Fibre Optic Shield plugs into Arduino boards

Basically, the OMC H19 Fibre Optic Shield, which is compatible with a Uno, allows an optical fibre datalink to be used in Arduino projects.

And, handily, an example program is provided. This shows a simple datalink, using the UART ports to transmit data over the optical fibre link.

Note that the data can be monitored by using the serial monitor of the Arduino software. Alternatively, the code interfaces with a standard 16×2 LCD shield that can be stacked on top of the fibre shield.

The shield works with the following microprocessor baud rates: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 14400, 19200, 28800, 38400, 57600, or 115200. The actual fibre optic emitter and receiver pair can operate at up to 5Mbd.

Data transmission

Why might you use an optical fibre link? The volume, integrity and security of data may make wireless transmission less appropriate, perhaps. We’re talking distances of 25 metres for the standard configuration, by the way.

“Certain applications require total confidence in the integrity of the data transmission,” said William Heath, OMC’s Commercial Director. “Fibre optic datalinks are reliable, totally secure, noise-free, interference-proof and electrically-isolated. These shields have been designed to simplify the process of integrating fibre optic datalinks into a digital system.”

Fibre Optic Shield

Features of the shield include OMC’s H19E2000BHR for transmitting data. This is a high-power visible red transmitter optimised for PMMA (polymer) optical fibres.

“Being an LED and not a laser, it is much safer for use in an environment where people may unplug the fibre end,” says OMC. “The visible wavelength is also useful for simple fault diagnosis.”

The receiver module is the H19R5000D, which has a digital output for interfacing with microprocessors.

“This all in one design simplifies the receiver circuit and avoids having to design and include the traditional pin diode amplifier and Schmitt trigger circuits needed to give a digital output.”

You can read more about the shield in our technology editor’s take on the release. Plus there’s more on the OMC website.

See also: Arduino PLC Starter Kit plugs into industrial automation