Fiber optics: an antidote to electromagnetic interference (EMI)

Abstract

Summary form only given, as follows. As electronic devices become increasingly sensitive and proliferate in number, electromagnetic interference (EMI) to and from these devices is becoming increasingly important. EMI can create several problems in electronic systems, such as ground loops, system safety, cross talk, common mode noise, and differential mode coupling. Over the years several techniques have been developed to solve these problems. However, they are cumbersome, impractical, inefficient, and expensive. The fiber optics technology offers an excellent solution to overcome EMI problems altogether. This paper introduces the salient features of fiber optics as an alternate solution to EMI problems. This tutorial paper focuses on the fundamentals of fiber optics technology and how it can be exploited to eliminate EMI from practical electronic systems. The paper concludes with a detailed power budget calculation example.