The introduction of fiber optic technology has brought about a breakthrough in power delivery and digital communication, but how does it differ from traditional cabling materials? Is it sustainable? In this article, Mark Baptista, in-house applications engineer at electrical connector specialist PEI-Genesis, explains the differences between fiber optics and the metallic components of cables and connectors, and how we can use them efficiently in constantly evolving applications. When choosing a connector or cable for an application, you can use either fiber optics or metals depending on the requirements. We can compare the performance, cost, durability, and application of both options to determine which is the most efficient.
Cost and speed
Traditionally, metallic wiring transmits electrical current from one place to another using metal as a conductor. Cables and connectors are usually made of copper and aluminum, excellent conductors due to their low resistance.
Fiber optic cables, on the other hand, use light to transmit data. Light pulses flow through the cable's glass fibers and supply power. Their greater bandwidth allows for faster data transmission, making them ideal for high-speed data transmission systems.
The speed of fiber optics makes all the difference compared to metallic cabling. Fiber optic cables and connectors are capable of transferring data at an average of one gigabyte per second (GBPS) and can even reach several terabytes per second (TBPS) in some applications.
The fast transfer speeds of fiber optic cables depend on their optical channels: single-mode and multi-mode. Traditional metallic components offer poorer performance in terms of speed, barely reaching GBPS levels. Because their maximum speeds are lower, they are less suitable for high-data-throughput applications. However, they are more economical, with an initial cost two to four times lower than fiber optics. Therefore, they are better suited for short-term applications that do not require high speeds.
Cost is not the only factor contributing to the suitability of metal components in the short term. While it is cheaper to install and maintain cables with metal components, the lifespan of these installations is shorter.
Overcoming interference
Materials like copper are corrosion-resistant, but they can suffer from electromagnetic interference (EMI), which occurs when environmental factors interfere with the magnetic field of the wiring. Therefore, they are less suitable for applications in harsh environments, where fiber optics offer excellent performance due to their EMI resistance.
The use of light in optical fiber makes it immune to electromagnetic interference. Its glass or plastic core, instead of metal, allows data transfer through light refraction rather than current, eliminating the possibility of EMI.
EMI resistance in fiber optic cabling offers greater efficiency in sectors such as the military and aerospace industries, where durability is paramount. Military vehicles, for example, are often exposed to extreme conditions with dust, water, wind, and heat.
Both metallic and fiber optic cables can be durable options, as both can be designed to meet IP (ingress protection) ratings up to IP67. For consistency, fiber optics may be the better choice, as they are often designed with higher IP ratings, unlike metallic cabling, where such ratings are typically specified and requested.
The Fibreco MAXI spread beam fiber optic connector supplied by PEI Genesis uses one single-mode optical channel to achieve superior bandwidth over long distances and 16 multi-mode optical channels for high speeds over shorter distances, making it suitable for applications such as data centers or military communications.
The entire range of Fibreco spread beam connectors is suitable for harsh environments due to their durability. These connectors can withstand operating temperatures from -40°C to +85°C and have a crush resistance of 6.7 kN: both specifications guarantee performance in demanding environments.
There's a reason traditional cabling methods are so consistent. As a short-term, day-to-day solution, they remain reliable and cost-effective in many industries. But when businesses want to increase reliability with a secure and optimized power supply, fiber optic connectors and cables offer an exceptional option for faster data transfers, even in more challenging environments.
Author: Mark Baptista, Applications Engineer at PEI-GENESIS
