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Technical Bulletin
AV and Security
2011-2012
What is Fiber Optics?
Transparent glass or plastic fibers which allow light to be guided from one end to the other with
minimal loss of light.
Glass construction is mostly used in the AV and Security markets. Electrical signals carrying informa-
tion are converted to light waves that carry audio, video, data and voice from one point to another.
Once the lightwaves reach their destination, they are converted back to electrical signals.
Analogy:
Light pipe with a mirrored surface
Fiber Optics addresses the two most difficult challenges in communications of AV, security and data
signals.
Fiber optic system design and implementation have unique properties that give A/V and Security
professionals an edge in future proofing installations.
Fiber Optic systems can be used to send high resolution video, audio, and control signals on a sin-
gle fiber for A/V professionals. A fiber cable can also give the security professional many benefits
for long distant and modulated CCTV Signals.
Fiber Optic systems can provide extremely high bandwidth and can carry A/V signals and Security
signals extremely long distances. Installing a fiber optic system ensures an A/V system can easily
meet the demands of todays HD systems and provides a path for future expansion. With high
bandwidth capabilities, future applications can be addressed with todays fiber installation.
Fiber optic cables have the capacity to carry and handle multiple signals over one fiber cable. In a
fiber optic A/V system, high resolution RGBHV (VGA) combined with stereo audio, and projector
control can be transmitted over long distances using a single fiber optic cable.
Easier Installation
Fiber optic cables are extremely lightweight and small sized. This translates into an easier
installation. West Penn Wires largest fiber optic cable, M9X611T (24 fiber), is .330 in diameter.
Compared to our RG6/U RGBHV at .830.
Fiber optic cables are immune to the emanating noise. A fiber optic cable is transmitting light not
electrical signals. This makes it extremely difficult to eavesdrop without altering the cable and sys-
tem design.
Many application such as Casinos, Government facilities, Prisons and many more installing fiber
optic systems for the security reasons.
Ground loop problems are another issue when installing copper cabling systems. In a fiber optic
system, ground loop problems are eliminated because of the all dielectric construction.
Fiber Optic System Challenges
With Copper prices escalating, the move towards a fiber based system can be a future proof option.
A Fiber optic system comprises a transmitter that converts the electrical signals to optical, and a
receiver that converts the optical signals back to electrical. These components in a fiber system are
generally more expensive than traditional A/V and Security devices. A fiber optic based system
requires proper care of the fiber optic cable, and equipment, proper installation, and testing
methodology.
To simplify the fiber optic installation, West Penn Wire has developed easy termination and testing
systems. These systems will eliminate the intimidating perception of fiber optic installations. West
Penn Wire provides two professional friendly installation kits - Optimax and Brilliance kits.
Basic Fiber Optic A/V System
A simple A/V Fiber optic system converts high resolution video, audio, and control signals from a
video source into a series of light pulses. The light travels down the optical fiber cable to a receiv-
ing device which converts the light pulses back to the A/V and control signals.
There are transmitters that allow such video sources as: HD-SDI, DVI, HDMI, RGBHV or YUV.
There are transmitters that allow: a single CCTV or multiple modulated CCTV signals down a single
fiber optic cable
Fiber Optic Cable Construction
Fiber Elements
Fiber optic cable provides the most advanced communication media avail-
able today. An increasing amount of fiber will be installed in the future as
we find more and more uses for this
technology. Fiber optic cable can support voice, data, video, and other
types of transmission, and offers many advantages over
standard copper circuits which we will discuss later in this section.
Core
This is the very center of the cable and is the light guiding area used for
light transmission. The size of the core will determine the amount of light
to be transmitted into the fiber. The larger the core, the greater the Buffered Fiber
amount of light will that will be transmitted.
Cladding
The cladding surrounds the core glass and serves to refract the light back
into the core. The cladding has a different index of refraction than the core
so that the lightwaves are re-directed back into the core allowing contin-
ued light transmission through the fiber.
Coating
Several coatings of acrylate are usually applied to the fiber to provide ten-
sile strength and protection to the glass fiber core.
Jacket
The cable jacket works along with the aramid fibers to provide strength,
integrity, and overall protection of the fiber member. There are a variety of
jacketing materials that are used in fiber optic cable construction. Standard
compounds and special variations of these compounds can be used in
making the jacket. The jacket should be appropriate for the environmental
conditions that the fiber optic cable will be subjected to. Environmental
parameters that should be considered include temperature variations,
chemical reactance, sunlight resistance, mechanical and abrasion
resistance.
Fiber Optic Modes - There are basically two types or modes of fiber optic cable, single-mode
and multimode.
Fiber Optic Cable:
Multimode - The core on multimode is about 50 - 100 micron. A larger core allows many light
pulses or modes to travel through the core simultaneously. Mode overlap can occur over
extremely longer distances and may cause bit errors. Multimode is best used for lengths up to
2 kilometers.
Single-Mode - The core on single-mode is about 8-10 micron. This small core size allows only one
mode of light to travel within the core at a time. The higher the bandwidth, the more informa-
tion carrying capacity the cable has. This type of cable is good for long distances, and is often
used by telephone companies for long transmissions.
REPLACE X WITH:
A- 50/125 micron Fiber
B- 62.5/125 micron Fiber
W- 8/125 micron Fiber
The index of refraction is a way of measuring the speed of light in a particular material. Light
travels at different speeds through various materials. The speed of light in a vacuum is about
186,000 miles/sec. Index of refraction is calculated by dividing the speed of light in a vacuum by
the speed of light in some other medium. Therefore the speed of light in a vacuum is 1. The
typical index of refraction of on optical fibers cladding is approximately 1.46 and the core is typi-
cally 1.48.
Multi-mode fibers have a larger core with allows more light modes to transverse down the optical
fiber. A critical angle is established to minimize the reflections within the core. The critical angle is
determined by the difference in index of refraction between the core and the cladding materials.
The numerical aperture allows light to propagate down the fiber in rays both close to the axis and
at various angles, allowing efficient coupling of light into the fiber. However, this numerical aper-
ture increases the amount of dispersion as rays at different angles have different path lengths and
therefore take different times to transverse the fiber.
In a graded index fiber, the index of refraction in the core decreases continuously between the axis
and the cladding. This causes light rays to bend smoothly as they approach the cladding, rather
than reflecting abruptly from the core cladding interface. The resulting curved paths reduce multi-
path dispersion because high angle rays pass more through the lower-index periphery of the core,
rather than the high-index center.
Singlemode fibers have a much smaller core than multi-mode fibers. Singlemode fibers allow light
to travel down a single path. Therefore, the effects of modal dispersion are completely avoided.
Because of this, singlemode fiber has extremely high bandwidths and can transmit video signals
over several kilometers or miles. A singlemode cables does have some dispersion called chromatic
or waveguide dispersion.
Attenuation
In a coaxial system design, level and peaking devices can be used to compensate for losses.
However, no such compensation does not exist in a fiber optic system design. Fiber attenuation
reduces the amount of optical power reaching the receiver. The system design professional must
ensure that the receiver will have enough power to operate the system. A theoretical approach
must be taken before the installation. A project professional has to calculate the entire loss of the
project using the optical loss analysis and power budget given by the equipment manufacturer.
Fibers operate best at specific points called wavelengths on the spectrum. Wavelengths are
measured in nanometers (nm).
850 nm and 1300 nm are the common wavelengths chosen for multi-mode. 1310 nm and
1550 nm are common for Singlemode.
850nm has the highest losses, but is used the most. The most economical for AV and
Security applications.
Multiplexing Techniques
An optical transmitter converts one or more electrical signals, including video, audio, and/or
control, into one or more serial digital streams of light pulses for transmission along one or more
optical fibers. Common multiplexing techniques include:
Time domain multiplexing (TDM): TDM combines multiple signals into a serial digital stream.
Video, audio, and control signals are multiplexed and serialized in the electrical domain.
TDM primary disadvantage is that the available bandwidth of the optical link must be higher than
the individual bandwidths of the signals being transmitted.
Coarse wavelength division multiplexing: (CWDM): CWDM uses multiple wavelengths that are sepa-
rated by 20nm or more. A special device called a a CWDM combines the multiple wavelengths onto
one single optical fiber. CWDM uses less bandwidth than a TDM. A CWDM typically uses a maxi-
mum rate of 1 to 2 Gbps, compared to over 4 Gbps for a similar TDM system. A CWDM components
are higher in cost than a TDM.
Fiber Optic Cables
Indoor Design:
Indoor/Outdoor Design:
Outdoor Design:
Rating: Applications:
Description: NEC Type Riser Wiring
900m tight buffered fibers Color Coded for easy Flame Rating: UL1666 Office Wiring
termination Flame Retardant UL listed for code Computer Room Wiring
compliance
Nom. Min Bend Min Bend
Catalog No. of O.D. radius radius Max. Load
No. Fibers Inches Short Term Long Term Installation
Notes:
Optical Characteristics - See Optical Characteristics Chart
Min. Max. for selecting proper Part No. for your
Glass Code Operating Wave-
Bandwidth Attn. application
Type (X) length (nm)
(MHz-km) (dB-km)
50/125m
A 850nm/1300nm 500/500 3.50/1.25 When ordering: In ordering to specify the
MultiMode
62.5/125m correct optical fiber, replace X in catalog number with the
B 850nm/1300nm 200/500 3.50/1.25 proper code number.
MultiMode
8/125m
W 1300nm/1550nm -- .80/.50 Example: WP9X038 WP9A038 = 4 Fiber 50/125 fiber Cables
SingleMode
OM3
M9C014 4 .300 4.5 Inch 3.0 Inch OFNP
50/125um LOF
CABLEWIRE
WEST PENN WITH CONFIDENCE WEST
CABLE WITH PENN
CONFIDENCE WIRE
Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber Optic Cables
Indoor/Outdoor Tight Buffer
Distribution Cable
Applications:
Building interconnection
Telecommunication and Data
Long haul networking
Ducts between buildings
Description:
Rating: 900m tight buffered fibers Color Coded for easy
Indoor/Outdoor Design termination Flame Retardant UL listed for
- Plenum Rated code compliance Individual Sub-unit Jackets
Fully Water-Blocked TIA-455-82 Test
Optical Characteristics
Notes:
Min. Max. - See Optical Characteristics Chart
Glass Code Operating Wave- for selecting proper Part No. for your
Bandwidth Attn.
Type (X) length (nm) application
(MHz-km) (dB-km)
50/125m
A 850nm/1300nm 500/500 3.00/1.00
MultiMode
62.5/125m When ordering: In ordering to specify the
B 850nm/1300nm 200/500 3.50/1.25
MultiMode correct optical fiber, replace X in catalog number with the
8/125m proper code number.
W 1300nm/1550nm -- .80/.50
SingleMode
Example: WP9X150 WP9B150 = 2 Fiber 62.5/125 fiber Cables
Optical Characteristics
Min. Max.
Glass Code Operating Wave-
Bandwidth Attn.
Type (X) length (nm)
(MHz-km) (dB-km)
50/125m
A 850nm/1300nm 500/500 3.50/1.25
MultiMode
62.5/125m
B 850nm/1300nm 200/500 3.50/1.25
MultiMode
8/125m
W 1300nm/1550nm -- .80/.50
SingleMode
True design outdoor cables are designed for harsh environments and can not be installed in a build-
ing beyond 50ft entering the building or out of conduit entering the building. In these situations, a
fan-out kit will provide the correct cabling size for connections into a patch pane or rack.
Complete installation:
1. Starts with pulling the fiber optic cable - do not exceed the bend radius and pulling tension.
(Provided on the catalog pages)
2. Splicing or transitioning from outdoor fiber to indoor fiber: This requires a Patch panel enclosure,
splices, splice tool, and a splice tray (protects the splices and offers strain relief) or
fan-out kit to provide the correct cable size for connection.
a. If using WPW indoor/outdoor fiber cables: A transition point is not needed from outdoor
to indoor
3. Installing the connectors: Make sure that the connector type will match the equipment.
ST, SC, or LC Connector types.
4. Testing your system: Easy check with a continuity tester - Power Meter/Light Source -
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR).
High Bandwidth - The higher the bandwidth, the greater EMI/RFI Immunity - Since fiber optic cables transmit light
the information carrying capacity. A higher bandwidth instead of electrical current, immunity to electromagnetic
allows for higher data rates, more users and longer dis- and radio frequency interference provides better signal
tances. quality, ensuring low bit error rates and/or low noise on
the system.
Easy Upgrades - Fiber optic cable allows for easy future
upgrades. Because a variety of transmissions can use fiber Security - Again, since there is no electrical signal, fiber
optics, it is only necessary to change the electronics. The optic transmission is almost impossible to tap into without
cable can stay in place. There is no need to pull new cable being
in the future. detected.
Low Attenuation - This is a reduction of signal strength or Lightweight - Fiber optic cable is smaller and lighter than
loss of light power over the length of the fiber. Fiber optic copper cable allowing for easier installation, especially
cable usually has low attenuation characteristics which when conduit and/or raceway space is at a premium.
allow signals to travel over longer distances without ream-
plification. However, attenuation can be affected by extrin-
sic (environmental and physical bends), intrinsic (absorp-
tion and scattering) and wavelength. The longer the wave-
length, the lower the attenuation.
Connectors:
There has been a misconception that terminating fiber optics is time consuming and requires a
highly educated and skilled professional. Today, fiber termination systems have been developed
that requires very little training and produce high quality fiber connections in less time than it takes
to terminate a coax or category cable. West Penn Wire offers two different solutions for terminating
fiber optic cables.
ST- Fiber Optic Connector - Straight Tip
Loss: .5 - 1dB
Loss: .5 - 1dB
Loss: .5 - 1dB
Other Connectors:
FC (Floating) and MTRJ (Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack - SFF (Small Form Factor Connectors)
Connector Polish:
Epoxy style: This method is more involved and requires bonding the connector to the end of the
fiber using and epoxy or anaerobic method. Once the epoxy is cured, the connector end is
polished to a fine, flat surface.
Time consuming
Power (Heat) may be required to cure the epoxy
Consumable items with a life span
Expensive kits
Crimp Style: This method utitilizes the same technology found in a mechanical splice. The fiber
is cleaved and mated with a pre-polished fiber. Once a fiber cable is placed into the connector
an activation pin splices the two fibers together, and then a crimp is executed to the buffer.
Quick termination time
No consumable life span items
Inexpensive Kits
Non-Crimp Style: This method is similar to the Crimp style. The connector has a pre-polished fiber.
Once a fiber cable is placed into the connector, an activation tab clamps internal the connector
to make a solid internal splice in the connector.
The quickest termination of fiber in the industry - Less than 5 Seconds
No consumable life span items
Inexpensive
Mechanical Splice
Loss: .5 - 1dB
Fusion Splice
Loss: .01 up to .5 dB
ADAPTOR SPLICE
Cost: Low
AV World: Applications
VGA
RGBHV
HDMI
DVI
HDSDI
Fiber Optic Cables can support all of these
applications with low loss and extended distances.
Stereo Audio
RS-232
Others: Crestron Digital Media 8G
Connectors - SC
Maximum Distance - 1000ft
Crestron does not supply a Power Budget for these products.
Fiber Optics in the AV World:
Video Distribution Cables
Fiber TX - or Distribution Amplifier
AMP
Speaker Cable
RS-232 Control
Audio Cables
CCTV
Fire Alarm Panel Communication
Access Control Panel Communications
Intrusion Detection
Audio
Data/Control
Most fiber optic security applications utilize multimode fiber combined with ST
terminations.
Coaxial Cables
To Video Equipment
8 Video Signals
To Video Equipment
Coaxial Cables
Fiber Optic Cable
FI-19202
Fanout Kits
Catalog No. Description
FI-1100 6 Fiber- color coded
FI-1101 12 Fiber- color coded
FI-1100 FI-FT900 900um Tubing- Clear
Notes:
Additional sizes and lengths are available upon request.
FI-3002-15LC
Distribution Racks
Free Standing Swing Rack
Catalog# DESCRIPTION Height Weight
XSW-8419 84 Swing Rack 19 84 179#
XSW-0100 Power Strip Mounting Kit (mounting kit
only) Pwr. Strip ordered separately.
XSW-0200 Wire Basket (Top Mount) mounting brackets
and wire basket 2 H x 8 W x 24 L
Continuity Check:
A simple continuity test for short-to-medium length fiber optic links is to shine a flashlight into
a cleaved or connected link and observe if light comes out of the other end. On short lengths, it
may be necessary to cleave only the end where the flashlight injects light into the fiber.
This simple check can be made on cable lengths of up to a mile and more. If cable ends are out-
doors, sunlight may be used. NOTE: on longer lengths, the light observed at the opposite end
may appear red in color. This is normal and is caused by the filtering of light within the fiber.
When an optical cable has been installed, all splices made and connectors attached, it must be
determined if the system is capable of delivering the required power. The simplest test requires
a light source of the same type, wavelength and approximate power as that of the equipment
to be used. The system equipment itself is often a satisfactory source.
The first step is to obtain an approximate measure of system launch power. A short test cable
with the same fiber and connector style as the installed cable can be used for this procedure.
One end of the short cable is connected to the light-launching equipment. The other end is
connected to an optical power meter.
After the initial reading is taken on the short length of test cable, a second similar reading is
taken with the installed cable in place. The difference between the two readings indicates the
additional power losses due to fiber length and differences in optical qualities of connectors.
Because approximate fiber losses are known, losses greater than 1.0 to 1.5 dB above fiber losses
might indicate an inferior connection - requiring either repolishing or replacement.
OTDRs are typically used to measure distance and attenuation over the entire fiber link. They
are also used to identify specific points along the link where losses occur, such as splices.
An OTDR is an optical radar which measures time of travel and the return strength of a short
pulse of light launched into an optical fiber. Small reflections occur throughout the fiber,
becoming weaker as power levels drop with distance. At major breaks, large reflections occur
and appear as strong peaks on an oscilloscope.
Testing of short and medium distance fiber optic systems seldom requires an OTDR. In smaller
systems, optical power meter tests are faster and more useful.
Many instrument rental companies are now offering OTDR's as well as other fiber optic splicing
and test equipment.
Safety Procedures:
Safety is an important aspect of working with fiber. There are several safety considerations that
should be remembered when working with fiber optic systems.
Remember:
1. DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO AN ACTIVE LASER OR THE END OF AN ACTIVE FIBER!
Since the laser light source is infrared, you wont see anything, but you can still receive serious
eye damage.
2. FIBER IS GLASS!
Fiber optic glass is sharp and small. Be sure to dispose the glass properly. Each connector kit
has plastic container bottles that shall be used to dispose the fiber glass.