Arduino shielding simplifies the use of fiber optic data links in microprocessor design

     OMC introduced the Arduino UNO-compatible H19 fiber shield to demonstrate how fiber optic data links can be easily integrated into microprocessor-based designs. Shielding combines' transmitter, receiver and all necessary drivers plus digital output, which is ideal for interfacing with mpu. The all-in-one design simplifies the receiving circuit, avoiding the need to design and integrate traditional pin-diode amplifiers and Schmidt trigger circuits needed to provide digital outputs.

     William Heath, OMC Commercial Director, commented: "Certain applications require complete confidence in the integrity of the data transmission. Fiber optic data link is reliable, completely safe, noise free, anti-interference and electrically isolated. These shields are designed to simplify the process of integrating fiber optic data links into digital systems."

     The shield is designed for the Arduino Uno and is stackable. It has jumpers for transmitter and receiver devices. An example program of data link using UART port to transmit data over optical fiber link is presented. Data can be monitored via the Arduino software's serial monitor, or by writing code to interface with the standard 16x2 LCD shield, which can be stacked on top of the fiber shield.

     The shield can be used with any available microprocessor baud rate :300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 14400, 19200, 28800, 38400, 57600, or 115200. Actual fiber transmitter and receiver pairs can run up to 5Mbd - shielding is just one way to demonstrate the potential of including fiber links in a design.

     In a standard configuration, shielding can be used with PMMA cables up to 25m long. To expand the range, if PMMA is not suitable for the application, the company can offer high-power transmitter options and devices suitable for use with fiberglass. The transmitter and receiver can be ordered separately to build the customer's own design. Other cable lengths and alternative fiber/sheath types are also available upon request. The company can also supply transmitter and receiver parts in this shield, installed in alternative housings to connect different types of fiber.