Four possible issues and precautions for using optical modules

As the core component of optical communication systems, optical modules integrate precise optical and circuit components inside, making them highly sensitive to the reception and transmission of optical signals. This article introduces the problems that optical modules may encounter during use, as well as the precautions we should pay attention to, in order to increase the service life of optical modules and improve their performance.

1. Optical port pollution/damage

Optical port pollution can lead to attenuation of optical signals, resulting in signal distortion and an increase in bit error rate, which affects the transmission performance of optical modules, especially long-distance transmission optical modules, which are more susceptible to the impact of optical port pollution.

There are two main reasons for optical port pollution:

①The optical interface is exposed to air for a long time. - The optical interface of the optical module must be kept clean. If exposed to the air for a long time, there will be a large amount of dust into the optical module, blocking the optical port, thus affecting the normal transmission of optical signals;

②Use inferior optical fiber jumpers - The use of inferior optical fiber jumpers may damage the components inside the optical port. The optical interface of the optical module may be contaminated during insertion and removal.

Therefore, it is necessary to do a good job of dust prevention and use high-quality jumpers!

2. ESD（Electro-Static discharge）damage

Static electricity is an objective natural phenomenon, produced in many ways, such as contact, friction, induction between electrical appliances, etc. Static electricity is characterized by long-term accumulation, high voltage, low electricity, small current and short acting time.

ESD damage to optical modules:

①ESD static electricity will absorb dust, it can change the impedance between the lines, affecting the performance and life of the optical module;

②The heat generated by the instantaneous electric field or current of ESD will damage the components, and the short-term optical module can still work, but it will still affect its life;

③ESD damages the insulation or conductor of the component and completely damages the optical module.

Static electricity can be said to be ubiquitous in our daily lives, and we carry high electrostatic voltages on and around us, ranging from several thousand volts to tens of thousands of volts. I may not normally experience that the static electricity generated by walking on synthetic carpets is about 35000 volts, while reading plastic manuals is about 7000 volts. For some sensitive instruments, this voltage can be a fatal hazard! Therefore, anti-static protection measures (such as anti-static bags, anti-static wristbands, anti-static gloves, anti-static finger covers, anti-static clothes, anti-static sleeves, etc.) must be taken when storing/transporting/using the optical module, and direct contact with the optical module is strictly prohibited!

3.Goldfinger Injury

A gold finger is a connector for inserting and removing an optical module. All signals of an optical module need to be transmitted by a gold finger. However, the golden finger is exposed in the external environment for a long time, and it is easy to cause damage to the golden finger if the optical module is not used properly.

Therefore, in order to protect Goldfinger, please pay attention to the following two points:

①Do not remove the protective cover during transportation and storage of the optical module.

②Do not touch the golden finger of the optical module and handle it gently to prevent the optical module from being pressed or bumped. If the optical module is bumped accidentally, do not use the optical module again.

4.The long-distance optical module is not used properly

As is well known, when using optical modules, we must ensure that the actual received optical power is less than the overload optical power. Due to the fact that the transmitting optical power of long-distance optical modules is generally greater than the overload optical power, if the fiber length is short, it is highly likely to burn out the optical module.

Therefore, we must adhere to the following two points:

①When using the optical module, please read its relevant information first and do not immediately connect the fiber optic;

②Do not perform a loop back test on a long-distance optical module under any circumstances. If you must perform a loop back test, use it with an optical fiber attenuator.

Sandao Technology provides optical interconnection solutions such as data centers and enterprise networks. If you need to purchase data center products or consult more related questions, please send your request to https://www.ec3dao.com/, and we will respond to your message promptly. Thank you for your support and trust!