VESDA®

Application Note 004/03

How to use Optical Fiber with VESDAnet

Introduction
VESDAnet is the fault tolerant communications
protocol used to link VESDA smoke detectors.
This application describes how to use optical
fiber to transmit VESDAnet.

What is VESDAnet?
Using independent RS485 links between
VESDA detectors, VESDAnet forms a bi-
directional fault tolerant communication loop.
This means that if there is a communication
problem in one link of the loop then it is clearly
identified which link is failing and all messages
are reflected by the devices either side of the
failed link. This ensures that all detectors Closed loop VESDAnet - two (or more) optical
remain in communication with each other even fiber links
when there is a failed link. VESDAnet is
supported by the following VESDA devices:
• VESDA LaserPLUS,
• VESDA LaserSCANNER
• VESDA LaserCOMPACT
• Remote displays, programmers and
interfaces

Optical fiber can be used as part of the

communication loop. Some examples of closed
loop and open-ended VESDAnet networks
including optical fiber are illustrated below.

Open-ended VESDAnet with one fiber optical

link. An open-ended network means that the
devices at the end of the VESDAnet reflect the
messages but do not report a communication
fault. In this configuration there is no fault
tolerance.

Key considerations
Consider these points when designing an
optical fiber link for VESDAnet transmission:
• Limit the total number VESDA detectors to
twenty (20) when using an open-ended
VESDAnet. This ensures that the volume
Closed loop VESDAnet - one optical fiber link
of traffic over VESDAnet remains light
even in full alarm conditions.
• Use up to 40 detectors on a closed loop
system but follow the recommendations for
the setting of the “minimum interval” as
defined in the VESDA System Design
Manual.

© Vision Fire & Security April 2004 Page 1 of 3

VESDA®
Application Note 004/03
• Ensure that the optical fiber link will not fail 2. The RS485 connector on the Telebyte
if the power fails, particularly for Model 276A OptoverterTM allows for half-
installations where VESDAnet is the only duplex operation through a DB-25 female
communication media for the reporting of connector. A custom-made cable
primary alarm information. connecting a DB-25 male connector to the
detector’s RS485 terminal is needed. Pin
• Use a closed loop, fault tolerant, assignments are shown in Table 1.
VESDAnet network when possible,
particularly for installations where it is the Table 1: Telebyte Model 276A Pin assignments
only communication media for the
reporting of primary alarm information. DB-25M
DB-25F
Signal (Custom-
(Telebyte)
made)
Example installation
2 Data I/O- 2
This example installation, using a multi-mode 14 Data I/O+ 14
fiber optic connection (Telebyte Model 276A Signal
OptoverterTM), an open-ended VESDAnet 7* 7
Ground/GND
configuration and one optical fiber link was 9* +Vcc 9
subjected to limited testing by Vision Fire &
* Usually the Telebyte Model 276A is
Security. Tests conducted were non-
powered with a small power adaptor (AC
exhaustive and were in the environment
to +12VDC). Alternatively, a +12VDC can
described below.
be applied directly across Pin 7 and 9.
Note: Vision Fire & Security do not
recommend any particular S2FOC device 3. The Fiber Optic end has been optimised
(refer to the Further details section at the end for operation with 62.5/125 µm cable (i.e.
of this Application note). The configurations, multi-mode) and is equipped with ST-type
set-up procedures and other technical details fiber optic connector.
described herewith are based on the functions
and features of the Telebyte Model 276A Set up procedure
OptoverterTM, as was used during testing.
1. Plug the custom made cable (described in
Vision Fire and Security do not supply an
Equipment description above), with the
optical fiber solution for VESDAnet and there is
DB-25 male connector attached, into the
not guarantee that the information provided
Telebyte 276A’s DB-25 female connector.
herein nor the devices referred to will provide a
Referring to Table 1, connect Data I/O-
100% robust solution.
and Data I/O+ from the Telebyte 276A to
the two-wire data from the detector’s
Equipment used RS485 terminal (i.e. A- and A+ or B- and
B+ respectively).
• RS485 to Fiber Optic Converter, 2 wire
(Telebyte Model 276A OptoverterTM ) 2. Connect the Telebyte 276A to another
• Duplex Fiber Optic Patch Cables with ST Telebyte 276A, by connecting the fiber
connectors on one end, and ST or SC connector marked “T” to the far-end fiber
connectors on the other end depending on connector marked “R” and the local “R” to
the Patch Panel the far-end “T”.
• A DB-25 male connector per S2FOC Note: If the Patch Panel is equipped with
• Minimum of two VESDAnet detectors SC-type connectors, SC/ST Duplex Fiber
• VESDA HLI, model VHX-0200 (if monitoring Optic Patch Cables must be used to
with Vconfig Pro or VSM3 is required) interface with the Telebyte 276A.

Equipment description 3. Power on the Telebyte 276A when

connection is complete.
1. The Telebyte Model 276A OptoverterTM is
a two-wire RS-485 to Fiber Optic Line
Driver/Converter that can extend the
distance of an RS485 network to 2000 m
(6600 ft), according to the manufacturer’s
specifications.

© Vision Fire & Security April 2004 Page 2 of 3

VESDA®
Application Note 004/03
Background information
Optical fiber technology
An Optical fiber is made up of two key parts,
the core and the cladding. They are available
in many different forms and sizes with various
different connection systems. To transmit
VESDAnet they require a serial to fiber optic Selecting S2FOC devices
converter (S2FOC) at each end, which must be Consider the following information when
carefully selected and tested to provide a selecting appropriate S2FOC devices:
transparent RS485 communication link.
• VESDAnet uses standard RS485 comms.
Multi-mode and single mode fiber: • VESDAnet operates at 19200 baud, 8 data
bits, one start bit, odd parity, one stop bit
The difference between multi-mode and single- making a frame of 11 bits.
mode fibers is that in multi-mode fibers the • When there is no traffic on the VESDAnet,
light rays may take any number of different adjacent devices communicate back and
routes to reach the far end of the fiber, causing forth alternately at regular intervals. These
a spreading of the light pulse, also known as regular single byte messages must not be
Intermodal Dispersion. There is no modal interfered with in anyway by the
dispersion in single-mode fibers as there is intelligence in the S2FOC.
only one route through the fiber. Therefore,
single-mode fibers can considered to be of
higher quality and are generally more Further support
expensive. Furthermore, the launch device in Your S2FOC supplier should provide detailed
single-mode is generally a laser whereas information and technical support on
multimode TX/RX devices can use LED interfacing to the chosen device. You can also
technology and are generally cheaper. refer to specific manufacturer’s manuals and
However, transmission distances over single- troubleshooting guides.
mode are much greater (e.g. 20 km compared
with 2 km).
Disclaimer
The use of S2FOCs to construct a VESDAnet involves
Connectors transmitting mission critical data such as smoke and fire
alarm through a third party component. Vision Fire &
There are many different connection systems
Security is not liable for loss of signal, alarm or any other
for optical fibers with the most common being data transmitted in the VESDAnet due to the failure of the
ST and SC. ST connectors use push-locking S2FOC and associated cables.
system and are considered to be ideal for Vision Systems accepts no liability for the performance of
the system configuration or for any products utilised in the
offices, whereas the SC connectors use a implementation of the system configuration, aside from the
bayonet locking system and are best for standard terms and conditions of sale of Vision Systems
industrial applications. Both ST and SC product. Each person seeking to configure as system as
systems use separate connections and fibers detailed in this application note shall, at its own cost and
expense, procure that the system configuration complies in
for transmit and receive. Other systems such
all respects with the provisions of all legislation, acts of
as the MT-RJ connectors connect RX and TX government, regulations, rules and by-laws for the time
fibers in one connection and are common in being in force and all orders or directions which may be
office Ethernet environments. made or given by any statutory or any other competent
authority in respect of or affecting the recommendation on
system configuration in any jurisdiction in which it may be
Optical drivers implemented.
There are many serial-to-fiber optic converters The manufacturer reserves the right to change designs or
(S2FOC) on the market, some of which specifications without obligation and without further notice.
transmit VESDAnet successfully and others do VESDA, LaserTEKNIC, LaserPLUS, LaserSCANNER,
not. Generally, a S2FOC device will convert LaserCOMPACT, LaserFOCUS, VESDAnet, VESDAlink,
ASPIRE, AutoLearn, VSM, VConfig, InfoWORKS,
the RS485 signal to a proprietary protocol for PROACTIV, PRECISION and VSC are trademarks used
transmission through fiber and the S2FOC under licence by the distributor.
device at the far end will convert it back. It is
essential that this conversion it truly
transparent and does not interfere with the
VESDAnet messages.

© Vision Fire & Security April 2004 Page 3 of 3