Overview of Fiber Optic Technology

Almost any multi-mode glass fiber can be used, including 50/125 um, 62.5/125 um, 100/140 um or 200 um fibers. Typically B&B Electronics products use graded index fibers operating with 820 nm wavelength signals. Simplex and duplex cables are available in standard 1 meter, 3 meter, 5 meter and 10 meter lengths. B&B will manufacture custom length cables with ST to ST, SC to SC and ST to SC terminations. Cable jackets are plenum rated.

The use of fiber optics in telecommunications and wide area networking has been common for many years, but more recently fiber optics have become increasingly prevalent in industrial data communications systems as well. High data rate capabilities, noise rejection and electrical isolation are just a few of the important characteristics that make fiber optic technology ideal for use in industrial and commercial systems.

Most often used for point-to-point connections, fiber optic links are being used to extend the distance limitations of RS-232, RS-422/485 and Ethernet systems while ensuring high data rates and minimizing electrical interference. Conventional electrical data signals are converted into a modulated light beam, introduced into the fiber and transported via a very small diameter glass or plastic fiber to a receiver that converts the light back into electrical signals. Fiber's ability to carry the light signal, with very low losses, is based on some fundamental physics associated with the refraction and reflection of light.