Group3 Fiber Optic Converter, FTR

The FTR fiber-optic converter is a small adapter plug that provides optically-isolated bi-directional communication between two standard RS-232 serial ports via fiber optic cables. The device has a standard DB25 pin male connector on one end, and accepts HP VersaLink type snap-in fiber optic cables on the other end. The fiber optic cable length may be up to 1 kilometer.

This device is ideal for establishing noise-free data transmission between computers and peripherals, avoiding ground loops and errors caused by pick-up of transients and interference radiated from industrial equipment. The device also allows data transmission over high voltage gradients often found on particle beam accelerator lines, and anywhere else that optical isolation is required.

While actual hardware handshaking is not supported, the handshaking lines can be forced with the use of internal jumpers. If actual handshaking is desired the software commmands XON and XOFF must be supported and used by both the computers and peripherals.

Power may be provided by using an external plug pack, or by the RS-232 serial interface (if supported by the computers or peripheral device).