Fiber Cable Test Function

Fiber-optic cables are usually deployed for long distance communication. To ensure proper communication across the fiberoptic cables, engineers use fiber sensors. With fiber cable test function through DIP switch adjustments, the ICF-1180I series converters eliminate the need to rely on fiber-optic sensors. This function not only detects fiber communication abnormalities but also validates the format of the received packet. It can also determine which side (Tx or Rx) is causing the problem.

PROFIBUS Fail Safe

When the PROFIBUS device malfunctions or the serial interface fails, it will generate electrical noise, resulting in bus failure. Traditional media converters will let the noise signal pass through the fiber and on to the other converter. This will disrupt data transmissions between the two buses and eventually communication ceases across the entire system. When this occurs, the engineer will not be able to easily locate the failed device because the entire PROFIBUS network is down. To avoid this situation, the ICF-1180I was designed to detect and recognize noise signals. If the bus fails on one side, the noise signal will not propagate through the ICF-1180I and affect additional bus segments. In addition, the ICF-1180I will also trigger an alarm notification to the field engineer on the location of the failure.

Auto/Manual Baudrate Settings

The ICF-1180I series simply convert the signal back and forth between PROFIBUS and fiber. The ICF-1180I series work under baudrates between 9.6 Kbps to 12 Mbps. Engineers do not need to know the baudrate of the connected PROFIBUS device; the ICF-1180I series can automatically detect the baudrate of the PROFIBUS device and apply this baudrate directly. This is an extremely convenient feature. If necessary, baudrates can be set to a fixed value via DIP switches.