Selection and use of optical modules

The optical module is composed of optoelectronic devices, functional circuits, and optical interfaces. Optoelectronic devices include two parts: transmitting and receiving. The optical module can convert the electrical signal into an optical signal at the transmitting end through photoelectric conversion, and then transmit it through the optical fiber, and then convert the optical signal into an electrical signal at the receiving end. Any optical module has two functions of transmitting and receiving, and performs photoelectric conversion and electro-optical conversion. In this way, the optical module cannot be separated from the devices at both ends of the network. There are often tens of thousands of devices in a data center. To realize the interconnection of these devices, optical modules are indispensable. Today, optical modules have become a market segment for data centers.

Selection of optical modules

With the expansion of optical modules, more and more customers are paying attention to the characteristics of the stability and reliability of the modules themselves. There are three types of popular optical modules on the market: original optical modules, used optical modules, and compatible optical modules. As we all know, the price of the original optical module is very high, many manufacturers can only stay away. As for second-hand optical modules, although the price is relatively low, the quality is not guaranteed, and packet loss often occurs after half a year of use. Therefore, many manufacturers have turned their attention to compatible optical modules. Indeed, the compatible optical module has almost the same performance as the original optical module in use, and it is several times cheaper than the original optical module, which is why the compatible optical module can be hot. However, the goods on the market are not the same, and many merchants have a good charge and mixed fish, which has caused some difficulties in the selection of optical modules. The following is a detailed discussion of the selection of optical modules.

First of all, how do we distinguish between new optical modules and second-hand optical modules? We mentioned above that second-hand optical modules often lose packets after half a year of use, which is caused by unstable optical power and reduced optical sensitivity. If we have an optical power meter, we can take it out and test it to see if its optical power is consistent with the parameters in the data sheet. If the access is too large, it is a used optical module.

Then observe the use of the optical module after sale. The service life of a normal optical module is 5 years. In the first year, it is difficult to see the quality of the optical module, but it can be seen in the second or third year of its use.

Secondly, look at the compatibility between the optical module and the device. Before purchasing, consumers need to communicate with the supplier and tell them which brand of equipment they need to use.

Finally, we also need to look at the temperature adaptability of the optical module. The temperature of the optical module itself is not high during operation, but its general working environment is in the computer room or on the switch. If the temperature is too high or too low, it will affect its optical power and optical sensitivity.Generally, the temperature range of the optical module used is 0 ~ 70 ° C. If it is in an extremely cold or hot environment, an industrial-grade -40 ~ 85 ° C optical module is required.

Use of optical modules

If you find that the function of the optical module fails during use, don’t worry first, you should carefully check and analyze the specific cause. There are mainly two types of functional failures of optical modules, namely the failure of the transmitting end and the failure of the receiving end. The most common reasons are as follows:

The optical port of the optical module is exposed to the environment. The optical port is contaminated by dust.

The end face of the used optical fiber connector is polluted, and the optical port of the optical module is contaminated twice.

The end face of the optical connector with pigtail is not used properly, and the end face is scratched;

Use inferior fiber optic connectors.

Therefore, after purchasing the optical module normally, pay attention to the cleaning and protection of the optical module in normal use. After using it normally, it is recommended to put a dust plug when not in use. Because if the optical contact is not clean, it may affect the signal quality, which may cause LINK problems and bit error problems.