Serial Devices Reach Longer Distances with Optical Fiber

Antaira’s STF-401C, STF-501C, and STF-502C series are available with both Multi-mode and Single-mode fiber and SC or ST type connectors. This flexibility allows users to setup their Serial Fiber Network into different topologies:

The Antaira STF-401C, STF-501C, and STF-502C series are designed with a User Friendly concept. Users are only required to perform a simple hardware configuration in order to connect their devices to their networks or systems. The only task a user must perform is simply configuring each STF unit for a particular serial interface. In addition, users can easily adjust the built-in termination resistors by switching the External Dip Switches, or the Rotary Switch to protect the converter from unexpected surges in the serial signals.

 

Theory of Operation

Antaira’s STF series uses control logic to connect an RS-485/422 interface, two RS-232 3-wire interfaces and two optical fiber channels. The units are interconnected by the fiber channels and can form point-to-point, cascaded (linear) or ring topologies. The operation uses Master/Slave hierarchy where only one master unit exists and all other units are slaves in the application. In an 'idle' condition, all interfaces are in a listening state. When any unit's “receive interface” receives a data transmission, it will broadcast and transmit the data out across all units’ “transmit” interfaces. The STF unit operates completely at the physical layer, transparent to communication protocols. These communication protocols are required to handle bi-directional data flow control and device addressing.

 

Operation Mode

Two Unit Point-to-Point Connection Mode

This operation mode is used to extend the transmission distance of a serial connection. In this example, two STF-401C serial-to-fiber converters can be used to connect a computer to a serial device that is located at a remote site up to 30 km from the computer (if Single-mode fiber is used).

 

Multi Serial Lines in a Network

The Point-to-Point connection mode can also be used to combine several RS-485 lines into one serial network as seen in figure 4. The only drawback is that a pair of STF-401C units is required for each serial device.

 

Two Unit Point-to-Point Connection Mode with Fiber Protection

Some Point-to-Point applications require two duplex fiber connections to ensure that the serial signals are protected at extreme Harsh Environments (as Figure 5 setup).

Antaira’s STF-502C series is a “Dual Fiber Port” version. Users can set one STF-502C unit as a 'Master', and the other unit as a 'Slave'. The RS-485 and RS-232 are completely isolated electrically. A receive signal can only be connected to either the RS-485 (terminal block) or to the RS-232 DB9 (not both at the same time). That received signal will be transmitted simultaneously on every transmit connection, both RS-485 and RS-232.

 

Three or more units – One Way Daisy Chain solution

There are quite a few applications that require data transmission to only occur one-way, and the manner of these types of applications requires data that can be transmitted from a Remote Admin Center (Control Room) to all remote field site devices. For example, Message Display Boards in public venues, such as Rail Stations, Bus Terminals or Warning Messages along Freeways.

In this application, Administrators can use Antaira’s STF-501C single fiber port units for a One Way Daisy Chain setup network to continuously update any text information from the Remote Center to multiple stations.

 

Three or more units- Daisy Chain solution

In some applications with three or more units in different locations, a daisy chain solution with duplex fiber protection is required (Figure 7). The RS-485 and RS-232 are completely isolated electrically. A receive signal can only be connected to either the RS-485 (terminal block) or to the RS-232 DB9 (not both at the same time).

 

Single Ring Connection Mode with Half Duplex

In single fiber ring topology, the fiber transmit (Tx) of one device connects to the fiber receive (Rx) of the next device. That second device’s fiber transmit connects to the next device’s fiber receive, until a completed ring is formed.

Both Antaira’s STF-401C and STF-501C series operates completely at Layer 1. However, the logic control will ensure that any transmitted data will flow to each device in the ring but it will not loop. The protocol layer is required to handle proper communication flow control. Reception of data at any receive should only be allowed from one device at a time. That received data will then be broadcast (transmitted) to all units and interfaces out. In the example to the right, one RS-232 interface receives data and it is broadcast to all other interfaces.

 

Self-Healing Dual Fiber Ring Connection Mode with Full Duplex

Some critical applications require a zero data loss solution within the serial network because single ring fiber mode with half duplex provides no redundancy. In the event of a fiber link loss, or a powered off device, 2-way transmission between the devices will not be possible. Depending on where the link is broken, there still may be transmit or receive paths between some devices.

Antaira’s STF-502C series provides a Dual Fiber port solution, in order to allow users to perform a “Self-Healing” Redundant Ring Serial Fiber Network to ensure “Zero Data Lost” protection. The figure to the right demonstrates how to setup a Dual Ring Serial Fiber Network with Antaira’s STF-502C series.

 

Serial Fiber Connection Mode Comparison

Point-to-Point connection mode is a simple bus topology setup, but may require more media converter units when there are multiple serial lines that require connection with the system.

- Available Antaira models

Single Ring connection mode is recommended when multiple serial lines require connection to a system– it requires fewer media converter units and reduces the total length of fiber cable required.

*** When using a Ring Structure, the maximum length of the fiber cable is up to 100 km

- Available Antaira models

Dual Ring connection mode is recommended whenever there are applications with extreme environmental concerns.

Antaira’s STF-501C series provides Dual Fiber Ports to perform a “Self-Healing” Redundant Serial Fiber Network solution; plus it has built-in High Surge & Optical Isolation protection to secure serial data signals.

 

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