Fibre optic cable - flexible & resistant

As a rule, copper is used to conduct current signals in cable technology. Fibre optic cables (FOCs for short) send information with light, or rather light signals. It all works much like Morse code. The conductive medium in the cores is not copper, but glass or plastic in various fibres. All of them have cladding to allow light refraction. The side of the fibre reflects the light so that it travels along the cable. Like other cables, fibre optic cables are also available in various mechanical designs. This allows us to offer a durable solution for each of your applications.

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Advantages of fibre optic cables

Firstly, the data volume should be mentioned. Compared to conventional field buses used in automation technology, this is almost unlimited with a fibre optic cable.
Interference from other electrical sources can also be ruled out since no signal couples into the optical fibre.
Glass is also very suitable for long travels. Bus systems based on copper quickly reach their limits beyond 50 metres. A fibre optic conductor can realise lengths of well over 1000m.
What is particularly surprising is the extremely small radius that our cables can achieve. With conventional bus systems that use copper, e.g. Profinet, all of these points can lead to transmission problems and subsequently to cable failure.

Structure of fibre optic cables

Our fibre optics section covers many different types of conductors. All cables are based on two types of fibre. One is the gradient glass fibre. The other is the glass fibre in a gel-filled cavity. The glass fibres are divided into OM (optical multimode) classes. These classes differ in transmission rate, referred to as Gigabit Ethernet. Our cables are of class OM2 or OM3, depending on type. They are also available in various fibre diameters, comparable to the cross-sections of copper cables. Our fibre optics have 50/125µ and 62.5/125µ for multimode fibres and 9/125µ for single-mode fibres. Multimode means that the fibre can transmit multiple light spectra. The single-mode fibre transmits only one light beam.

Fibre optic cables in small radii

Small radii are the greatest challenge in bus technology. Since the distance between the cores inevitably changes during movement, the capacity also changes, and transmission no longer works. But this is not the case with an optical fibre in the CFLG.LB cable. The distance between individual cores can change in movement without transmission losses. What is important is that few forces act on the actual fibre. We achieve this by using very short fibre strands in the cable and absorbing forces with special strain-relieving elements. This gives the cable and each fibre a strain-relieving braiding. The result is impressive. In our laboratory tests, we achieved 50 million double strokes in a bend radius of 35mm (factor 4.2 x d). Take a look at the test, and you will also discover many other highlights.

Areas of application for fibre optic cables

Fibre optic cables are used where they have advantages over copper conductors. These include production lines or cranes where signals have to be transmitted over a long distance. Industrial bus systems in particular quickly reach their limits when transmitting over long distances with a copper conductor. In contrast, transmitting the bus signal is effortless for the fibre optic cable. We offer a variety of fibre optic cables with a special jacket made of PVC, PUR or TPE. In addition, our cables have a perfectly matched structure with guaranteed service life in energy chain applications. Be it for special media resistance, high accelerations and speeds or simply resistance to oils and coolants.

Frequently asked questions

As with other cables, optical fibres are also available in various mechanical designs. A distinction is made between the following fibre types: multimode fibres, plastic fibres (POF) and glass fibres (PCF). This enables us to offer a durable solution for each of your applications.

We recommend switching to fibre optic from a cable length of 50 metres. We offer ready-to-install systems (fibre optic cables with two couplers).

Low signal attenuation, high transmission rates, good electromagnetic compatibility and the special mechanical specifications.

Yes, if it is guided correctly, glass can move very well. Fibre optic cable is a better alternative if the cable is used over long distances, high data rates are required and a high level of protection must be guaranteed. In addition, a significantly smaller bend radii can be achieved with a fibre optic cable than with a copper cable.

GOF & PCF fibres can only be harnessed in the field with enormous effort and equipment. As the sources of error, contamination, splice errors, etc., are very high, customers are usually advised not to do this. In addition, expensive special tools and expertise are required for assembly. With plastic fibres (POF), on the other hand, harnessing can also take place in the field under simple conditions and with simple tools.

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