3.4 3.4 FIBER OPTIC CABLE SPECIFICATIONS There are four Honeywell raw fiber optic cable specifications.

They describe both indoor and outdoor versions of fiber optic cable in both the 100 micron and 62.5 micron fiber core sizes. In addition, there are three Honeywell fiber optic cable assembly drawings, each with associated marketing model numbers. Micron is another term for micrometer, a unit of measure, one thousandth of a millimeter, or one millionth of a meter. The symbol m is often used to denote micron or micrometer. The symbol nm means nanometer (one billionth of a meter) and is used as a unit of measurement of wavelength of light. 3.4.1 100 Micron and 62.5 Micron Fiber 100 micron was the fiber core size originally specified for the TotalPlant Solution (TPS) system. To date, most TPS systems that have fiber installed use 100 micron fiber. In the meantime, however, the industry has moved toward 62.5 micron fiber as a de facto standard for multimode fiber. Hastening this process is the preference for 62.5 micron fiber in the recently completed ANSI Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) specification. As a result of this shift, 62.5 micron fiber is now more readily available at a lower cost than 100 micron fiber. Recognizing this industry trend, Honeywell has added 62.5 micron fiber as an option in implementing TPS LCN fiber optic installations. As a matter of fact, Honeywell now recommends that all new installations use 62.5 micron fiber. Now that two different sizes of fiber are allowed in TPS systems, there exists the possibility of inadvertently mixing fiber sizes in a fiber link. This is generally undesirable. There is no additional loss when light goes from the smaller fiber to the larger one, but a 4.1 dB loss is suffered when going from larger to smaller. Since fiber cables are run in pairs, one for transmit and one for receive, light will be going in opposite directions in the individual fibers of the pair. Adding a different fiber size to both cables at one end of a link (such as when transitioning from outdoor cable to indoor cable) means that at least one cable will suffer at least a 4.1 dB loss. Therefore, to be safe, DO NOT mix fiber sizes in a link.

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3.4.2 3.4.2 Procurement Policies

3.4.2.1 Outdoor Fiber Optic Cable

In general, Honeywell does not wish to supply or install outdoor fiber optic cables. Honeywell relies on the cable installation expertise of cable vendors and installation contractors to perform the cable installation. Honeywell also does not wish to restrict the purchase of outdoor fiber optic cable to a particular vendor. Honeywell recognizes that vendors may be able to supply better service in some parts of the world than in others, thus making it desirable to have a choice worldwide. Also, the installation conditions at various project sites may call for widely differing types of cable construction. For these reasons, the outdoor cable specifications were written rather loosely with respect to physical construction details and mechanical parameters. The actual glass fiber itself is completely specified to ensure proper operation of the fiber link. If the customer requires, Honeywell will contract with cable vendors and installation contractors for the customer to purchase cable, oversee, and guarantee a proper installation. However, if the customer procures his fiber optic cable directly from the supplier, and arranges his own installation, the cable supplier and/or installing contractor must certify to the customer that his cable fully meets or exceeds the applicable Honeywell cable specification. Honeywell will freely supply our outdoor cable specifications to our customers for this purpose.
3.4.2.2 Indoor Fiber Optic Cable

In contrast, the indoor cable specifications completely specify both the mechanical construction details of the cable, and the important parameters of the glass fiber. The recommended method of procurement is direct purchase from Honeywell as a finished cable assembly, including connectors, under the applicable Honeywell model number. See subsection 3.4.5 for a description of the cable assemblies that are available, and the corresponding Honeywell model numbers.

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3.4.3 3.4.3 Indoor Grade Cable Specifications Figure 3-31 illustrates the construction of indoor fiber optic cable as specified by Honeywell. Both 100 micron and 62.5 micron indoor cables share this basic construction, differing only in the fiber size.

Aramid Strength Members

Thermoplastic Buffer Glass Fiber

Subchannel Jacket

Outer Jacket

Figure 3-31 Indoor Tight Buffered Cable

2581

This type of cable is known as Tight Buffered cable because the optical fibers are tightly held by the cable fillers. Unmatched coefficients of expansion between the cable materials and the glass fiber can subject the fibers to significant microbending losses if the cable is exposed to temperature extremes. For this reason, tight buffered cable is limited to indoor use. The advantage indoors is good physical protection for the fiber while maintaining the cable flexibility required for routing the cable inside electronic cabinets, under floors, etc. The cable contains two, four, or six subunits. Each subunit protects a single fiber and can have independent connectors. The standard indoor cable assemblies are duplex (two fibers). Finished cable assemblies with four or six fibers are available on special order.

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3.4.3 There are two cable jacket options available for the indoor cable. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes the National Electrical Code (NEC) to establish fire safety standards for premises wiring. Honeywell specifies jacketing material conforming to either NEC optical cable rating OFNR (Optical Fiber, Nonconducting, for Riser applications), or OFNP (Optical Fiber, Nonconducting, for Plenum applications). The standard cable assemblies, which can be purchased from the Honeywell price book by model number, are OFNR rated cables. Should OFNP rated cables be required, they can be special ordered through Honeywell Purchasing. OFNP rated cables are required only when routing indoor fiber runs through air handling chambers.
3.4.3.1 Key Parameters, Indoor Grade Cable, 62.5 Micron (Drawing Number 51190918)

The important parameters of the 62.5 micron indoor grade glass fiber specified by Honeywell are as follows: Core diameter: Cladding diameter: Bandwidth @ 850 nm: Attenuation @ 850 nm: 62.5 3 microns 125 2 microns 160 MHz-km min. 4.0 dB/km max.

3.4.3.2 Key Parameters, Indoor Grade Cable, 100 Micron (Drawing Number 51190697)

The important parameters of the 100 micron indoor grade glass fiber specified by Honeywell are as follows: Core diameter: Cladding diameter: Bandwidth @ 850 nm: Attenuation @ 850 nm: 100 4 microns 140 6 microns 100 MHz-km min. 6.0 dB/km max.

3.4.3.3 Mechanical Properties, 62.5 and 100 Micron Indoor Grade Cable

Table 3-1 includes the mechanical properties of indoor grade cable supplied by Honeywell. Subchannel refers to an individual jacketed fiber, which is part of a multi-fiber cable (see Figure 3-31). N stands for Newton, a metric unit of force equal to approximately 0.225 lb.

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3.4.4
Table 3-1 Mechanical Properties of 62.5 and 100 m Indoor Grade Cable Characteristic Subchannel 2 Fiber Cable 650 N (146 lb) 100 N (22.5 lb) 17 cm (6.7 in) 4 Fiber Cable 1300 N (292 lb) 200 N (45 lb) 22 cm (8.7 in) 6 Fiber Cable 2000 N (450 lb) 300 N (67.5 lb) 26 cm (10.2 in)

Tensile Load, Short Term at Installation Tensile Load, Long Term Minimum Bend Radius, Short Term at Installation (For Installation at Maximum Tensile Load) Minimum Bend Radius, Long Term (Unloaded for Expected Life) Maximum Diameter of Jacketed Cable Assembly Maximum Cable Weight

300 N (67 lb) 50 N (11 lb) 5 cm (2.0 in)

3 cm (1.2 in) N/A N/A

13.0 cm (5.1 in) 9.5 mm (0.374 in) 60 kg/km (40 lb/kft)

16.5 cm (6.5 in) 11.0 mm (0.433 in) 90 kg/km (60.5 lb/kft)

20.0 cm (7.9 in) 12.5 mm (0.492 in) 120 kg/km (80.7 lb/kft)

3.4.4 Outdoor Grade Cable Specifications Honeywell specifies a cable construction known as Loose Tube for its outdoor grade fiber optic cable. An illustration of this construction is shown in Figure 3-32. This construction is characterized by loose fitting, gel filled tubes into which the fibers are placed. The fibers are actually longer than the tubes, so that when thermal expansion lengthens the buffer tubes, the glass fibers (which have a lower coefficient of expansion) are never subject to tensile stress. The cable is given buckle resistance typically by a glass reinforced plastic (GRP) rod through the center of the cable. An aramid wrap around the buffer tubes provides tensile strength. This type of cable is significantly stiffer than tight buffered cable, and the jacketing material does not meet NEC requirements. These factors make it unsuitable for indoor use. The loose buffer designs advantage is being able to take environmental extremes without suffering any significant optical performance degradation. Figure 3-32 shows a typical construction for an aerial/duct cable. A direct burial cable is similar, except that it would probably have two additional layers: a steel armor tape layer for rodent protection, covered by an additional polyethylene jacket. Vendors also may have double armoring options available. Again, exact construction details will vary from vendor to vendor, but the basic loose tube concept remains the same.

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3.4.4

Polyethelene Outer Jacket

Tensile Strength Member

Moisture Blocking Gel

Loose Buffer Tube Central Strength Member

Individual Fibers
2582

Figure 3-32 Outdoor Loose Tube Cable

The National Electrical Code ratings do not apply to outdoor cable because it does not fall into the category of premises wiring. The NEC does mention that the maximum length of unrated outdoor cable that is permitted inside a building is 50 feet. This allows enough length to bring the cable to a splice/interconnect enclosure where the transition to indoor cable can be made.
3.4.4.1 Key Parameters, Outdoor Grade Cable, 62.5 Micron (Drawing Number 51190919)

The important parameters of the 62.5 micron outdoor grade glass fiber specified by Honeywell are identical to the parameters specified for indoor cable: Core diameter: Cladding diameter: Bandwidth @ 850 nm: Attenuation @ 850 nm: 62.5 3 microns 125 2 microns 160 MHz-km min. 4.0 dB/km max.

3.4.4.2 Key Parameters, Outdoor Grade Cable, 100 Micron (Drawing Number 51190698)

The important parameters of the 100 micron indoor grade glass fiber specified by Honeywell are identical to the parameters specified for indoor cable: Core diameter: Cladding diameter: Bandwidth @ 850 nm: Attenuation @ 850 nm: 100 4 microns 140 6 microns 100 MHz-km min. 6.0 dB/km max.

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3.4.4
3.4.4.3 Mechanical Properties of Outdoor Cable

As discussed in subsection 3.4.2, Honeywell does not recommend specific cable for outdoor use. When a cable is selected, refer to the vendors specifications for that cable to obtain applicable mechanical properties. 3.4.5 Fiber Optic Cable Assemblies This subsection discusses the duplex indoor fiber optic cable assemblies with preinstalled connectors that are available from Honeywell. Table 3-2 lists the all of the standard assemblies and the paragraphs that follow the table discuss each type.
Table 3-2 Standard Duplex Indoor Cable Assemblies Model Number Length Core Diameter (Meters) (m) C-KFT02 C-KFT04 C-KFT06 C-KFT10 C-KFT25 C-KFT50 C-KFN02 C-KFN04 C-KFN06 C-KFN10 C-KFN25 C-KFN50 P-KFA01 P-KFA02 P-KFA05 P-KFA10 P-KFA20 P-KFA50 P-KFH01 P-KFH02 P-KFH05 P-KFH10 P-KFH20 P-KFH50 P-KFB01 P-KFB02 P-KFB05 P-KFB10 P-KFB20 P-KFB50 2 4 6 10 25 50 2 4 6 10 25 50 1 2 5 10 20 50 1 2 5 10 20 50 1 2 5 10 20 50 100 Description SMA 905 to SMA 905

100

SMA 905 to Pigtail

62.5

SMA 905 to SMA 905

62.5

SMA 905 to ST

62.5

ST to ST

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3.4.5 In all the following cable assembly model numbers, replace the trailing "xx" with two numeric digits specifying a standard length. For example, if a 25-meter long 100 micron SMA to SMA cable assembly was desired, the correct model number would be C-KFT25.
3.4.5.1 Model Number C-KFTxx 100 Micron SMA/SMA

This duplex cable assembly is provided with SMA 905 connectors on both ends. Standard available lengths are 2, 4, 6, 10, 25, and 50 meters.

RCVR

XMTR

XMTR

RCVR

Figure 3-33 SMA to SMA Cable Assembly

4477

Originally, the SMA 906 connector was specified for this cable assembly. A Delrin alignment sleeve needs to be installed on the tip of this connector to assure accurate alignment in an active device mount (such as the fiber optic transmitter or receiver). Often, the sleeve would fall off and get lost. If used without the alignment sleeve, excess power loss at the connector would result. Therefore the switchover was made to the SMA 905 connector, which does not require the alignment sleeve. The 906 series connector can continue to be used as long as the alignment sleeve is in place. Figure 3-34 compares the difference between these two connector types.

905 Series SMA Connector

Delrin Alignment Sleeve

906 Series SMA Connector

Figure 3-34 Comparison of SMA 905 and SMA 906 Connectors

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3.4.5
3.4.5.2 Model Number C-KFNxx 100 Micron SMA/Pigtail

This duplex cable assembly is very similar to C-KFTxx, except that it is provided with SMA 905 connectors on one end only. The other end is left unterminated for direct splicing to the outdoor cable run. Typically, this cable is used where the outdoor cable is brought indoors to a splice enclosure. The splice is made to the indoor SMA/Pigtail cable, which is then run to the equipment. Standard available lengths are 2, 4, 6, 10, 25, and 50 meters.
3.4.5.3 Model Number P-KFAxx 62.5 Micron SMA/SMA

This cable assembly is also very similar to C-KFTxx, the difference being, in this case, that 62.5 micron fiber is used. It has preinstalled SMA 905 series connectors on both ends. Standard lengths are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 meters.
3.4.5.4 Model Number P-KFHxx 62.5 Micron SMA/ST

This is a hybrid cable assembly in the sense that different connector types are used on each end. Just as 62.5 micron fiber has displaced 100 micron fiber as a de facto industry standard, the ST connector has largely displaced the SMA style connector. TPN equipment still uses SMA active device mounts, so the SMA connectors must still be used at the LCN end. This cable is provided for connection to a fiber optic interconnect panel which typically would be implemented using a bank of ST-style connector receptacles. See subsection 3.6.3.2 for a discussion of interconnect panels.
SMA End ST End

RCVR

XMTR

XMTR

RCVR
50277

Figure 3-35 P-KFHxx 62.5 m SMA to ST Cable Assembly 3.4.5.5 Model Number P-KFBxx 62.5 Micron ST/ST

This fiber optic cable assembly contains ST connectors at both ends. Standard TPN equipment does not use ST connectors but special long distance versions of the LCNE2 have been developed which do. Also, the PM I/O Link Extender used ST connectors. These cable assemblies may also be used in interconnect panels as patch cables. Refer to subsection 3.6.3.2 for a discussion of interconnect panels. Figure 3-36 illustrates the model P-KFBxx cable.

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3.4.6

ST End
RCVR XMTR

ST End

XMTR

RCVR
51886

Figure 3-36 P-KFBxx 62.5 m ST to ST Cable Assembly

3.4.6 Cable Connectors Honeywell recommends the fiber optic connectors shown in Table 3-3 for use on indoor tightbuffered fiber optic cable only, because outdoor cable does not permit the small bend radii needed in a cabinet or equipment rack and is always spliced to a short length of indoor cable for connection purposes. The SMA connectors are used to connect to TPN equipment and the ST connectors typically are used connect to interconnect panels (subsection 3.6.3.2).
Table 3-3 Cable Connectors Supplier Amphenol Fiber Optic Products 1925 Ohio Street Lisle, IL 60532 708-810-5800 Suppliers Part Number 905-400-5007 Type SMA Ceramic Ferrule Power Loss (dB) <0.8 dB typical Fiber (m) 100

905-405-5007

SMA Ceramic Ferrule

<0.8 dB typical

62.5

953-101-5010

ST Ceramic Ferrule

0.13 dB median

62.5

Special tools and procedures are required for installing connectors. The cable must be stripped, cut, finished, and attached to the connector. Typical tools and materials for performing these operations are shown in Table 3-4.

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3.4.6
Table 3-4 Tools and Materials Supplier Suppliers Part Number Type Use

Siecor Corporation 489 Siecor Park Hickory, NC 28603

100299-01 (handle) 100311-01 (hook blade) 100300-01

Utility knife

Strippingto slit outer jacket of cable.

Side cutters (diagonal cutting)

Strippingto cut off the central member (core). Stripping to remove the buffer jacket

100107-01

Buffer jacket cutter Blade pack Scissors

100345-01 100294-01

Strippingto cut off the peeled-back outer jacket, protective yarn, and tape.

100304-01

Sheath ripper

Used to cut helicallywrapped binders when stripping cable.

Amphenol Fiber Optic Products 1925 Ohio Street Lisle, IL 60532 708-810-5800

927-100-5017

SMArt Termination Kit

Complete kit to install Amphenol SMArt series fiber optic connectors

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3.5 3.5 CALCULATING THE LINK POWER BUDGET In planning the installation of a fiber optic link, one of the most important tasks is the calculation of the power budget. The power budget determines the link distance achievable, and indicates how much power margin exists. It depends on a number of factors, such as fiber attenuation, number of connector joints, and the number and type of splices in the link. To date, all TPN product line fiber optic equipment uses the same fiber optic transmitter and receiver modules. The transmitter module is guaranteed to couple 100 W (-10 dBm) of optical power into 100 micron fiber when new. The smaller diameter of 62.5 micron fiber allows only 39 W (-14.1 dBm) to be coupled in (4.1 dB less than 100 micron fiber). The receiver modules are guaranteed to operate correctly (with a bit-error-rate better than 1 in 109) with only 1.5 W (-28.2 dBm) of received power.

3.5.1 Calculating the Power Budget for 100 Micron Fiber Table 3-5 details the calculation of a typical link's power budget using 100 micron fiber:
Table 3-5 Power Budget Calculation for 100 Micron Fiber

Minimum power coupled into fiber: Minus minimum power receiver needs: Total power budget: Losses: Connector loss (2 * 1.0 dB): Splice loss (2 * 0.25 dB): Safety margin: Budget remaining for loss in cable: Divide by: Specified attenuation per km: Achievable link distance:

100 W = -10.0 dBm (-) 1.5 W = (-) -28.2 dBm 18.2 dB 2.0 dB .5 dB 3.0 dB 12.7 dB 6.0 dB 2.2 km

Starting with the minimum power guaranteed to be coupled into 100 micron fiber, 100 W or 10 dBm, subtract from that figure the minimum power level guaranteed to be properly decoded by the receiver, 1.5 W or -28.2 dBm. This calculation gives a total power budget of 18.2 dB. From this 18.2 dB, certain losses must be subtracted. The first shown is the loss of two connector-to-connector butt splices. Typically, two such connections are made in the link at interconnect boxes at the interface between the outdoor and the indoor cableone at each end of the link.

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3.5.2 Similarly, each indoor-to-outdoor cable interface may require a fiber-to-fiber splice, so two splice losses are subtracted from the budget. Lastly, a 3 dB safety factor is subtracted. A safety factor of 3 dB is minimal, and it is strongly recommended that if a larger safety factor can be arranged (either by shortening the required link distance, or by using fiber with a better attenuation figure), by all means do so. The larger the safety margin, the more reliable the link will be. After all the above loss factors have been subtracted, the 12.7 dB that remains is the power left to be expended in cable loss. It is this number, when divided by the attenuation figure of the fiber, that determines the achievable link distance. As can be seen above, using the attenuation figure specified in Honeywell drawing number 51190698, a typical link distance of slightly more than 2 km can be achieved.

3.5.2 Calculating the Power Budget for 62.5 Micron Fiber Table 3-6 shows a similar analysis for 62.5 micron fiber:
Table 3-6 Power Budget Calculation for 62.5 Micron Fiber

Minimum power coupled into fiber: Minus minimum power receiver needs: Total power budget: Losses: Connector loss (2 * 1.0 dB): Splice loss (2 * 0.25 dB): Safety margin: Budget remaining for loss in cable: Divide by: Specified attenuation per km: Achievable link distance:

39 W = -14.1 dBm (-) 1.5 W = (-) -28.2 dBm 14.1 dB 2.0 dB .5 dB 3.0 dB 8.6 dB 4.0 dB 2.2 km

The first difference to notice in this table is that less power is coupled into 62.5 micron fiber. Since the cross-sectional area of the fiber is less than that of 100 micron fiber, less light gets in. This reduction in input power is about 4.1 dB. So instead of an initial budget of 18.2 dB, the total budget is only 14.1 dB. The same loss factors are subtracted as they were for the 100 micron example shown earlier, leaving 8.6 dB to be expended in the cable. The 4.1 dB lower level of coupled power is completely made up by the lower attenuation figure of 62.5 micron fiber. Virtually the same distance can be achieved using either the specified 62.5 micron fiber or the specified 100 micron fiber.

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