What is the primary function of an emitter in a fiber optic system?

The primary function of an emitter in a fiber optic system is to convert electrical signals into optical signals, allowing data to be transmitted through the fiber optic cable. This process involves the use of a light source, such as a laser or LED, which takes electrical information and emits corresponding light pulses. This is critical for the effective operation of fiber optic communication systems, as it is the emitter that initiates the signal transmission process by generating the light that carries the information through the fiber.

In the context of the other choices, connecting sections of fiber optic cable (as mentioned in the first option) is typically the role of connectors and splicing equipment rather than the emitter itself. Generating electrical signals refers more to the initial creation of data in electronic devices prior to being converted to optical signals. Transmitting signals over long distances describes the overall capability of fiber optics as a medium, but again, it does not specifically pertain to what the emitter does; rather, it relates to the entire fiber optic system's properties once signals have been converted and transmitted.