Text version of the page

LEONI Fiber Optics

Fiber Optic Cables - 14158 |

Further competencies Plastics are attracting increasing attention as a means to transmit information. Pure fiber optics (POF – Polymer Optical Fiber) and plastic-coated glass fiber optics with step index profile have been on the market for years.They have been used primarily in high-range digital audio systems, the automotive industry, some segments of lighting technology, medical technology, and on bus systems in industrial applications. Bus system applications are found primarily where there are signifi-cant EMC issues and the transmission path is relatively short. Compared to conventional glass fiber optics, plastic fiber optics have the advantage of greater flexibility (high alternate bending stress with small bend radii), and they are also a low-cost connection and trans-mission solution. These factors are particularly important in mechani- cal engineering and automation applications. Plastic fiber optics also have all the essential properties – including low EMC susceptibility, perfect galvanic isolation, low susceptibility to electronic surveillance, no cross talk, low weight, etc. – that are generally associated with fiber optics. Compared to common single-mode and multi-mode fiber optics, plastic fiber optics have higher attenuation, which reduces their range, and they have smaller bandwidth. The latest developments (e.g. gradient index POF), which are currently in the market introduction phase, show that there is still significant potential for improved performance. With the introduction of Ethernet technology and LAN networking in industrial applications, designers and planners have been taking a closer look at POF and PCF.The distances that can now be bridged are 70m for POF fibers and 500 m for PCF fibers, and this is regarded as sufficient for industrial applications. If you consider that the average length from the floor distribution board to a workstation in a local network is 45m, then it would appear that using POF/PCF is not so unrealistic. Solutions are already available for small office and home networks.Once the necessary hardware is available in sufficient quantities and at an affordable price, POF/PCF will certainly become an attractive option in many office networks. Despite the drive towards higher and higher bandwidths, 100 Mbit/sec Ethernet connections will be adequate for most applications in the near future, especially if the user focuses on the cost-benefit aspect. The “LEONI iQ-Line” offers you various cable designs using plastic or PCF fiber optics to enhance our existing broad range of fiber optic cables and to allow you to select the best transmission medium for your application.

iQ-Line

®

Intelligence for Industries

www.leoni-fiber-optics.com 49