What Makes Fiber Optic Cables Immune to Electromagnetic Interference?

An important consideration when choosing materials for data communications is electromagnetic interference (EMI). A side effect of unwanted noise or interference within an electrical circuit, EMI can seriously downgrade device performance, creating frustrating user experiences and preventing the timely delivery of crucial information. Some cables are more susceptible to EMI than others, so it’s worth taking the time to understand the differences between them. 

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable, commonly used in physical internet connections, is an example of a cable that can be susceptible to EMI. While this cable setup offers a steady network for data transfer and telephony, it does not have a metallic shield, meaning it can’t avoid EMI. RG-8 coaxial cable is also susceptible to EMI, but thanks to its braided copper shield, not to the same extent as UTP.

Within the Open Systems Interconnection Model, the lowest layer is the physical layer. As its name implies, this layer is a physical path between the transmitter and the receiver, and its purpose is to transmit data in bit-level, which is its most basic form. The physical layer transmission media can be either wired or wireless.

One wired option that is not susceptible to EMI is fiber optic cables. These thin glass wires, especially popular in the telecommunications industry, provide a simple pathway for data and signal transmission. 

Unlike coaxial cables, fiber optic cables are immune to EMI because the signal transmission occurs through light instead of current. Fiber optic cables utilize light refraction through a core that is comprised of glass or plastic and then covered by another glass or plastic covering called the cladding. In addition to insulating the cables from EMI, the cladding also provides a barrier against heat and cold.

This setup is ideal for transmitting large volumes of data quickly and is often found in computers.

Protecting electronic systems from EMI requires a comprehensive approach. The global leader in EMI shielding, Parker Chomerics produces reliable products that span a wide variety of uses and applications, including an extensive selection of EMI gaskets, shielded windows, shielded honeycomb air vents, cable shielding products, grounding solutions, shielding laminates, and metal foil tapes. For further customization and protection, the product line also includes conductive adhesives, coatings, sealants, greases and inks, as well as conductive plastics.

By combining fiber optic cables with high-performing EMI shielding products, manufacturers can rest assured that they have taken every precaution to ward off the harmful impacts of EMI.