Protect, Control, Sense

Today?s transmission networks require intelligent monitoring and control of the substation environment. Due to its immunity to the significant electrical and electromagnetic interference within these environments, fiber optic communications can effectively ensure reliable data transfer from and within the substation network.

Firecomms DC-50 MBd fiber optic transmitters and receivers transfer control and feedback data to IGBT/IGCT semiconductors within the HVDC inverters.

To provide isolation within the rectifier voltage monitoring circuits, designers can take advantage of Firecomms DC-5 MBd transceivers over Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) for the short distances required.

Modern day substation automation requires control of various elements within the network examples of which include control of circuit breakers and switching relays. Due to the very high voltages and currents involved, together with significant EMI, POF or Plastic/Polymer Clad Silica (PCS) fibers are used to transfer information to and from the control center.

Over these fibers, various proprietary and standardized bus protocols such as CAN, RS485 or LON are employed at data rates in the order of a few MBd. Firecomms DC-10 MBd and DC-50 MBd transceivers are designed to operate with these fibers.

In order to maximize the efficiency of the grid network for utilities and substation operators several data points are measured throughout the grid on line-mounted sensors or from users? homes and factories using smart meter feedback. These measurements are used to optimize substation VARs and power correction circuits. At several points throughout the substation Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs ) conforming to IEC-61850 communication standards monitor and control the VARs and circuits. In this application, it is becoming increasingly common to utilize IP communications protocols for which Firecomms?Fast Ethernet range of 125 Mbps or Gigabit transceivers make an ideal fit.

OptoLock ^®

LC Transceivers

RedLink ^®

Firecomms is a global leader in the provision of fiber optic solutions and optical transceivers, skillfully combining state-of-the-art compound and silicon semiconductor technology inventive small-scale integration.

Together with a far reaching network of representatives and distribution channels, Firecomms serves its global clients across a range of power and energy, industrial, transportation, medical and con-sumer markets.

Firecomms leverages its deep knowledge across our multi-disciplinary teams in developing the broadest range of fiber optic transmitters and receivers specifically suited to our target markets. With an emphasis on world class performance in reliability, Firecomms utilizes internally developed market leading Resonant Cavity LED (RCLED) photonics with ultra low power CMOS drivers in our transmitters.

Together with robust receiver IC architectures, Firecomms products enable ultra low power fiber optic links, from DC up to Gigabit data rates, to ensure extended lifetimes in the harshest of environments.

Firecomms products with Plastic Optical or Plastic Clad Fiber (POF/PCS) links offer many advantages in smart grid and substation automation applications:

• EMI/RFI immunity ideal for industrial, harsh, noisy environments
• Galvanic isolation between transmitter and receiver, ideal for harsh, noisy industrial environments
• Visible spectrum operation enables eye-safe, fast troubleshooting
• Low power consumption, transmitters capable of operation at 3-4 mA
• Resilient to bending and vibrations
• Durable, flexible and lightweight
• High reliability for extended machine uptime
• Industrial temperature in range of -40 to +85^o C
• Reduced maintenance cycle time provides up to a 20-year life-cycle on transceivers and cables
• Simplified field installation for easy termination of large core optical fibers in custom distances