RF Over Fibre – RFoF
Enhance Your Wireless Systems with RF to Optical Fibre Conversion
Overview
This proven technology enables the remote placement of antennas by converting RF signals to optical signals. In many wireless systems, coaxial cables are traditionally used to connect antennas to transmitters or receivers. However, coaxial cables can cause significant RF signal loss, even with high-quality cable.
By comparison, optical fibre reduces signal loss to approximately 0.5 dB per kilometre for Singlemode cable, offering a practical solution for extending the distance between RF system components. This improvement enhances flexibility in system design, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.
The Broadcast Electronics RFoF system integrates the best available optical fibre components and supports both SMPTE hybrid fibre and Singlemode fibre. Available in single- and dual-channel configurations, the system also offers advanced features such as an RS485 data path and remote DC power for block-downconverters, amplifiers and other external devices.
Features
- Extends the distance between RF components including antennas, transmitters and receivers
- SMPTE and/or ST Singlemode fibre connectivity
- DFB laser modules to minimise signal reflections
- 100-1000MHz passband
- Rugged field unit built into Pelicase
- 1U half-width rack mount base unit
- Support for RS485 data path and remote DC power up to 8W
- Optional web page or JSON monitoring of fibre signal levels
- 50 or 75Ohm system options. DC on Coax option
Applications
The primary application of the RF over Fibre system is the remote placement of COFDM wireless camera antennas in film and broadcast production. In sports broadcasting, for example, these systems are ideal for motorsport events, where antennas must be strategically positioned around a racetrack to capture onboard footage from vehicles and presenter cameras. Similarly, in stadium environments antennas can be placed inside the venue while the broadcast facility remains in an outside truck, ensuring seamless signal transmission.
However, the RF over Fiber system is not limited to COFDM signals. It is equally effective for wireless microphone applications, UHF data transmission, and more. Thanks to the broadband capability of the fibre path, the system can communicate signals across a 100–1000 MHz passband. With the addition of frequency up/down converters, its utility extends even beyond this range, making it a flexible and powerful solution for various RF signal transport needs.