What is Fiber Optic Technology? Where Is It Used? What is The Purpose of Fiber Optic Usage at Aircraft Designs

Fiber optic technology is a type of technology used in communication and data transmission. This technology allows data to be transmitted through light signals, using thin fibers made of glass or plastic as conductors. Fiber optic cables offer many advantages compared to traditional copper wires and are therefore widely used in many different industries. This article will examine in detail what fiber optic technology is, where it is used and how it compares to copper wire.

In the modern era, communication is done using long wavelength electromagnetic waves such as millimeter, micrometer and radio frequencies, as well as in the range corresponding to the optical region of the electromagnetic wave scale. Today, the most common, fast and secure means of communication is fiber optic communication technology using this optical region. 

For data transmission in gigabits and beyond, fiber optic communication is the ideal choice. Fiber optic communication is used to transmit voice, video, telemetry, data over long distances and local area networks or computer networks. 

Structure of Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optic cables use thin glass or plastic cables called fibers, which are used to transport data at the speed of light. These cables are coated with a special protective layer to protect against external factors and to ensure the best data transmission.

The most important components in the structure of fiber optic cables include fibers, buffers, protective coatings and cables. The fibers inside the cable are covered with a thin glass core and a thick coating surrounding this core. The cladding around this core serves to protect and properly route the fiber's signals.

Light-Based Data Transfer

Data transfer in fiber optic cables is carried out using a light-based technology. Data is carried as light waves passed through the fibers. Light is preferred because of its ability to travel faster and over greater distances than electrical signals.

Two different types of light are used for data transmission: LEDs or lasers. LEDs are more widely used because they are cheaper and more durable, while lasers are faster and can transfer data over longer distances.

Working Principle of Fiber Optic Data Transfer

Data transfer in fiber optic cables is accomplished by converting signals into digital data and sending it down the cable as light waves. This data is controlled by signal transmitters inside the fibers.

This allows the data to travel through the cable. The signal transmitters inside the fibers send the data as light waves into the cable. These light waves are received by receivers at the end of the cable on the other side, where they are converted back into digital data.

Speed of Data Transfer

Data transfer in fiber optic cables can be carried out at very high speeds. Since light can travel much faster than electrical signals, the data transfer speed on fiber optic cables is very high. This speed provides a great advantage for fast data transfer in many different areas such as internet services, online games and video calls.

Fiber Optic Technology:

Fiber optic technology uses light to transmit data. A fiber optic cable consists of thin glass or plastic fibers that use a special array of reflected light waves. These light waves represent signals that carry digital or analog data. Fiber optic cables differ from electrical cables as conductors because they enable data transmission at the speed of light.

Fiber optic cables consist of three main parts: the core, the cladding and the outer jacket. The core is the central part responsible for transmitting light. The sheath is the layer that protects the core and controls reflections. The outer jacket is the outer layer that protects the cable against external factors.

The light used in fiber optic transmission is usually outside the visible light spectrum. The most commonly used light source is a high-intensity light source such as a laser or LED. Data is transmitted through the core via light signals and converted back into electrical signals by receivers at the ends of the fiber.

Where it is used:

Fiber optic technology has a wide range of uses in many different industries. Here are some of the main uses of fiber optic technology:

Telecommunications: 

Fiber optic cables provide wide bandwidth and high data transfer rates in the telecommunications industry. It is widely used in communication systems such as telephone, internet and television services.

Computer Networks: 

Computer networks that require large-scale data transmission benefit from fiber optic technology. It is used in places such as data centers, corporate networks and internet service providers.

Medical Applications: 

Fiber optic cables are widely used in medical applications such as endoscopes and other medical imaging devices. These applications are used in surgical procedures that require precise and high-resolution imaging.

Military and Defense: 

Military communication systems and military applications make use of fiber optic technology. The fact that fiber optic cables are not affected by electromagnetic interference and provide secure data transmission provides a significant advantage in military operations.

Energy Sector: 

Fiber optic sensors are used to monitor variables such as voltage, temperature and vibration in energy grids. These sensors help improve the security and performance of energy grids.

Transportation and Aviation: 

Fiber optic technology is also used in transportation vehicles such as trains, buses, ships and airplanes. Especially in airplanes, it is preferred due to its advantages such as light weight, durability and high data transmission speed.

(Copper Wire) Cable Types

Copper wire is typically defined as consisting of a single conductor for electrical signals, differentiated from a copper cable where multiple copper wires are grouped into a common jacket. Copper is in the upper segments of electrical conductivity, no other metal can compete with it in conductivity, plus copper wire requires less insulation and can be stretched more effectively than other metals. There are several types of copper wire:

1. Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cable is a type of transmission line used to carry low-loss high-frequency electrical signals. It is used for broadband internet network cables, high-speed computers, cable television signals, radio transmitters and receivers.

2. Twisted Pair Cable

Used in telephone systems. In this type of cable, each of the bare cables is covered with an insulating material and the cables are twisted together in pairs. The twisted pair cable wrapped with metal shielding is called Shielded Twisted Pair Cable. With the metal shielding wrapped around the insulated twisted pairs, the cable is better protected from the electromagnetic field and allows data to be transmitted over longer distances. There are 2 types of twisted pair cables.

STP Cable (Shielded Twisted Pair):

Unlike coaxial cables, this cable, which can be used in Ethernet networks, must be grounded at both ends because it is not part of the circuit in which the data is carried. Otherwise, it is the most damaging factor in communication. The cable works like an antenna, picking up signals in or around it and distorting the data in the network environment. There are 4 pairs of wires surrounded by a colored plastic cover and fibers that provide protection before the outer cover. This makes STP cable tougher and heavier.

UTP Cable :

UTP cable is not only used in computer networks. There is another very common area of use: Telephone lines... UTP cable is also used in telephone lines, but its use in computer networks has surpassed this area and UTP cable is identified with computer networks.

Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber Optics is a very thin thread of pure glass that acts as a waveguide for light over long distances. It uses a principle known as total internal reflection. Fiber optic cable actually consists of two layers of glass: The core, which carries the actual light signal, and the cladding, which is a layer of glass surrounding the core. The cladding has a lower refractive index than the core. This causes Total Internal Reflection within the core. Most fibers work in bidirectional pairs: one is used to transmit the signal and the other is used to receive it. However, it is possible to send both signals over a single wire. 

There are two main types of fiber optic cable: 

Single Mode Fiber (SMF) and Multimode Fiber (MMF). The difference is mainly in the size of the core. MMF has a much wider core, which allows multiple modes of light (or "beams") to propagate. SMF has a very narrow core, allowing only a single mode of light to propagate. Each type of fiber has different characteristics with their own advantages and disadvantages. Fiber optic cables have many uses in a variety of situations across industries and applications.

Fiber Optic Cable Types

OFC: Optical fiber, conductor

OFN: Optical fiber, non-conductive

OFCG: Optical fiber, conductor, general use

OFNG: Optical fiber, non-conductive, general use

OFCP: Optical fiber, conductor, plenum

OFNP: Optical fiber, non-conductive, plenum

OFCR Optical fiber, conductor, amplifier

OFNR: Optical fiber, non-conductive, amplifier

OPGW Fiber optic composite overhead ground wire

ADSS: All Dielectric Self-Supporting

OSP: Fiber optic cable, outside plant

MDU: Fiber optic cable, multiple dwelling unit

Fiber optic Copper Wire Comparison:

Fiber optic technology offers many advantages compared to traditional copper wire. Here is how fiber optic technology compares to copper wire:

Bandwidth: 

Fiber optic cables provide much wider bandwidth compared to copper wires. This allows for higher data transfer rates.

Long Distance Transmission: 

Fiber optic cables experience less signal loss than copper wires, even over long distances. This feature makes fiber optics preferred for long-range communication systems.

Less Affected by Electromagnetic Interference: 

Copper wires can be affected by electromagnetic interference when transmitting electrical signals. However, fiber optic cables are not affected by electromagnetic interference because they use optical signals.

Security: 

Fiber optic communication is more secure because it is more difficult to interfere with from the outside. It increases information security because it is not susceptible to electromagnetic waves.

Light Weight and High Density: 

Fiber optic cables are lighter than copper wires and allow for greater data density. This makes telecommunications infrastructure more efficient and compact.

Environmentally Friendly: 

Copper mining and processing is an industrial process with environmental impacts. However, the production of fiber optic cables consumes fewer natural resources and causes less damage to the environment.

Although fiber optic technology offers many advantages over copper wires, copper wires may still be preferable in terms of cost. However, in the long run, the cost-effectiveness and performance advantages of fiber optic technology may lead to the replacement of copper wires.

The use of fiber optic technology in aircraft is considered a significant development and innovation in the aerospace industry. Fiber optic cables enable electronic systems in aircraft to communicate reliably and quickly, resulting in safer and more efficient flights. In this article, a detailed review of the use of fiber optic technology in aircraft will be presented.

Use of Fiber Optic Technology in Aircraft: 

Fiber optic technology is widely used in aircraft to transmit data between electronic systems. These systems include flight control systems, communication equipment, entertainment systems, passenger information systems and other critical systems.

Advantages: 

Fiber optic cables are lighter and more durable than copper wires. They are also immune to electromagnetic interference and provide higher data transfer rates. These features provide an ideal solution for reliable and fast data transmission on airplanes.

Flight Safety and Performance: 

Fiber optic technology supports safer and more efficient flights in aircraft. It improves flight safety by providing fast and reliable communication between electronic systems. They also consume less energy and have lower maintenance requirements, which improves the performance of the aircraft.

Light Weight and High Density: 

Fiber optic cables are lighter and thinner than other communication cables used in aircraft. This feature helps make airplanes lighter and increase fuel efficiency. It also allows for higher data density, which allows more electronic equipment to be integrated into the aircraft.

Durability and Suitability to Environmental Conditions: 

Fiber optic cables are resistant to various environmental conditions such as high temperature, humidity and vibration. This ensures reliable communication on airplanes and reduces maintenance costs.

Fast Data Transfer: 

Fiber optic cables can transmit data at gigabit speeds. This enables the use of high-bandwidth applications such as high-definition video and audio transmission on airplanes.

Safety and Isolation: 

Fiber optic cables are more resistant to electromagnetic waves and safer from outside interference. This improves information security on airplanes and provides better protection against outside interference.

Cost and Return on Investment: 

Fiber optic technology may initially cost more compared to copper wires. But in the long run, it offers a better return on investment with lower maintenance requirements and higher performance.

Future Applications and Developments: 

Continuous technological advances in the aircraft industry are constantly expanding the application areas of fiber optic technology. In the future, new fiber optic technologies are expected to be developed that provide faster data transmission, higher bandwidth and greater safety.

The use of fiber optic technology in aircraft is an example of technological advances in the aviation industry and plays an important role in improving flight safety and performance. This technology helps make airplanes safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly, while at the same time providing passengers with a better flight experience.

Conclusion

The most important difference between copper cable and fiber optics is that copper cable transmits signals in the form of electrical pulses, while fiber optics transmit signals in the form of light pulses. Another important difference between copper cable and optical fiber lies in the name itself. Copper cable is made of copper wire. Fiber optics consist of single or multiple strands of glass fiber.

- The data transmission speed of a fiber optic cable is much higher than that of a copper cable. Copper cables are approximately 31% slower than fiber optic cables.

- The bandwidth of a copper cable is less than that of a fiber optic cable. Copper cable transmits up to 10 Gbps, while fiber optic has a performance of 60 Tbps or more.

- The energy consumed by copper cable during operation is 10W. Fiber optic cable is more energy efficient. It consumes 2W of energy per user. Therefore, fiber optic lines need less energy.

- The lifetime of copper wire is 5 years with temperature changes and environmental factors, while fiber optic cables have a lifetime of 30 or 50 years.

- Fiber optics allows data to be transferred much faster than copper cable.

- The installation and maintenance cost of a fiber cable is higher than that of a copper cable.