Fiber Optics in general can be defined as the usage of thin, flexible fibres of glass or other transparent solids to transmit light signals or for inspection. It is used in medical, defence, telecommunications, broadcast, automation industry to name a few.
These fiber optics though expensive in cost, are medium for high-speed data transmission as well as computer networking.
How is Fiber Optics utilized in the automation world and why should it be utilized is the base of the article?
- Security:
Factories, plants and industries usually consist of heavy machines and operated for an extensive period of time. It is very dangerous if any kind of accidents occurs. Minor accidents can also cause huge losses to the company.
The Fiber Optics utilized in the automation world are basically safe in nature and can avoid ignition of flammable materials, doesn’t give any kind of shocks or ground. In a way, it helps staff and also equipments from electrical faults, surges, lightning strikes, etc. and can increase cyber security as well which is very necessary today.
- Automation:
The main reason for companies opting for automation is to make the production process easy within a stipulated amount of time.
Usually, fiber optics have higher bandwidth. With the higher bandwidth in the workplace, the job becomes faster and one can easily rely on it for transferring of data too.
A fast and a reliable data transfer is possible with Fiber Optics utilized in the automation world.
- Immunity:
Fiber Optics utilized in the automation world gives immunity. Being electrically non-conductive, these fibres are usually immune to electromagnetic interference. Permitting highly dependable networks in electromagnetically noisy environments and in crowded wireways.
In short, it is a highly reliable network when in case of environmental noise and where there are more of wires.
- Cost-effectiveness:
Fiber Optics utilized in the automation world is also opted because of the cost-effectiveness. They are very reasonable in rate, cheaper to maintain, durable in nature and even need less of hardware.
Some Fiber Optics utilized in the automation world even have a life span of up to 30 years. In a way, it is a long-term investment as well.
- Modification:
Optical fiber systems with no trouble can accommodate modifications, additions and upgrades. Installation and maintenance do not involve unusual skills or tools. This is one of the strong reasons why automation companies chose this.
Hence, fiber optics are one among the best and can be trusted without any second thoughts.
- Compact in Nature:
Optical fiber is compact and lightweight in nature. They tend to save a lot of space in panels, wireways and ducts. Hence, when there space available it is good thing and it is also corrosion resistant.
