Fiber Optics – Transceiver Modules
1. What are Fiber Optic Transceiver Modules?
An optical transceiver module is a device that realizes the bidirectional conversion of optical-electrical/electrical-optical signals. It consists of optoelectronics devices (transmitters and receivers), functional circuits, and optical interfaces.
Transmitter: Converts the electrical signal generated by the device into an optical signal and transmits it through optical fiber;
Receiver: Restores the received optical signal to an electrical signal for the device to process.
Its core value lies in improving signal transmission rate, extending transmission distance, and enhancing anti-interference ability.
2.What are the Key Components of Fiber Optic Transceiver Modules?
The optical module mainly includes the following components:
Transmitter assembly (TOSA): Uses semiconductor laser (LD) or light-emitting diode (LED) to generate optical signals and adjusts the optical power through the driving circuit.
Receiver assembly (ROSA): Uses photodiode (PIN or APD) to convert optical signals into electrical signals and outputs them after processing by the preamplifier.
Optical interface: Physical connection components that adapt to different types of optical fibers (single mode/multimode).
3. How do Fiber Optic Transceiver Modules Work?
Sending process: input electrical signal → driver chip processing → laser/light-emitting diode modulates optical signal → optical fiber transmission.
Receiving process: optical fiber inputs optical signal → photodiode converts to electrical signal → amplifies and shapes → outputs to the device.
Some modules support single-fiber bidirectional transmission (BiDi), which distinguishes the receiving and sending signals by wavelength and saves optical fiber resources.
4. What are Fiber Optic Transceiver Modules Used for?
Optical transceiver modules are widely used in the following fields:
Data Center: high-bandwidth, low-latency server and switch interconnection.
Communication Network: long-distance signal transmission of 5G base stations, backbone networks, and metropolitan area networks.
Industry and Security: video surveillance, industrial control, and other scenarios with high anti-interference requirements.
5. What are the Technical Parameters of Fiber Optic Transceiver Modules?
Key parameters include:
Packaging type: SFP, QSFP, CFP, etc., adapted to different device interfaces.
Transmission rate: Covering 10Gbps to 400Gbps, 800G modules are gradually commercialized.
Wavelength and distance: Single-mode (1310/1550nm, transmission distance up to 100 kilometers) and multimode (850nm, short distance).
Power consumption and compatibility: Low power consumption design and matching with fiber type (such as OM3/OM4 multimode fiber).
6. Development Trend of Fiber Optic Transceiver Modules
High rate and integration: Silicon photonics (SiPh) and co-packaged optics (CPO) promote the evolution of modules to 800G/1.6T.
Intelligence and pluggability: Support digital diagnostics (DDM) function, and real-time monitoring of optical power and temperature.
Green energy saving: Optimize circuit design to reduce power consumption and adapt to the sustainable development needs of data centers.
7. Fiber Optic Transceiver Modules FAQs
1) How can the compatibility of fiber optic transceiver modules be ensured?
The wavelength and fiber type of the devices at both ends need to be matched (e.g., short-wave modules with multimode fiber, and long-wave modules with single-mode fiber).
Some manufacturers provide “fully compatible” modules, which are strictly tested to ensure compatibility with mainstream devices.
2) What should be noted when using fiber optic transceiver modules?
Avoid excessive bending or looping of the fiber to reduce signal attenuation.
The connectors need to be kept clean to prevent dust/oil from affecting signal coupling.
When not in use for a long time, the interface needs to be covered with a protective cover.
3) What are the common causes of failure of fiber optic transceiver modules?
Environmental factors: dust pollution, physical damage (e.g., fiber breakage).
Configuration errors: wavelength/fiber type mismatch, interface misalignment.
Hardware aging: laser power reduction or circuit failure.
4) How do you choose the right fiber optic transceiver modules?
Transmission distance and rate: Select the transmission distance (short distance/long distance) and rate (1G/10G/25G, etc.) supported by the module according to network requirements.
Fiber type: Single-mode fiber is suitable for long distances, and multimode fiber is suitable for short distances.
Compatibility: Confirm the interface type (such as SFP, QSFP) and protocol matching between the module and the device.
5) What are the certification standards for fiber optic transceiver modules?
Common certifications include CE, RoHS, ISO, etc. to ensure that the product meets environmental and safety requirements.
Some manufacturers provide industry compatibility certification (such as Cisco and Huawei).
6) What are the application scenarios of fiber optic transceiver modules with different rates?
1G/10G module: Applicable to enterprise LAN and data center access layer.
25G/40G/100G modules: used in high-speed scenarios such as cloud computing and high-performance computing.
400G modules: for ultra-large-scale data centers and AI networks.
7) How to extend the service life of fiber optic transceiver modules?
Environmental control: avoid high temperature and high humidity environments and ensure good heat dissipation.
Regular maintenance: clean the optical interface and check whether the fiber bending radius meets the standard.