What is Active Optical Cable?

Active optical cable is a hybrid of copper wires and optical fiber technology. It helps us reach high-speed data transmission over long distances. It is mainly used for telecommunications and high-performance computers.

They are lightweight and easy to use, making them ideal for high-demand applications. Additionally, they are immune to electromagnetic interference and require less cooling.

Optical Fibers

Optical fibers transmit data signals across tactical fiber-optic channels at high speeds. Each AOC cable end contains transceivers that convert electrical data into optical signals and back again to receive the signals, enabling the transmission of data over very long distances with minimal loss. AOCs are designed to replace traditional copper wire connections in high-demand environments such as data centers and high performance computing (HPC) applications. They offer a host of benefits that make their copper predecessors look archaic and unsophisticated.

AOCs use multimode or single-mode optical transceivers to create a complete fiber assembly that’s much like a Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cable, but capable of longer distances and lower power consumption. They’re typically used to connect servers, switches and data storage devices in data centers that are connected by fiber optic cables.

Each AOC has a connector module that can be attached to ports in equipment, and they can be used to connect different brands of gear. This helps to reduce the risk of compatibility issues. AOCs also have higher wiring consistency and are less susceptible to environmental factors, making them an excellent choice for long-distance networks.

The most obvious benefit of AOCs is their ability to extend the distance over which data can be transmitted. This allows them to replace longer and bulkier copper cables, aoc-active-optical-cable and they also provide a lower bit error rate. They’re also more flexible than copper cables, reducing the amount of physical space needed in data centers and other facilities.

Transmitter Module

AOC cables use optical fibers to transmit data signals in the form of light pulses. They consist of a transmitter module that converts electrical signals into optical signals and a receiver module that turns the optical signals back into electrical signals. These modules are connected by optical fibers, which enable them to transfer data signals over long distances at high speeds. AOC cables are a popular choice for connecting servers, switches, and other devices in data centers. They offer a range of advantages over traditional copper cables, including higher data rates, longer transmission distances, and better signal quality.

Compared to copper cables, AOCs are more reliable and durable, and they are easier to wire. They are also lighter in weight and less bulky. They also have a higher bandwidth and are more immune to electromagnetic interference. AOCs are also more expensive than copper cables, but they are worth the investment for high-speed data transmission over long distances.

AOCs are available in a variety of different form factors, such as SFP, QSFP, and HDMI, to meet the connectivity needs of various applications. These cables can be used for a variety of purposes, including optical backplanes, rack-to-rack and shelf-to-shelf interconnect, and connections between switches and storage devices. They are also compatible with a wide range of bus interfaces, including Ethernet and InfiniBand.

Receiver Module

Optical signals from the transmitter module are converted into electrical signals in the receiver module. These signals are then transmitted through the optical fibers to the other end of the cable, where they are received by the connected device. The device converts the optical signals back into electrical signals for processing. The receiver module also contains a clock recovery chip to ensure accurate transmission of data over long distances.

AOC cables provide high-bandwidth interconnects for a variety of applications. They offer a number of advantages over traditional copper cable, including higher bandwidth and immunity to electromagnetic interference. They also have lower power consumption and require less maintenance, reducing the overall cost of ownership.

Molex’s active optical cables are compliant with a wide range of industry-standard MSA connectors such as QSFP+ and iPass+ HD, making them ideal for a wide variety of applications including rack-to-rack and shelf-to-shelf interconnect, data center and server, and storage devices. They support InfiniBand FDR / QDR / DDR electrical, Ethernet (10, 40 and 56 Gbps), Fibre Channel (8 and 10 Gbps), SAS 3.0 and 2.1 (12 and 6 Gbps), as well as other protocol applications.

The biggest difference between AOC and DAC or ACC is that the electrical to optical conversion happens internally in an AOC, which makes them more reliable and stable than external modules. Moreover, AOCs have greater wiring consistency, and the bonded connector prevents dust from getting into the optical connection, which can cause signal loss.

Termination

Optical fibers transmit data using light signals rather than electrical ones. The cables contain optical transceiver circuits that convert electrical signals to light for transmission and back again at the other end. They have modules on both ends and are often used in high-performance computing applications.

Compared to copper cable assemblies, AOCs are less expensive and have longer transmission distances. They also offer better wiring consistency and resist damage from vibration and environmental factors like shock and dust. In multimode fiber optic cable assemblies addition, they can be plugged in and unplugged repeatedly without affecting performance. AOCs can also withstand more bending cycles than copper cable and have a lower EMI profile.

AOCs are available in a wide variety of configurations and connector types, from HDMI to USB, QSFP, and SFP. They can be ordered with different power arrangements as well. Some AOCs come with hybrid arrangements, such as a micro-D connector on one end and a standard 38999 circular connector on the other, and designs that combine power with fiber are possible. To protect the cables from damage, make sure to keep them away from foot traffic or rolling loads. It’s also best to avoid stepping on the cables and their modules, as doing so might create a kink.