Fiber-Optic Bus Lines: Introduction

Transmission of data, voice and images involves ever increasing volumes of data. Fiberoptic technology (already in use in tele-communications and industrial installations) is capable of handling such large volumes of data while at the same time offering additional advantages.

High data transmission rates in copper wires cause electromagnetic interference. This can interfere with other vehicle systems. Compared with copper wires, fiber-optic lines require less space and are lighter in weight for the same transmission band width. In contrast with copper wires, which carry digital or analog voltage signals as the means of transmitting data, fibre-optic busses transmit light. BMW uses plastic (POF-polymer optical fibers) cables manufactured by Dow-Corning.