Serial to Fiber Converters
A serial to fiber converter is a device that allows serial communication over a fiber optic link. It converts electrical signals from a serial device, such as a computer or PLC, into optical signals that can be transmitted over a fiber optic cable. At the other end of the fiber optic link, another serial to fiber converter converts the optical signals back into electrical signals for use by the receiving device.
Serial to fiber converters come in different form factors, such as standalone units or modules that can be installed in a rack-mount chassis. They may also support different types of serial interfaces, such as
RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485.
What are the Beneficial Features of Serial to Fiber Converters?
The main benefits of using a serial to fiber converter include:
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Increased distance: Fiber optic cable can transmit data over much longer distances than copper cable, allowing serial communication to take place over much greater distances.
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Electrical isolation: Fiber optic cable provides electrical isolation, which can be useful in environments where electrical interference or ground loops can disrupt communication.
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High reliability: Fiber optic cable is less susceptible to signal loss and interference than copper cable, making it a more reliable choice for long-distance serial communication.
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Scalability: Serial to fiber converters can be used to create point-to-point or multi-point serial networks over fiber optic cable, allowing for flexible and scalable communication solutions.
Applications of Serial to Fiber Optic Converters
Our
serial to fiber optic converter are used in serial networks, long-distance networks, and high EMI environments. These are widely used for data control and communication in various applications such as
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Traffic Monitoring/Transportation
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Manufacturing or Assembly Platforms, Industrial Automation
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Heavy Electrical Equipment
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Underwater data communication for submerged equipment
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Airports
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Healthcare
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Defense and Military
How to Use Serial to Fiber Media Converters
At VERSITRON, we have been designing and developing serial to fiber converters for over six decades. They have been an integral part of several traditional transmission networks. Today, they are a part of hybrid copper and fiber optic networks too. How do serial to fiber converters work? How do they support electrical to optical signal conversion? The following pointers will help you understand the working of these devices better.
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The serial media converters support RS-232 and RS-485 connectors. Of these, the RS-485 are suited for multiple inputs, as well as multiple or single output type connections. However, RS-232 is suited for single input and multiple output signal conversions.
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The serial data modem is connected to the input system where it takes the electrical signal as an input. This modem is connected to another data modem, which is further connected to the output controlling system.
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This connectivity helps ensure consistent signal conversion and fiber optic cables are used for connecting two serial data converters.
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The fiber optic cables support electrical to optical signal conversion. However, this signal conversion can be reversed through the modem.
Working Principle of Serial to Fiber Optic Converters
Like any other networking device, the working principle of the serial to fiber media converter also depends on the topology it is integrated into. Electrical to optical signal conversion and optical to electrical conversion are performed in a similar way across these devices. The working principle of serial to fiber converter will differ as per the input, output, and transmission requirements of the network. The following are two popular topologies, which are widely adopted by industrial networks across the globe. Gaining an understanding of these topologies will help you understand the workings of these devices as well.
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Ring Mode/Topology: Ring mode/topology in serial to fiber converters refers to a type of network architecture that allows multiple devices to be connected in a loop or ring configuration. In this configuration, data flows in one direction around the loop, and each device receives and retransmits the data to the next device in the loop. This topology is also known as a ring network. Ring topology is usually employed for long-distance transmissions. It supports up to 100km transmission. Ring topology is also suited for managed serial media converters.
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Pair Connection Mode/Topology: Pair Connection Mode/Topology refers to the way in which devices connect to each other in a network. In this mode, devices are connected to each other in a point-to-point fashion, with each device being connected to only two other devices. This creates a topology that is similar to a chain or a linear structure, with devices arranged in a linear sequence. Although effective, this topology is best suited for short distances such as 20 km networks and so on. The inputs and outputs will vary as per the connections of the output/input signal controlling unit and media converters. It is also commonly used in serial communication protocols, such as RS-232 or RS-485, where data is transmitted in a sequential manner between two devices.
At VERSITRON, our innovative thinking and quality have helped us build a list of satisfied customers since inception. Quality control is deeply integrated in our manufacturing and stringently followed through all phases of manufacturing. Our contribution to your project does not simply end after the installation rather we provide ongoing free and unlimited technical support for all fiber data and voice links listed on this page. Are you looking for serial to fiber optic converters for your applications? We look forward to helping you select the right product to meet your needs! All of our serial to fiber optic converters are backed with a lifetime warranty.
