Industrial Communication Guide

ETHERNET IN INDUSTRIAL USE

4.1.3. FIBER OPTICS AS A TRANSMISSION MEDIUM

Glas Optical Fiber (GOF) GOF stands for Glass Optical Fiber. The term “glass fiber” generally refers to this type of fiber. GOF cannot be processed by hand – a special splicing robot is required. GOF has very low attenuation and therefore a high data rate and range. Single-mode fiber optics: Here the light of one wavelength is transmitted. Due to the low attenuation, this type of fiber optics is suitable for long distances. The fiber core has a diameter of 9µm in this case, while the diame- ter of the jacket is 125µm (notation: 9/125). Multi-mode fiber optics: Here the light is transmitted on different wavelengths. Due to the higher attenuation, this type of fiber optics is more suitable for shorter distances and local networks. The fiber core in this case has a diameter of 50µm (or 62,5µm respectively) and the jacket has a diameter of 125µm (notation: 50/125 or 62,5/125 respec- tively).

Polymer Optical Fiber (POF) POF stands for Polymer Optical Fiber. The fiber is relatively simple to process. It has high attenuation, however, and therefore a low data rate and range.

Core 980 μm

Cladding 1000 μm

Coating 2200 μm

Polymer Cladded Fiber (PCF) PCF stands for Polymer Cladded Fiber, also known as HCS (“hard- clad silica optical fiber”). Processing is less straightforward than in the case of POF but still possible by hand. PCF has medium attenu- ation and therefore a better data rate and range than POF.

Core 200 μm

Cladding 230 μm

Coating 500 μm

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