ADAT vs. TOSILINK digatal connections

I´ve used either S/PDIF or optical (Tosilink) cable connections on all my digital in/out connections?



But when the unit manual says ADAT optical connection, does this mean that the "normal" (Tosilink is here normal to me) optical cable don´t work?



I´ve read the following instruction:

"Other terms are sometimes used for technology similar to Toshiba/TOSLINK, such as ADAT Lightpipe or simply ADAT Optical. These are most often seen in the professional music/audio industry. While the ADAT Lightpipe format uses the same JIS F05 connectors as TOSLINK, the ADAT Lightpipe data format is not compatible with S/PDIF."



Now, I´m a bit confused: S/PDIF and optical alternatives I (believe) I know, but how the ADAT is realated to these two?

E.g. RME Fireface - does this mean that optical (Tosilink) won´t work in that?



Harry

ADAT vs. TOSILINK digatal connections