In the realm of industrial automation, security systems, and utility monitoring, reliable long-distance transmission of contact closure signals is essential. The American Fibertek RR88 is a purpose-built fiber optic receiver module designed to meet this demand. Part of the company’s 88-series system, the RR88 provides robust, supervised monitoring of up to eight dry contact closures over a single multimode fiber. With features such as fail-safe operation, LED diagnostics, and rack-mount compatibility, the RR88 offers a high-performance, cost-effective solution for critical applications that require precision and reliability.
Overview of the RR88
The RR88 is an 8-channel rack-mount receiver module used in conjunction with the RT88 transmitter. It functions by receiving data transmitted over multimode fiber from the RT88, which is connected to field-based dry contact sensors. These sensors could be anything from door position switches and pressure plates to alarm inputs or environmental sensors. The RR88 decodes the signal and outputs the corresponding contact closures for monitoring or control by a central panel or supervisory system.
This setup eliminates the need for bulky and interference-prone copper wiring, particularly over long distances. Instead, a single fiber optic cable carries all eight contact closure signals with complete electrical isolation and resistance to electromagnetic interference. This is particularly beneficial in environments such as industrial facilities, substations, or outdoor installations.
Key Features and Benefits
The most significant advantage of the RR88 is its ability to carry multiple digital signals over one fiber while maintaining signal integrity and fault monitoring. It supports eight supervised input channels, each capable of detecting open and short conditions on the sensor loop. This supervision feature ensures that if a wire is cut, shorted, or tampered with, the system will register a fault. This makes the RR88 ideal for use in security applications where integrity of the signal path is critical.
Another major benefit is the fail-safe design. In the event of a power failure or loss of optical signal, the RR88 defaults its output relays to the alarm (open) state. This ensures that a loss of communication is not misinterpreted as normal operation and allows for immediate attention to faults.
The unit includes LED indicators for each channel, providing real-time visual status updates. Additional LEDs indicate the presence of power and optical signal, making installation and troubleshooting significantly easier. This diagnostic feature helps technicians quickly identify issues in the field, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Technical Specifications
The RR88 is built to meet the demands of industrial https://rr88org.com/ environments. It is housed in a compact rack-mount card form factor that fits into American Fibertek’s SR-20 or SR-20R card cages. This modular design allows multiple RR88 units to be installed side-by-side in a 19-inch rack, supporting large-scale deployments.
The receiver operates on standard 1310 nm wavelength using ST-type fiber optic connectors and supports multimode fiber (62.5/125 µm). It offers an optical power budget of approximately 12 dB, which typically translates to transmission distances up to 2 kilometers depending on fiber quality and conditions.
Its input supervision voltage range allows for detection of loop faults and ensures accurate status reporting. Output contacts are rated for up to 0.5 amps at 40 volts DC or peak AC, sufficient for most monitoring applications. The unit operates in a wide temperature range from -40 to +75 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for outdoor and harsh industrial environments.
Applications of the RR88
The RR88 is used in a variety of mission-critical applications where reliable remote monitoring is essential. One of its primary use cases is in security systems for commercial or governmental facilities. When connected to door sensors, window contacts, or perimeter intrusion detectors, the RR88 allows centralized monitoring from a secure control room.
In the utility sector, the RR88 is used to monitor equipment in substations, pump stations, and control cabinets located far from the main operation centers. Because fiber optic cable is immune to electrical interference and does not conduct electricity, it is the ideal medium for environments with high-voltage equipment or where lightning is a concern.
Industrial automation systems also benefit from the RR88, especially when integrating sensors across a large facility. Its eight-channel configuration simplifies wiring and reduces the number of required converters or input modules.
Conclusion
The American Fibertek RR88 is a robust and versatile fiber optic receiver designed for high-reliability contact closure monitoring. With its eight-channel capacity, optical isolation, supervision features, and fail-safe operation, it offers a dependable solution for a wide range of remote monitoring applications. Whether used in security, industrial automation, or utility infrastructure, the RR88 delivers performance and peace of mind in challenging environments. Its modular design and diagnostic features make it easy to install, scale, and maintain, making it a trusted choice for engineers and integrators who require reliable signal transmission over long distances.