Fiber Optic
It
seems that Belden’s reputation as the leading producer
of high-quality copper cable all too frequently eclipses the
fact that their fiber line is just as impressive and comprehensive.
And Fiber Optic cables are used in all markets that they serve.
The Fiber Optic line includes indoor and outdoor cable products in tight buffered and loose tube constructions. Belden® offers Enhanced Single-mode and Grade 2-6 Multimode cables (Grade 1 fibers are available upon request).
Fiber size for Grades 1-3 is 62.5/125µ; 50/125µ for Grades 4-6.
These cables are categorized as follows:
- Interconnect cable – Simplex and Duplex; Tight Buffer, riser and plenum
- Distribution cable – Tight Buffer, indoor riser, plenum and LSZH
- Breakout Style cable – Tight Buffer, indoor riser, plenum and LSZH
- Industrial Armored cable – Tight Buffer, riser and plenum
- Tactical cable – Tight Buffer, outdoor
- Ribbon cable – riser and plenum
- Single Jacket, All Dielectric cable – Loose Tube, outdoor and indoor/outdoor riser and indoor/outdoor plenum
- Double Jacket, Armored cable – Loose Tube, outdoor and indoor/outdoor riser
- Double Jacket, Heavy-Duty cable – Loose Tube, outdoor
- Central Tube cable – Loose Tube – Loose Tube, outdoor and outdoor armored
- Micro Loose Tube Breakout Style cable – Loose Tube, outdoor, indoor/outdoor OFN and indoor/outdoor riser
- TrayOptic® Heavy-Duty, All Dielectric cable – Loose Tube, indoor/outdoor riser
Fiber optics communications offers several advantages over metallic systems. The transmitted signals are not distorted by any form of outside electronic, magnetic, or radio frequency interference. Therefore, optical cables are completely immune to lightning or high voltage interference.
Furthermore, optical fibers will emit no radiation, which ideally suits them for today's tougher standards in computer applications. Because optical signals do not require grounding connections, the transmitter and receiver are electrically isolated and free from ground loop problems.
With no chance of terminal-to-terminal ground potential shifts, plus safety from sparking and shock, fiber optics is increasingly the choice for many processing applications where safe operations in hazardous or flammable environments is a requirement.
Digital computing, telephone, and video broadcast systems require new avenues for improved transmission. The high signal bandwidth of optical fibers means increased channel capacity. Also, longer cable runs require fewer repeaters, because fiber optic cables have extremely low attenuation rates. This ideally suits them for broadcast and telecommunications use.
Compared to conventional coaxial cables with the same signal carrying ability, the smaller diameter and lighter weight of fiber optic cables means relatively easier installation, especially in crowded duct areas. A single conductor fiber optic cable weighs about 3Kg per 33 mtr. A comparable coaxial cable weighs 40Kg per 33 mtr - about 13 times more.
Electronic "bugging" depends on electro-magnetic monitoring. Fiber optic systems are immune to this technique. They have to be physically tapped to extract data, which decreases signal levels and increases error rates - both of which are readily detected. The table below summarizes the many features of fiber optic systems.
| All Dielectric: |
Low Signal Radiation, Secure Transmission, EFI and EMI Immunity, Lightning Immunity and High Voltage Installations |
| Optical Signal: |
No Ground Loops, No Spark Hazard, Operation in Flammable Areas |
| Low Attenuation: |
Greater Distance, Fewer Repeaters, Less Installation Maintenance |
| Small Size: |
Less Duct Space, Fewer Additional Ducts Installed |
| High Bandwidth: |
Future Signal Capacity Expansion |
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