This article introduces the Active Optical Connector application case series "Active Optical Connector for Medical Equipment." Active Optical Connector (AOC) is important communication device suitable for Medical Equipment because it is small and lightweight, capable of long-distance high-speed communication of large amounts of data and less susceptible to external noise.
This article contains useful information for signal transmission, control and network engineers of Medical Equipment. If you have trouble with high-speed signal transmission with Medical Equipment, please use this article.
(You can read this article in about five minutes.)
Table of Contents
What is an Active Optical Connector?
AOCs Solve Transmission Problems with Medical Equipment
Advice from AOC Development Engineers
What is an Active Optical Connector?
Active Optical Connector (AOC) is electrical connector that converts electrical signals (differential signals) into optical signals for transmission over optical fiber cables. It is an optical transmission device that is less affected by external noise even in long-distance communication between devices over tens of meters, and enables stable, high-speed transmission of large amounts of data. It also enables electrical insulation isolation between devices.
AOC Used in Medical Equipment
AOC is used to transmit camera video signals and control signals for medical equipment.
Let's take a look at where AOC is used in medical equipment.
1. Use case in Endoscope Systems
Real-time transmission of high-definition images (4K / 8K) is required for endoscope systems. AOC achieves high-speed data communication (8Gbps/ch) with 2 uni-directional channels, enabling stable transmission of high-pixel, large-volume (high-frame rate) image data. 10 Gbps/ch can be supported as an option.
AOC is used for transmission between the controller section of the endoscope system and the video processor, and for board-to-board transmission within a video processor.
2. Use case in MRI
MRI requires high-definition and high-quality images. Optical communication is advantageous for long-distance transmission of large-volume images from the examination room to the machine room. AOC is used for transmission from the receiver to the machine room.
Magnetic components inside MRI cause distortion of the magnetic field, which degrades the image quality of MRI images. We can be customized a completely non-magnetic AOC for MRI, so please contact us
AOC Solves Transmission Problems with Medical Equipment
The following problems may arise when transmitting camera video signals and control signals from medical equipment.
・When there is a noise source in the vicinity and the signal path is long distance, the quality of the image transmission signal cannot be secured and the image quality deteriorates. Increased man-hours required for noise suppression components and board redesign.
・Shielded cables are thick and heavy, making wiring difficult to handle and difficult to use in moving parts.
・The size required for medical equipment is fixed, small form-factor pluggable (SFP) is too large to fit.
・SFP has high current consumption and image quality degradation due to heat generation.
・Electrical isolation is necessary to protect patients.
Can AOC solve these problems?
Of course, the Active Optical Connector V series can solve all your problems!
AOC achieves high-speed transmission of large amounts of data due to their high noise tolerance through optical transmission (both high definition and high frame rate). It also contributes to slimming down medical equipment with small and lightweight devices. High-speed transmission, wiring saving, and weight reduction can be achieved at the same time.
AOC also achieves noise immunity against disturbance noise in the medical field. Transmission signals are not disturbed by disturbance noise, which is three major factors (1) radiation, (2) electrical scalpels, and (3) static electricity. The low power consumption and low heat generation eliminates the need for heat dissipation design. In addition, electrical isolation (5kV) can be ensured to protect the human body.
Panasonic Industry's AOC line up also includes an optical connection type that supports LC connectors, making it easy to connect equipment, such as the connection between the measurement and control units of medical equipment.
Advice from AOC Development Engineers
・AOC is a transmission device with a wide transmission bandwidth. The input signals are transmitted and output in the same bandwidth. However, the input signal must be DC-balanced with 8B10B code conversion.
・Optical signals are resistant to electromagnetic noise, but the opto-electrical converter is affected by noise. Panasonic Industry's AOC has a metal shell protecting the opto-electrical converter and the GND connection to prevent noise.
・Are you thinking, "I have never dealt with optical transmission and it seems difficult"? AOC is an electrical interface with an electrical connector. It can be completed with a normal electrical design.
・The optical connection type is a device that can replace SFP, so if you have trouble with SFP, please consider replacing it.
・Panasonic Industry's AOC has cleared the medical electromagnetic radiation (immunity) standard IEC60601-1-2 and can be used safely in a medical environment.
・Please Contact us in advance using the AOC for medical equipment. We will hold an interview with the customer about the place of use of the AOC.
User comments on AOC
"It is good that it can handle noise and is small enough to be installed in narrow spaces."
"We had a problem with noise immunity, so we considered optical transmission devices."
"We were able to release the product according to the development schedule, free from the world of repeated thinking errors in the design for noise prevention."
"We want to make our medical equipment as easy to use as possible, so devices that allow for less wiring and smaller controllers are helpful."
"Optical transmission reduces signal attenuation caused by electrical signal transmission and is not affected by external noise, so the noise portion of the S/N ratio can be reduced, and image quality can be improved.”
Learn more about AOC
Did you understand the important role of AOC in medical equipment?
We hope this article will help you understand AOC better.
Learn more about AOC! If you want to use AOC in your applications, please check out our feature page.
