Understanding MOFO™ Power
TechLogix MOFO™ cables have become one of the most popular options for extending HDMI, DisplayPort and USB over extended distances. This article examines frequently asked questions around the MOFO™ power circuit and operation.
Additional product line information can be found on the MOFO™ product page.
Are MOFO™ cables active?
Yes. TechLogix MOFO™ cables are active. They contain proprietary optical multiplexing technology to convert electrical HDMI, DisplayPort and/or USB signals to optical data.
Do MOFO™ cables require external power supplies?
No. Even though TechLogix MOFO™ cables are active, they do not require external power supplies. Power for the optical multiplexing processor is supplied through the HDMI, DisplayPort and/or USB connection to the source and destination device.
What if my device doesn't output enough power on the video or USB port?
The TechLogix MOFO™ optical processor is extremely efficient and operates within the standard 5V output of HDMI, DisplayPort and/or USB specifications. However, for applications where devices may not operate within specifications and/or power integrity is required over distance (such as with non-powered USB devices), MOFO™ cables feature internal copper conductors for power sharing between the source and destination ends.
Do MOFO™ cables work with passive (non-powered) wallplates, table inserts and couplers?
It depends on the model. Traditional active optical cables, including TechLogix MOFO™ cables, do not support any inline couplers due to power loss and interference. Couplers, including passive wallplates and table inserts, reduce the voltage pass-through between the source and destination devices and the optical processors within the active optical cable.
However, the TechLogix MOFO™ PT Series solves this problem through proprietary technology (patent No. 63/239,548) that allows inline coupling and extension cables to be used. MOFO™ PT Series products are designed to pass power through the coupled connection and from end-to-end through the cable.
What if my USB device doesn't automatically recognize the MOFO™ cable when it powers on?
In some applications, a computer with a connected MOFO™ USB cable is working properly; however, when the computer is rebooted the MOFO™ cable isn't identified and must be unplugged and replugged to operate properly again.
This scenario occurs because some computers automatically shut down USB ports until a physical connection is sensed and, because the MOFO™ cable requires power from the computer to properly operate, the connection cannot be made without unplugging and replugging the cable.
This issue can be solved through three methods: 1) don't power cycle the computer; 2) adjust the computer settings to disable "USB sleep mode"; or 3) install a powered hub inline between the MOFO™ cable and the computer.
The most sustainable and recommended method is typically option 2: adjusting the computer settings to disable "USB sleep mode". Below are example steps for making this adjustment, though actual steps may vary based on the computer and operating system.
