Analysis of multimode plastic optical fiber as a cost effective transmission medium

Study on a multimode plastic optical fiber as a cost effective alternative for expensive glass fiber is presented. An analysis of PMMA (Polymethylmetacrylate) and PFBVE (Perfluoro-butenylvinylether) plastic fibers was carried out in order to evaluate their characteristics and to evaluate their capability to be used in some specific applications. Based upon the results, two copper to fiber media converters for RS232 and E1 standards, which support the characteristics of the considered media, were developed. These converters address very effectively for converting electrical signals to optical plastic fiber medium. The results reveal that these optical fiber converters function very satisfactorily and prove its usability in an effective and low cost manner in data communication ranging up to the maximum possible bit rate. These media converters can overwhelm the existing media converters due to their low cost, high reliability, simplicity, ability to plug and play, reduction of delays and reduction of size.