What Is an Active Optical Cable?
An active optical cable (AOC) uniquely combines optical fiber technology with electrical circuits to facilitate data transmission. These cables come in two primary configurations: end-to-end and branching. The end-to-end configuration handles the conversion of optical signals to electrical signals at both cable ends. In contrast, the branching configuration supports connections to multiple devices by performing signal conversions at a central point along the cable.
Optimized for short-range optical communications, AOCs are particularly valuable in environments prone to electromagnetic interference. They offer the benefits of electromagnetic interference resistance, space efficiency, and are especially suited for short-distance data transmission applications.
Comprising of optical fibers, electrical circuits, and connectors, AOCs utilize glass or plastic for the fiber components and incorporate advanced electronic components, such as integrated circuits and transistors, in the electrical circuits. This integration ensures high-performance data transfer with the added advantages of durability and reliability in challenging conditions.