ABB YPG 111A / YPG111A: Passive Fiber Optic Coupler for Harsh Industrial Environments

In a large paper mill, the main production line is controlled by a distributed system where a central AC 800M PLC communicates with over two dozen ABB ACS800 drives via fiber optic links for precise speed and torque control. To create a fault-tolerant, high-speed communication ring, engineers utilized the ABB YPG 111A​ fiber optic distributors at key junction points. These distributors split the high-integrity optical signal from the controller, allowing it to be daisy-chained to each drive in the loop. The YPG 111A‘s rugged metal housing and secure fiber connectors (e.g., ST or BFOC) withstood the constant vibration and airborne dust, ensuring zero signal degradation. This setup eliminated electromagnetic interference (EMI) from high-power motor cables that had previously plagued copper-based networks, resulting in flawless synchronization and a 15% reduction in communication-related line stoppages.