FT50MxNR 650nm RedLink Versatile Link Transmitter (DC–50MBd)

“Non-inverting” indicates that the optical output follows the input logic level. In an FT50MxNR transmitter, a logic HIGH input will turn the red LED on (emitting light), and a logic LOW will turn it off. This is useful when you want the light on the fibre to represent a logic high. (By contrast, the inverting versions FT50MxIR would turn the LED on for a logic LOW input.)

The FT50MxNR has an integrated driver circuit that accepts standard TTL/CMOS logic signals, so in most cases you can drive it directly from a microcontroller GPIO or logic gate output. No external transistor is required to drive the LED. You simply power the module with 3.3 V or 5 V DC (and ground) and feed your digital signal into the transmitter’s data input pin. A current-limiting resistor is typically not needed because the internal driver manages the LED current, but always consult the datasheet for any recommended resistors or drive conditions for optimal performance over your link distance.

This transmitter is designed for Versatile Link fibre connectors, which are commonly used with 1 mm plastic optical fibre (POF) and 200 µm polymer-clad silica (PCS) fibre. The module’s housing snaps into the Versatile Link plug (available in simplex or duplex formats), ensuring a secure alignment with the fibre. In practice, you would use standard RedLink®/Versatile Link cable assemblies or POF cables terminated with those connectors. This makes it simple to create links, as the connector standard is widely used in industrial fibre-optic systems.

The maximum distance depends on the fibre type, data rate, and system design (including the receiver sensitivity). Using high-quality 1 mm step-index POF, the FT50MxNR can typically send data across tens of metres at the full 50 MBd rate with a suitable receiver. For example, a link of 10–20 m at 50 MBd is often achievable under typical conditions. At lower data rates (or with lower attenuation fibre), even longer distances — on the order of 50 m or more — are possible. Keep in mind that as data rate increases, the achievable distance decreases due to fibre attenuation and dispersion. Always consider the receiver and overall link budget; the good news is that the FT50MxNR’s RCLED output (~0.5 mW) provides a robust optical power for short to medium-range communication in industrial environments.

Yes. One of the main advantages of fibre-optic links is their immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electrical noise. The FT50MxNR is built for harsh conditions – it operates from -40 °C to +85 °C, making it suitable for outdoor use or near hot industrial machinery. The device’s plastic housing is non-conductive and flame-retardant, and the optical transmission inherently provides galvanic isolation (no electrical conduction between transmitter and receiver). This means you can confidently use it for noise-prone applications like motor drive controls, high-voltage equipment interfaces, or factory floors without worrying about ground loops or noise corrupting your signals.

Yes. The FT50MxNR series is designed to run on either a 5 V or 3.3 V DC supply (with a tolerance of about ±10%). It will accept TTL or CMOS logic inputs from either voltage domain. This dual-voltage capability is very convenient for designers: you can use the same module in older 5 V TTL-based systems or in modern 3.3 V embedded systems. There’s no need for level shifting as long as your input logic high and low meet standard TTL/CMOS thresholds. Just ensure to connect the module to the corresponding supply voltage and ground.

The 650 nm RCLED emits visible red light, so you will see a faint red glow when the transmitter is actively sending a logic HIGH (especially when looking at the fibre end or the transmitter output port). It is classified as an IEC Class 1 eye-safe LED device, meaning under normal operating conditions it does not pose a hazard to eyesight. That said, one should avoid staring directly into the fibre or LED at close range with magnification, as with any optical emitter. The visibility of the red light is actually a helpful feature for users – it provides a quick visual confirmation that the link is active or data is being transmitted.

The FT50MxNR is very popular in industrial and instrumentation communication links. Typical applications include factory automation networks, industrial controllers, drive and inverter systems, and robotics, where optical fibres carry control signals immune to noise. It’s also used in medical equipment (for isolated signal links in imaging or diagnostic machines) and in transportation systems. Because it supports up to 50 MBd, it can handle protocols like high-speed serial interfaces (for example, certain fieldbus or device networks, or even moderately fast sensor data streams). Whenever you need a reliable, noise-immune data link with a modest bandwidth and you want the benefits of optical isolation, this transmitter fits the bill. Engineers choose the FT50MxNR series to replace legacy copper links susceptible to EMI, to extend link distance without repeaters, or simply to meet safety isolation requirements between system components.