Fiber optic OEM boards

Fiber optic OEM boards for integration into custom systems

Fiber optic OEM boards enable the direct integration of fiber optic measurement technology into existing devices, machines and custom measurement systems. The compact signal conditioners acquire the optical signals from connected fiber optic sensors, evaluate them and provide the measurement values to the higher-level system via analog or digital interfaces.

Depending on the version, the OEM boards are suitable for measuring temperature, pressure, strain or displacement. Different optical measurement principles are used for this purpose. WLPI-based systems (White Light Polarization Interferometry) enable highly precise evaluation of interferometric fiber optic sensors. OEM boards for GaAs-based fiber optic temperature sensors are also available for temperature measurement.

A key advantage of fiber optic measurement technology is its immunity to electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference. This makes the systems particularly suitable for measurements in environments where electrical sensors reach their limits – for example in high-voltage environments, strong electromagnetic fields, RF and microwave applications, or in medical technology and MRI environments.

The OEM signal processing electronics have a particularly compact design and are intended for integration into customer-specific devices. Depending on the model, one or more measurement channels, different analog and digital interfaces, and versions with or without their own housing are available.

Compact, interference-immune and flexible to integrate

Althen fiber optic OEM boards combine precise optical signal processing with a high degree of design flexibility. This enables fiber optic sensors to be integrated directly into custom devices and measurement systems.

What to consider when selecting a fiber optic OEM board

1. Determine the measured variable
First, determine which physical variable needs to be measured. Depending on the model, the OEM signal processing electronics are designed for temperature, pressure, strain or displacement sensors. Not every board can be combined with every fiber optic sensor.

2. Consider the sensor technology
The signal processing electronics must match the optical measurement principle of the sensor. WLPI-based OEM boards are available for interferometric sensors. Other devices are specifically designed for GaAs-based fiber optic temperature sensors.

3. Determine the required number of measurement channels
The number of channels depends on the application. The product range extends from compact single-channel and dual-channel solutions to multi-channel systems with up to 16 measurement channels.

4. Consider measurement speed
The required sampling rates vary depending on the measurement task. Lower sampling rates may be sufficient for comparatively slowly changing temperature, strain or position measurements. Solutions with higher sampling rates are available for more dynamic pressure measurements.

5. Select the appropriate interface
The required output interface must be considered when integrating the board into the host system. Depending on the OEM board, analog outputs such as 0–5 V or ±5 V and digital communication interfaces such as RS-232 or RS-485 are available.

6. Check installation space and mechanical integration
OEM boards are specifically designed for integration into custom systems. In very small devices or medical applications, the physical dimensions can therefore be a decisive selection criterion. Particularly compact versions enable integration even where installation space is extremely limited.

7. Consider the environmental conditions
Fiber optic sensing offers particular advantages in environments with strong electromagnetic fields, high voltage or radio-frequency interference. For applications in MRI systems, medical technology, microwave systems or comparable environments, it should also be verified which sensor system is suitable for the specific requirements.

8. Clarify customization requirements for series integration
In OEM projects, factors such as design, housing, connectors, sensor packaging and labeling often play an important role in addition to the technical specifications. Various OEM boards can be customized and, in some cases, supplied as private-label solutions.

Our technical expert team will support you in selecting the sensor, signal processing electronics and interface, as well as in integrating fiber optic measurement technology into your product or measurement system. Contact our sales team

Typical applications for fiber optic OEM boards

Fiber optic OEM signal processing electronics are particularly suitable for applications where precise measurements are required under challenging electromagnetic environmental conditions or where the measurement technology needs to be integrated very compactly into an existing device.

Typical applications include:

• OEM measurement systems and custom devices
• Medical devices and medical technology
• MRI and high-field MRI applications
• Physiological temperature measurements
• Physiological pressure measurements
• Catheters and medical pressure measurement systems
• High-voltage environments
• Environments affected by EMI and RFI
• Microwave and radio-frequency applications
• Research and product development
• Industrial process monitoring
• Geotechnical measurement systems
• Temperature monitoring in high-interference environments
• Custom multi-channel measurement systems

Thanks to their compact designs and different sensor, channel and interface variants, the OEM boards can be specifically adapted to the respective application.