Optical data connector having magnetic interconnect sensor
US4903340A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 1988 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 23, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4295
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical data link for transferring data between a pair of connectors and for activating an electrical device to which one of the connectors is attached. A light-emitting diode (LED) and a phototransistor are mounted in each of the connectors, with the LED of each connector visible to the phototransistor of the other connector when the connectors engage each other. The LEDs and phototransistors are connected to respective interface circuits. The interface circuits for at least one of the LEDs limits the current through the LED regardless of the amplitude of a driving signal. The interface circuits for the phototransistors maintain a relatively constant voltage across the phototransistors so that the phototransistors function as current switches. The electrical device is activated in response to closure of a magnetically sensitive reed switch mounted in the connector attached to the electrical device. The switch is closed when the connectors engage each other by the magnetic field generated by a magnet mounted in the other connector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.