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How Is An Optical Module (SFP)

An SFP (small form-factor pluggable) module is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver that connects a network device to a fiber optic or copper cable. It supports standards like Ethernet, SONET, and Fiber Channel. SFPs come in different types optimized for multi-mode or single-mode fiber over various distances. The SFP module contains a PCB that electrically connects to the host system and transmits/receives optical signals over fiber.

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156 views3 pages

How Is An Optical Module (SFP)

An SFP (small form-factor pluggable) module is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver that connects a network device to a fiber optic or copper cable. It supports standards like Ethernet, SONET, and Fiber Channel. SFPs come in different types optimized for multi-mode or single-mode fiber over various distances. The SFP module contains a PCB that electrically connects to the host system and transmits/receives optical signals over fiber.

Uploaded by

Marcelo Haag
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How is an optical module (SFP)

The small form-factor pluggable (SFP) is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver used for
both telecommunication and data communications applications. The form factor and electrical
interface are specified by a multi-source agreement (MSA). It interfaces a network
device motherboard (for a switch, router, media converter or similar device) to a fiber
optic or copper networking cable. It is a popular industry format jointly developed and supported
by many network component vendors.[1] SFP transceivers are designed to
support SONET, gigabit Ethernet, Fiber Channel, and other communications standards. Due to
its smaller size, SFP obsolesces the formerly ubiquitous gigabit interface converter (GBIC); the
SFP is sometimes referred to as aMini-GBIC although no device with this name has ever been
defined in the MSAs.

SFP FRONT

Types
SFP transceivers are available with a variety of transmitter and receiver types, allowing users to
select the appropriate transceiver for each link to provide the required optical reach over the
available optical fiber type (e.g. multi-mode fiber or single-mode fiber). Optical SFP modules are
commonly available in several different categories:

 for multi-mode fiber, with black or beige[1] extraction lever


 SX - 850 nm, for a maximum of 550 m at 1.25 Gbit/s (gigabit Ethernet) or 150m at
4.25 Gbit/s (Fiber Channel)[2]
 for single-mode fiber, with blue[1] extraction lever
 LX - 1310 nm, for distances up to 10 km
 EX - 1310 nm, for distances up to 40 km [3]
 ZX - 1550 nm, for distances up to 80 km, with green extraction lever (see GLC-ZX-
SM1) [4][5]
 EZX - 1550 nm, for distances up to 160 km [6]
 BX - 1490 nm/1310 nm, Single Fiber Bi-Directional Gigabit SFP Transceivers, paired
as BS-U and BS-D for Uplink and Downlink respectively, also for distances up to
10 km.[7][8] Variations of bidirectional SFPs are also manufactured which use 1550 nm in
one direction.
 1550 nm 40 km (XD), 80 km (ZX), 120 km (EX or EZX)
 SFSW – Single Fiber Single Wavelength transceivers, for bi-directional traffic on a
single fiber. Coupled with CWDM, these double the traffic density of fiber links. [9][10]
 CWDM and DWDM transceivers at various wavelengths achieving various maximum
distances
 for copper twisted pair cabling
 1000BASE-T - these modules incorporate significant interface circuitry[11] and can only
be used for gigabit Ethernet, as that is the interface they implement. They are not
compatible with (or rather: do not have equivalents for) channel or SONET.

Signals
The SFP transceiver contains a PCB that mates with the SFP electrical connector in the host
system.

SFP pin-out[1]

Pin Name Function

1 VeeT Transmitter ground

2 TxFault Transmitter fault indication

3 TxDisable Optical output disabled when high

MOD-
4 Data for serial ID interface
DEF(2)

MOD-
5 Clock for serial ID interface
DEF(1)

MOD-
6 Grounded by the module to indicate module presence
DEF(0)

7 RateSelect Low selects reduced bandwidth


When high, indicates received optical power below worst-case receiver
8 LOS
sensitivity

9 VeeR Receiver ground

10 VeeR Receiver ground

11 VeeR Receiver ground

12 RD- Inverted received data

13 RD+ Received data

14 VeeR Receiver ground

15 VccR Receiver power (3.3 V)

16 VccT Transmitter power (3.3 V)

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