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The Top 5 Fiber Optic & RF FAQs and RFOptic Answers

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The Top 5 Fiber Optic & RF FAQs and RFOptic Answers

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Question 1: What are fiber optics?

Answer 1: Fiber optics refers to the technology used to transmit information as pulses of light through strands of fiber made of glass or plastic over long distances. It is used for long-distance and high-performance data networking. It is commonly used for providing internet, TV, and telco services.

Question 2: Who invented fiber optics?

Answer 2: Charles Kuen Kao is credited as being the “father of fiber optic communications”. In the 1960s, he discovered that fibers of very pure glass, which can transport sufficient light, can be combined with laser technology to make telecommunication (and high-speed data transmission) using optical fibers possible. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics 2009.

Question 3: What are fiber optics used for?

Answer 3: Since fiber optic cables are lighter, less bulky, and far more flexible than traditional copper wiring, they can carry high amounts of data at very high speeds. That’s why fiber optics are used for computer networking, since they decrease the time it takes to transfer files and information across different networks significantly; remote sensing, since fiber optic cables can be used as sensors to measure temperature, pressure, and strain, and do not require any electricity in a remote location; automotive Industry, since fiber optic cables are used in lighting and safety measures because fiber optic cables can use signal transmission between different parts of the vehicle at top speeds; medicine, since optical communication is vital in endoscopy (non-intrusive surgical methods) and is also used in biomedical research and microscopy; telecommunications, where fiber-optic communication allows faster connections and clearer conversation without any lags; cable TV, where fiber optic cables are used for signal transmission for e.g., HD Televisions since they provide more bandwidth and faster speeds; and military and space applications, since fiber optic cables are the perfect solution to transmit high-security data for military and aerospace applications.

Question 4: What is electronic warfare?

Answer 4: Electronic Warfare (EW) refers to any strategic use of the electromagnetic spectrum or tactics related to the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, against an enemy in a military conflict. In other words, it refers to the ability of e.g., armed forces or governments to use the electromagnetic spectrum, such as radio, infrared, or radar signals, to sense, protect, and communicate. As RFOptic, we have a long track record of supplying governmental institutes and defense system integrators with advanced technologies for a wide variety of defense and homeland security applications. Click to check out our Electronic Warfare (EW) and RADAR Optical RF offerings.

Question 5: What is an RF signal?

Answer 5: Radio frequency (RF) is a measurement representing the oscillation rate of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum, or electromagnetic radio waves.

Want to learn more? You can find more information in the FAQ  and resources sections on our website.

EverythingRF interviewed RFOptic’s Senior VP, Mr. Oz Abramson

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Ox AbramsonEverythingRF interviewed Oz Abramson of RFOptic. To read the interview on EverythingRF, click here

Can you tell us about RFOptic? When was the company formed and what was its objective?

Oz Abramson: RFOptic Ltd. is a private company founded by 3 industry veterans. The Company started its RF over Fiber activities in 2012. In 2014, the Company developed a programmable RFoF, covering frequencies up to 6GHz, and followed later with products that transport RF signals up to 40GHz and above. The Company decided to focus on 5G and EW/Radar markets.

What products and solutions do you develop?

Oz Abramson: We started by developing programmable 6GHz RF over fiber links based on direct modulation, soon to be followed by a 12GHz programmable product. We also developed RFoF products that support signals up to 67GHz. Based on these technologies, we also provide Optical Delay Lines (ODL) and other customized solutions.

What market segments do you cater to? Which segment is the largest for you? What is the % break up? 

Oz Abramson: We are focusing on RF over Fiber for 5G testing, which is an emerging market, and solutions for remote antenna base stations. We are leading the market with contracts with base station vendors and telcos.

What is RF-over-fiber technology? And why is it important? Can you tell us about some use cases that this technology enables?

Oz Abramson: RF over fiber technology is used for coax cable replacement for any application where distance and frequency make using coax impractical.

Apart from RF over fiber modules, RFOptic also manufactures optical delay line systems. What made you enter this segment? Is it an important segment for you? Can you tell us more about this?

Oz Abramson: The ODL segment is limited, and the main demand is for radar testing and calibration. ODL solutions are always customized and require careful design and implementation. We are the leading source of ODLs to most of the testing & calibrating radar systems worldwide.

What role do RFOptic’s RF over Fiber solutions play in 5G testing? How do these solutions contribute to overcoming the obstacles of testing and monitoring 5G networks?

Oz Abramson: 5G and 6G use frequencies above 4GHz and, in the future, extend to mm-wavelengths where using long coax cable runs is impractical;, therefore the RFoF is the best replacement of the coax. In such systems, an optical switch replaces RF switches for signal routing. Furthermore, the Open-RAN technology requires vendors and users, such as telcos, to test systems before deployment to the network. Here, RFOptic has good solutions that comply with cellular communication requirements, such as dynamic range, and provide good EVM and ACLR performance. Our compact solutions can accommodate many RFoF links as well and also provide smart management and monitoring.

RFOptic develops RFoF products for critical applications like telecommunication and electronic warfare. Where are RF over fiber products used in these segments?

Oz Abramson: Besides remote antenna solutions up to 67GHz, we are the first company that has innovative solutions for phase-matched RFoF links that are used in EW applications.

How do your RFoF solutions compare to other manufacturers, what do you think sets you apart?

Oz Abramson: Our approach is that we are providing high-end solutions to ensure that they always perform better. We offer high-level technical support and very quick response to custom requirements.

Who are your customers? Where are they located?

Oz Abramson: We have customers for RFoF links and subsystems in North America and Europe as well as substantial worldwide sales.

Can you tell us more about your global support and sales channels?

Oz Abramson: One of the key strategies of RFOptic is supporting customers during the pre-sales and post-sales stages. In the pre-sales stage, we provide support to optimize the RFoF subsystem design. In the post-sales stage, we support our customers with remote troubleshooting capabilities, and if RMA is needed, it is done quickly and effectively.

What is the 3-year roadmap for RFOptic?

Oz Abramson: 

  1. Expanding the market for 5G and 6G solutions.
  2. Expanding our solutions for EW and Radar.
  3. Increasing sales in the US significantly through our newly founded NJ-based subsidiary RFOptic Inc.
  4. Positioning RFOptic as the world leader in RF Optical solutions.

RFOptic Inc., RFOptic’s US subsidiary, has opened its doors on August 1, 2023

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RFOptic Inc. New Jersey location serving US and Canadian customersLocated in New Jersey, RFOptic Inc. serves North American & Canadian customers. Due to the growing demand from the Americas, RFOptic established the subsidiary to continue providing the commercial and technical pre/post support and RMA that RFOptic is known for.

For existing RFOptic customers, all commitments, purchase orders, and valid quotations of our former distributor, Summit Communications Solutions, will be handled and followed up by RFOptic Inc.

To reach RFOptic Inc.:
Email: usa@rfoptic.customcode.co.il or usa-support@rfoptic.customcode.co.il
Tel: +1-708-RFOPTIC or +1-708-736-7842

RFOptic’s 5G, RFoF, and ODL Trends & Future Predictions

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RFOptic's 5G, RFoF, and ODL Trends & Future Predictions5G will be taking off with the 3.5 GHz band playing a key role

During the last months of 2018, the US regulators are considering a key set of rules associated with priority access license to spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band spectrum. In October, the FCC announced that it will be creating 15 channels within the 3.550-3.700 GHz band (previously solely reserved for U.S. naval radar use) – 7 will be auctioned to “priority access licenses” and 8 will be offered for general access. The Navy will get priority across the band wherever and whenever it needs it. Outside of the US, 3.5 GHz is seen as the prime mid-band spectrum for 5G applications, and auctions are expected to start at the end of 2019.

The demand for RF over fiber will continue to rise

The growing demand for RF over Fiber is driven by important features that RFoF solutions deliver, such as a very low signal loss over several kilometers without any requirement of amplification. This makes RFoF appealing for defense applications since maintaining flat frequency response across the whole frequency band & flexibility along with the feature of being lightweight is crucial. Last but not least, RFoF is quite cost-effective compared to high-end coaxial cables, and the need to implement slope compensation amplifiers.

Research facilities and testing labs will drive the demand for Optical Delay Lines

For any research facility or testing lab, one of the most critical elements of experiments or tests is the optical delay line. ODLs will be part of a growing number of applications such as phased array antennas, optical time-division multiplexing, optical coherence tomography (OCT), microwave photonics, fiber sensors, and optical interferometry.

Customers will demand a larger variety of enclosures

When it comes to RFoF and ODL solutions, one-size-fits-all does not apply. Customers want the enclosure as well as the solution to fit their needs. For example, for installation near the antenna where many links come in parallel, the customer needs a large outdoor enclosure that houses e.g., Mux, a hub, N-type, QPC Qlink / MPO PS 28 to 5VDC. But when calibrating radar systems, the customer wants a mini ruggedized enclosure. This means that RFoF and ODL providers must be able to offer their solutions with a choice from various enclosures.

Customers will demand increased interoperability

Customers want the Tx or Rx units that they purchase from a new supplier to communicate with their existing equipment. Any new Tx that they purchase should work seamlessly with their existing (third-party) Rx (and vice versa). When budgets are limited, this kind of compatibility will become a main requirement. Providers must ensure that in cases like this, their solutions work seamlessly with existing equipment provided by other companies.

To learn more, visit rfoptic.customcode.co.il. For updates, subscribe to our newsletter, read our blog, or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Introducing RFOptic’s programmable GPS-over-Fiber (GPSoF) solutions

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GPS timing signals are used in many applications from Cellular networks to Data centers. Typically, the GPS signal has to be transferred from the antenna to a control room. When this distance exceeds about 100 ft, coax cable can’t be used due to high signal losses. RFOptic provides its GPS Over Fiber solution that carries the GPS signal several miles without any distortion or losses to the original signal.

In many applications the GPS signal has to be transmitted from one GPS antenna on the roof to multiple locations within a building.  If the distances are short, this can be achieved by RF splitters.  However, RFOptic’s GPS Over Fiber has the advantage of performing an optical split and carry the same GPS signal to many remote locations.

The small form factor of RFOptic’s ruggedized enclosures makes its GPSoF solutions ideal for both fixed and mobile applications where space is an issue. Our GPS over Fiber Optics solutions are easy to deploy, cost-effective, and highly reliable for distributing GPS signals over fiber optics. The modules have a relatively high gain (about 40 dB) with excellent gain flatness as well as a low noise figure (thanks to an integrated LNA in the transmitter). In addition, their power consumption is very low. The standard optical connector is FC/APC, with SC/APC being available upon request.

Available as outdoor enclosures (unidirectional/bidirectional), 1U generic enclosures (4 units each), or 1U removable panel enclosures (4/8 units each), our GPSoF solutions are ideal for GPS over Fiber, Timing Synchronization, and DAS applications. Upon request, we can provide our GPS over Fiber solutions as OEM depending on quantities.

To learn more, download our GPSoF brochure.