RF over Fiber

RF over Fiber (RFoF) technology delivers major advantages compared to high frequency signal transmission via copper. It is particularly suitable for transmission distances of more than 100 meters and for installations where a very high signal quality is required. Scroll down to find information, benefits, products, case studies and much more about RF over Fiber.

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RF over Fiber Technology

RF over Fiber (RFoF) refers to a technology that makes it possible to transmit RF signals over optical fiber. For this, the analog electrical signal is converted into an optical signal and transmitted over the fiber optic link. After that, it is converted back again in an optical receiver to an electrical signal for further processing. Due to significant lower loss in the optical domain compared to copper media it is possible to transmit CATV or L-Band RF signals with fidelity quality over very long distances with virtually zero latency.

Advantages Compared to Traditional Signal Transmission

Bandwidth Capacity

Fiber allows higher bandwidth through multiplexing

EMI Resistant

No Electro Magnetic Interference Effects

Virtually Lossless

Extremely low noise even over longer distances

Reduced Fire & Lightning Hazard

Fiber does not conduct electricity

Higher Privacy

Fiber is much more difficult to tap than copper

RF over Fiber Applications

RF over Fiber products are used in the following applications:

  • Satellite Ground Stations and Teleports
  • Broadcasting Applications
  • IPTV Headends
  • Cable Network Headends
  • Military Satellite Communications

DEV has published a number of case studies that contain RF over Fiber solutions. Browse through a selection of Case Studies to discover the many applications of analog signal transmission via optical fiber:

Bestsellers – RF over Fiber Products

RF over Fiber Case Studies

Optical Fiber

DWDM Solution Allows 200 km Ka-Band Antenna Diversity

This case study provides an overview of how a large satellite and data communications service provider implemented a cost effective, location diverse antenna installation for Ka-Band satellite data transmissions.

BCE RTL

Optical Signal Management at Broadcasting Center Europe (BCE)

As BCE moves about 20 Antennas to its Junglinster site in Luxembourg, it embarks on a journey to expand, modernize and enhance its services for its customers. This case study looks at the outdoor-indoor fiber-connection of the successively growing antenna park at Junglinster.

IPTV

RF Signal Management for an IPTV head-end

The customer is looking for a RF signal management solution for a new IPTV head-end. In order to reach maximum availability the IPTV head-end will receive the satellite signals via two Diversity Antenna Sites (~80km distance between the sites). The RF signal management solution needs to ensure reliable transmission, selection, switching and distribution of the antenna signals.

Matrix Router with optical Inputs allow cost savings (Application Note)

“RF over Fiber” refers to technology that modulates light with a radio frequency signal for transmission over an optical fiber. All satellite ground stations and teleports must have an effective transmission method for RF signals linking antennas, signal management equipment and wide-ranging equipment centers. Beyond traditional copper or coax, current “state-of-the-art” installations are best served by fiber-optic links.

CCTV China Television

Upgrading the MCS in China Central Television (CCTV)

CCTV (China Central Television) is the biggest and most important news media in China. There are 19 antennas, which are used to receive and transmit TV signals, located in 3 positions in the TV station. The distance between any two positions is more than 500meters, so they need transmit L-band signal via optical fiber.

DEV’s RF over Fiber Product Lines

With Optribution, DEV offers a product line providing electrical and optical functions within one system. Optribution allows complex switching, redundant configurations, and long-distance signal transport up to 200 km. Functions like switching, splitting, CWDM/DWDM, redundancy routing and much more can be integrated in one chassis.

The high-density RFoF solution Alpha serves up to 32 fiber links in 1 Rack Unit – the world’s most for this size. Alpha is the optimal solution for standard RF over Fiber transmission up to 3 km. All Alpha modules are interoperable with all other systems of the Optribution line and can also be housed within a waterproof outdoor chassis mounted directly on the antenna mast.

RF over Fiber Transceiver – Transmitter and Receiver

We offer several Transmitter and Receiver Modules for different Chassis. This modular system makes it easy to configure RF over Fiber Transceivers to your specific needs. The Transmitter and Receivers support various frequency ranges like L-Band, CATV-Band, UHF/VHF and 10 MHz. Check out our most popular RF over Fiber Links. All modules are also available separately and with various connectors. With this modules you are able to set-up the follwing link configurations:

  • L-Band over Fiber Links
  • CATV over Fiber Links
  • UHF/VHF over Fiber Links
  • 10 MHz over Fiber Links

Optical Splitter, Switches, Multiplexer and Amplifiers

In addition to our RF over Fiber Transceivers, we offer several accessories like Optical Switches, Optical Splitters, Optical Multiplexers and Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFA).

RF over Fiber Application in Large Satellite Ground Stations

From the LNB to the Receiver

The conversion of an LNB output signal onto optical fiber usually takes place in dedicated devices that are housed outdoors in the rack shelters at an antenna site close to the antenna. Compact units, some even mounted directly on the mast of the satellite dish are also in use. These devices can provide redundancy features for the link to the IRD (Receiver) in addition to performing electrical-optical conversion. They can also be used to set important parameters for onward transmission of the downlinked signal.

Bestsellers – RF over Fiber Chassis