Optical data connector having magnetic interconnect sensor

An optical data link for transferring data between first and second connectors and for generating an actuating signal when said connectors are interconnected, said data link comprising:

• a magnet mounted in said first connector;
• a first optical communication component mounted in said first connector;
• a magnetically sensitive switch mounted in said second connector so that, when said first and second connectors are interconnected, the magnetic field from said magnet closes said switch, said switch generating said actuating signal when said switch is closed;
• and
• a second optical communication component mounted in said second connector at a position where it is visible to said first optical component when said first and second connectors are interconnected, one of said optical communication components emitting light as a function of a binary data signal and the other of said optical communication components detecting light emitted by said optical communication component to recover said binary data signal.

A method of transferring digital data between first and second connectors and indicating when said first and second connectors are interconnected, said method comprising:

• transmitting light from one of said connectors in accordance with said digital data;
• detecting said light at the other of said connectors;
• generating a magnetic field from said first connector;
• and
• detecting said magnetic field at said second connector, thereby providing an indication that said first and second connectors are interconnected.