Fiber Optics and CRT Based Marine System Follow-Up

Fiber Optic utilization in the Marine Industry for reliable serial data transmission is successfully in operation today. Initial utilization of CRT monitors indicate that Electro-Magnetic Interference potential problems can be more severe on shipboard than land-based due to the high density of equipment. Proper initial design and space allowances on the most susceptible part of the CRT can likely make EMI shielding easier on future installation. CRT software systems should be operating system software only with future expansion capability designed into the system initially. Future projects may desire to take advantage of existing capabilities of micro-processor based technology such as trending, field modifiable graphics, historical alarm and data logging, and hard copy color plots of CRT screens. Special requirements for CRT-based control or monitoring systems in the marine industry include the use of Uninterruptable Power Sources (UPS) in order to provide 120 VAC to drive CRT's, ABS certification on the UPS and CRT monitoring systems and EMI certification for special naval vessels.