Extron FOX T USB Extender Plus SM (part number 60-1474-12) — singlemode fiber optic transmitter for USB links that have to cross a campus rather than a room.

The unit forms the host end of a matched transmitter and receiver pair. One female USB type B jack accepts the computer connection, and the transmitter converts it to a 600 Mbps optical signal on two LC fibers at 1310 nm. Because singlemode fiber is the medium, the same link that would fail after a few metres of copper will run as far as 30 km. Everything between the two boxes is glass, so ground loops and electrical interference never enter the picture.

Key Capabilities

• Singlemode transmission distance of 30 km (18.64 miles) at a 600 Mbps data rate
• 1310 nm singlemode wavelength on two LC connectors, -5 dBm typical transmit power
• 13 dB maximum singlemode optical loss budget for margin on long spans
• Carries USB 2.0, 1.1 and 1.0 traffic at low, full and high speed to 480 Mbps
• Optional built-in hub with peripheral emulation for a stable host-side connection
• 3.3 watts at the device, 4.4 watts including the external 18 W supply

Where It Is Used

Singlemode reach makes this the transmitter for campus and multi-building work: hospital and medical imaging networks, airports, utility and process-control facilities, military and government installations, and any command centre where the operator position is a long way from the server room housing the host machine.

Specifications at a Glance

• Host side: 1 USB input on 1 female USB type B connector
• Optical: 2 LC, 600 Mbps, 1310 nm, -18 dBm typical receiver sensitivity
• Power: external supply, 100-240 VAC input, 12 VDC 1.5 A 18 W output
• Enclosure: 1.0" H x 4.3" W x 6.0" D metal, quarter rack width, 1 lb (0.5 kg)
• Warranty: 3 years parts and labor, 7 years on the Everlast power supply

Also referenced as Extron FOXTUSBExtenderPlusSM, FOX-T-USB-Extender-Plus-SM, part number 60147412.