What is the primary function of a fiber-optic transmitter?

The primary function of a fiber-optic transmitter is to convert electrical signals into optical signals. This process is essential for the transmission of data over fiber optic cables, as the information must be in the form of light pulses to travel along these fibers effectively.

When an electrical signal, which typically represents data, reaches the transmitter, it is modulated and transformed by a light source, usually a laser or light-emitting diode (LED). This conversion allows the data to travel long distances with low loss and high bandwidth, which are key advantages of using fiber optics over traditional copper wiring.

In the context of fiber optic communication, this role of the transmitter is crucial as it initiates the process of signal transmission. Without this conversion, the subsequent components, such as fiber optic cables and receivers, would not function effectively.