Real World SNAP Patch Panel Applications

Long-haul fiber optic networks allow for the real-time monitoring, control, and data exchange between electrical distribution grid components such as meters, PLCs, relays, and fault detectors. To transmit optical signals between such far-flung equipment, it is critical that the long-haul fiber has minimal light loss. Terminating into patch panels on each end of a long-haul run can ensure that the fiber is meeting an acceptable light loss budget, and then is not touched. Additionally, control panel real estate in substations and other grid infrastructure is at a premium. SNAP patch panels pack a lot of fiber connections into a small space and can be mounted right on the DIN-Rail or onto the backplane of a field enclosure.

Modern ocean-going vessels have PLCs, variable speed drives, cameras, and telecommunication equipment distributed throughout the vessel. All that equipment requires a lot of bandwidth. Fiber optic gigabit Ethernet backbones can provide the bandwidth that will handle all that traffic. An issue arises, however, when trying to fit a patch panel into a deck or engine room enclosure, which are often sized just large enough to house control equipment. SNAP Patch Panels can terminate and protect fiber optic connectors in less than half the space as traditional IT patch panels and can be secured directly to the cabinet backplane or onto a standard 35mm DIN Rail.

While air traffic control systems have been in place for many years, rail traffic monitoring and safety communication systems are still evolving. One such initiative is the Positive Train Control initiative. Using a combination of wirelessly-enabled rolling stock and wayside controllers connected using long-haul fiber optic networks, rail operators can communicate in real-time to monitor and control rail traffic. Long-haul fiber optic networks connect wayside control enclosures to each other and back to a central monitoring and control center. In most cases, finding ways to fit new network infrastructure into existing wayside enclosures is critical. SNAP Patch Panels provide a maximum number of fiber connections in a minimal footprint and can be secured directly to a wayside cabinet backplane or onto standard 35mm DIN Rail within it.

While air traffic control systems have been in place for many years, rail traffic monitoring and safety communication systems are still evolving. One such initiative is the Positive Train Control initiative. Using a combination of wirelessly-enabled rolling stock and wayside controllers connected using long-haul fiber optic networks, rail operators can communicate in real-time to monitor and control rail traffic. Long-haul fiber optic networks connect wayside control enclosures to each other and back to a central monitoring and control center. In most cases, finding ways to fit new network infrastructure into existing wayside enclosures is critical. SNAP Patch Panels provide a maximum number of fiber connections in a minimal footprint and can be secured directly to a wayside cabinet backplane or onto standard 35mm DIN Rail within it.

Manufacturers are rapidly migrating to Industrial Ethernet technology to interconnect their industrial automation and control systems and to share data in real-time between the plant floor and business systems. Industrial Ethernet provides the high bandwidth, open architecture system that can handle both supervisory control signaling and real-time data transmission from the production floor. This end to-end networking architecture provides connectivity, collaboration, and integration from the device level to enterprise business systems. Connecting plant floor assets to a central control network requires a robust network and, if possible, the use of existing control enclosures. DINSpace Patch Panels can be retrofitted into existing enclosures as well as provide protection and organization of cabling in new equipment enclosures.