FET Fundamentals Unit 8 – Transducers
Exercise 3 – Fiber Optic Light Transmission
EXERCISE OBJECTIVE
When you have completed this exercise, you will be able to demonstrate fiber optic light
transmission by using a fiber optic transmitter, cable, and receiver. You will verify your results
by observing the status of LEDs at the transmitter and receiver.
EXERCISE DISCUSSION
- Fiber optic technology uses light to transmit electronic signals from sources such as voice,
data, and video. - The electronic signal is multiplexed, modulated, and encoded.
- The groomed electronic signal is converted into an optical signal by the fiber optic
transmitter. - Transmission of optical signals occurs through fiber optic cables, which are composed of
glass or plastic fibers with a protective plastic coating. - The fiber optic receiver converts the optical signal into an electronic signal which is decoded,
demodulated, and demultiplexed by the signal processor. - A light-emitting diode (LED) enclosed within a protective housing functions as the fiber
optic transmitter. - A phototransistor, an amplifier and an open collector transistor driver are the fiber optic
receiver. - The fiber optic cable is terminated with color-coded connectors that match the transmitter
and receiver receptacles.