FO Cables

Fiber optic cable vs. Fiber optic cables – overview of differences

The material and design of optical fibers and fiber-optic cables are based on the areas of application and the tasks to be performed with the light. Two areas are distinguished here.

Fiber optic cables are used to transport light signals with a low loss and low overradiation to a defined light emission surface. These are usually LEDs, which are installed on printed circuit boards, and whose light beam is directed, for example, to a housing front plate. The transmitted light is not modulated, which means that it is not "charged" with any other signals.

Such fiber optic cables represent space-saving, installation-friendly and ultimately cost-effective solutions. At the same time, due to the removed electronic components, a very good protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD protection) is offered, which was equally advantageous for the operator and the maintenance of the components.

Fiber optic cables are made of durable high-performance plastics, which offer a high light yield and homogeneous illumination without overradiation. They are available as rigid and flexible versions in different versions with different head shapes at the light exit surface. This not only directs technical information to the user, but also allows developers to customize the display of this information to suit the particular device design.

Fiber-optic cables (FOC) transmit optical signals that are ultimately converted into electrical signals. For this purpose, the light is modulated. Optical signal transmission is usually realized by means of glass fiber cables. For this purpose, a converter of the electrical to optical signals is required at both the transmission and reception points. This also ensures galvanic isolation of the electrical components connected via the fiber-optic transmission link.

High-purity plastics are used for the manufacture of cables made of glass fiber. The diameters of the optical fibers range from 3.5 to 1,500 micrometers, depending on the wavelength of the light. A fiber consists of a Kern and a sheath as a surrounding wall as well as other protective layers. The light is guided by total reflection on the glass fiber walls. In case of a total reflection, light is reflected almost without loss on a surface. The diameter is chosen so that at a defined wavelength the angle of incidence at the fiber wall remains so low that no light leaves the fiber. Transmission via glass fibers is very low-loss, was again able to provide long transmission paths in the double-digit kilometer range. With the help of single-mode fibers, signals can be transmitted even up to 100 kilometers wide. Multimode fibers, on the other hand, are more suitable for shorter distances. They have a larger diameter, which allows them to transmit more data, but it also causes more refraction in the fibers. This results in signal deterioration or distortion at longer distances.

The wavelength of the light enables very high data rates up to the gigahertz per second range. Safety against electromagnetic influences is also given. However, fiber optic cables are sensitive to severe bending. The sheath of the fibers can quickly carry damage away. This feature is used to use fiber optic cables for measuring tasks. The fiber-optic sensor branch was developed from this, with which almost any monitoring or control task in research and development as well as industry and household can be solved. Fiber optic transmission links are reliable and long-lasting, but building them up involves higher costs.

Due to the special material properties of fiber optic cables, it is recommended to use special tools for assembly. With fiber optic technology and accessories, the stripping, splicing and crimping of glass fibers with the corresponding connectors is as easy as with copper cables.

Application areas of fiber-optic cables and fiber-optic cables

Fiber optic cables are used wherever status or historical information of technical processes is to be visualized. This can be switching states of electrical devices, visual information of a vehicle on-board computer or operator information from hermetically sealed electrical components.

Fiber-optic cables are used for cable-based communication. Due to their advantageous properties, they have replaced the classic copper cable in many places. Today's communication systems are being built with complete fiber optic networks.

Furthermore, fiber-optic cables are used for the flexible transport of laser light with a defined wavelength. This is based, for example, on devices in medical technology or for material processing. Fiber optic cables are also used in measurement technology. Here, fiber-optic sensors are used for a wide range of high-precision measurement requirements. Illuminations for microscopes and other work equipment as well as building and decoration lighting are also often realized with the help of fiber optic cables.

Tips for laying fiber-optic cables

Fiber-optic cables must not be bent strongly during installation. The bending radius should not be less than two centimeters to avoid damage. When pulling in the fiber-optic cables, do not apply excessive mechanical strain to the cable. Some cables already have an integrated strain relief. When laying in protective tubes or on mounting supports, the fiber-optic cable must also be protected from sharp edges and bends.

The surface of light conductors should not be damaged, so that no light escapes at the wrong place and the desired light emission is not reduced at the defined point of exit.