Fibre-Optics

Fiber optic cables consist of a core, cladding, and protective outer coating. The core carries the light signals, while the cladding reflects the light back into the core to minimize signal loss. The outer coating protects the fiber from physical damage and environmental factors.

Key Features of Fiber Optics

• High Bandwidth: Supports high data rates and large volumes of data transmission.
• Long Distance: Capable of transmitting signals over long distances without significant loss.
• Immunity to Electromagnetic Interference: Not affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI).
• Security: Difficult to tap into, providing secure data transmission.
• Reliability: Resistant to harsh environmental conditions and physical damage.

How Fiber Optics Works

Fiber optics transmits data as pulses of light generated by lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The light pulses travel through the fiber optic core, which has a higher refractive index than the cladding, allowing the light to be reflected back into the core and travel along the length of the fiber.

Types of Fiber Optic Cables

• Single-Mode Fiber (SMF): Has a small core diameter (approximately 9 microns) and transmits light directly down the fiber, allowing for long-distance, high-bandwidth transmission.
• Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF): Has a larger core diameter (50-62.5 microns) and transmits light in multiple modes or paths, suitable for shorter distances and lower bandwidth applications.

Fiber Optic Connectors

Fiber optic connectors are used to join fiber optic cables to devices or other cables. Common types include:

• SC (Subscriber Connector): A push-pull connector with a square shape.
• LC (Lucent Connector): A smaller form factor connector with a latch mechanism.
• ST (Straight Tip): A bayonet-style connector with a round shape.
• MTP/MPO (Multi-Fiber Push-On/Pull-Off): A high-density connector that can accommodate multiple fibers.

Example: Connecting Devices with Fiber Optics

To connect devices using fiber optics, follow these steps:

1. Select the appropriate type of fiber optic cable (SMF or MMF) based on your distance and bandwidth requirements.
2. Choose the correct connectors for your devices and cables (e.g., SC, LC, ST).
3. Connect the fiber optic cable to the transmitter port of the first device using the appropriate connector.
4. Connect the other end of the fiber optic cable to the receiver port of the second device using the appropriate connector.
5. Ensure that the connectors are properly aligned and securely attached.

Fiber Optic Cables (Single-mode/Multi-mode)

• Single-mode:

  • Bandwidth: Varies
  • Speed: Varies (typically high-speed)
  • Maximum Distance: Several kilometers to tens of kilometers




• Multimode Fiber Optic

  • OM1:
    • Bandwidth: Up to 200 MHz
    • Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
    • Maximum Distance: Up to 300 meters (984 feet)
  • OM2:
    • Bandwidth: Up to 500 MHz
    • Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
    • Maximum Distance: Up to 600 meters (1969 feet)
  • OM3:
    • Bandwidth: Up to 1500 MHz
    • Speed: Up to 10 Gbps
    • Maximum Distance: Up to 300 meters (984 feet)
  • OM4:
    • Bandwidth: Up to 3500 MHz
    • Speed: Up to 10 Gbps
    • Maximum Distance: Up to 550 meters (1804 feet)

Fiber Optic Bend Radius Chart

Fiber optic bend radius charts provide guidelines for the minimum bend radius that should be maintained when installing or handling fiber optic cables. These charts help ensure that the cables are not bent too tightly, which can cause signal loss or damage to the fibers. It is important to consult the specific bend radius chart provided by the cable manufacturer for accurate information.

Bend Radius	Mode Conditioned Multimode Fiber (MMF)	Single Mode Fiber (SMF)
Minimum Bend Radius	15 times the outer diameter of the fiber cable	10 times the outer diameter of the fiber cable
Recommended Bend Radius	25 times the outer diameter of the fiber cable	20 times the outer diameter of the fiber cable

Bend Radius Calculator

Formula:

R = (E * r) / (S * (R + Cth + r))

Formula Breakdown:

• R: Minimum Bend Radius (m)
• E: Young's Modulus (70,000 N/m^2)
• r: Fiber Clad Radius (m)
• S: Stress Limit (kPa)
• Cth: Buffer Thickness (m)

Optical Fiber Core Diameter (μm):

Cladding Diameter (μm):

Buffer Thickness (μm):

Stress Limit (kPa):

Calculate