- 12 May 2006 -

JDSU demonstrates optically powered USB interface

JDSU announced that its Photonic Power Business Unit will be demonstrating an optically powered USB data link at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) conference in Seattle.

Using fully isolated photonic power enables USB electronics to be powered over longer distances than copper, and with complete immunity to high-voltage, RF/EMI and magnetic fields where traditional copper options are more complex or impractical.

The "plug and play" nature of the power system and the standards-based data communication simplifies the use for a wide range of applications. Sensors, transceivers, and instrumentation can now operate in a fully isolated environment for test and measurement; sensing in industrial, medical, aerospace, and homeland security applications; and video surveillance. The demonstration unit supports USB 1.1, with future versions providing support for higher data rate protocols.

"In the MRI industry in particular, use of copper cables presents serious challenges related to patient safety and signal integrity," said Dr Jan-Gustav Werthen, Director of Engineering for JDSU's Photonic Power Business Unit. "Our all-fibre solution is completely unaffected by RF heating and magnetic effects. It might also allow an increased channel count resulting in enhanced imaging."

Most recently, JDSU's Photonic Power Business Unit achieved a world record in the conversion efficiency of laser light into electrical power. JDSU's 3 and 5 V GaAs Photovoltaic Power Converter (PPC) is now providing optical-to-electrical conversion efficiency greater than 50%.

www.jdsu.com