Fiber-optic fundamentals for motion systems

System isolation and enhanced noise immunity are major advantages of fiber-optic transmission over conventional copper cable. Future motion systems based on the SERCOS (SErial Realtime COmmunication System) interface will employ signal transmission over plastic optical fiber. Glass fiber also provides these benefits, but plastic fiber links are adequate for less than 100 meters and are less expensive and easier to terminate. It is pointed out that glass and plastic fiber-optic cable, LED light emitters, and various light detectors provide high-speed, light-based communications for motion systems such as SERCOS.