Universal optical transceivers are small, yet powerful devices, which are used in fiber-optic networks to send and receive data. In fiber-optic networks, the data is transmitted in the form of optical signals over large distances and at high speeds through optical fibers. In these networks, the signal conversion of electrical to optical and vice versa is performed by SFP transceivers.  These devices receive electrical signals from routers and switches and convert them into optical signals transmitted over the fiber optic cable.

Often, these transceivers are embedded in a network or plugged into the network. Owing to their popularity, these transceivers are today available in different specifications including shapes and sizes. This difference is known as form factor and the right choice of the form factor will depend on the type of data, distance, and speed. Have you ever wondered what is included in these optical transceivers? If no then this post is for you. It discusses the internal components of optical transceivers.

Internal Components of Optical Transceivers Introduced in Detail

Optical transceivers can be easily divided into three parts – optoelectronic devices, PCBA, and external housing.

  • External Housing: This is made of metal and hosts assemblies and different components within it.
  • Optoelectronic Devices: They are the integral component of any optical transceiver module, and can be used for diverse functions. However, the same device is not used for different functions, rather different devices are used. The following are a few common optoelectronic devices used in optical transceivers.
    • TOSA: It stands for Transmit Optical Sub-Assembly, and this facilitates the quick conversion of electrical to optical signals. This assembly features several components such as optical interface, laser diode or LED, electrical interface, monitor photodiode, and plastic and metal casing. There may be additional components in these devices based on the distance, required speed, and other factors.
    • ROSA: It stands for Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly, and facilitates the transformation of optical signals from TOSA into electrical signals. The device comprises an optical interface, a photodiode (PD), an electrical interface, and metal/plastic housing.
  • PCBA: This stands for printed circuit board assembly. The PCBs carry electrical signals and comprise surface-mounted components. Various passive and active components are usually soldered onto a printed circuit board to form PCBA. By ensuring signal transmission, the PCBA contributes to the quality of the electronic equipment.

In addition to these three components, you will find fiber stub, isolator, and focusing lens.

  • Fiber Stub: The fiber cable facilitates the entry of optical signals into the transceiver. Generally, a small fiber stub is used to minimize the attenuation of signals.
  • An isolator helps separate the received and transmitted signals and significantly reduces the EMI inside the optical transceiver. The isolator is known to improve signal strength.
  • Focusing Lens: As the name suggests, this component refocuses the light entering and leaving the device and helps improve the signal strength.

Today, you can find optical transceivers at different rates and packages. For instance, 200G, 100G, 40G, 25G, 10G, and 1G SFP Module are a few popular types available for your consideration. You can choose from packages such as XFP, SFP, SFP+, QFSP+, CFP, QSFP28, and QFSP-DD. Whichever type you choose, the internal components of optical transceivers may slightly vary across them. While focusing on the rate, packages, and other factors, ensuring quality is important. This is because the quality of signal conversion and performance of the network will be affected if you choose inferior quality products. This quality can be only ensured when you source your universal optical transceivers from trusted brands like VERSITRON. The company specializes in various fiber optic products and provides universal optical transceivers in different form factors. These transceivers along with other fiber optic devices have been successfully installed in several high-performing networks across the world.