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RS-232 to Fiber Converter | RS-232 Fiber Optic Modem (Circuit Card Design)

RS-232 to Fiber Converter | RS-232 Fiber Optic Modem (Circuit Card Design)

SKU:F280xD

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The VERSITRON F280xD Series RS-232 Fiber Optic Modem provides transparent transmission of RS-232 data, clock, and control signals over fiber. Designed for the VERSITRON FOM II platform, it supports synchronous, asynchronous, or isochronous transmission at rates up to 128 Kbps.

The F280xD supports multimode transmission up to 2 km and singlemode transmission up to 20 km using 1310 nm optics. DCE/DTE operation and source or terminal timing are switch selectable for flexible serial communication requirements.

Product Highlights

  • RS-232, RS-423, and MIL-STD-188-114A interface support
  • Data rates up to 128 Kbps
  • Full-duplex or simplex transmission
  • Supports source timing or terminal timing
  • Synchronous, asynchronous, or isochronous operation
  • DCE/DTE switch selectable
  • Multiplexing capable with four-channel synchronous/asynchronous data multiplexer capability
  • Seven LED indicators for system monitoring
  • SFP fiber optic module technology
  • Multimode fiber transmission up to 2 km
  • Singlemode fiber transmission up to 20 km
  • Standalone or rack-mount installation
  • Compatible with the VERSIMUX II multiplexer platform
  • Compatible with VERSITRON FOM II F28xxD modems and M62xxD/M82xxD MicroModems
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Extend RS-232 Communications Over Fiber

The F280xD Series is a circuit-card fiber optic modem designed to extend RS-232 serial communications over fiber. It provides fully transparent transmission of data, clock, and control signals, allowing RS-232 equipment to communicate across fiber optic links while maintaining the characteristics of the original serial interface.

The F280xD multiplexes the control signals together with clock and data signals for transmission to the remote modem. At the remote end, the combined signal is de-multiplexed and applied to the electrical interface.

Flexible Serial Data Transmission

The F280xD supports synchronous, asynchronous, and isochronous data transmission in full-duplex or simplex operation.

Data rates can reach 128 Kbps, with separate timing options for different system configurations. Terminal timing supports 20–128 Kbps, while source timing supports 20–100 Kbps and is switch selectable.

DCE/DTE Switch Selectable

The F280xD provides a convenient DCE/DTE switch-selectable interface, allowing the same modem design to accommodate different RS-232 equipment configurations without requiring separate DCE and DTE hardware models.

The electrical interface uses a DB25 connector, while the fiber interface uses an LC connector.

Multimode and Singlemode Fiber Options

Two primary F280xD models are available:

  • F2802D — RS-232/RS-423/MIL-STD-188-114A fiber optic modem, LC, multimode, 1310 nm, up to 2 km
  • F2805D — RS-232/RS-423/MIL-STD-188-114A fiber optic modem, LC, singlemode, 1310 nm, up to 20 km

The datasheet also notes that distances to 120 km are available for applicable configurations; customers requiring extended-distance transmission should contact VERSITRON for details.

Four-Channel Data Multiplexer Capability

In addition to operating as a fiber optic modem, the F280xD can be used as a four-channel synchronous/asynchronous data multiplexer. The datasheet describes the modem as providing an eight-channel data multiplexer, with four channels in each direction.

This capability allows the F280xD to support multiple serial data channels over a single fiber optic link when configured for multiplexing applications.

Seven LED Indicators for System Monitoring

The F280xD provides seven front-panel LED indicators for monitoring modem operation and link activity:

  • PWR — Power
  • ALM — Alarm
  • TXD — Transmit Data
  • RXD — Receive Data
  • TXC — Transmit Clock
  • RXC — Receive Clock
  • LOOP — Loopback

These indicators provide at-a-glance visibility into power, alarm, data, clock, and loopback status.

Circuit Card Design for Flexible Installation

The F280xD is designed for integration into several VERSITRON housing and chassis options. Available configurations include a single-card enclosure, 2-slot 19-inch rack-mount chassis, 20-slot 19-inch rack-mount chassis, and the 20-slot VERSIMUX II chassis.

This gives system designers flexibility to deploy an individual F280xD modem or integrate multiple fiber optic modems into a centralized rack-mounted installation.

SFP Fiber Optic Module Technology

The F280xD uses SFP fiber optic module technology, providing flexibility in selecting the appropriate fiber optic interface for the application. The datasheet identifies SFP technology as one of the product's primary features.

RS-232 Fiber Optic Modem Applications

The F280xD Series is suited for applications requiring reliable RS-232 serial communications over fiber, including:

  • Long-distance RS-232 communications
  • Serial equipment interconnection
  • Data terminal and communications equipment
  • Electrically separated serial communication links
  • Rack-mounted serial communication systems
  • Multi-channel serial data multiplexing
  • Systems requiring flexible DCE/DTE configuration
  • Applications using VERSIMUX II multiplexing platforms

The F280xD can also interface with other VERSITRON FOM II F28xxD Fiber Optic Modems as well as the M62xxD and M82xxD Fiber Optic MicroModems.

Why Choose VERSITRON RS-232 Fiber Optic Modems?

The F280xD combines the flexibility of a circuit-card design with transparent serial data transmission over fiber. Its switch-selectable DCE/DTE configuration, source or terminal timing options, multiplexing capability, SFP technology, and multiple enclosure options make it adaptable to a wide range of serial communication systems.

For applications where a circuit-card or rack-mounted solution is preferred over a compact standalone MicroModem, the F280xD provides a flexible alternative within the VERSITRON fiber optic modem family.

VERSITRON — Safeguarding Communications Since 1958

Since 1958, VERSITRON has provided fiber optic communication solutions for demanding data and communications applications. The F280xD FOM II Series continues that tradition with a flexible fiber optic modem platform designed for reliable RS-232 serial communications and specialized data transmission applications.

For assistance selecting the appropriate F280xD model, fiber type, enclosure, or multiplexer configuration, contact VERSITRON for technical support.

General Specifications


Dimensions

11.75 x 7 x .845in / 29.8 x 17.8 x 2.1cm (L x W x H)

Weight

0.455kg (16oz)

Operating Temperature

0° to 50°C (32° to 122°)

Storage Temperature

-40° to 70°C (-40° to 158°F)

Humidity

Up to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing)

Altitude

Up to 10,000 ft


Electrical Interface


Power Requirements

12VDC, 1.2Amp

Copper Interface Connector

DB25

Format

RS-232 / RS-423 / MIL-STD-188-114A

Protocol

Asynchronous / Synchronous / Isochronous

Terminal Timing Data Rate

20 -128 Kbps

Source Timing Data Rate

20 – 100 Kbps

SDCE/DTE Options

DCE or DTE (Switch Selectable)


Fiber Interface


Fiber Interface Connector

LC

Fiber Cable

Multimode: 50/125, 62.5/125

Singlemode: 8/125, 9/125

Link Margin

11dB into 62.5/125 Multimode Fiber

8dB into 50/125 Multimode Fiber

19dB into 9/125 Singlemode Fiber

Model
Description
RFQ
HF-1 Single Card Enclosure Request a Quote
HF-2SS 2-Slot 19” Rack-Mount Chassis Request a Quote
HF-20A 20-Slot 19” Rack-Mount Chassis Request a Quote
AC300WR Redundant Power Supply / System Monitor Request a Quote
PSAC08 110VAC to 12VDC Power Adapter Request a Quote
PSAC09 220VAC to 12VDC Power Adapter Request a Quote
ADPHF01 Single-Slot Blank Panel for HF-2SS or HF-1 Request a Quote
ADPHF02 Double-Slot Blank Panel for HF-20A Chassis Request a Quote

RS-232 to Fiber Converter is used across the following Industries:

Industrial Automation & Manufacturing

  • PLC serial links in control cabinets
  • Legacy equipment communication over fiber
  • Environmental sensor arrays (HVAC, pollution)
  • Production line status/control reporting

Telecommunications & Network Providers

  • Equipment rack DTE/DCE card slots
  • POP-to-backhaul serial connections
  • DSLAM or OLT legacy interface conversion
  • Demarcation serial extension over fiber

Healthcare & Medical Facilities

  • Lab instrumentation fiber uplinks (RS-232)
  • Telemetry in ICUs and diagnostics
  • Secure serial links in sterile areas
  • Nurse station to patient monitor wiring long runs

Aviation & Airports

  • Control tower ground equipment serial links
  • Runway lighting and beacon control
  • Gate signage and display interfaces
  • Legacy ILS/VOR instrument panel integration

Transportation & Railways

  • Signal and crossing cabinet serial links
  • Tunnel lighting and ventilation control
  • Station intercom and dispatch connections
  • Depot maintenance system wiring

Utilities & Energy Providers

  • Substation RTU serial backhaul
  • SCADA legacy interface over fiber links
  • Pipeline and valve telemetry systems
  • Water/pump station serial command networks

Military & Defense

  • Field-deployable comms racks
  • Hardened shelter serial isolation
  • Encrypted radio/sensor RS-232 links
  • Bunker or tactical command post expansions

Public Safety & Emergency Services

  • Dispatch and emergency ops command links
  • Fire station control panel uplinks
  • Mobile response communications racks
  • Railway or highway safety serial control

Smart Cities & Municipal Infrastructure

  • Traffic cabinet and signal serial data
  • Public messaging/siren control serial links
  • Streetlight controller aisles
  • Environmental sensor serial fiber uplinks

Construction & Temporary Installations

  • Jobsite comms trailer serial racks
  • Temporary building control panels
  • Crane/hardware RS-232 console over fiber
  • Multi-phase build legacy equipment links

Maritime & Offshore Facilities

  • Shipboard navigation/control panels
  • Dockside or terminal serial uplinks
  • Offshore rig console integration
  • Secure vessel internal serial network

Research Labs & Universities

  • EMI-sensitive instrumentation racks
  • Cleanroom serial control cabinets
  • Multi-building lab fiber serial links
  • Environmental field experiment nodes

Versitron is one of the leading RS-232 to Fiber Converter manufacturing companies in the USA (based in Delaware). If your industry or installation location isn't listed above, feel free to reach out to us!

Buy the Best RS-232 to Fiber Converter from VERSITRON at a Competitive Price!!

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