Fibre Optics Overview and Applications
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a fibre optic splice?

  • To join fibres without altering their structure
  • To reduce the size of the fibre bundle
  • To establish an optical connection between two fibres (correct)
  • To repair physical damage without changing performance
  • Which of the following describes an essential safety precaution when terminating optical fibres?

  • Wearing safety glasses to protect eyes from debris (correct)
  • Wearing gloves to prevent cuts from glass
  • Using basic hand tools for fibre alignment
  • Eating and drinking near the work area to stay energized
  • What kind of splicing technique uses localised heat to join optical fibres?

  • Thermal splicing
  • Laser splicing
  • Mechanical splicing
  • Fusion splicing (correct)
  • What is a key requirement for performing optical fibre termination tasks?

    <p>Approval and performance by qualified personnel (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes low-loss fibre splicing?

    <p>Efficient jointing methods and proper end preparation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a danger associated with cleaved optical fibres?

    <p>Electrical shock from exposed wires (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of reducing fibre mismatches during fibre optic connections?

    <p>To minimize coupling losses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of splice relies on mechanical fixtures for fibre alignment?

    <p>Mechanical splice (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of not observing the minimum bend radius for optical fibres?

    <p>Reduced system performance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which practice is essential before mating fibre optic connectors?

    <p>Clean the connectors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should never be done with fibre optic cables during installation?

    <p>Pull them tight (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following properties does NOT affect fibre optic system performance?

    <p>Connective heat (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who should be allowed to install or repair fibre optic systems?

    <p>Only trained, authorised personnel (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can result from placing heavy items on fibre optic cables?

    <p>Cable breakage or increased loss (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of improper fibre optic connections on system performance?

    <p>Higher connection loss and potential damage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of fibre optic splices in a system?

    <p>To permit the transfer of optical power between components (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the cladding in a fibre optic cable?

    <p>To create total internal reflection for minimizing light loss (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method is used to send data through a fibre optic cable?

    <p>Turning a laser on and off to represent data (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What limits the distance that modern fibre optic cables can effectively transmit signals?

    <p>Signal attenuation over long distances (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of connectors do not rely on physical contact between optical fibres?

    <p>Expanded-beam connectors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic of fibre optic cables allows them to carry multiple signals simultaneously?

    <p>Implementation of multiplexing with lasers of different colors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of fibre optic connectors?

    <p>To allow for repeated disconnects and reconnects without significant loss of light transmission (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the equipment huts located along long-distance fibre optic lines?

    <p>To re-amplify and retransmit the signal at full strength (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the construction of a fibre optic cable minimize light losses?

    <p>By utilizing total internal reflection provided by the cladding (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of an alignment sleeve in ferrule connectors?

    <p>To align the ferrules for proper fibre contact (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What material is primarily used to construct a fibre optic cable?

    <p>Glass that is highly pure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What material is typically used to bond fibres within ferrules?

    <p>Epoxy resin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of connector aligns and brings the ends of two fibres into contact?

    <p>Butt-jointed connectors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor plays a crucial role in the performance of a fibre optic system?

    <p>The number of lasers involved in sending data (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feature is crucial for maintaining fibre alignment in ferrule connectors?

    <p>Precision holes within the ferrules (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of connection is achieved through ferrule connectors?

    <p>Low-loss optical connection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism typically locks ferrules into the alignment sleeve?

    <p>Threaded outer shell or similar mechanism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component is responsible for converting the optical signal back to an electrical signal in a fiber optic receiver?

    <p>Optical detector (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What undesirable characteristic results from variations of the signal at the receiver end in fiber optic communication?

    <p>Distortion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which device in a fiber optic receiver is typically responsible for amplifying the electrical signal?

    <p>Post amplifier (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a semiconductor photodiode in fiber optic systems?

    <p>To convert photons into electrical current (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the output signal suitability issue associated with simple fiber optic receivers?

    <p>Not in suitable form for interfacing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'photocurrent' refer to in the context of an optical detector?

    <p>An electrical current proportional to optical intensity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What additional components are generally included in a fiber optic receiver to enhance the output signal?

    <p>Amplifiers and additional circuitry (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process in fiber optics leads to the weakening and distortion of signals during propagation?

    <p>Scattering, absorption, and dispersion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of a fibre optic transmitter in communication systems?

    <p>To convert electrical signals into optical signals and launch them into fibre (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of light source is primarily used in fibre optic systems?

    <p>Semiconductor LEDs and Laser Diodes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can lenses improve the coupling of light from the source to the optical connector?

    <p>By focusing and directing the light more efficiently (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of fibre optic data link performance is crucial for effective communication?

    <p>The optical power (light) launched into the optical fibre (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What packaging forms are typically used for the simplest fibre optic transmitters?

    <p>Transistor Outline (TO) cans or Dual Inline Packages (DIPs) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of optical pigtails in fibre optic systems?

    <p>To attach the transmitter optical source to the output connectors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes semiconductor lasers from LEDs in fibre optic applications?

    <p>They have higher efficiency and output power (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What possible connection method can be used between the optical source and the optical connector?

    <p>Coupling via an intermediate optical fibre (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Fiber optic cable

    A glass cable with a very thin strand, coated in plastic, that transmits light signals for communication.

    Total internal reflection

    The phenomenon where light waves traveling from a denser to a less dense medium, at an angle greater than the critical angle, reflect back into the first medium.

    Analog signals

    Signals that vary continuously over time.

    Digital signals

    Signals that represent information using discrete values.

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    Data bit

    A single unit of digital information, represented as a 0 or 1.

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    Laser

    A device that produces a concentrated beam of light.

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    Signal attenuation

    Loss of signal strength over distance.

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    Equipment huts

    Locations along long-distance fiber optic lines that receive, reamplify, and retransmit signals.

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    Minimum bend radius

    The smallest radius of curvature a fiber optic cable can be bent without causing additional signal loss or breakage.

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    Fibre optic cable handling

    Procedures to avoid damaging or bending fibre optic cables during installation and use.

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    Fibre optic connector cleaning

    Cleaning fibre optic connectors before connecting them to prevent signal loss and damage.

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    Fibre optic splices

    Joints connecting two fiber optic cables.

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    Optical power coupling

    The process of transferring optical power from one fiber optic component to another.

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    Fibre optic connections

    Allowing the transfer of optical power between components in a fiber optic system.

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    Fiber optic system performance

    Dependent on more than just attenuation and dispersion; other properties like modal noise and pulse broadening can also affect performance.

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    Installation precautions (fibre)

    Important steps to avoid damage to fibre optic cables, such as not bending them too sharply, not placing heavy items, avoiding sharp corners, and cleaning connectors.

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    Optical Fiber Termination

    Tasks requiring specialist training and equipment, performed by qualified personnel to connect or disconnect optical fibers.

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    Fibre Termination Hazards

    Cleaved fiber ends are extremely sharp and can cause severe injury (skin, eye, or internal).

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    Mechanical Splice

    Fiber splicing using mechanical fixtures and materials to precisely align and connect fiber ends.

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    Fusion Splice

    Fiber splicing technique melting or fusing the ends of two fibers together.

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    Low-Loss Fiber Splicing

    Optimal fiber splicing resulting from proper fiber end preparation and alignment.

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    Fiber Mismatches

    Differences in fiber structures causing issues in connection and signal transfer.

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    Proper Connection Procedures

    Essential for minimizing connection failures during fiber work.

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    Optical Fiber Connector

    A device that joins two optical fibers or groups of fibers, allowing for repeated disconnections/reconnections without significant light transmission loss.

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    Butt-jointed Connector

    A connector that brings the prepared ends of two fibers into close contact for joining.

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    Expanded-beam Connector

    A connector that joins optical fibers without direct physical contact using a beam of light to transfer the signal.

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    Ferrule Connector

    A connector that uses cylindrical plugs (ferrules) with precision holes for fiber insertion and alignment.

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    Fiber Alignment

    The process of positioning fiber ends precisely for optimal light transmission.

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    Optical Fiber

    A thin, flexible strand of glass or plastic used to transmit light signals.

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    Connector Coupling Loss

    The loss of light signal occurring during connection of Optical Fibers.

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    Fiber optic transmitter

    A device that converts electrical signals into optical signals for transmission over fiber optic cables.

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    Optical source

    The component within a fiber optic transmitter responsible for generating the optical signal, typically either a LED or a laser diode.

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    Optical connector

    A physical interface that allows the optical fiber to connect to the transmitter or receiver, enabling the transfer of light.

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    Optical pigtail

    A short length of fiber optic cable directly attached to the optical source of a transmitter.

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    Data link performance

    The efficiency and reliability of transmitting data over a fiber optic link, determined by factors like optical power and signal quality.

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    LED vs. Laser

    LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and laser diodes are both optical sources, but lasers provide a more focused and powerful beam of light, making them suitable for longer distances and higher data rates.

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    TO can or DIP

    Common packaging styles for fiber optic transmitters, using encapsulated components or integrated circuits on a small printed circuit board.

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    Fibre optic receiver purpose

    A fibre optic receiver converts a weakened and distorted optical signal back into an electrical signal, enabling data processing.

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    Optical detector role

    An optical detector converts an incoming optical signal into an electrical signal, mirroring the original signal sent by the transmitter.

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    Distortion in fibre optics

    Distortion refers to any changes in the signal that occur during its transmission through the optical fibre, reducing its quality.

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    Fibre optic receiver components

    A typical fibre optic receiver includes an optical detector, a low-noise amplifier, and additional circuitry to create the electrical output.

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    Amplifier function

    The amplifier boosts the weak electrical signal to a level suitable for further processing by other electronic devices.

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    Semiconductor photodiodes

    Semiconductor photodiodes are a common type of optical detector used in fibre optic systems, converting light into electrical current.

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    Photocurrent

    Photocurrent is the electrical current generated by the semiconductor photodiode when optical energy (photons) hits it.

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    Simple vs. complex fibre optic receivers

    Simple receivers consist of only an optical detector and a load resistor, while more complex receivers include preamplifiers, post amplifiers, and other circuitry for better signal quality.

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    Study Notes

    Fibre Optics (5.10) Learning Objectives

    • List fibre optic handling and installation precautions
    • Describe advantages and disadvantages of fibre optic data transmission over electrical wire propagation (Level 2)
    • Describe the fibre optic data bus (Level 2)
    • Describe fibre optic related terms (Level 2)
    • Describe fibre optic connectors and terminations (mechanical and fusion splice) (Level 2)
    • Describe fibre optic couplers, control terminals, and remote terminals (Level 2)
    • Describe the application of fibre optics in aircraft systems (Level 2)

    Common Fibre Optic Technology Terms

    • Numerical Aperture (NA): Defines which light will be propagated by total internal reflection; light entering from outside the cone will not be propagated. High NA gathers more light, but lowers the bandwidth, while a small NA tends to give the fibre a higher bandwidth.
    • Attenuation: Loss of power during transit, measured in decibels per kilometre (dB/km).
    • Dispersion: General term for phenomena causing broadening or spreading of light.

    Optical Fibre Cables

    • Imagine a pipe coated with a perfect mirror inside. Light reflects off the sides, allowing communication. This is the essence of a fibre optic cable.
    • Optic fibre is a glass cable with comparable thickness to a human hair.

    Fibre Optic Cables

    • Made of glass, incredibly pure for transmission.
    • Extremely thin.
    • Coated with plastic for mirror-like effect.
    • Light enters and bounces off, remaining inside.

    Optical Fibre Communications System

    • Converts electrical signals to optical signals.
    • Transmits optical signals through fibre.
    • Converts optical signals back to electrical signals.
    • Components include transmitter, optical fibre, and receiver.
    • Transmitter (converts electrical to optical—uses LEDs/lasers)
    • Receiver (converts optical to electrical—uses an optical detector.)

    Basic Structure of an Optical Fibre

    • Core: Cylindrical dielectric material (no electricity).
    • Cladding: Layer around the core, made of dielectric material (lower refractive index than core).
    • Coating/Buffer: Outer layer, protective.

    Fibre Optic Cable Losses

    • Attenuation: Loss of optical power (due to absorption, scattering, bending).
    • Absorption: Conversion of optical power to energy form; caused by imperfections or impurities.
    • Scattering: Light interacting with density fluctuations.
    • Bending losses: Micro-bend (small dents) and macro-bend (sharp changes in direction).

    Fibre Optic Couplers and Remote Terminals

    • Fibre Optic Couplers: Combine/distribute optical signals between fibres.
    • Types: optical splitter (splits input into multiple outputs), optical combiner (combines multiple inputs into a single), and an X-coupler (combines splitting and combining functions).

    Optical Sources and Fibre Optic Transmitters

    • Converts electrical to optical signals.
    • Uses LEDs (less expensive) or lasers (more expensive but higher bandwidth) as light sources.

    Optical Detectors and Fibre Optic Receivers

    • Converts optical signals to electrical form.
    • Semiconductor photodiodes are commonly used in receivers.

    Optical Fibre Data Bus for Aircraft Systems

    • Advantages: Lighter, smaller, less attenuation, immunity to EMI, wide bandwidth, lower cost, corrosion resistance
    • Disadvantages: Stringent coupling, special techniques/equipment required, ultra-clean environment needed.

    Aircraft Applications of Optical Fibre

    • Replacing coaxial cables in avionics.
    • Facilitating simultaneous transmission of multiple signals over one fibre.
    • Offering higher bandwidth and immunity to EMI.
    • Being featured in new fuel measurement systems (and others).

    Fibre Optics Gyroscopes

    • Detects aircraft movement in pitch, roll, and yaw axes.
    • Uses fibre optic cable and sensors.
    • Provides very accurate navigation data. No moving parts.

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    B2-05A.10 Fibre Optics PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers key concepts of fibre optics, including handling precautions, advantages over electrical wires, and essential terminology. It also explores fibre optic connectors, couplers, and their applications in aircraft systems. Enhance your understanding of fibre optic technology and its significance in modern applications.

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