Path: utzoo!utgpu!cunews!software.mitel.com!grayt
From: grayt@Software.Mitel.COM (Tom Gray)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Optical interconnects
Message-ID: <6921@nst>
Date: 14 Mar 91 13:13:04 GMT
References: <782@spim.mips.COM>
Organization: Mitel. Kanata (Ontario). Canada.
Lines: 31

In article <782@spim.mips.COM> reddy@mips.com (T.S. Reddy) writes:
>
>    Has anyone tried to make their own fiber optic interconnects? From
>what I know, the optical input/output receptacles on audio/video products
>for most brands are similar, so I would think that standardized parts for
>fashioning such a beastie would be available. I am not familiar with
>the techniques involved in cutting/splicing fiber optic cables, but
>if anyone could enlighten me, I would be grateful.
>

At the rates used in audio system, plastic cable is suitable. The splicing of
plastic cable is trivial. The cable can be cut with a pair of
scissors and butted into a plastic connector. The cable itself
is very large with 1 and 2mm diameters being typical.

The electronics for driving optical interconnects should cost
less than 20 dollars for both ends.

Amp, HP and Motorola all make a suitable selection of devices
for use in these circuits. AMP is the cheapest with HP probably
having a wider selection. An AMP transceiver for the 1megabit range
should cost about 5 dollars.

Video is another matter altogeher, the transceiver cost here would
be about $500 for both ends. You would have to by preterminated
cable since the equipmrent for splicing glass cable can cost
a few thousand dollars. 20 meters of terminated glass cable
should cost around $100.