Fibre-optic interfaces for fieldbus applications
Fibre-optic interfaces for fieldbus applications
Keywords Fibre optics, Fieldbus
A new range of fibre-optic interfaces designed to provide data-communication links in industrial fieldbus and general machinery, plant and control applications has been introduced by Harting Limited (see Plate 6).
Plate 6 Fibre-optic interfaces for fieldbus applications from Harting Limited
The new devices are compatible with industry-standard protocols such as TTL, RS232-C, RS422 and RS485. Specific versions are available that conform to proprietary fieldbus applications such as Profibus FMS and DP, SUCONET-P and ARCNET.
The interfaces generally incorporate D-Sub connectors on the electrical side, with the supply voltage being applied either through these connectors from a host device or via a separate power-supply unit.
Versions are available for polymer or glass-fibre application, operating at up to 80m and 2.5km,respectively. Optical termination is via industry-standard FH-ST or F-SMA connectors.
They are all suitable for configuring as point-to-point links. The RS422 type can be used in a "ring"configuration, and the RS232-C or RS485 versions as part of "linear duplex" bus structures. All provide totally secure data transmission in electrically noisy industrial environments.
For further information contact Howard Forryan at Harting Limited, Caswell Road, Brackmills Industrial Estate, Northampton NN4 7PW. Tel: +44 (0)1604 766686.
