US Patent 9322704 Composite active optical cables

Composite active optical cables are provided. An active optical cable may include a plurality of optical fibers and one or more insulated electrical conductors. In some instances, the optical fibers may be positioned within a microtube. Additionally, in some instances, the electrical conductors may include stranded conductors. A jacket may also be formed around the optical fibers and the electrical conductors. A first optical to electrical converter may be positioned at a first end of the cable, and a second optical to electrical converter may be positioned at a distal end of the cable. Further, the conductors may be configured to carry a power signal from the first end of the cable to the distal end of the cable to power the second optical to electrical converter.