Fiber Optic Links

AFL - 6400 Analog / Digital Fiber Optic Link

The AFL - 6400 is an Enhanced Fiber Optic Transmission Product Family, used for Transmission of upto 16 Analog Channels + 32 Digital Channels in Each Direction. The product is based on A/D and D/A Technique, combined with a Powerful Transceiver, for ranges of upto 100Km, at Analog Bandwidth of upto 250kHz per channel, at 16 bit Accuracy (96dB S/N Ratio). Each Unit can work back to back with the same type of unit as a Receiver / Transmitter Module (i.e. for Sending and Receiving Analog and Digital Signals to the Other Unit) or as a Powerful Data Acquisition Module, used for Acquiring Analog or Digital Data Over Long Distances, with High Accuracy and Noise Immunity. All Channels are Sampled Simultaneously to provide Correct Phase Signal for Analysis, Control and Data Acquisition Purpose.

By combining Fiber Optic Technology with Advanced Proprietary Hardware, we provide Researchers and Industry with the means to Isolate 16 Analog + 32 Digital Signals from Electrically Hostile Environment, Transmit it over upto 100km to the Data Acquisition System, while conditioning the Signal. This method eliminates the Addition of Noises generated by Electrical Machinery, Line Noises, Ground Loops and Digital Noise to your Analog Signals.

1. Applications:
2. Transfer an Analog Signal from a Noisy Environment
3. Isolation of the Signal from High Voltage Sources
4. Eliminating Ground Loops
5. Accuracy and High Signal / Noise Ratio
6. Bi-directional Data Acquisition and Control
7. Excellent System Reliability

1. Block Diagram

1. Application Sample:

The following drawing describes how 2 Bi-Directional AFL - 6416 systems
can be configured together, using a single optical fiber.

1. Advantages:
2. Low Noise Transfer of Analog or Digital Data (such as RS-232 Interface) particularly beneficial in Electrically Noisy Environments and for Transmission over Long Distance.
3. For Medical Tests: The Patient is isolated from Data Acquisition system and from any other High Voltage Source.
4. Optional Instrumentation Amplifier Input Stage provides a Differential Input, with an Adjustable Gain of 10 - 2000, for Direct Connection of Any Sensor such as: Strain Gage, Piezo, EEG & ECG, Temperature, Humidity, Pressure, etc.
5. Isolates Delicate Test Equipment from Computer generated Noise and Spikes: Noises from Computer do not return into your System.
6. Eliminates the formation of “Ground Loops” (when Two Instruments are connected to Separate Power Lines or have a Difference between their Ground Voltage Potentials).
7. Total Protection of Signal Processor's Input Stage from Accidental Sensor Malfunction (e.g. Short to Mains Voltage or a Lightning Shock).
8. Replaces bulky Coaxial Cables with Compact Fiber Optic Cables - especially Important when rewiring Existing Ducts.
9. Cheaper wiring (for long distances) than standard copper cable. 16 Analog channels + 32 digital channels on a Single Fiber!
10. Transfers Analog and Digital Signals to distances of upto 100km - with Very High Accuracy.

1. Technical Specifications

1. Options:
2. Option 01: High Range Fiber Optic Transmitter + Receiver - upto 100km.

3. Option 02: Wavelength Multiplexer / Demultiplexer (WDM) for combining 2 Wavelengths on the same optical fiber (1310 and 1550nm). This device is useful for using multiple AFL - 6400. Devices on the same Optical Fiber or when using a Bi-directional system for Long Range (for saving fiber cost).
   
4. Option 03: Optical Coupler for using a Single Fiber as Bi-directional link (instead of 2 fibers) or for dividing the optical data to 2 different fibers (2 outputs with the same optical signal).
5. Option 04 (AFL - 6400 - USB2): A USB2 Interface to AFL - 6400 Optic Fiber. This option enables using the AFL - 6400 units as an Analog Front End, or as a part of a Data Acquisition / Monitoring system.
   
   The USB2 Interface Card may be used to Acquire Data and Display it or Save the Data to a Host Computer. It may also function as a Transmitter to Transmit Arbitrary Digital or Analog Data to the AFL-6400 Digital or Analog Output. A Monitoring System may be configured in Conjunction with Option 03 (AFL - 6400 Receives Analog and Digital Signals, while the Same Data is Recorded on a Host Computer). The USB-2 Interface has a Control over the Sampling Rate of the System, from the Maximum Frequency Down to 1Hz. The USB-2 Interface may be used as a Data Acquisition System with one AFL - 6400 Bi-Directional Unit, or as a “Listener” Device in a “Back to Back” configuration of 2 AFL - 6400 Units (Optical Splitter required).
   

1. Ordering Information (AFL - 6400 Modules):

1. USB Data Acquisition:

The USB-2 Interface is supported by a Data Acquisition, Calibration and Control Program

This Progream Enables the user to view the Input Signals in Real Time:

See the Spectral Analysis of the Input Signals (FFT of 2048 points):

Test the Calibration of the Input and Output Signals:

1. The Program can Acquire the Analog and Digital Data to the Hard Drive and Convert it to ASCII Comma Delimited Files (for Importation to Excel, Word processors, MatLab etc.). The Program also converts those files back to Binary Files which can be sent to the AFL - 6400 and played back on the Analog and Digital Outputs (like and Analog and Digital recorder).

1. Power Supplies:

1. Software
2. AFL - 6400 - SW: Windows XP Data Acquisition and Control Software
3. AFL - 6400 - LV: Lab View Data Acquisition and Control VI Drivers (open VI)

1. EMI / RFI Protected Box:
2. The AFL - 6400 can also be installed in a 19″ Rack suitable for Use in EMI/RFI Sensitive Applications. The AFL - 6400 is mounted in a 19″ Rack, made from 2mm steel, and inside it there is an Additional Mu-Metal cage to Eliminate Magnetic Interference (Mu Metal is an Alloy with Maximum Magnetic Permeability of 300,000). The EMI/RFI Input box may be configured with any number of Analog or Digital Inputs, according to Customer’s request. All I/O Lines goes through 10nF Feed-Thru Connector to eliminate any Transfer of Noise from or to the Internal Acquisition System.

1. Aluminum 19″ Rack:

One or Two AFL - 6400 Units may be Installed into a 19″ Compatible Aluminum Rack Enclosure. The 19″ Enclosure Height is 4U, it is Self-Ventilated and Low Weight.

This Rack is for One Bi-Directional AFL - 6400 Unit with 4 Analog Channels and 32 Digital I/O.

This Rack is for One Uni-Directional AFL - 6400 Unit with 16 Analog Channels and 32 Digital I/O.

This Rack is for Two Uni-Directional AFL - 6400 Units with 32 Analog Channels and 64 Digital Outputs.