Fiber optics is an important technology used to transmit information and is widely adopted by telecommunication and other industries. Since fiber has multiple advantages, including high bandwidth, long transmission distance, and stability, it is often used to transmit telephone, internet communication, and AV signals.
As the technology is much more complicated, there are some misunderstandings of fiber optics. In this article, we'll introduce you to the principles and features of fiber optics, including fiber connectors, modules, and comparisons between single-mode and multimode fiber. At the end of the article, you can learn how to choose proper fiber optic cables and equipment based on your transmission needs.
Fiber optic transmits information by sending pulses of light within the optical cable. When the light travels through the core, it is constantly reflected by the cladding and passed rapidly, which is a phenomenon called total internal reflection (TIR). The speed is about 2/3 of the speed of light so information carried by optical signals is transmitted fast.
To ensure information carried by the light is stable and clear, amplifiers are often used to relay light-wave signals. All the features make fiber optic communication considered a high-speed, efficient, and stable way to transmit information.
Depending on fiber optics' materials, there are two kinds of fiber optics:
Regarding applications of fiber optics, plastic and glass fiber are selected for their own advantages.
Single-mode and multimode are the most common fiber types, with a main difference in their core diameters.
Single-mode fiber has a core diameter between 8μm to 10μm, which allows only one single ray of light to pass. It can transmit signals for up to dozens of kilometers. The wavelength used by single-mode fiber is about 1300nm - 1550nm. Because of the intricate techniques used, the price is often costly.
Multimode fiber, in contrast, has a core diameter between 50μm to 100μm, which allows multiple rays of light to go through. It uses a wavelength of about 850nm - 1300nm. While a larger core diameter makes multimode cheaper, the light within can travel hundreds to thousands of meters. If single mode is too pricey, you may consider the multimode fiber instead.
In addition, depending on its diameter and bandwidth, there are different types of optical multimode: OM1, which can travel 275m; OM2, 550m; OM3, 1,000m; and OM4, 1,100m.
What connector to use is one of the most common questions. Many fiber connectors can look alike and confuse users, while a wrong connector will impede transmission. Here we introduce some typical fiber connectors.
Equipment supporting fiber transmission often has insertion ports for fiber modules. The inserted module can connect to the equipment's circuit board and convert electrical signals into optical signals. Some equipment has a built-in fiber module so you can only use the module designated.
SFP modules have some features:
QSFP modules are the same as SFP modules: They are backward compatible and hot-swappable.
When choosing a fiber module, consider the bandwidth and compatibility:
The contact of the connector's end surfaces will cause insertion and return loss, both of which will degrade the signals.
Insertion loss occurs at the connection point along the cable, including the connector, while return loss is caused by the light reflected back to the source. Therefore, end-face polishing can influence the loss caused to the signals.
PC is a technique of polishing with no angles used on the connector so they contact directly. However, the surface will have uneven surfaces. PC is only used on multimode fiber optics.
UPC is an improvement of PC, which has a slight curvature for better core alignment. As a result, signals will degrade less when passing the contact. The technique is mostly used for single-mode fiber optics.
For medical, industrial, and energy management, highly-stable signal transmission is required. APC, in this case, is suitable. The technique has the end faces polished at an eight-degree angle so the light reflected back will disappear and not impair the original signal.
Usually, fiber optic equipment does not limit the module and cable. On the contrary, you need to choose the proper accessories so the equipment can function. As a fiber optics product supplier, we've summarized some tips for you to choose the most suitable equipment.
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