Tratos Cavi S.p.A. is an international manufacturer and supplier of Optical Fibre Cables, with over 20 years of experience in the field.

Introduction
The principles of optical communication have been known for a long time but only in the last fifteen years have they been used extensively in the field of telecommunication, data and image transmission.
The composition and special features of optical core cables, as well as the ways in which they are commonly used, are discussed below.

Fibres
The fibres incorporate a central zone of silica with a high index of refraction called core, a pure silica layer with a lower index of refraction called cladding and a coating layer.
The rays of light introduced in the fibre can be of different wave-lengths, which is called the 'mode', and the wavelength number depends on the technology of the fibre production.
The transmission principle of the light in an optical fibre is based on the total reflection between core and cladding.
Continuous development of the materials which constitute the fibre have resulted in better signal transmission, considerably reducing the attenuation values and consequently the necessity of the amplification signal along the line.
Meanwhile, a better geometry of the core, cladding and coating supports the performance of joints and terminations, eradicating nearly all attenuation increase.

Design
When we design a fibre optic cable, it is necessary to take into consideration the minimum bending radius applicable, the frequency and the number of bendings, the thermal cycles and the pulling force to which the cable will be submitted during the installation.
It is important, therefore, that all the design parameters and the production technology ensure that the fibres are free of any mechanical loads.
The reliability of the fibre over time is largely due to the way that it is placed inside the cable, which may be considered as a container for the fibre itself.
The fibres must be longer than the actual length of the cable to avoid or moderate any mechanical stress. This will also allow room for the inevitable thermal expansion of the fibre during the production and usage phases, thereby assuring a long working life.

Special features

• very large transmission capacity
• very low transmission loss
• very low dispersion
• very long line without signal amplification needs
• immune to electromagnetic interference
• no crosstalk
• suitable for data, telecomunication video, etc.
• no radiation along the cable
• flame retardant
• low smoke and toxic gas
• metal free design
• rodent proof
• light weight
• small diameter

Safety performances
In general, all the cables we produce can be supplied in flame retardant versions and with low emission of toxic fumes and corrosive gasses. These will meet test levels in accordance with national and international standards. These particular performances can be achieved using special materials for inner and outer sheaths and for other components.

Technical references
Appropriate tests are carried out in accordance with Quality Assurance procedures to ensure excellent performance.
All material supplied to the customer is accompanied by technical documents indicating the product's compliance with relevant technical specifications, thus confirming the compliance of the product in terms of construction and performance.

LOOSE TUBE
The fibres are situated inside small tubes, together with jelly protection.
The fibres must be free to move.
The dimensions and the number of tubes can be different by way of the number of fibres they contain, the type of utilisation, etc.

 

Figure 1 shows a traditional stranded loose tube cable core.

SLOTTED CORE
The fibres are situated inside helical ducts of a central element (slot) together with jelly protection.
The fibres must be free to move.
The dimensions and the number of ducts can differ according to the number of fibres, what the cable is being used for and spare fibres for future utilisation.

Figure 2 shows a traditional slotted core cable.

RIBBON
The fibres are situated in the same layer, one next to the other and fixed with special materials: with this method we obtain the 'ribbon', the components of which are fitted inside tubes or slotted-core and overlaid on each other. The number of fibres for each ribbon can be different (normally from 4 up to 16 fibres). This is the same for the number of ribbons within each tube or duct.

Use sectors are:

• Indoor & outdoor
• Railways
• Highways
• Sewers
• Overhead Power Lines
• Subways
• Roads
• Waterways
• Gas Pipelines
• Homes & Work areas
  
  

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Our customers include all the main worlwide Telecomunication groups and engineering companies.