Due to their immunity to electromagnetic interference and their capability to carry greater data volumes polymer optical fibres (POF) are increasingly being used in automated applications. However, their natural aging process leads to increasing fibre attenuation, which in turn increases the need for exact diagnosis of the transmission path. Weidmüller’s FreeCon Active Repeater offers an integrated diagnostic function for deployment in Profinet networks. It checks the entire transmission path in real time with regard to its optical budget; for example, from the electrical cabinet to the head of the robot. The device sends an alarm signal to a higher-level controller if a defined tolerance level is exceeded and the user needs to replace the cable set. By continuously checking the attenuation of fibre-optic transmission paths repeaters make it possible for the first time ever to precisely plan when to replace robot cable sets. The Profinet POF repeater complies with AIDA specifications (Automation Initiative of the German Automotive Industry). In conjunction with the HTX-IE POF multifunctional tool, which is designed to ensure rapid and repeatable preparation and termination procedures for SC-RJ type connectors, the company offers a complete all-round package of components for transmission solutions based on POF cabling.
Edited by: Teoman Tugsuz
