Fiber Optic

Fiber Optic Connectivity for LED Displays

Fiber optic transmission enables LED displays to overcome the distance and interference limitations of copper cabling, making it essential for large-scale and outdoor installations.

Fiber Types for LED Applications

**Single-Mode Fiber (SMF)**

• Core diameter: 9 micrometers
• Distance: 10km to 40km+
• Bandwidth: Highest available
• Cost: Higher transceivers, but cable cost similar
• Use: Stadium runs, building-to-building, outdoor events

**Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF)**

• Core diameter: 50 or 62.5 micrometers
• Distance: 300-550 meters typical
• Bandwidth: Adequate for most LED applications
• Cost: Lower transceiver cost
• Use: Indoor venues, shorter outdoor runs

Fiber Advantages

Distance: Runs measured in kilometers vs. meters for copper

Immunity: Completely immune to electromagnetic interference

Ground Isolation: No electrical path eliminates ground loops

Bandwidth: Future-proof capacity for increasing data rates

Weight: Lighter than equivalent copper for long runs

Security: Difficult to tap without detection

Common Fiber Interfaces

SFP/SFP+: Small Form-factor Pluggable modules for LED processors

LC Connector: Standard duplex fiber connector for professional equipment

SC Connector: Older standard, still found in some infrastructure

MPO/MTP: Multi-fiber connectors for high-density applications

LED Processor Fiber Support

Most professional LED processors support fiber through SFP cages:

• **Brompton Tessera SX40**: 4 SFP+ cages for fiber output
• **NovaStar VX Series**: SFP cage options
• **Colorlight**: Various fiber-capable models

Verify SFP compatibility: single-mode vs. multi-mode, wavelength, and data rate.

Installation Considerations

Cable Protection: Fiber is more fragile than copper; use conduit or innerduct

Bend Radius: Minimum bend radius (typically 30mm) must be maintained

Termination: Field termination requires specialized tools and training

Pre-Terminated: For reliability, use factory-terminated cables

Slack Management: Leave service loops for future moves

Hybrid Copper/Fiber Systems

Many installations use fiber for main distribution, converting to copper at the LED wall:

1. Processor outputs via fiber SFP 2. Fiber runs to distribution point near LED wall 3. Fiber-to-copper converter (or fiber-equipped distribution box) 4. Short copper runs to individual panels

This combines fiber distance with copper simplicity at the panels.

Cost Considerations

While fiber transceivers and installation cost more upfront, fiber can reduce total system cost for long runs by eliminating signal boosters, reducing cable weight, and simplifying ground isolation.