Fiber Optics – Transmitters – Discrete
Fiber Optics – Transmitters – Discrete is mainly used to realize the conversion of electrical signals to optical signals in optical fiber communication systems. Its core function is to convert electrical signals into optical signals of specific wavelengths through semiconductor devices and transmit them efficiently through optical fibers.
1. Discrete Fiber Optic Transmitters Overview
1) Core devices
Laser diodes: As the main light source, they have high power and narrow spectrum characteristics and are suitable for long-distance communication.
Light-emitting diodes (LED): They have low cost, but limited output power and modulation speed, and are often used in short-distance transmission scenarios.
2) Discrete characteristics
Such devices usually exist in independent packages rather than integrated into optical modules, which facilitates flexible replacement and customized design.
Typical packaging forms include TO-CAN, butterfly packages, etc., which need to be used in conjunction with drive circuits to achieve stable output.
2. What are the Key Parameters of Discrete Fiber Optic Transmitters?
Such devices play a key role in optical fiber communication systems, and their performance directly affects transmission distance, bandwidth, and system reliability.
Wavelength Range
Common bands are 850nm (multimode fiber), 1310nm, and 1550nm (single-mode fiber), which meet different transmission distance requirements.
Modulation Rate
High-speed transmitters support 10Gbps to 100Gbps and above, suitable for data centers and backbone networks.
Temperature Stability
Devices with built-in thermoelectric coolers (TEC) can adjust the temperature to ensure the stability of output wavelength and power.
3. Where are Discrete Fiber Optic Transmitters Used?
Communication Infrastructure
Optical transmitters used in scenarios such as fiber to the home (FTTH), 5G base stations, and metropolitan area networks.
Industrial and Consumer Electronics
High-precision signal transmission in fiber optic sensors, medical devices (such as endoscopes), and laser radars (LiDAR).
4. Technology Development Trends of Discrete Fiber Optic Transmitters
Integration
Discrete devices are gradually transitioning to monolithic integration (such as silicon photonics technology) to improve energy efficiency and reduce packaging complexity.
Application of new materials
Compound semiconductor materials such as indium phosphide (InP) and gallium arsenide (GaAs) improve device performance and support higher modulation rates.
5. Discrete Fiber Optic Transmitters FAQs
Q1: What is the core function of discrete fiber optic transmitters?
Discrete fiber optic transmitters achieve high-speed signal transmission through electro-optical conversion. They adopt independent packaging design and can be integrated into optical modules or communication equipment. They are suitable for short-distance and high-density scenarios.
Q2: What are the main application areas of discrete fiber optic transmitters?
It is mainly used in data center interconnect (DCI), telecommunications infrastructure, metropolitan area networks, and industrial control systems that require high bandwidth and low latency.
Q3: What are the technical advantages of discrete fiber optic transmitters?
Compactness and compatibility: Support pluggable form factors (such as QSFP-DD) to meet high-density deployment requirements;
High-performance transmission: Adopt coherent technology to support DWDM and long-distance transmission (such as 80 km link);
Flexibility: Can adapt to a variety of devices through standardized interfaces (such as MSA standards).
Q4: What parameters should be considered when selecting discrete fiber optic transmitters?
Modulation technology: such as PAM-4 or coherent modulation, which affects the transmission rate and distance;
Power consumption and heat dissipation: need to match the power supply and cooling capacity of the equipment;
Fiber type: choose single-mode or multi-mode fiber according to the scenario.
Q5: What are the representative discrete fiber transmitters on the market?
Coherent pluggable module: supports 100G/400G Ethernet, suitable for telecommunications and DCI scenarios;
High-reliability transceiver: designed for harsh environments, using materials such as GaN to improve stability.
Q6: What is the role of discrete fiber transmitters in 5G networks?
Fronthaul/midhaul network: connect base stations and core networks at 25G/100G rates to reduce end-to-end latency;
Millimeter wave backhaul: cooperate with coherent technology to achieve efficient fiber carrying of millimeter wave signals and expand coverage.