Fiber Optic Cables _ The Types And Benefits - Miracle Electronics
The data transmission industry is in full swing with all sorts of data being transferred from one point to another for various applications to run. Cable assemblies are one important element of this industry, which are required to send a signal from one device to another. The copper wire within these assemblies is mainly responsible for transmitting data through electrical signals or pulses. But, with advancements in technology, this copper wire is being slowly replaced with fiber optic cables.
What are fiber optic cables?
Fiber optic cables use a completely different method to transmit data, as compared to copper wires. With these cables, the data is sent using light pulses that travel through the fibers of the cable, which are made up particularly of plastic or glass, so that light can penetrate them. The light signals transmitted are then shot through the cable, hitting the cable walls. Because light travels very fast, the fiber optic cables have a much higher speed than the traditional copper wire.
Types of fiber optic cables
There are various types of fiber optic cables available, the choice depending upon the end connector and application in which they are to be used. The three main types of fiber optic cables include single-mode fiber cables, multi-mode fiber cables, and plastic optical fiber cables. Let us look at each one of them in detail.
Single mode fiber cables
These cables are those that have only one strand of glass fiber running through them, with a thickness ranging from 8.3 to 10 microns in diameter. These cables can transmit data in only one direction. In spite of this, these cables have a higher bandwidth, and thus cost more.
Multi mode fibers
These cables have multiple strands of glass fibers running through them, with larger diameters that range from 50 to 100 microns. Because of the multiple strands within, these cables can follow a linear and a non-linear path. The thickness can bring to these cables a higher bandwidth, but restricts the length. Longer cables result in a distorted signal.
Plastic optical fiber cables
As the name itself suggests, these cables have plastic fibers instead of glass fibers, making it a cheaper option for short-distance applications. However, plastic optic fibers can lose their signal over long distances.
Connectors used in fiber optic cables
The connectors used at the ends of the cable assemblies are equally important to make sure that the cable is secured and connected properly to the application. Let’s now also take a look at the various kinds of connectors used.
Fixed connectors – These connectors are fixed on an application via a screw and threaded end housing, serving the purpose of securing the cable assembly to the application with movement.
Lucent connectors – These connectors contain small ferrules and a push-pull latching mechanism, being most popularly used with single mode fibers.
Subscriber connectors – These connectors have ceramic ferrules, and are used for push-pull applications with dual mode fibers.
Straight tip connectors – These connectors contain a unique design where a half-twist bayonet locking mechanism is used. They come equipped with a longer ferrule, primarily used with multi mode fiber assemblies.
Whatever your cable assembly requirements, you can get in touch with Miracle Electronics, the most versatile cable assembly manufacturer in India. Here, you’ll get all kinds of cable assemblies, along with a variety of connectors to suit your application.
