Importance

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Abstract

A hybrid cable connector system for transmitting electrical power and multiplexed information signals between remotely located devices. The hybrid cable connector system has a plurality of serially connected connector cables. Each of the connector cables have at least one metal conductor for transmitting electrical power and at least one optical fiber for transmitting the multiplexed information signals. The connector at one end of each connector cable has a light source for converting electrical signals to light signals which are transmitted by the optical fiber to the connector at the other end of the connector cable. The connector at the other end of the connector cable has a photodetector for converting light signals back to electrical signals. The connections at both ends of the connector cable are totally electrical. In the preferred embodiment, the connector cable has two optical fibers, each having a light source and a photodetector disposed at its opposite ends permitting information signals to be transmitted through the connector cable in both directions. The cable connector system may include interface modules connected between the connector cables and the remotely located devices. Each interface module has a control module for extracting the desired information signal from the multiplexed signals being transmitted by the hybrid cable connector system.

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First Claim