Have you been interested in knowing the fiber optic parts? The characteristics of fiber optics? What are the uses of fiber optics? Well, in principle, we inform you that it is mostly an element that is used for data transmission, but there is much more.
What is fiber optics?
It is a fiber, like the superconductors that is capable of passing luminescent signals that, being grouped together with aramid threads, which are added to confer the resistance they require to have traction, and are the substitute for coaxial cable, being used in the electronics and telecommunications industry , due to its better volume, allowing the transportation of a greater amount of data.
A fiber optic cable is more versatile than coaxial cable, it has better functionality and through it it is possible to carry out activities at greater distances between the repeaters, making it ideal for interconnections and communication, as well as for data networks .
What is fiber optic cable used for?
If you are concerned about knowing the uses of fiber optics, We inform you that it is used to transfer digital indications of data by means of light pulses that are harmonized. It is a method that is comparatively safe to be able to send the information that is desired.
Another aspect that recommends the use of fiber optics is that, when compared to the same procedure using electrical cables with a copper core, the data is transmitted by means of pulses that are not electrical. But these can be intercepted and the transported data can be stolen, which is not the case with fiber optics.
Finally, another very useful aspect of fiber optics is that it is an unbeatable element for transporting data at very high speeds and with greater volume, since due to its elemental purity it does not suffer from power attenuation in its signal.
How does fiber optic cable work?
As to fiber optic performance, It is based on the fact that the cable is capable of using reflection and refraction. But we must define each of these concepts to better understand how it works.
Refraction: This is a change in direction that can occur as What is a wave when they pass from one medium to another. This phenomenon can be observed when a cutlery is placed in a glass of water and the waves move inward.
Reflection: This is another change in the direction of the wave, but this time it occurs towards the origin. It is what happens when a person contemplates himself in a mirror, because without reflection it would be impossible for him to contemplate.
Types of Optical Fiber
In order for a fiber optic cable to optimally perform its functions, it is required that those physical phenomena that we have previously conceptualized go through a type of process, which can be classified into two types:
Monomode: In this case, the data transport is done by means of a single beam of light towards the interior of the fiber. The source of that light must be a laser and the transport range in optimal conditions is 300 kilometers.
Multimode: With this process, the data transport is done by means of several beams of light towards the interior of the optical fiber. In this case, the light source is usually IODOS with a low intensity, but the transport distance is short, because it is only 2 to 3 kilometers, but its functionality lies in its easy installation and low cost.
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If we want to synthesize the concept, a fiber optic cable is used as a guide for light, so that it is transported from one place to another. As we have explained, the light source can be a laser or an emitting diode.
Details and characteristics of the Fiber Optic Cable
Among the main fiber optic characteristics we can find the following:
- Provides a high range of data, video and voice transmission speeds.
- The margin of error in the transmission of information is very small.
- It is made of a material that is immune to EMI or radio frequency.
- It can be installed next to other electrical installations and in no matter the environment in question, even if it is very noisy.
- The optical fiber is resistant to fire and corrosion.
- Its volume and weight is reduced, comparable to that of human hair
Fiber Optic Cable Parts
The parts of which the optical fiber is composed are:
- Dielectric Core Element: This is a core material that is not necessarily present in all classes of fiber optics. It is a thread or filament whose function is not to conduct electricity, but to give strength and firmness to the cable.
- Moisture drainage thread: It is another element that is added and whose function is that the humidity that may be present is extracted through it, so that the other parts of the cable remain dry.
- Fibers: This is the most important section of the fiber optic cable, since through its intermediation the process by which the information will be transported will take place. Typically, they are made of silicon or highly processed plastic.
Precisely in this third part is where the various physical processes of refraction and reflection will occur. Another aspect that must be taken into account is the purity of the material, because this can make a difference in terms of transmission quality. It must be remembered that a simple impurity in the material is enough for the light to be diverted and the data does not reach its destination.
- Loose Buffers: It is a small tube that is used to cover the optical fiber and sometimes it comes with a gel included that is useful as additional protection, because it causes a dark layer to be generated, preventing the light rays that are transported from they will scatter in other directions.
- Mylar tape: It is a very thin layer of polyester that is used as an insulator. Years ago it was used to help stream PC programs. Here it's just an insulator.
- Flame retardant tape: It is an insulating cover that protects the fiber optic cable from heat.
- Kevlar synthetic threads: They are another element that helps to provide robustness and protection. It is also an element that protects from fire and also supports the threads being stretched.
- Ripcord: These are other types of threads that help make the fiber optic cable consistent.
- Sheath: It is the outer layer of the fiber optic cable, which provides insulation and more consistency to the whole set that is inside it.
Fiber Optic Cable Structure
Visually, the fiber optic cable resembles a very thin thread of a colorless material, which can be plastic or glass. It is through this thread that the light pulses are sent, which is where the information to be sent is located. The light moves, reflecting at some angle and for that reason it spreads throughout the interior of the fiber optic cable.
Due to the characteristics that we have already explained, by means of the fiber optic cable, the transmission of information is obtained at a high speed, with a reliable ability to protect it and a high quality of transmission.
Fiber Optic Cable Classes
Single-mode fiber optic cable: It is a cable made of a single fiberglass compound, it has a diameter of 8.3 to 10 microns and, as its name indicates, it only provides one transmission mode. Its diameter is comparatively narrow, which is why it will be able to propagate generally at 1.310 or 1.550 nm. It has the ability to carry more bandwidth than Multimode, but requires a light source that has a small spectral width.
Multimode fiber optic cable: Its diameter is somewhat larger than the Monomode, being in general lines from 50 to 100 microns, only in the element that transports the light. Almost all applications require two fibers. The speed that this type of cable can provide is great, from 10 to 100 MB in intermediate distances.
Fiber Optic Cable Applications
Fiber optic cable is highly valued because it is capable of transporting large volumes of information at high speed and safely, since it does not require electrical impulses. Thanks to these characteristics, it has managed to have applications in:
Medicine: Fiber optics are used for a large number of activities in this field, such as laryngoscopy, rectoscopy, bronchoscopy, vaginoscopy, gastroscopy, laparoscopy or endoscopy.
Archaeology: Used to provide visual access to areas that are physically inaccessible or where people may be at risk, or otherwise inaccessible.
Sensors: In electrical systems, fiber optics are used for acoustic sensors, electrical sensors, magnetic sensors, acceleration sensors, rotation sensors, pressure sensors and temperature sensors.
Military: It is used in activities that are related to security. Specifically for radio communications, inherent anti-detection systems, radars, cruise missile launch control, among others.
Lighting: They are excellent, due to their large capacity for transporting light.
Telecommunications: Of course, they are used for internet connections, networks, telephony, among others.
Other uses: The fiber optic cable is used in television, home banking, Web TV, telemetry, teleshopping or digital radio.
Transport: It is used for telecommunication networks, point-to-point systems, control equipment or order facilities.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Fiber Optic Cable
The advantages of a fiber optic cable are:
- It is very simple to install.
- Offers high bandwidth.
- The transmission capacity will depend on the processing capacity of both the sender and the receiver, rather than the medium.
- It is scalable.
- It is multiple.
- It is very secure because there is no way to access the data that circulates.
- The cable corrodes little and is very light.
- The signal will not be lost in the cable.
The disadvantages of a fiber optic cable are:
- It is expensive due to the number of connectors required for its installation.
- Fiber tends to be brittle, so care must be taken when installing it.
- The splices between the fiber are complex.
- They are difficult to repair.
- An optical-electrical converter has to be used, because it is still impossible to have an entire fiber optic network, which increases its cost.
We hope that this article on the uses, properties and parts of fiber optics has helped you understand this material. See you soon.