A multi-drop fiberoptic communications system for supervisory control and data acquisition in underground networks

The development of a fiberoptic transceiver communications system for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems is described. The use of a transceiver (repeater) allows a fiberoptic multi-drop scheme to be implemented. A dual-redundant ring topology is utilized for increased reliability. The use of dielectrically isolating fiberoptic cable allows the communications system to use the existing network feeder ductwork. The maximum data rate of 19.2 kbit/s is significantly faster than previous SCADA communications methods. The flexibility of this new system facilitates future expansion of the electric distribution network.<
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