Comnet Universal Data Point To Point B End 1 Fiber SM - FDX70EBS1

Comnet FDX70EBS1 Point-to-Point Fiber Data Transceiver

Overview

The Comnet FDX70EBS1 is a single mode fiber optic transceiver designed for transparent, point-to-point transmission of RS232, RS422, and RS485 (2-wire or 4-wire) data signals over one strand of single mode optical fiber. Built to meet NEMA TS-1/TS-2 environmental specifications—the same standard that governs roadside traffic control equipment—this unit handles unconditioned, outdoor installations without degradation. The FDX70EBS1 is plug-and-play; it requires no optical or electrical calibration and works immediately after fiber connection and power application. Its design philosophy prioritizes reliability in harsh, remote deployments where fiber isolation from electrical noise and lightning strikes is non-negotiable.

Key Features

• EIA RS232C/D, RS422/RS485 (2W/4W) compliance: Transparent to data encoding—any protocol that runs on these serial standards (Modbus, DNP3, legacy SCADA signals, contact-closure simulators) passes through unchanged. No protocol conversion, no data loss, no baud-rate restrictions. The transceiver is agnostic to what rides on top.
• Single mode fiber transmission: Single mode fiber means longer distance, narrower core (9 microns), and sharper attenuation slope than multimode—critical when you're spanning kilometers across utility right-of-ways or industrial parks without intermediate repeaters. Eliminates modal dispersion entirely.
• NEMA TS-1/TS-2 environmental rating: Designed to survive ambient operating temperatures, mechanical shock, vibration, humidity with condensation, high-line and low-line voltage conditions. This is the specification for roadside cabinets and traffic intersections—it means the FDX70EBS1 won't fail in unheated equipment shelters during winter or in sun-baked enclosures in summer.
• Transient voltage protection on all power and signal lines: Power surges, inductive kickback from relays, and lightning-induced transients are shunted before they reach the transceiver's electronics. If your data line runs near AC power lines or through areas prone to electrical disturbance, this protection saves equipment downtime. The fiber interface itself is inherently isolated from electrical ground loops.
• Remote fault indication via LED: Bi-color (Red/Green) status indicators show at a glance whether the transceiver is operational, whether the far-end fiber link is up, whether prime power is present, or whether the remote unit has failed. No network dashboard required—walk up to the cabinet and read the LED.
• Wide optical dynamic range: The FDX70EBS1 does not require optical attenuators to function across varying fiber link losses. This eliminates a tuning step during installation and reduces the spare-parts inventory. Install, connect fiber, and the transceiver adapts automatically.
• Hot-swappable rack modules and flexible mounting: The exclusive ComNet ComFit housing allows the FDX70EBS1 to be installed in a wall-mount enclosure, a 19-inch rack frame, or wall-secured via DIN-rail (with optional DINBKT1 or DINBKT4 adaptor plates, sold separately). This modularity means a single stock unit works across multiple installation footprints without redesign.
• NTCIP compatibility: NTCIP (National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol) compliance ensures the FDX70EBS1 integrates with traffic management systems and intelligent transportation systems that rely on standard data formatting. Common in departments of transportation and highway authorities.
• Lifetime manufacturer warranty: Comnet backs the FDX70EBS1 with a lifetime warranty, reflecting confidence in the design and manufacturing. Particularly valuable for remote installations where replacement cycles are measured in years and field service calls are costly.

Integration & Compatibility

The FDX70EBS1 is transparent to any serial protocol and is commonly integrated into SCADA networks, intelligent transportation systems (traffic signals, variable message signs, ramp metering), utility HVAC and power automation, and remote telemetry systems. Fiber isolation makes it ideal for applications where electrical noise immunity is critical—long cable runs near power lines, ground-loop-prone installations, or sites struck by lightning. The transceiver pairs with any serial device: PLCs, RTUs (remote terminal units), legacy computers, industrial Ethernet gateways, or contact-closure simulators. No software configuration is needed; the unit is data-rate and protocol agnostic.

Deployment Context

Deploy the FDX70EBS1 when distance, electrical noise, or environmental extremes make copper serial cables impractical. Common scenarios include: bridging control signals across multi-story buildings without ground loops, extending RS485 networks beyond the 4,000-foot copper limit, connecting roadside equipment (toll booths, dynamic message signs, traffic controllers) back to a central office across fiber already in the ground, and isolating sensitive data lines from electrical surges in power plants or utility substations. Single mode fiber's superior distance capability and the NEMA TS-1/TS-2 rating make the FDX70EBS1 a natural fit for outdoor, long-range, and high-noise-immunity applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum distance the FDX70EBS1 can transmit over single mode fiber?

A: The wide optical dynamic range and single mode fiber support extended distances without attenuation compensation. Specific distance limits depend on fiber loss characteristics and transceiver sensitivity; consult the manufacturer datasheet or contact a pre-sales engineer for your installation distance.

Q: Can the FDX70EBS1 handle both 2-wire and 4-wire RS485?

A: Yes. The FDX70EBS1 is specified to handle RS485 in both 2-wire (half-duplex, single pair) and 4-wire (full-duplex, two pairs) configurations. The transceiver is transparent to the wiring topology; no reconfiguration is needed.

Q: What happens to the FDX70EBS1 if the far-end transceiver fails or the fiber link breaks?

A: The remote fault indication LED will change state, providing immediate visual notification. This allows technicians to diagnose link problems without terminal equipment or a VMS dashboard.

Q: Does the FDX70EBS1 require separate electrical power on both ends of the link?

A: Yes. Each FDX70EBS1 unit requires its own 12 VDC (or other specified voltage per the model variant) power source. The transceiver cannot draw power from the serial data lines.

Q: Is the FDX70EBS1 suitable for outdoor cabinets in freezing climates?

A: Yes. The NEMA TS-1/TS-2 environmental specification covers ambient operating temperatures across a range that includes below-freezing conditions, along with humidity and condensation resistance—standard for unheated roadside equipment.

Q: Can I rack-mount the FDX70EBS1 in a standard 19-inch enclosure?

A: Yes. The ComNet ComFit housing allows hot-swappable installation in 19-inch racks. Alternatively, wall mounting or DIN-rail mounting (with optional adaptor plates) are supported.

Marty Allison

I spec the FDX70EBS1 whenever a customer's serial data link needs to cross a noisy electrical environment or span distance that copper can't handle reliably. The NEMA TS-1/TS-2 rating tells you this unit was engineered for roadside cabinets and unheated utility shelters—not just data-center-friendly environments. That transient voltage protection on every power and signal line is the difference between a working deployment and a field service call three months later.

Technical Highlights:

• Single mode fiber transmission: Nine-micron core eliminates modal dispersion and extends distance to kilometers without repeaters. You're not limited to the 4,000-foot RS485 copper maximum; fiber isolation from ground loops is a bonus.
• Transient voltage protection on all I/O: Power surges and inductive kickback are clamped before they reach the transceiver's electronics. In utility substations or facilities near large AC loads, this protection alone justifies the cost.
• NEMA TS-1/TS-2 environmental rating: Rated for ambient operating temperatures, shock, vibration, and humidity with condensation. Means the FDX70EBS1 survives in unheated roadside cabinets and sun-baked enclosures where consumer-grade serial converters fail within a season.
• Remote fault indication via LED: Bi-color status lights show whether the fiber link is active, power is present, and the far-end unit is functional. No network access required—walk up and read the LED in the cabinet.

Deployment Considerations:

• Each end of the link requires its own power supply—the FDX70EBS1 cannot draw power from the serial data lines. Budget for 12 VDC (or the applicable voltage) at both the central office and the remote cabinet.
• Single mode fiber installation requires proper termination and fusion splice technique. If your team has not worked with single mode before, plan for a contractor visit or on-site training. Multimode fiber will not work; verify your fiber type before ordering.

Deploy the FDX70EBS1 in traffic management systems bridging signalcontrollers across city blocks, utility SCADA networks extending RTU telemetry across multiple buildings without ground loops, or toll-booth communications where electrical isolation is non-negotiable. The lifetime warranty reflects Comnet's confidence that this design will outlast the original installation—a real asset in long-term, remote-monitoring scenarios.