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Overview
Introduction
The ICF-1170I series is a CAN-to-fiber optic converter that secures data
transmission by using fiber optic transmission to provide complete isolation
and protection against EMI.
The ICF-1170I series can separate and protect critical segments of the system
from the rest of the CAN network and is protocol independent, allowing it to
work with all of the different CAN protocols and frame lengths.
To connect two CAN devices with fiber optic cable, two ICF-1170I series
converters are required.
Why Convert CAN to Fiber?
Fiber communication not only extends the communication distance, but also
provides also provides other advantages:
• IMMUNITY FROM ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE
Fiber is not affected by electromagnetic interference or radio frequency
interference, and consequently provides a clean communication path and
is immune to cross-talk.
• INSULATION
Optical fiber is an insulator; the glass fiber eliminates the need for using
electric current as the communication medium.
• SECURITY
Optical fiber provides better security compared to traditional electrical
signals transmitted through a wire or radio waves transmitted through the
air. Since the light rays travel down the center of the fiber, it is extremely
difficult for them to escape. In addition, it is nearly impossible to tap into
a fiber optic cable, and even if a tap is successful, it is possible to detect
the tap by monitoring the optical power received at the termination point.
• RELIABILITY AND MAINTENANCE
Fiber is immune to adverse temperature and moisture conditions, does not
corrode or lose its signal, and is not affected by short circuits, power
surges, or static electricity.
Fiber Test Mode
The ICF-1170I supports a special feature called Fiber Test Mode, which is
easily activated with a DIP switch on the ICF-1170I’s outer panel.
Fiber Test Mode can be used to test the fiber cable between two ICF-1170I
units, and provides a simple way to determine if the fiber cable is transmitting
data correctly.
When in Fiber Test Mode, the fiber transceiver (TX) will send out a data
signal continuously and the “Fiber TX” LED will light up. On the other side of
the connection, when the ICF-1170I fiber transceiver (RX) receives the data
signal form the TX side, the “Fiber RX” LED will light up.