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.
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
EMI Resistant
Virtually Lossless
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
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.
