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Leveraging the advantages of HUBER+SUHNER
RF over fiber transmission solutions
Radio frequency over
fiber (RFoF)
RF-over-fiber (RFoF) technology uses light to transmit analog
radio frequency signals over optical fiber. Conversion modules
are therefore required at both ends of the fiber link. Conversion
modules are either optical transmitters (TX) with RF input and
light output or optical receivers (RX) with light input and RF
output. RFoF offers many advantages over transmitting RF
signals over coaxial cables.
HUBER+SUHNER is one of very few firms in the world that has
the expertise and experience to combine radio frequency and
fiber optics into a single solution. Our designs are characterized
by low noise and high linearity. Single-mode optical fibers
provide low attenuation and low dispersion effects. We
recommend angled optical connectors for low optical refection in
the fiber and stable high performance
Benefits of RFoF:
•
Low signal loss: Optical fibers have extremely low
attenuation and significantly lower attenuation than
coaxial cables, allowing longer transmission distances
without signal loss.
•
EMI resistance: Optical fibers are immune to
electromagnetic interference. They also require no
lightning protection.
•
High bandwidth: Optical fibers can transmit a wide
range of frequencies simultaneously. Their attenuation
does not increase even at high carrier frequencies.
•
Lightweight and flexible: Optical fibers are lighter and
more flexible than coaxial cables, making installation
easier.
•
Durability: Optical fibers are resistant to corrosion.
How RFoF works:
The insertion of an optical transmitter (electrical-to-optical signal
converter) and an optical receiver (optical-to-electrical signal
converter) allows to connect the source and the destination
location by fiber optic cable. The optical transmitter (TX), the FO
cable assembly and the optical receiver (RX) together build the
RFoF (RF over fiber) system.
Applications
HUBER+SUHNER RFoF links can be used in countless
application scenarios especially wherever high bandwidth and
long distances challenge conventional RF transmission.
Outstanding noise performance, high bandwidth and long-range
performance make them an ideal option for analog signal
transmission, for example in astronomy radio telescope
applications. Wether in 5 G mobile networks, industrial
applications, Satcom ground stations, radar antenna array
remoting and other defence solutions HUBER+SUHNER RFoF
systems can be customized to meet the challenging
requirements.
Lab Automation by managed, modular RFoF system
5G and 6G mobile communication equipment testing
continuously replace coaxial cables by RFoF links to enable
higher RF frequency operation. The HUBER+SUHNER
managed and modular RFoF system is prepared for time-saving
automated lab setup and eliminates manual cable patching
when applied together with HUBER+SUHNERs optical circuit
switches.
Hardened RFoF and GNSS solutions for Defense and
Industry
The Defense sector is increasingl relying on RFoF when long
distances and EMI-prone environments shall be bridged with RF
signals. Hardened RFoF solutions support increasing RF
frequencies to accommodate greater data loads for remote
antenna connection, radar applications including antenna arrays
with high phase noise requirements and tethered payloads.
GNSS signal transport for location and timing appliances can be
offered with PWoF (power-over-fiber) option.
