Optical module technology, types and selection

一、 Technical overview of optical modules

Optical module, also known as optical transceiver integrated module, is the core component in optical fiber communication system. They realize the conversion between optical signals and electrical signals, allowing data to be transmitted at high speed and long distances through optical fiber networks. Optical modules are composed of optoelectronic devices, circuits, and casings, and have the characteristics of high speed, low power consumption, and high reliability. In modern communication networks, optical modules have become a key component to achieve high-speed data transmission and are widely used in data centers, cloud computing, metropolitan area networks, backbone networks and other fields. The working principle of the optical module is to convert electrical signals into optical signals, transmit them through optical fibers, and convert the optical signals into electrical signals at the receiving end. Specifically, the transmitting end converts the data signal into an optical signal and transmits it to the receiving end through optical fiber, and the receiving end then restores the optical signal to a data signal. In this process, the optical module realizes parallel transmission and long-distance transmission of data.

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1.25Gbps 1310/1550nm 20km LC BIDI DDM SFP Module

(Transceiver)

CT-B35(53)12-20DC

二、 Types of optical modules

1.Classification by speed:

According to the speed, there are 155M/622M/1.25G/2.125G/4.25G/8G/10G. 155M and 1.25G are mostly used in the market. The technology of 10G is gradually maturing, and the demand is developing in an upward trend.

2.Classification by wavelength:

According to the wavelength, it is divided into 850nm/1310nm/1550nm/1490nm/1530nm/1610nm. The wavelength of 850nm is SFP multi-mode, and the transmission distance is less than 2KM. The wavelength of 1310/1550nm is single mode, and the transmission distance is more than 2KM.

3.Classification by mode:

1Multimode: Almost all multimode fiber sizes are 50/125um or 62.5/125um, and the bandwidth (the amount of information transmitted by the fiber) is usually 200MHz to 2GHz. Multimode optical transceivers can transmit up to 5 kilometers through Multimode optical fibers.

2Single-mode: The size of single-mode fiber is 9-10/125μm, and it has unlimited bandwidth and lower loss than multi-mode fiber. Single-mode optical transceivers are mostly used for long-distance transmission, sometimes up to 150 to 200 kilometers. 

三、 Technical parameters and performance indicators

When selecting and using optical modules, you need to consider the following technical parameters and performance indicators:

1. Insertion loss: Insertion loss refers to the loss of optical signals during transmission and should be as small as possible to ensure signal quality.

2. Return loss: Return loss refers to the reflection loss of optical signals during transmission. Excessive return loss will affect the signal quality.

3. Polarization mode dispersion: Polarization mode dispersion refers to the dispersion caused by the different group velocities of optical signals in different polarization states. It should be as small as possible to ensure signal quality.

4. Extinction ratio: The extinction ratio refers to the power difference between the high level and the low level of the optical signal. It should be as small as possible to ensure signal quality.

5. Digital diagnostic monitoring (DDM): The digital diagnostic monitoring function can monitor the working status and performance parameters of the module in real time to facilitate troubleshooting and performance optimization.

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四、Precautions for selection and use

When selecting and using optical modules, you need to pay attention to the following factors:

1. Optical fiber specifications: Modules that match the actual optical fiber used should be selected to ensure the best transmission effect.

2. Docking method: The module should be selected to match the actual device interface to ensure correct docking and stable transmission.

3. Compatibility: Modules that are compatible with the actual device should be selected to ensure good compatibility and stability.

4. Environmental factors: The impact of environmental factors such as temperature and humidity in the actual use environment on module performance should be considered.

5. Maintenance and maintenance: The module should be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure its long-term stable operation.


Post time: Jan-12-2024

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