October 5, 2007 - Tame rogue data line signals that can garble a message or damage electronic components by inserting an optical isolator in the data line. Rogue currents can have many causes, from exposure to a minor power surge in a nearby electrical circuit to a lightning strike in the vicinity.
B&B Electronics has introduced the expanded I-linx series of premium industrial data converters and other data products that include superior optical isolation. New I-linx serial converters with superior isolation change RS-232 format data signals to RS-422 for increased range, or RS-485 for increased range and multi-drop capability.
I-linx stand-alone optical isolators in industrial DIN rail mount cases and 2000 V protection are now available for RS-232 and RS-422/485 data circuits. Fiber optic data transmission provides intrinsic optical isolation. B&B offers their Model FOSTCDRI that converts RS- 232, RS-422, or RS-485 to transmit over fiber optic cable. Fiber optic cable also allows range to be increased up to 2.5 miles (4 km). A multi-drop arrangement can easily be set up, allowing one serial device to talk to multiple slave devices around a fiber ring.
Optical Isolation works by converting a voltage signal to an optical signal which passes through an fiber optic section before being converted back to a voltage signal.This process isolates any voltage anomalies from the protected equipment.
Mike Fahrion, Director of Engineering for B&B Electronics said,"Optical isolation can now be considered a requirement for commercial and industrial data communication. Spikes and surges on the data line can create havoc in industrial applications. If you get a surge in the home or office, you may have to reboot, which is an inconvenience. But the same surge in a computer controlled industrial application can shut down an assembly line or an entire plant. That's a disaster. Adding optical isolation, either with a stand-alone isolator or a converter with optical isolation, can stop those damaging spikes and surges in their tracks."
FOSTCDRI Features
10-48 VDC operation
3-way isolation, 2000V input/output power supply
cUL Class 1 Div 2 CE Approved
All I-linx devices are in DIN rail mount cases and made rugged for industrial applications. The new I-linx line of optically isolated converters and isolators is now available from B&B Electronics, Unit 10, Westlink Commercial Park, Oranmore, Galway, Ireland.
