TOSLINK

TOSLINK is an originally developed by Toshiba (hence the name TOShiba - LINK), standardized optical fiber connection system for optical signal transmissions in the area to about 20 Mbit / s Widely used, it has been found by the use in the digital transmission of audio signals for consumer goods, where it is used for example for communication between components such as CD and DVD players and audio amplifiers or D / A converters.

Cable

Used a fiber-optic (FO ) of transparent plastic ( PMMA or polycarbonate, see Polymeric optical fiber, POF ) with 1 mm core diameter. The large diameter, it allows to couple the radiation from the light-emitting diode with a focusing lens is integrally formed on this - no diode is required. POF have a smaller bending radius, but a higher attenuation than glass fiber optic cables, the ranges are therefore to about 100 meters, practically limited to about 10 meters with the same diameter. The cables are usually more expensive than copper cables.

Pros and Cons

The advantage of a fiber-optic connection in audio engineering is that this is a potential separation of the device components is achieved and thus ground loops are avoided. Also, the fiber is immune to electrical and magnetic interference coupling. In addition, radiated emissions are avoided due to cable- transmitted electrical digital signals. However, it can happen that cause to increase the robustness metal-reinforced TOSLINK cable ground loops in digital devices. In addition, fiber optic cables are basically a susceptibility to tight bending radii ( sharp edges, creases ) due to their physical properties.

Development

TOSLINK in 1983 originally developed by Toshiba to connect their CD players with their radio receivers, but has gained rapid even in CD players from other brands. Previously TOSLINK was most often used to send data to MiniDisc or DAT recorder. Early TOSLINK systems used the digital raw data of the CD player, meanwhile, the S / PDIF standard has established as a universal format for audio streams.

Use

TOSLINK is now mostly used to connect DVD players or game consoles with Dolby-Digital-/dts-Dekodern (home theater ). Even the connection of computers and network players to external D / A converter is an increasingly common to-find scenario because music collections are more often found on hard drives. In the studio the same connector system with a different transmission protocol (ADAT Lightpipe ) used.

Connector types

Another name for TOSLINK connector is F05. Another plug variant is the 3.5 mm mini- plug connection. It is then used as an analog electric signal is output plug in the same output terminal. It is then a TOSLINK mini- plug connector to be connected, which has the form of a conventional 3.5mm jack, but usually made ​​of plastic and the end covers the end face of the optical fiber. Many of today's laptops have this output and realize here the outcome of, for example, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.

There are pre-assembled with all combinations of these two types of plugs cable. The opto- electronic components for transmission and reception are usually integrated directly into the sockets.