For instance why don't more peripheral things on computer use it, like instead of HDMI, DP, or USB ? Is it still just cheaper to use copper wire and off the shelf parts ?
It has very few intrinsic advantage for short distances. It is used in high end audio equipment, especially at higher sample rates like 32 Bits @ 384 kHz.For instance why don't more peripheral things on computer use it, like instead of HDMI, DP, or USB ? Is it still just cheaper to use copper wire and off the shelf parts ?
Consider that for EVERY fiber optic connection there must be an interface between electrical and light at each end, and that each of those interfaces require power, components, and space. Then consider that while many folks have no difficulty making electrical connections, fiber optic connections always require additional skills and tools that have no other application. AND presently there is no way to communicate useful amounts of power through most fiber optic cables.For instance why don't more peripheral things on computer use it, like instead of HDMI, DP, or USB ? Is it still just cheaper to use copper wire and off the shelf parts ?
Bingo. Every technology finds its niche. TOSLINK made sense in the CD era but is impractical against HDMI, Thunderbolt and such.There’s just a time and place.
EVERY use described in this post is high speed data, some speeds much faster than others, but all of them high speed. THAT is where fiber makes sense. Or else, in the areas with HIGH electrical noise levels where adequate shielding may not be possible. That is the one other application that makes sense.Verizon FIOS was founded in 2005, bringing internet and cable over fiber optic cable to homes in America. It is now available pretty much everywhere.
About 5-10 years ago, I installed a home theater system. The audio was carried over fiber optic cable between the Home Theater System and the TV. At that time, I could go into an electronics, TV or audio store and have my pick of fiber optic audio cables.
It was also used at work. Our storage systems connected the controller to the massive disk arrays via fiber optics. This was mainly to optimize data transfers.
Fiber Optic network cables could function over long distances. It was used as a backbone to connect buildings in a campus. I also used it at a client, which was a golf course. They had a pavilion on the course, quite a distance from the club house. We ran fiber to local switches so the POS terminals could operate reliably and added a WiFi router.
So there are many uses and the technology has been around nigh to 20 years. There’s just a time and place.