Since becoming commercially successful in the mid-2000s, active optical cables (AOCs) have been gaining popularity. The reasons are obvious. They offer advantages like longer reach compared to traditional copper cables, higher data rates, and lower latency, which is the time it takes for data to travel from one point to another. Active optical cables are commonly used in applications where high-speed and reliable data transmission are critical, such as data centers, high-performance computing, and audio/video connectivity.
At L-com we recently expanded our line of active optical cables used in audio/video. Below we explain some of the general benefits of AOC as well as popular applications related to A/V. These applications focus on the three types of active optical cables we have expanded: DisplayPort 1.4, Mini-DisplayPort, and HDMI. We conclude with specific details about our new offerings.
What Is Active Optical Cable?
Active fiber optic cables incorporate active components, such as transmitters and receivers, to boost and maintain the signal integrity over longer distances. Unlike passive cables, which rely solely on the electrical properties of the cable material, AOCs use electronics to regenerate and amplify the optical signals.
Benefits of Active Optical Cable:
- Extended Reach: Active fiber optic cables utilize electronic components like signal amplifiers and repeaters to boost and maintain the strength of the optical signal. This allows signals to travel over much longer distances without experiencing significant degradation. Examples: In scenarios where you need to connect devices that are far apart, such as in large conference rooms, auditoriums, or data centers, AOCs provide a reliable solution for extended reach.
- Higher Bandwidth: Active optical cables can support higher data rates compared to passive cables. The electronic components within the cable actively regenerate and amplify the optical signals, enabling the transmission of larger amounts of data at faster speeds. Examples: AOCs are well-suited for applications that demand high bandwidth, such as connecting 4K or 8K displays, virtual reality systems, or high-performance computing setups.
- Thinner and Lightweight: Fiber optic cables, in general, are thinner and lighter than their copper counterparts. The active components in active optical cables are typically smaller and more lightweight than the copper conductors in traditional cables. Examples: In situations where cable management and flexibility are crucial, such as in tight spaces or when dealing with numerous cables, the thinner and lighter nature of AOCs makes them easier to handle and route.
- Immunity to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): Unlike copper cables, fiber optic cables do not conduct electricity. This makes them immune to EMI, ensuring a stable and reliable signal even in environments with high levels of electrical noise. Examples: In industrial settings or areas with a lot of electronic equipment, where EMI can be a significant concern, AOCs provide a secure and interference-free signal transmission.
- Future-Proofing: Active optical cables are often designed to be compatible with emerging technologies and higher data rates. This future-proofing aspect ensures that the cables can adapt to evolving standards and applications. Examples: Investing in AOCs can be beneficial for long-term installations where you anticipate the need for increased data rates or compatibility with advanced devices that may be introduced in the future.
Popular Audio/Video Applications:
Since L-com’s newest active optical cable for A/V uses DisplayPort 1.4, Mini DisplayPort, and HDMI interfaces, following are some of the most common applications for these three types of AOC connectors:
- DisplayPort 1.4: Active fiber optic DisplayPort cables are commonly used for connecting high-resolution displays, such as 4K and 8K monitors. They are suitable for scenarios where longer cable lengths are required, maintaining signal quality over extended distances. DisplayPort 1.4, an upgrade from DisplayPort 1.2, has a maximum data transfer rate of 32.4 Gbps. Its maximum bandwidth of 21.6 Gbps allows for support of higher resolutions, refresh rates, and color depths than Version 1.2.
- Mini-DisplayPort: Mini-DisplayPort cables with active fiber optics are used for connecting devices like laptops to external monitors or projectors. They provide the same benefits of extended reach and higher bandwidth as DisplayPort. However, Mini-DisplayPort connectors are almost half the width of DisplayPort and are thus useful on smaller devices such as laptops and tablets.
- HDMI: Active fiber optic HDMI cables are employed for transmitting high-definition audio and video signals over longer distances. HDMI is the standard interface for most consumer audio/visual equipment, including TVs, home theater systems, gaming consoles, and cameras. Active HDMI is also useful in conference rooms and other applications where long cable runs are necessary.
L-com’s New A/V Active Optical Cable
If you’d like to transmit your audio and video signals at higher speeds and longer distances, active optical cable is the way to go. Recently we upgraded our selection of AOC with 50 new products that give you pristine 4K and 8K resolutions at 32.4 Gbps on DisplayPort 1.4, Mini-DisplayPort, and HDMI connectors. Such high signal quality over long distances is ideal for use with medical imaging equipment, TV broadcasting, conference room video equipment, digital signage, security systems, home theater, and more.
Key Features:
- A/V-Friendly Interface – Connector options are DisplayPort 1.4, Mini-DisplayPort, and HDMI
- Crisp, Clear Video – Resolutions of 8K or 4K at 8.1 Gbps per channel, with low EMI/RFI
- Easy to Install – Cable is slim, lightweight and flexible, good for tight spaces.
- Rugged – Our cables have an ultra-small, long-term bending radius, and there are armored cable options.
- Right Length – Each new cable type comes in 10 lengths, from 10 to 100 meters.
These new audio/video active optical cables are in stock now and available for immediate shipment. All orders on in-stock products placed before 6 p.m. CST weekdays will ship the same day.
Check out all our fiber optic and audio/video connectivity products. Need help deciding on the right cable assembly for your application? Connect with one of our L-com technical experts now. Call us toll-free at 1-866-506-2818, chat with us live, or email us at sales@l-com.com.
