Fiber Optic Perimeter Boundary Alarm Systems - promadio

Fiber Optic Perimeter Boundary Alarm Systems

System Overview

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The fiber optic Perimeter boundary alarm system is a new generation of security system. The system with optical fiber sensing technology and provides security monitoring up to 40 kilometers away without any outdoor active devices (no power supply). It is especially suitable for long-distance and large-scale area defense.

Figure 1: Equipment appearance and geographical information show interface of intrusion alarm system

The system can effectively provide real-time and reliable intrusion alarm information instantly. When an intrusion occurs and the optical cable vibrates slightly through stepping, touching, shaking, squeezing, etc., the system will alarm immediately and locate the alarm location accurately.

 

Figure2：Border defense

Applications

The optical fiber perimeter boundary alarm system can lay the sensing optical cable near the monitoring perimeter boundary by hanging the network or burying it in the ground. It is sensitive to stress changes in the external environment. When an intrusion occurs and causes vibration , the system generates an alarm via signal processing. And the GPS coordinates of the intrusion location are displayed on the geographic information system software interface in real time.

The system has a broad application market and huge military and economic value. It can be widely used in:

Military Sectors Borders, military bases, military communication optical cables, military factories, military airports, military warehouses, barracks, etc.  

Civil Sectors

Monitoring and protection of important economic targets such as government facilities, airports, nuclear power plants, reservoirs, large dams, chemical plants, prisons, etc.

 

Figure 3: Deployment of perimeter boundary and important areas

System Structure

Optical fiber perimeter boundary alarm systems have 2 types: position type and defense zone type, the structures are as below:

 

Figure 4: Accurate Position Type

This type distributes over the entire defense area via a sensing optical cable without adding any intermediate equipment. When an intrusion alarm occurs, the system can quickly locate the intrusion location and display it on the system software interface in real time, while show the GPS coordinates of the intrusion point. The positioning accuracy can reach up to 10 meters.

 

Figure 5: Defense Zone Type

This type physically divides the defense area into multiple areas,  the each area is separated by a terminal box and has independent alarm. When an intrusion alarm occurs, the system can quickly locate the intrusion zone.

System principle

The optical fiber micro-vibration perimeter boundary alarm system is based on optical fiber distributed micro-vibration sensors. The system working principle flow chart is shown in Figure 6.

 

Figure 6: Flow chart of system working principle

The optical fiber perimeter boundary alarm system adopts the physical principle of laser interference. The laser propagates in the optical fiber interferometer. External micro-vibration acts on the sensing optical cable, which will cause the optical fiber to deform. The deformation of the optical fiber changes the phase of the laser transmission through the elastic-optical effect, thus causing interference signal.

 

Figure 7: Schematic diagram of optical fiber affected by vibration

System Features

No need power supply, using the optical and the monitoring distance can be up to 40 kilometers.

High alarm sensitivity, accurate positioning, the positioning accuracy can reach up to 10m

Supported by quantitative experimental data, multi-parameter intelligent analysis, false alarm rate ≤3 times/day

It can be integrated with the user’s existing monitoring system and work synchronously, such as: precise positioning of the intrusion location and linkage the monitoring cameras, etc.;

Suitable for complex terrain and harsh climates, no part prone to aging, high reliability, easy to maintain, instant alarm when the optical cable is broken and can be reused via simple repair;

Apparatus are easy to install, simple to operate, stable and reliable

High cost-effectiveness, independent intellectual property rights, patented technology.

System parameters

System parameters are as the following:

Monitoring length Minimum length  N/A Maximum length 40km Positioning accuracy  

Defense Zone type:  Depends on Defense Zone length

The company is the world’s best Precise Positioning Type Fiber Intrusion Detection System supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

10/20/50/100m

Accurate Position Type:10/20/50/100m

System sensitivity The sensitivity of vibration  which generates alarms can be adjusted according to on-site conditions to effectively filter natural vibration signals such as wind, rain, and vehicle passing. False alarm rate   ≤ average 3 times/day Monitoring and data processing system Hardware PC（CPU：4core/ Memory：2GB） OS Windows XP/win 7 Software full functional graphical user interface

Applications Cases

After years of R&D and extensive practice, the fiber optic perimeter boundary alarm system has been successfully used in a variety of scenarios and has achieved good effect in practical applications.

In today’s evolving security landscape, perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) are vital for protecting sensitive areas like military facilities, airports, and data centers. Fiber optic sensors, known for detecting minute disturbances, offering long-range capabilities, and resisting electromagnetic interference, play a key role in modern perimeter security. This article explores how fiber optic sensors work in PIDS, their types, and their contribution to enhancing security.

Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) Overview

The purpose of perimeter intrusion detection systems, or PIDS, is to identify any unlawful movement across a specified border. They serve as an early warning system to prevent intrusions into secured areas by identifying potential threats at the perimeter, providing both security personnel and automated systems the time needed to respond effectively. Traditional security systems, such as fences and gates, are often supplemented by electronic detection systems to enhance perimeter protection.

Fiber optic sensors are increasingly being used in perimeter intrusion detection systems due to their ability to provide continuous monitoring of large and complex perimeters. They detect disturbances or vibrations along the length of a fiber optic cable that is placed around the perimeter. These sensors can be integrated into fences, walls, and other structures, making them a highly effective and versatile solution for perimeter security.

Fundamentals of Fiber Optic Sensor Operation

The transmission and manipulation of light via optical fibers is the fundamental idea underlying fiber optic sensors. A lower refractive index cladding encircles the center core of optical fibers. The fundamental concept of fiber optic sensing is based on how the light signal behaves as it travels through the fiber and interacts with the environment. When there is a disturbance, such as vibration, strain, or pressure applied to the fiber, it causes a change in the characteristics of the light traveling through the fiber.

In the context of perimeter intrusion detection, the fiber optic cable is sensitive to external forces such as physical touch, vibration, or even the presence of an intruder. Any mechanical change, such as the bending or stretching of the fiber, alters the light that travels through it. The location and type of the incursion can be ascertained by detecting and analyzing these changes.

There are several key mechanisms by which fiber optic sensors can detect disturbances:

• Refraction and Reflection: Changes in the environment can cause light to reflect or refract differently, which is detected by the sensor.
• Light Attenuation: The amount of light lost or absorbed as it travels through the fiber can change based on external factors like pressure or temperature.
• Scattering: Light scattering due to imperfections in the fiber’s core or cladding can also serve as an indicator of physical changes.
• Interference: In interferometric fiber optic sensors, changes in the interference pattern of light can indicate disturbances in the fiber’s path.

These principles of light manipulation are employed in various fiber optic sensor systems to monitor and detect intrusions in perimeter security applications.

Types of Fiber Optic Sensors in PIDS

Fiber optic sensors used in perimeter intrusion detection systems generally come in two types: intrinsic and extrinsic sensors.

Intrinsic Fiber Optic Sensors: In these systems, the optical fiber itself is part of the sensing element. Any physical disturbance along the fiber, such as vibration, pressure, or deformation, directly impacts the light signal passing through the fiber. The sensor system is then able to identify these alterations. Intrinsic sensors are often used in applications like continuous perimeter monitoring, where the fiber is deployed along fences or walls to detect potential intrusions.

Extrinsic Fiber Optic Sensors: In extrinsic systems, the fiber serves primarily as a medium for transmitting light, while the actual sensing element lies outside the fiber. For example, a fiber optic sensor can be part of a fiber optic interferometer or a fiber Bragg grating system, where the external components (such as mirrors or gratings) interact with the fiber to detect changes in the light’s properties. Extrinsic sensors are useful in more complex setups where high sensitivity and accuracy are required.

Working Mechanism of Fiber Optic Sensors in Perimeter Intrusion Detection

In perimeter intrusion detection systems, the optical fiber is installed along the perimeter boundary, either within a protective casing or integrated directly into fences, gates, or walls. The fiber optic sensor works by continuously transmitting light signals along the fiber. When a physical disturbance occurs, such as a person attempting to cut, climb, or tamper with the fence or structure, the fiber’s shape or tension changes, altering the light signals. These changes are detected by the fiber optic sensor system.

There are several types of fiber optic sensors commonly used in PIDS, each with its own specific working mechanism:

Fiber Optic Vibration Sensors: These sensors detect disturbances caused by vibrations along the fiber. For example, if an intruder attempts to climb a fence or move along the perimeter, the vibrations caused by their movement will be detected by the fiber optic system. The sensor is capable of detecting the frequency, amplitude, and location of the vibration, providing precise information about the nature of the disturbance.

Fiber Optic Strain Sensors: These sensors monitor changes in strain or tension in the fiber. When an intruder applies force to the fiber (such as cutting the cable or leaning against it), the strain changes and is registered by the sensor. This can provide real-time alerts for intrusions or tampering attempts.

Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Sensors: Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are a specific type of fiber optic sensor that can detect strain, temperature, and displacement along the length of the fiber. When the fiber experiences physical changes such as stretching or compressing, it causes a shift in the wavelength of the reflected light. By analyzing these wavelength shifts, the system can detect the exact location and type of intrusion.

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS): Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) is a cutting-edge technology that turns an entire length of fiber optic cable into a continuous array of vibration sensors. DAS systems detect changes in the acoustic environment along the fiber by sending pulses of light and measuring the backscatter of light that returns from the fiber. When an intruder causes vibrations in the fiber, the system can detect these vibrations across vast distances, providing a real-time monitoring solution for perimeter security.

Advantages of Fiber Optic Sensors in PIDS

Fiber optic sensors offer several significant advantages when used in perimeter intrusion detection systems:
Long Range Detection: Fiber optic sensors can monitor vast perimeters (up to tens of kilometers) without the need for additional equipment, such as repeaters. The long range of fiber optic sensors makes them ideal for large-scale security applications like airports, military bases, and industrial complexes.

Immunity to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): Conventional electronic sensors may encounter serious issues due to electromagnetic interference, which fiber optic connections are impervious to. This makes fiber optic sensors particularly valuable in environments with high electromagnetic noise, such as power plants or industrial sites.

High Sensitivity and Accuracy: Fiber optic sensors are highly sensitive to changes in the physical environment, allowing for the detection of even minor disturbances, such as an intruder’s footsteps, the movement of vehicles, or attempts to cut or tamper with the perimeter.

Reduced False Alarms: The high precision of fiber optic sensors helps reduce false alarms. The system can accurately pinpoint the exact location of the disturbance, providing security personnel with accurate, real-time information about the nature of the threat.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Fiber optic cables are extremely resilient to environmental elements like corrosion, excessive humidity, and extremely high temperatures. They are perfect for outdoor settings where conventional sensors could deteriorate over time.

Low Maintenance: Fiber optic sensors are durable and require minimal maintenance compared to other perimeter intrusion detection systems. The optical fiber is designed to be long-lasting, and the system is typically easy to maintain once installed.

Applications

Numerous industries make extensive use of fiber optic sensors in perimeter intrusion detection systems, including:

Military and Government Installations: Protecting military bases and sensitive government facilities requires highly secure and reliable systems. In these settings, fiber optic sensors offer a reliable perimeter security solution.

Airports: Airports have large, complex perimeters that need constant monitoring to protect against potential intruders. A dependable and effective method of perimeter monitoring is provided by fiber optic sensors, which can cover wide areas.

Oil and Gas Pipelines: Fiber optic sensors can be used to detect intrusions, theft, or damage to pipelines. The sensors can detect any attempt to tamper with the pipeline or fence, ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure.

Critical Infrastructure: Facilities such as power plants, data centers, and research laboratories require high-security measures to protect valuable assets. Fiber optic sensors provide a scalable and reliable solution for securing these facilities.

Prisons: Fiber optic sensors are used in securing the perimeter of prisons, providing real-time monitoring of the surrounding fence and detecting escape attempts or breaches.

Conclusion

Fiber optic sensors are revolutionizing perimeter intrusion detection systems with high sensitivity, long-range detection, and immunity to environmental factors. They enable accurate, real-time monitoring of perimeters, quickly detecting unauthorized access. As fiber optic technology advances, these sensors are becoming essential in securing critical infrastructure and high-risk areas, offering reliable, cost-effective protection against intrusions and threats.

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