or more modular boards may be assembled into an assembly at a first end and a second end of the modular multi-function active optical cable, where each modular board may include at least a first connector. An electrical connector may be connected to the assembly using an interface to connect the electrical connector to the first connector associated with each module board. A hybrid cable assembly then may be connected between the assembly at the first end and the second, where the hybrid cable assembly includes one or more optical fibers and one or more electrical conductors.

Abstract: An active optical cable (AOC) for a helmet mounted display (HMD) or goggles includes a transceiver module having a rigid-flex or flex connector packaging to physically couple with an electrical data interface of the HMD or goggles. The transceiver module includes one or more media converters to receive electrical data of multiple formats from the HMD or googles and convert the received electrical data to a common format, and an optical engine communicatively coupled to the one or more media converters to output the converted electrical data as optical data. The AOC includes a cable assembly including at least fiber optic cables with one end of the cable assembly communicatively couple to the transceiver module to receive the optical data output from optical engine; and another transceiver module having a quick-release connector packaging and communicatively coupled to other end of the cable assembly to receive the optical data.

Abstract: An active optical cable (AOC) for a helmet mounted display (HMD) includes a transceiver module having a rigid-flex or flex connector packaging to physically couple with an electrical data interface of the HMD. The transceiver module includes one or more media converters to receive electrical data of multiple formats from the helmet mounted display and convert the received electrical data to a common format, and an optical engine communicatively coupled to the one or more media converters to output the converted electrical data as optical data. The AOC includes a cable assembly including at least fiber optic cables with one end of the cable assembly communicatively couple to the transceiver module to receive the optical data output from optical engine; and another transceiver module having a quick-release connector packaging and communicatively coupled to other end of the cable assembly to receive the optical data.

Abstract: Apparatus enabling modular implementation of active optical cable (AOC) with multiple integrated functions including: integration of different types of data on the AOC via media conversion; distribution of electrical power over the AOC; electrical multiplexing data channels for optical fibers; integration of voltage regulators enabling AOC operation at different supply voltages; integration of voltage regulators to provide stable, low noise power source; ruggedized, blind-mateable electrical connectors; integration of electronics and optoelectronics inside a connector backshell; implementation of health monitoring and test channel enabling monitoring, test, and control of both ends of the AOC and monitoring and control of upstream systems and components; and enabling a form, fit, function replacement of existing electrical cables to improve SWaP, electromagnetic interference resiliency, length-bandwidth product, electromagnetic pulse resistance, signal integrity, system reliability, testability and maintenanc

Abstract: An active optical cable (AOC) for a helmet mounted display (HMD) or goggles includes a transceiver module having a rigid-flex or flex connector packaging to physically couple with an electrical data interface of the HMD or goggles. The transceiver module includes one or more media converters to receive electrical data of multiple formats from the HMD or googles and convert the received electrical data to a common format, and an optical engine communicatively coupled to the one or more media converters to output the converted electrical data as optical data. The AOC includes a cable assembly including at least fiber optic cables with one end of the cable assembly communicatively couple to the transceiver module to receive the optical data output from optical engine; and another transceiver module having a quick-release connector packaging and communicatively coupled to other end of the cable assembly to receive the optical data.

Abstract: A method, system and an apparatus for hybrid optical and electrical pumping of semiconductor lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) improves reliability at high operating temperatures. The semiconductor laser or LED is biased via optical pumping and a relatively small electrical modulation current modulates the laser. At low modulation speeds, the modulation current is substantially lower than that required for biasing the laser or directly modulating it at high speeds. The lifetime of the laser is improved by substantially reducing the operating current, enabling laser lifetimes adequate for operation in many applications, such as deep-hole oil drilling and jet engine control, where operation is not currently possible.

Abstract: An optical module apparatus and method operates at high temperatures. The apparatus has a first printed circuit board with optoelectronics and electronics located on a thermoelectric cooler. The thermoelectric cooler is located on a second printed circuit board that also has electronics that control the thermoelectric cooler separately mounted thereon. The optical module operates at substantially higher temperatures by placing the optoelectronics and the electronics, not including the thermoelectric cooler controller, on the thermoelectric cooler. The electronics controlling the thermoelectric cooler only require relatively simple, low-speed electronics that are implemented in integrated circuit technologies. The integrated circuit electronics may operate at very high temperatures (200° C. or higher) thereby making control of the thermoelectric cooler with uncooled electronics possible.

Abstract: Optical bench structure provides a platform for integrating optical transmitters, particularly Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs), with monitor photodetectors. A substrate with photodetectors on the front side is aligned with flip-chip bonding bumps so the emission of the transmitters is aligned with the monitor photodetectors and passes through the monitor photodetectors with a portion of the transmitted light absorbed by the monitor photodetectors. The photodetectors have a thin absorption region so the percentage of light absorbed may be relatively small, providing sufficient photocurrent to monitor the transmitted power having a minimal effect on the transmitted power. Microlenses are integrated on the backside of the substrate focus, steer and/or collimate the emitted optical beams from the transmitters. The structure enables photodetectors to be integrated on the optical bench allowing the received optical power to be monitored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for active voltage regulation in optical modules utilize a voltage regulator to change the supply voltage provided to laser diode driver and receiver electronics to optimize module performance over temperature. The ambient temperature of the module is monitored. The outputs of the voltage regulator are controlled to provide voltages that are optimized with respect to temperature for the integrated circuits in the optical module. This control is implemented via a temperature sensitive feedback or a control input from a microcontroller with a temperature monitor input. The supply voltage is optimized to minimize the voltage required to achieve acceptable performance at a given temperature. Minimizing the supply voltage lengthens the lifetime of the integrated circuit and the optical module. The voltage regulator provides higher than standard supply voltages to a laser diode driver to compensate for higher laser voltage at low temperatures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for active voltage regulation in optical modules utilize a voltage regulator to change the supply voltage provided to laser diode driver and receiver electronics to optimize module performance over temperature. The ambient temperature of the module is monitored. The outputs of the voltage regulator are controlled to provide voltages that are optimized with respect to temperature for the integrated circuits in the optical module. This control is implemented via a temperature sensitive feedback or a control input from a microcontroller with a temperature monitor input. The supply voltage is optimized to minimize the voltage required to achieve acceptable performance at a given temperature. Minimizing the supply voltage lengthens the lifetime of the integrated circuit and the optical module. The voltage regulator provides higher than standard supply voltages to a laser diode driver to compensate for higher laser voltage at low temperatures.

Abstract: Optical bench structure provides a platform for integrating optical transmitters, particularly Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs), with monitor photodetectors. A substrate with photodetectors on the front side is aligned with flip-chip bonding bumps so the emission of the transmitters is aligned with the monitor photodetectors and passes through the monitor photodetectors with a portion of the transmitted light absorbed by the monitor photodetectors. The photodetectors have a thin absorption region so the percentage of light absorbed may be relatively small, providing sufficient photocurrent to monitor the transmitted power having a minimal effect on the transmitted power. Microlenses are integrated on the backside of the substrate focus, steer and/or collimate the emitted optical beams from the transmitters. The structure enables photodetectors to be integrated on the optical bench allowing the received optical power to be monitored.

Abstract: Apparatus enabling modular implementation of active optical cable (AOC) with multiple integrated functions including: integration of different types of data on the AOC via media conversion; distribution of electrical power over the AOC; electrical multiplexing data channels for optical fibers; integration of voltage regulators enabling AOC operation at different supply voltages; integration of voltage regulators to provide stable, low noise power source; ruggedized, blind-mateable electrical connectors; integration of electronics and optoelectronics inside a connector backshell; implementation of health monitoring and test channel enabling monitoring, test, and control of both ends of the AOC and monitoring and control of upstream systems and components; and enabling a form, fit, function replacement of existing electrical cables to improve SWaP, electromagnetic interference resiliency, length-bandwidth product, electromagnetic pulse resistance, signal integrity, system reliability, testability and maintenanc

Abstract: A method, system and an apparatus for hybrid optical and electrical pumping of semiconductor lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) improves reliability at high operating temperatures. The semiconductor laser or LED is biased via optical pumping and a relatively small electrical modulation current modulates the laser. At low modulation speeds, the modulation current is substantially lower than that required for biasing the laser or directly modulating it at high speeds. The lifetime of the laser is improved by substantially reducing the operating current, enabling laser lifetimes adequate for operation in many applications, such as deep-hole oil drilling and jet engine control, where operation is not currently possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for active voltage regulation in optical modules utilize a voltage regulator to change the supply voltage provided to laser diode driver and receiver electronics to optimize module performance over temperature. The ambient temperature of the module is monitored. The outputs of the voltage regulator are controlled to provide voltages that are optimized with respect to temperature for the integrated circuits in the optical module. This control is implemented via a temperature sensitive feedback or a control input from a microcontroller with a temperature monitor input. The supply voltage is optimized to minimize the voltage required to achieve acceptable performance at a given temperature. Minimizing the supply voltage lengthens the lifetime of the integrated circuit and the optical module. The voltage regulator provides higher than standard supply voltages to a laser diode driver to compensate for higher laser voltage at low temperatures.

Abstract: Optical bench structure provides a platform for integrating optical transmitters, particularly Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs), with monitor photodetectors. A substrate with photodetectors on the front side is aligned with flip-chip bonding bumps so the emission of the transmitters is aligned with the monitor photodetectors and passes through the monitor photodetectors with a portion of the transmitted light absorbed by the monitor photodetectors. The photodetectors have a thin absorption region so the percentage of light absorbed may be relatively small, providing sufficient photocurrent to monitor the transmitted power having a minimal effect on the transmitted power. Microlenses are integrated on the backside of the substrate focus, steer and/or collimate the emitted optical beams from the transmitters. The structure enables photodetectors to be integrated on the optical bench allowing the received optical power to be monitored.

Abstract: Apparatus enabling modular implementation of active optical cable (AOC) with multiple integrated functions including: integration of different types of data on the AOC via media conversion; distribution of electrical power over the AOC; electrical multiplexing data channels for optical fibers; integration of voltage regulators enabling AOC operation at different supply voltages; integration of voltage regulators to provide stable, low noise power source; ruggedized, blind-mateable electrical connectors; integration of electronics and optoelectronics inside a connector backshell; implementation of health monitoring and test channel enabling monitoring, test, and control of both ends of the AOC and monitoring and control of upstream systems and components; and enabling a form, fit, function replacement of existing electrical cables to improve SWaP, electromagnetic interference resiliency, length-bandwidth product, electromagnetic pulse resistance, signal integrity, system reliability, testability and maintenanc

Abstract: An optical module apparatus and method operates at high temperatures. The apparatus has a first printed circuit board with optoelectronics and electronics located on a thermoelectric cooler. The thermoelectric cooler is located on a second printed circuit board that also has electronics that control the thermoelectric cooler separately mounted thereon. The optical module operates at substantially higher temperatures by placing the optoelectronics and the electronics, not including the thermoelectric cooler controller, on the thermoelectric cooler. The electronics controlling the thermoelectric cooler only require relatively simple, low-speed electronics that are implemented in integrated circuit technologies. The integrated circuit electronics may operate at very high temperatures (200° C. or higher) thereby making control of the thermoelectric cooler with uncooled electronics possible.

Abstract: Optical bench structure provides a platform for integrating optical transmitters, particularly Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs), with monitor photodetectors. A substrate with photodetectors on the front side is aligned with flip-chip bonding bumps so the emission of the transmitters is aligned with the monitor photodetectors and passes through the monitor photodetectors with a portion of the transmitted light absorbed by the monitor photodetectors. The photodetectors have a thin absorption region so the percentage of light absorbed may be relatively small, providing sufficient photocurrent to monitor the transmitted power having a minimal effect on the transmitted power. Microlenses are integrated on the backside of the substrate focus, steer and/or collimate the emitted optical beams from the transmitters. The structure enables photodetectors to be integrated on the optical bench allowing the received optical power to be monitored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for active voltage regulation in optical modules utilize a voltage regulator to change the supply voltage provided to laser diode driver and receiver electronics to optimize module performance over temperature. The ambient temperature of the module is monitored. The outputs of the voltage regulator are controlled to provide voltages that are optimized with respect to temperature for the integrated circuits in the optical module. This control is implemented via a temperature sensitive feedback or a control input from a microcontroller with a temperature monitor input. The supply voltage is optimized to minimize the voltage required to achieve acceptable performance at a given temperature. Minimizing the supply voltage lengthens the lifetime of the integrated circuit and the optical module. The voltage regulator provides higher than standard supply voltages to a laser diode driver to compensate for higher laser voltage at low temperatures.

Abstract: A method of modular design/manufacturing of active optical cables (AOC) enables multiple functions with minimal non-recurring engineering. Customized AOCs combine standardized interface boards, hybrid cable assemblies, and connector assemblies into various combinations to implement the required functions. Standardized boards support various data types. Conversion of electrical data types to/from optical signals are transmitted over the AOC. Connections to the boards use board connectors attached to a ruggedized connector. Customized connections are made by changing the layout of a customizable interconnect board attached to the ruggedized connector without significant design, verification and/or qualification. Standardized boards using a mother board manage the boards and monitor board health. Power isolation, regulation, and/or distribution to other boards are handled on the mother board or a dedicated power board.