SFPs
The small form-factor pluggable (SFP) is a compact optical transceiver used in optical communications for both tele and data communication applications. It interfaces between a network device and a fiber optic or copper (UTP or miniature coax) networking cable.
SFP transceivers are available with a variety of different transmitter and receiver types. The users can select the appropriate transceiver for each link to provide the required optical reach over the available optical fiber type. Optical SFP modules are available in different categories: 850 nm, 1310 nm, 1550 nm, for Ethernet or SDH/SONET applications. SFP transceivers are also available with an electrical interface, allowing a host device designed primarily for optical fiber communications to also communicate over UTP and miniature coax cables. There are also CWDM and single fiber WDM (1310/1490, 1490/1570 and 1310/1550 nm) SFPs.
MSA-Compliance
RAD's SFP transceivers are fully compliant with the Multisource Agreement (MSA) specifications, and are fully interoperable with third-party standard-based devices. The SFP Transceivers data sheet details all SFPs offered by RAD, with their technical specifications and sample applications.
SFP Transceivers, Miniature Interface Converters and Remote Bridges
Along with the regular SFPs, RAD offers miniature interface converters, such as SFP-E1T1/FE, SFP-E1T1/GbE. These converters are identical in their functionality to RAD’s miniature remote bridges such as MiRICi-E1T1 and MiRICi-E3T3. The only difference is that the converters are designed to work with RAD products only, while the remote bridges can be used in any compatible device.
An optional configuration adapter (SFP-CA) is available for connecting the miniature remote bridges to a PC via a USB 2.0 port. The configuration adapter is used for the preliminary configuration or software download to the units.
Original RAD SFPs
It is strongly recommended to order RAD devices with original RAD SFPs installed. This will ensure that prior to shipping, RAD has performed comprehensive functional quality tests on the entire assembled unit, including the SFPs. RAD cannot guarantee full compliance to product specifications for units using non-RAD SFPs.
For additional information on RAD SFPs and to request additional interoperability tests, click here.
Compatibility
RAD’s SFP and XFP transceivers can be used in host devices with the following interfaces:
Fast Ethernet/STM-1 SFPs – FE or STM-1/OC-3 ports
STM-4 SFPs – STM-4/OC-12 ports
Gigabit Ethernet SFPs – GbE ports/Fibre Channel
XFPs – 10GbE ports.
The actual data transmission rate depends on the SFP type. Internal and external calibration (DDM) is available only if the host device supports DDM functionality. Otherwise, no statistical data provided by the SFPs/XFPs can be displayed by the host. Industrially-hardened SFP/XFP transceivers are intended for use with temperature-hardened versions of RAD devices designed to withstand more extreme temperatures.
