Technical Specifications

FAQ

1. What is the main function of the ABB Bailey NTCF23?
The NTCF23 is an INFI-Net electrical-to-optical termination unit. It provides the interface between a standard INFI-Net coaxial or twinaxial communication connection and a fiber-optic communication link. This allows compatible Bailey control-system nodes to communicate through optical fiber when a copper-based connection is not suitable for the required installation.

2. What is the difference between NTCF23 and a standard fiber media converter?
The NTCF23 is designed specifically for the Bailey INFI-Net communication architecture. It is not a general-purpose Ethernet media converter. Its electrical interface is intended for INFI-Net coaxial or twinaxial communication, while its optical side connects to the specified fiber medium. Therefore, a conventional Ethernet fiber converter should not be considered a direct replacement.

3. What type of fiber does the NTCF23 use?
The NTCF23 is designed to connect to a 62.5 μm fiber-optic cable on its optical side. This fiber connection is used for transmitting the INFI-Net communication signal over an optical link. When replacing or extending an existing link, the installed fiber type and the requirements of the complete INFI-Net communication architecture should be checked carefully.

4. How is the NTCF23 connected to an INFI-Net network?
The NTCF23 connects standard INFI-Net coaxial or twinaxial cabling to the electrical side of the termination unit and uses the optical side for connection to a compatible fiber-optic link. In this arrangement, the NTCF23 performs the electrical-to-optical conversion required to extend the INFI-Net communication path through fiber.

5. What are the advantages of using NTCF23 fiber communication in a DCS?
Fiber communication is particularly useful in industrial environments where long cable distances or strong electromagnetic interference can affect conventional electrical communication. Optical fiber also provides electrical isolation between connected sections of the network. This makes the NTCF23 useful for extending INFI-Net communication between separated control-system areas while maintaining reliable data transmission.

6. What should be checked if communication through the NTCF23 is lost?
First verify that the termination unit and associated communication equipment have the correct power. Then inspect the INFI-Net coaxial or twinaxial connections and the fiber-optic connections. Check for loose connectors, damaged cables, contaminated fiber ends, or incorrect fiber routing. If the external cabling is confirmed to be healthy, the NTCF23 and the associated communication hardware should be investigated further.

7. What can cause intermittent communication on an NTCF23 fiber link?
Intermittent communication can be caused by loose electrical connections, contaminated optical connectors, damaged fiber, excessive optical attenuation, or improper fiber routing. Excessive bending of the fiber can also increase signal loss. A systematic inspection of both the electrical INFI-Net side and the optical side is recommended instead of immediately assuming that the termination unit itself has failed.

8. What should be checked when replacing an ABB Bailey NTCF23?
Before replacement, confirm the complete NTCF23 model and verify that the replacement is intended for the same INFI-Net architecture. Record the existing cable connections before removing the original unit. During installation, verify the coaxial/twinaxial connection and the 62.5 μm fiber connection carefully. After installation, check the communication status of the connected nodes and confirm stable data transmission before returning the DCS communication path to normal service.