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The utilization of fiber optic data transmission for industrial automation and process control has become increasingly popular over the past decade. A basic fiber optic system, using an optical transceiver circuit and fiber optic media, offers a wide array of benefits that are not available with traditional copper conductors.

Advantages of Fiber Optic Data Transmission Technology

• High data rate and wide bandwidth
• Immunity to EMI/RFI and lightning damage
• No ground loops
• Low attenuation (data loss)
• Longer distance – up to 3 miles (5 km) with Muliti Mode fiber and over 15 miles (25 km) with Single Mode fiber
• Small cable diameter fits almost anywhere - requires less duct space
• Light weight
• No sparks if cut – ideal for Hazardous Area applications
• No electric shock hazard
• Secure communications
• Flexible networking topologies
• Corrosion resistant
• Longer life expectancy than copper or coaxial cable
• Economical total system cost

Disadvantages of Electronic Cabling (Twisted Pair (TP), Coax, Twinax)

In selecting the signal/data transmission technology for your Industrial Automation and Process Control networking, the following limitations of electronic cabling should be considered:

• Cabling hassles: weight, routing, size, attenuation and cross-talk
• Distance between terminals and hosts is severely limited
• Large diameter cable fills plenums and conduits  
• Needs to be routed away from power cabling
• Poor security
• Limited topologies
• Cost can be high relative to Fiber