Belden Launches Hybrid Copperfiber Cable for Remote Power Data

In today's interconnected world, the demand for remote devices continues to grow exponentially. From security cameras and wireless access points to industrial sensors and smart lighting systems, these devices require both reliable power delivery and high-speed data transmission. Traditional solutions often face significant challenges, including complex installation, high costs, distance limitations, and maintenance difficulties. The Belden FiberExpress hybrid copper-fiber cable emerges as a revolutionary solution that overcomes these constraints.

For decades, fiber optic and copper cables have played distinct roles in data transmission and power delivery. Fiber optics excel in long-distance data transmission, capable of spanning hundreds or even thousands of meters with minimal signal degradation. This makes them ideal for high-bandwidth applications requiring extended reach.

Traditional copper cables, while effective for short distances, suffer significant performance degradation beyond 100 meters. They are particularly susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which can reduce data transmission rates and compromise signal quality.

Copper cables do offer one distinct advantage: the ability to simultaneously transmit both power and data—a capability that early fiber optic technology couldn't match. In applications requiring long-distance data transmission, such as large campuses, high-rise buildings, or industrial facilities, fiber optic solutions typically require local power sources, adding complexity and cost to installations.

The conventional "fiber plus local power" approach presents several notable disadvantages:

• Complex installation: Requires separate runs for fiber and power cables, increasing labor and time requirements
• High costs: Involves additional expenses for both cabling and local power infrastructure at each device location
• Maintenance challenges: Requires upkeep of two independent systems
• Space requirements: Demands additional room for power supplies and cabling

The Belden FiberExpress hybrid cable ingeniously merges the advantages of both fiber optic and copper technologies while overcoming their respective limitations. By integrating fiber strands and copper conductors within a single cable jacket, it delivers both remote power capabilities comparable to copper and the long-distance, high-speed data transmission characteristics of fiber optics.

This innovative solution offers three primary benefits that distinguish it from conventional approaches:

Traditional deployments require separate installations for power and data cables. The Belden FiberExpress solution consolidates both functions into a single cable, significantly reducing installation time and labor requirements. This streamlined approach enables faster project completion, allowing installers to take on more work.

The hybrid design also simplifies inventory management by reducing the number of cable types needed. Maintenance becomes more straightforward with fewer components to track and replace.

Conventional remote power solutions typically require dedicated low-voltage power lines for each device. The Belden FiberExpress cable employs remote power technology that transmits electricity from a central power source through the cable itself, eliminating the need for local power at each endpoint.

This approach proves particularly valuable in locations where access to mains power is limited or prohibitively expensive to install, such as remote monitoring stations, large outdoor venues, or temporary installations.

While Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology works well for short-distance power delivery, it faces inherent limitations in both power capacity and transmission distance. Traditional copper cables similarly struggle with bandwidth and distance requirements. The Belden FiberExpress hybrid cable overcomes these constraints, enabling new applications that were previously impractical.

Outdoor pole-mounted security cameras serve as one example. The hybrid cable can deliver both power and data without requiring separate power lines, simplifying installation and maintenance. Wireless access points in large indoor spaces like atriums, convention centers, or stadiums similarly benefit from the cable's ability to maintain consistent power and data connections regardless of distance.

The Belden FiberExpress hybrid cable delivers exceptional performance through high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes. It can safely transmit up to 200W of low-voltage power along with data across distances up to 1,000 meters—far beyond the capabilities of standard PoE or copper solutions.

Key technical specifications include:

• Transmission distance: Up to 1,000 meters
• Power delivery: Maximum 200W
• Fiber options: Supports both single-mode and multimode fiber
• Fiber counts: Available in 2, 4, 8, and 12 fiber configurations
• Environmental resistance: Features flame-retardant, weather-resistant jacket materials

Belden offers two primary hybrid cable configurations to address different application requirements:

Branch-style cables suit deployments requiring power and data distribution to multiple devices, such as surveillance systems or wireless networks. These feature multiple connection points for convenient device integration.

Trunk-style cables work best for single-device connections, like remote sensors or smart lighting systems, typically terminating in one or two connectors.

• Smart buildings: Connects surveillance cameras, wireless access points, lighting systems, and sensors
• Industrial automation: Links sensors, actuators, and robotic systems
• Transportation: Powers traffic cameras, signals, and monitoring devices
• Energy sector: Enables remote monitoring and control systems
• Security: Supports comprehensive surveillance and access control systems

• Higher data transmission rates to meet growing bandwidth demands
• Increased power delivery capacity for more demanding devices
• Smarter management capabilities for enhanced reliability
• Broader application across additional industries

The Belden FiberExpress hybrid cable represents a significant step forward in addressing the dual challenges of remote power delivery and high-speed data transmission. By combining the strengths of both copper and fiber technologies while minimizing their weaknesses, this innovative solution offers substantial advantages for modern connected systems across multiple industries.