RF over fiber (RFoF) is the method of converting a radio wave (RF) into light by modulating the intensity of the light source (typically a laser) with RF signal. This is an analog process and no digitization is used.
The light signal is then transmitted over a fiber optic cable, which replaces and exceeds the capabilities of traditional copper coax cable.
RFoF is not distance-limited like coax, which only goes to 300 ft (approx.), you can extend the link distance up to and over 100km without compromising on signal performance.
The benefits of RFoF are:
- Very low signal loss (less than 0.5 dB/km)
allowing for connections of several kilometers without the need for amplification (see graph). - Flat frequency response across the entire frequency band
meaning there is no need for slope compensation - Immunity to EMI and RFI
due to fiber being a non-conductive medium - Security against signal interception
- Flexible and lightweight
for ease of deployment - Low maintenance
install and forget technology - Simple installation
- Cost effective
compared to high end, low loss coax cable and slope compensation amplifiers.
ViaLite’s RF over fiber also includes:
- Widest dynamic range
- 99.999% reliability
- Longest product warranty (5 years)
- Focused expertize in RFoF
- Full design and support service
- Long distance DWDM link systems
A typical RF over fiber system will consist of three main elements:
Optical
transmitter
Fiber optic
cable
Optical
receiver
The system is defined in terms of normal RF parameters, i.e. gain, noise figure, linearity etc., and can be treated as an RF black box by a systems designer.
RFoF is used to connect antennas to transmission and receiving equipment.
Typical applications include:
- Satcom ground segment equipment – such as teleports, broadcast facilities, VSAT gateways, etc.
- Broadcast Production – including wireless cameras, microphones, IFBs and Talkback
- GPS for timing – timeservers, base stations and re-radiating
- Maritime – GPS and Satcom
- Government and Defense – secure communications, Satcom, SIGINT
- Cellular and timing – GPS, re-broadcasting and distribution
- Mining and Public Safety – timing and communications
- Telemetry – Satellite, missiles and spacecraft.
Watch the video:
The RFoF experts
ViaLite is the world leading expert in high performing, unbeatably reliable RF over fiber for broadcast, satcom, mil-aero, LEO & MEO, GPS, defense and maritime.
You’ll always get an industry-leading 5 year warranty, the widest SFDR on the market, and access to the latest industry innovations.
Still have questions or want to discuss how to optimize your RF over fiber systems?
