Hokuyo – BWF-11A | BWF-11B / BWF-17A | BWF-17B / BWF-21A | BWF-21B

Reliable Long-Distance Optical Data Transmission for Industrial Systems

The Hokuyo BWF series consists of optical data transmission devices engineered for reliable, long-distance, bidirectional communication in industrial automation, material handling, and logistics systems. These transceivers use FSK modulated optical signals over aligned light paths to transmit serial data (e.g., RS-232C/RS-422) without physical cables, eliminating wear and electromagnetic interference. Available in models supporting distances of 100 m (BWF-11A/B, BWF-17A/B) and 200 m (BWF-21A/B), the series enables robust data communication between mobile units, control cabinets, and distributed sensors. The BWF-17A/17B variants also support open network connectivity, making them suitable for CC-Link and other networked automation applications. Simple LED indicators provide power and signal status, while light reception level outputs help with alignment diagnostics.

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Specifications

Specification	BWF-11A / 11B	BWF-17A / 17B	BWF-21A / 21B
Product Type	Optical Data Transmission Device (Serial)	Optical Data Transmission Device (Serial / Open Network)	Optical Data Transmission Device (Serial)
Transmission Distance	100 m	100 m (17A/17B)	200 m
Directional Angle	±2°	±2°	±1°
Transmission Method	Full-duplex two-way transmission	Full-duplex two-way transmission	Full-duplex two-way transmission
Transmission Speed	DC to 19.2 kbps	19,200 bps	DC to 19.2 kbps
Interface	RS-232C / RS-422	RS-232C / RS-422 (BWF-17A/17B primarily)	RS-232C / RS-422
Modulation Method	FSK modulation	FSK modulation	FSK modulation
Modulation Frequency	A: Tx 5.5 MHz / Rx 6.0 MHz B: Tx 6.0 MHz / Rx 5.5 MHz	A/B types same	A/B types same
Power Source & Voltage	DC 12–24 V (10–30 VDC)	DC 24 V (18–30 VDC)	DC 12–24 V (10–30 VDC)
Current Consumption	≤150 mA @12 VDC; ≤80 mA @24 VDC	≤100 mA @24 VDC	≤150 mA @12 VDC; ≤80 mA @24 VDC
Warning / Alarm Output	Photo-coupler output when reception margin threshold met	Light reception/alarm outputs typical	Photo-coupler output when reception margin threshold met
Light-Reception Level Output	0–5 V (proportional to light reception)	0–5 V available on models	0–5 V (proportional)
Ambient Illuminance	≤20,000 lux	≤20,000 lux	≤20,000 lux
Ambient Temp / Humidity	-10 °C to +50 °C, ≤85 % RH	-10 °C to +50 °C, ≤85 % RH	-10 °C to +50 °C, ≤85 % RH
Protection Structure	IP60 (optionally IP64)	IP60 (optionally IP64)	IP60 (optionally IP64)
Weight	~0.5 kg	~0.5 kg	~0.5 kg
Typical Applications	Data transmission over long distances between aligned units	Data transmission with higher station capacity (e.g., CC-Link integration)	Extended distance optical data transmission