| CPC H04B 10/807 (2013.01) [H04B 10/079 (2013.01); H04B 10/25 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
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1. An automobile comprising:
an electronic control unit operational to generate an optical power signal and a first optical communications signal;
at least one fiber optical cable coupled to the electronic control unit and operational to transport the optical power signal and the first optical communications signal; and
a sensor unit located remote from the electronic control unit and coupled to the at least one fiber optical cable, wherein the sensor unit is operational to:
convert the optical power signal into an electrical power;
convert the first optical communications signal into an electrical control signal;
measure a first parameter related to the automobile with a first sensor based on the electrical control signal and using the electrical power converted from the optical power signal; and
generate a second optical communications signal that conveys the first parameter as measured, wherein:
the at least one fiber optical is further operational to transport the second optical communications signal from the sensor unit to the electronic control unit; and
the electronic control unit is further operational to:
convert the second optical communications signal into a first electrical sensed signal that conveys the first parameter as measured; and
take an action based on the first parameter in the first electrical sensed signal.
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