Optical waveguide plug-in system for multimedia devices

Details Optical waveguide plug-in system for multimedia devices Optical waveguide plug-in system for multimedia devices

1999-10-01

2001-01-30

Ullah, Akm E. (Department: 2874)

Optical waveguides

With disengagable mechanical connector

C439S535000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06179476

ABSTRACT:

The present invention relates to an OWG plug-in system for multimedia devices according to Patent claim
1
.
Such plug-in systems can be used wherever there are optical signal transmissions. Thus, the transmission of information is effected via OWGs on account of the constantly increasing requirements made of the transmission rate (25 to 50 Mbit/s), for example in modern automobiles.
The printed documents DE 44 12 571 and DE 195 25 739 have disclosed OWG plug connectors which butt directly against an active element, for example a transceiver. This means that the active element is situated in the mating connector. For structural reasons, the OWG connector projects from the OWG plug connector. The OWG plug connector together with active element are usually fitted on the housing exterior of a multimedia device, such as e.g. a CD player, in order to minimize the attenuation between OWG connector and active element.
In this case, it is particularly disadvantageous that the interface between OWG and active element is arranged without any protection outside the device and is particularly susceptible to electromagnetic interference. This solution is unsuitable for the transmission rates required, since the EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) decreases as the transmission rate increases. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that the OWG presses directly onto the active element, since, in the event of external mechanical influences, such as e.g. vibration, the optical surface may be damaged and attenuation is thus produced at the OWG conductor/active element junction.
Moreover, plug connectors have been disclosed in which the OWG connector butts against the active element and the two are subsequently potted jointly with epoxy resin.
In this case, it is particularly disadvantageous that, on the one hand, the connection between OWG connector and active element is no longer releasable and, on the other hand, as a result of material fatigue, the resin becomes dull, the fibre acquires hairline cracks or the connection tears completely, with the result that the attenuation becomes ever greater over time in the first and second cases and transmission is no longer possible in the third case.
The object of the invention is to specify a plug-in system for multimedia devices which, to the largest extent possible, is insensitive to EM interference without the plug-in system causing appreciable attenuation, in the process.
This object is achieved by means of the features specified in the independent claim.
The OWG plug-in system for multimedia devices comprises a first OWG plug connector with a mechanically releasable connector and a mating connector, the said OWG plug connector being arranged in proximity to a multimedia device, a second OWG plug connector with an OWG connector and a printed circuit board, this second OWG plug connector being arranged in an electromagnetically compatible region of the multimedia device and containing at least one active element, and at least one OWG cable, with an OWG connector at each end, one OWG connector of which can be fixed into the first OWG plug connector and the other OWG connector of which can be fixed into the second OWG plug connector, in each case without play, the active element being arranged in a manner centred with respect to the OWG connector in the second OWG plug connector.
In the case of plug connectors having a plurality of OWG cables, the OWG connectors may have lugs operating as codings which guarantee the capability of fitting the respective chambers.
It is preferable for the OWG connector which can be plugged into the first plug connector to be embodied as a “pigtail” for an active element. A “pigtail” is to be understood to mean an optical extension cable for an active element; in this case, the one end can be connected directly to the active element and the other element is preformed with a second OWG connector. This affords the possibility of banishing the active element from the mating connector and arranging it at a suitable location in terms of EMC. The plug connector is now independent of the development of the active element, with the result that the plug connector may survive a number of active element generations, since every new development of the active element may entail a development of a new mechanical interface between active element and OWG.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4996477 (1991-02-01), Keeler et al.
patent: 5558536 (1996-09-01), Horton
patent: 5785551 (1998-07-01), Libby
patent: 6099348 (2000-08-01), Horton
patent: 44 12 571 C1 (1995-06-01), None
patent: 195 25 739C1 (1996-10-01), None

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