The INNOFZ IF-C2A6F20 is a 6-channel fluorescent fiber optic temperature transmitter that serves as the central demodulation host within a fluorescent fiber optic temperature monitoring system. It accepts optical signals from up to six fluorescent fiber optic sensors, demodulates them into precise temperature values, and outputs the data via dual RS485 interfaces for integration with background monitoring platforms — making it a core building block for online temperature monitoring of switchgear, ring main units, and transformer windings.
Transmitter, Demodulator, and Host — One Device, Three Roles
This unit is described by several names depending on its role in a project, all referring to the same device:
- As a transmitter, it converts the optical temperature signal from each fluorescent fiber sensor into a standardized RS485/Modbus or 4–20mA output signal that downstream systems can read
- As a demodulator, it performs the core signal processing — extracting accurate temperature values from the fluorescence decay signal returned through each fiber optic channel
- As a host, it physically aggregates six measurement channels into a single DIN-rail-mountable enclosure, with dual relay alarm outputs and an external LCD display interface for a complete monitoring station
System Role: Sensor, Device, and System Working Together
In a complete fluorescent fiber optic temperature monitoring system, this demodulator sits between the field sensors and the monitoring software:
- Fluorescent Fiber Optic Sensor — the ST-connector probe installed at the actual measurement point (e.g. a switchgear contact or cable joint), generating an optical signal that varies with temperature
- This Demodulator Device — receives the optical signal from up to 6 sensors, processes it, drives relay alarms, and outputs data over RS485
- Monitoring System — the background software or SCADA platform that receives the transmitted data for logging, trending, and alarm management across multiple demodulator units
This layered architecture is why fluorescent fiber optic temperature monitoring is well suited to environments where direct electrical sensing is unreliable or unsafe — the sensor itself carries no electrical signal, while all signal processing happens safely inside this demodulator, located away from the high-voltage measurement point.
Características principales
- 6-channel fiber optic input via ST connectors, arranged in two rows of three for compact wiring
- Dual RS485 communication interfaces with Modbus protocol support
- Two independent relay alarm outputs (Alarm I / Alarm II), rated 5A/250VAC contact capacity
- Separate external LCD display interface, compatible with INNOFZ standard display instruments
- DIP switch RS485 address configuration for quick multi-unit network setup
- Signal and run-status indicator LEDs for at-a-glance diagnostics
- Self-diagnostic capability to identify sensor fault types and reduce false alarms
- DIN-rail mounting bracket with installation accessory kit and cable ties included
Why Fluorescent Optical Sensing for This Demodulator
The fluorescent fiber optic sensors connected to this demodulator carry no electrical current at the measurement point, giving the system inherent immunity to electromagnetic interference and the ability to operate safely at high voltage. Combined with the corrosion-resistant, insulating properties of the fiber optic material itself, this gives the overall monitoring system a level of reliability that conventional electrical sensors cannot match in high-voltage switchgear and transformer environments.
Application Scope
Switchgear and Ring Main Units
- Circuit breaker contacts and cable joints inside high and low voltage switchgear cabinets
- Ring main unit cable connectors and insulated intelligent tail plugs
- Drawer-type feeder cabinet primary contact plug-ins
- Enclosed busbar internal hot-spot points
Transformer Winding Monitoring
- Oil-immersed transformer internal winding temperature
- Dry-type transformer winding hot-spot points
Rail Transit Power Systems
- Transformadores de tracción y equipos de conmutación tipo caja a lo largo de las líneas ferroviarias
- Subway distribution cabinets, rectifier devices, and busbar connection points
Generation and Renewable Energy Equipment
- Wind turbine generator, gearbox, and nacelle environment monitoring
- Hydrogenerator stator and turbine bearing shell monitoring
- Photovoltaic and wind power transformation/distribution equipment
Parámetros técnicos
| Parámetro | Especificaciones |
|---|---|
| Modelo | IF-C2A6F20 |
| Fuente de alimentación | AC 220V |
| Número de canales | 6 channels (1–64 channels customizable across the IF-C series) |
| Rango de medición | De -40 °C a +240 °C (personalizable para rangos más altos) |
| Precisión de medición | ±1 °C (personalizable para una mayor precisión) |
| Resolución | 0,1 °C |
| Tipo de sensor | Fibra óptica de cuarzo, detección de puntos fluorescentes |
| Longitud de la fibra | Personalizable, de 0 a 20 m |
| Diámetro de la sonda de fibra óptica | 2,5 mm (personalizable para tamaños más pequeños) |
| Tensión de resistencia de la sonda | 100 kV |
| Interfaz de comunicación | Dual RS485/Modbus, 4–20mA analog output |
| Relay Contact Capacity | 5A/250VAC, dual independent alarm outputs |
| Pantalla | External LCD interface (display instrument sold separately) |
Personalización y servicio
INNOFZ produces the IF-C series demodulator across a range of channel counts, with the IF-C2A6F20 representing the 6-channel configuration. Channel count, communication protocol, relay configuration, and enclosure mounting can all be adapted to project requirements.
- Custom channel count from the same IF-C platform, beyond the standard 6-channel model
- Custom relay/alarm contact configuration for specific control logic
- Fabricación OEM/ODM y marca privada para cantidades de pedido que cumplan con los requisitos
- Pre-sales engineering consultation on demodulator selection and sensor pairing
- After-sales technical support, including printed user manual and installation accessories included with every unit
Contact INNOFZ to discuss your switchgear or transformer monitoring project and request a tailored configuration.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is this device a transmitter, a demodulator, or a host?
All three terms describe this same device from different angles — it demodulates the optical signal from fluorescent fiber sensors, transmits the resulting temperature data over RS485, and physically hosts six measurement channels in one enclosure. See the section above for a full explanation of each role.
Does this unit include a display screen?
No. The IF-C2A6F20 uses a separate external LCD display interface by design, allowing it to be paired with a compatible INNOFZ display instrument of your choice rather than being limited to a fixed built-in screen.
How many of these units can be networked together?
Each unit's RS485 address is set via an 8-position DIP switch, allowing multiple IF-C series demodulators to be networked on the same RS485 bus for larger multi-point monitoring projects.
What happens if a fiber optic sensor fails?
The system includes self-diagnostic capability that can identify the type of sensor fault, helping to distinguish genuine temperature alarms from sensor malfunction and reducing false alarms.
