Reasons for SFP Transceiver Failure and Proper Usage Instructions

Proper utilization and attention to details are necessary to unlock the optimal performance of optical modules.

Installation Method:

• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions:

Whether indoors or outdoors, it is essential to implement ESD precautions when handling optical modules. Always wear ESD gloves or an ESD wrist strap while making contact with the optical module.

• Handling Procedure:

Strictly avoid touching the gold fingers of the optical module when handling it. Ensure a gentle and careful grip to prevent any pressure or impact on the module. If the module is accidentally bumped or impacted during handling, it is advisable not to use it further.

• Insertion and Removal Method:

When installing the optical module, apply force to insert it fully until a slight vibration or a "click" sound is felt, indicating that the module is securely locked. Close the bail latch while inserting the module. After insertion, gently tug the module to verify if it is correctly seated. If it cannot be pulled out, it indicates that the module is properly inserted.

To remove the optical module, first detach the fiber jumper, then rotate the bail latch approximately 90 degrees to disengage it from the optic port. Slowly and gently remove the module, avoiding any excessive force that could cause damage.

Preventive Measures for Optical Port Contamination:

To avoid cross-contamination of optical ports caused by contamination on the end faces of fiber jumpers, it is essential to ensure the cleanliness of the fiber jumper's end face before inserting it into the optical port. Therefore, during installation, it is necessary to use lint-free wipes to clean the end face of the fiber jumper.

If the optical module is not in use temporarily, it must be covered with a dust cap to prevent dust contamination. If there is no dust cap available, a fiber can be used as a substitute. If the optical module remains unused for an extended period without a dust cap, the optic ports must be cleaned with a cotton swab before reusing them.

Measures to Prevent Overload Optical Power:

When using an OTDR to test the continuity or attenuation of the fiber link, it is crucial to disconnect the fiber from the optical module. Failure to do so can easily result in overload of optical power and damage the optical module.

For long-distance optical modules, the input optical power generally needs to be less than -7dBm. If the input exceeds -7dBm, optical attenuators should be used to increase the attenuation. The formula is as follows: Assuming the transmitting end optical power is XdBm and the attenuation is YdB, the received optical power should satisfy X-Y<-7dBm.

Optical Port Maintenance:

When cleaning optical modules, it is essential to select lint-free swabs based on the type of optical port. Dip a lint-free swab into anhydrous alcohol and insert it into the optical port, rotating it in a consistent direction for cleaning. Next, use a dry lint-free swab to insert into the optical port and wipe in the same direction.

For cleaning the end face, use a dry lint-free swab and avoid touching it with your fingers. Ensure that each wiping action occurs in a different position to prevent repetitive cleaning in the same spot. In the case of heavily soiled connectors, moisten a lint-free swab with a moderate amount of anhydrous alcohol, ensuring not to use excessive liquid. Follow the same wiping method as mentioned before. After cleaning, switch to another dry lint-free swab for a final cleaning to ensure the dryness of the connector end face before conducting testing.

ESD Damage:

ESD phenomena are unavoidable, but prevention can be achieved through measures to prevent charge accumulation and facilitate rapid discharge:

• Maintain the ambient humidity within the range of 30-75% RH.
• Establish designated areas as ESD protected zones equipped with anti-static flooring or workbenches.
• Ground the relevant equipment to a common grounding point using parallel connections, ensuring the shortest grounding path and minimal grounding loop. Avoid series grounding and designs that rely on externally connected cables for grounding.
• Operate within dedicated ESD protected areas and prohibit the presence of unnecessary static-generating materials in the ESD work zones. Items such as non-ESD-treated plastic bags, boxes, foam, straps, notebooks, paper, personal belongings, etc., must be kept at least 30 cm away from ESD-sensitive components.
• Utilize anti-static packaging and anti-static transit boxes/carts during packaging and transportation.
• Prohibit hot plugging operations on non-hot-swappable devices while they are energized.
• Avoid directly testing ESD-sensitive pins with multimeter test probes.
• Implement ESD protective measures when handling optical modules. For example, wearing an ESD wrist strap or releasing static electricity by touching the chassis prior to contacting the optical module. Avoid contact with the pins of the optical module and focus on touching the housing.

Additional Information:

• Multi-mode optical modules cannot be used for transmission over single-mode fibers due to excessive attenuation in multi-mode fibers, primarily affecting the transmission distance.
• For single-mode optical modules with transmission distances exceeding 10 km, the received optical power at the receiving end must not exceed the saturation optical power value to prevent damage to the receiver components. It is recommended to test the received optical power before establishing the connection to determine if it meets the requirements. In cases of excessive optical power, appropriate attenuators can be used to introduce additional attenuation and meet the connection specifications.
• Single-mode optical modules with a transmission distance of 10 km can be used for transmission over multi-mode fibers, and the transmission distance is the same as that of the corresponding multi-mode optical modules on multi-mode fibers. The main factor affecting the transmission distance is dispersion rather than attenuation.