The new tool could be used to improve worldwide communications

Jan 18, 2012 22:01 GMT  ·  By
Titus Appel (left) and Steve Sanderson display a first-generation power-over-fiber cable that converts a signal from electrical-to-optical-to-electrical, thus emulating an electrical cable in total isolation
   Titus Appel (left) and Steve Sanderson display a first-generation power-over-fiber cable that converts a signal from electrical-to-optical-to-electrical, thus emulating an electrical cable in total isolation

Physicists and engineers at the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) announce the development of an innovative power-over-fiber (PoF) communications cable, which is capable of achieving total electrical isolation.

According to its creators, the cable will make it a lot easier to achieve uninterrupted, continuous communications. But its main focus is providing convenient optically generated power.

Generally speaking, independent systems or devices are able to communicate amongst themselves without leakage, by using fiber optics cables that help isolate their signals. However, in numerous applications, the cables also need to carry electrical power.

Sending so much electricity down a copper cable can raises safety concerns for certain applications, says SNL Mobility Analysis and Technical Assessment Division expert, Steve Sanderson. He says that battery power is equally unsuitable or impractical at times.

For such applications, which include those related to security, explosion-proof devices, aviation, medical devices and explosives, the new cable may be exactly what the doctor ordered. It can carry sufficient amount of power to feed control applications or sensors, whilst providing perfect isolation.

The hybrid cable was developed by Sanderson and experts Titus Appel and Walter Wrye, a former intern at SNL. The instrument uses fibers to send and regulate optical power to the communications electronics integral to the cable.

In all aforementioned applications, the new hybrid cable could replace existing, copper ones. Still, it's important to remember that the “PoF cable has power limitations. It’s not to be construed as a means to power your house, for example, or handle the high speeds of a computer network,” Sanderson says.

“But because there are growing needs of low-power sensor/control applications related to safety, having convenient optically generated power available is a tremendous benefit,” he goes on to explain.

Even though the PoF cables resemble typical copper cables – and also carry the same pin and socket connectors – their backshell provides fiber optic transmission capabilities, which can transport data communications and optical power alike.

Sanderson adds that optical power is only delivered through the cable on demand, in order to preserve energy. “The key issue here is to maintain total electrical isolation from any stray electrical energy and high-voltage electrical surges caused by such things as lightning strikes,” the investigator concludes.