Electronic active star element for an optical data transmission system
First Claim
1. An electronically active star element for interconnecting remote terminals in a multi-terminal fiber optic data communication system in which a plurality of remote terminals are coupled to each other over an optical transmission data bus, each terminal having the capability to transmit to every other terminal and to receive from every other terminal over an optical cable which forms the data bus, each remote terminal thus having associated therewith an optical cable which must be interconnected with the optical cable from each other data terminal, comprising:
- (a) first means to convert the optical signals on all of the optical cables into amplified electrical signals comprising at least first and second receivers and means for coupling the signal from each of said cables to both of said receivers;
(b) second means to convert said amplified electrical signals back into an optical signal; and
(c) third means to couple said optical signal to each of said optical cables.
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Abstract
In order to more efficiently transmit optical data on an optical data bus to a number of members of an optical data transmission community, an electronic active star element which receives signals from each of a plurality of remote terminals, converts the optical signals to electrical signals, amplifies them, and transmits them to the remaining remote terminals is provided.
29 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An electronically active star element for interconnecting remote terminals in a multi-terminal fiber optic data communication system in which a plurality of remote terminals are coupled to each other over an optical transmission data bus, each terminal having the capability to transmit to every other terminal and to receive from every other terminal over an optical cable which forms the data bus, each remote terminal thus having associated therewith an optical cable which must be interconnected with the optical cable from each other data terminal, comprising:
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(a) first means to convert the optical signals on all of the optical cables into amplified electrical signals comprising at least first and second receivers and means for coupling the signal from each of said cables to both of said receivers; (b) second means to convert said amplified electrical signals back into an optical signal; and (c) third means to couple said optical signal to each of said optical cables. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An electronically active star element for interconnecting remote terminals in a multi-terminal fiber optic data communication system in which a plurality of remote terminals are coupled to each other over an optical transmission data bus, each terminal having the capability to transmit to every other terminal and to receive from every other terminal over an optical cable which forms the data bus, each remote terminal thus having associated therewith an optical cable which must be interconnected with the optical cable from each other data terminal, comprising:
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(a) first means to convert the optical signals on all of the optical cables into amplified electrical signals; (b) at least two transmitters adapted to receive said amplified electrical signals and to provide an output signal capable of driving an emitter; (c) at least two emitters; and (d) means for coupling the output of said transmitters to said emitters and for coupling the outputs of said emitters to said optical cables. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An electronically active star element for interconnecting remote terminals in a multi-terminal fiber optic data communication system in which a plurality of remote terminals are coupled to each other over an optical transmission data bus, each terminal having the capability to transmit to every other terminal and to receive from every other terminal over an optical cable which forms the data bus, each remote terminal thus having associated therewith an optical cable which must be interconnected with the optical cable from each other data terminal comprising:
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(a) an individual receiver associated with each of said optical cables, said receiver including a photodetector and amplification means, converting its associated signal into a corresponding amplified electrical signal; (b) a plurality of transmitters, one being provided for each of said optical cables and including an emitter and means for driving said emitter; and (c) means interconnecting the outputs of all of said transmitters to each of said optical cables whereby a signal from any of said receivers will be coupled as an input to all of said transmitters.
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Specification