Japanese firms OKI Electric Cable and Japan Aviation Electronics Industry have developed an optical fibre cable with a built-in power supply function, in what they claim is the industry’s first.

The product can be developed into low-cost and compact terminal units to be used for monitors for the automotive industry and for monitoring cameras, particularly in rail cars, which requires high-speed and low-cost transmission route setting.

The cable will benefit the industry, where traditionally setting conditions for traffic systems has been limited as state-of-the-art power supplies using optical fibre were required, the company said.

The cable uses large-diameter H-PCF and Type PN connectors and is not affected by noise.

The product is scheduled for launch in April 2010.