Fiber-optic communications component and subsystem maker Finisar Corp of Sunnyvale, CA, USA has introduced what it says is the first 3GHz RF-modulated, wavelength-tunable optical transmitter in a small-form-factor module.
With its wide RF dynamic range, the transmitter is optimized for applications such as cellular backhaul, distributed antenna systems, and GPS signal distribution. It saves up to half the space and power consumption over existing non-tunable solutions, reckons the firm. The pluggable XFP-RF transmitter installs into Finisar’s rack-mount system that hosts up to 10 transmitters in one rack-unit, and enables network equipment providers to design these ports into existing optical platforms. The transmitter complies with the interface specifications for XFP-RF transmitters (SCTE 195 2013) published by the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE).
Optimized for dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) applications, Finisar’s new XFP-RF optical transmitter module provides wide-band wavelength tuning up to 88 different wavelengths across the entire C-band. This eliminates inventory of transmitters at fixed wavelengths and eases the provisioning of complex DWDM networks, adds the firm.
“Its pluggable small form factor and tunable wavelength capability provide increased flexibility for various applications such as backhaul for small cells and distribution of L-band satellite signals,” says Shawn Esser, director of product marketing for RF-over-Fiber products.
Samples are available now for customer evaluation. Finisar will display the wavelength-tunable 3GHz XFP-RF transmitter in booth #7138 at the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition in Washington DC (11-13 March).
