Fiber optics for industrial communications

B.E.S.D. of Weert has specialized in industrial communication solutions for more than thirty years. In this, glass fiber technology is increasingly applied because of a number of distinctive advantages: users can send more data simultaneously and, moreover, at a significantly higher speed over greater distances. As a partner and wholesaler, B.E.S.D. supports its customers in selecting the right components and advises on how to connect them.

Fiber optic technology is familiar to most people mainly from the consumer market and office automation: computers communicate faster through fiber optics and also much more data can be sent simultaneously. Among other things, "gamers" benefit from this. 

Industrial communication

However, fiber optics is also increasingly being used for industrial applications. Here too, the advantages that more data can be sent simultaneously and faster than via copper apply, but there are more reasons that are particularly distinctive for industry. Especially when the comparison is made with industrial communication via Ethernet, for example.

First, fiber optic technology allows larger distances to be covered. Depending on the version - multi- or singlemode - data can be sent over distances of 5 to 30 km without problems, while with Ethernet they are limited to about 100 meters. For bus systems - including CANBus, Modbus and Profibus - fiber optics also significantly increase distances. 

Because light pulses travel through a glass conductor in fiber optics, there is no chance of EMC-like influences. The cables can therefore be laid in the immediate vicinity of current-carrying conductors without the risk of interference. Among other things, this provides advantages in applications where higher power levels play a role. Think here of large-scale PV generation, factories where power is used for specific energy-intensive machines or, on the contrary, public areas where many (large) consumers are set up. Finally, the components of fiber optic applications are galvanically separated because only "light" passes through the fiber and no current. This significantly reduces the chance of malfunctions, as well as the chance of damage to connected components in the event of lightning strikes or short circuits, for example.

Advisory role

B.E.S.D.'s role lies not only in supplying the components needed for a fiber optic connection but also in providing advice. For example, to companies that are dealing with this technology for the first time. Kristof Stas, owner of B.E.S.D. indicates: "There are about eight different versions of fiber optic technology that a company can choose from. Multi- and singlemode are the two most common for which there is also the most material available. These are therefore preferred."

He continues: "In addition, we look at what is the best choice in terms of components. The fiber optic cable itself is usually supplied by the party doing the welding. This is a specialized job that companies generally cannot do themselves. On the one hand, this welding party ensures that the fiber optic cable is connected to a so-called splitter box. This is the passive component in a fiber optic application and intended for connecting the application to the fiber optic. The active components in the whole are the converters that establish the link between fiber optics and (for example) Canbus. In this way, end users or machine builders only have to deal with stranded cabling that only needs to be connected."

Smart-City

In addition to the previously mentioned applications, which are ideally suited for fiber optic communication, B.E.S.D. has a number of so-called PEL modules from EKS exclusively in the program, especially in the context of 'Smart City'. These IP54 housings contain various components that can be placed as complete units in lighting poles. Here they offer the possibility to control lighting but also information signs, cameras or other surveillance systems easily via Ethernet. Due to the high protection class, no separate and vandalism-sensitive enclosure is required but the elements can be integrated directly into the light pole. Stas: "It is good to see that the application of lightweight, fast and safe fiber optic solutions is growing. It has now developed into a mature and proven technology from which the industry can still benefit greatly."