40GBASE ER4

40Gb/s QSFP+ ER4 Optical Transceiver

40GBASE ER4 is a parallel 40Gb/s Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP+) optical module and designed for 40km optical communication applications. The module converts 4 inputs channels (ch) of 10Gb/s electrical data to 4 CWDM optical signals, and multiplexes them into a single channel for 40Gb/s optical transmission. Reversely, on the receiver side, the module optically de-multiplexes a 40Gb/s input into 4 CWDM channels signals, and converts them to 4 channel output electrical data. 

The central wavelengths of the 4 CWDM channels are 1271, 1291, 1311 and 1331 nm as members of the CWDM wavelength grid defined in ITU-T G694.2. It contains a duplex LC connector for the optical interface and a 38-pin connector for the electrical interface. To minimize the optical dispersion in the long-haul system, single-mode fiber (SMF) has to be applied in this module. 

The module operates by a single +3.3V power supply. LVCMOS/LVTTL global control signals, such as Module Present, Reset, Interrupt and Low Power Mode, are available with the modules. A 2-wire serial interface is available to send and receive more complex control signals, and to receive digital diagnostic information. Individual channels can be addressed and unused channels can be shut down for maximum design flexibility. 

The product is designed with form factor, optical/electrical connection and digital diagnostic interface according to the QSFP+ Multi-Source Agreement (MSA). It has been designed to meet the harshest external operating conditions including temperature, humidity and EMI interference. The module offers very high functionality and feature integration, accessible via a two-wire serial interface.

 

Item Spotlights

● Max. Power Consumption 3.5W

● Tested in Targeted Switches for Superior Performance, Quality, and Reliability

● High-Speed Electrical Interface Compliant to IEEE 802.3ba

● Compliant to SFF-8436 and QSFP MSA

● BOX - Support Real-time Configuration

● Hot Pluggable QSFP+ Form Factor

● Class 1 FDA Laser Safety and RoHS Compliant

● Digital Optical Monitoring Capability for Strong Diagnostic Capabilities

 

Description

Compatible	40GBASE ER4	Vendor Name	FB-LINK
Form Factor	QSFP+	Max Data Rate	44.6Gbps
Wavelength	1310nm	Max Cable Distance	40km
Connector	Duplex LC	Media	SMF
Transmitter Type	DFB CWDM	Receiver Type	APD
TX Power	-2.7~4.5dBm	Receiver Sensitivity	＜-21dBm
Powerbudget	18.5dB	Receiver Overload	-4.5dBm
Power Consumption	≤3.5W	Extinction Ratio	＞5.5dB
DDM/DOM	Supported	Commercial Temperature Range	0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F)
Host FEC	Supported	Bit Error Ratio(BER)	1E-12
Protocols	OTN OTU3, 40G Ethernet, Infiniband, SATA/SAS3, MSA Compliant	Warranty	3 Years

 

Product compatibility

The 40GBASE QSFP+series products produced by FB-LINK are compatible with the following switches:

 

The evolution of network infrastructure has driven unprecedented demand for high-performance connectivity solutions. As data centers expand and enterprise networks require greater bandwidth, optical transceivers have become the backbone of modern telecommunications. These sophisticated devices enable seamless data transmission across vast distances while maintaining signal integrity and reliability.

The Role of Optical Transceivers in Modern Networks

Optical transceivers serve as critical interface components that bridge electrical and optical domains in network equipment. By converting electrical signals into optical pulses and vice versa, these modules facilitate high-speed data transmission through fiber optic cables. The FB-LINK 40GBASE ER4 QSFP+ module represents a prime example of advanced optical transceiver technology designed for extended-reach applications.

This particular solution leverages wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) technology to achieve 40Gb/s throughput over single-mode fiber. By utilizing four distinct CWDM channels at 1271nm, 1291nm, 1311nm, and 1331nm wavelengths, the module efficiently multiplexes four 10Gb/s streams into a unified 40Gb/s signal. This architecture optimizes bandwidth utilization while enabling transmission distances up to 40 kilometers without signal regeneration.

Technical Architecture and Performance Characteristics

The engineering behind high-performance optical transceivers involves careful consideration of multiple factors. The FB-LINK module employs distributed feedback (DFB) lasers for transmission and avalanche photodiode (APD) receivers for signal detection. This combination delivers exceptional sensitivity and reach, with receiver sensitivity rated at better than -21dBm and an impressive 18.5dB power budget.

Power efficiency remains a crucial consideration for data center operators managing thousands of network ports. With maximum power consumption capped at 3.5W, this optical transceiver maintains thermal efficiency while supporting hot-swappable deployment. The 38-pin electrical interface complies with IEEE 802.3ba standards, ensuring broad compatibility across switching platforms.

Digital diagnostic monitoring (DDM) capabilities provide real-time visibility into operational parameters including temperature, voltage, bias current, transmitted power, and received power. This functionality enables proactive maintenance strategies and helps network administrators identify potential issues before they impact service availability.

Deployment Considerations for Extended-Reach Applications

Extended-reach optical transceivers address specific use cases where standard short-range modules prove inadequate. Campus networks spanning multiple buildings, metropolitan area networks (MANs), and inter-data center connectivity all benefit from 40km transmission capability. The use of single-mode fiber minimizes chromatic dispersion effects that would otherwise degrade signal quality over such distances.

Environmental resilience distinguishes enterprise-grade optical transceivers from consumer alternatives. The FB-LINK solution operates reliably across commercial temperature ranges from 0°C to 70°C, withstanding the thermal variations common in network closets and data center environments. EMI shielding and robust mechanical construction ensure consistent performance even in electrically noisy industrial settings.

Compliance with industry standards guarantees interoperability across multi-vendor environments. The module adheres to QSFP+ MSA specifications and SFF-8436 management interface standards, enabling plug-and-play deployment in compatible switches from major networking vendors. This standardization reduces integration complexity and procurement costs.

Protocol Support and Application Flexibility

Modern optical transceivers must accommodate diverse protocol requirements across different network segments. The 40GBASE ER4 module supports multiple protocols including 40G Ethernet, OTN OTU3, InfiniBand, and high-speed storage interfaces like SATA/SAS3. This versatility allows network architects to deploy a single transceiver type across heterogeneous infrastructure.

Forward error correction (FEC) support enhances link reliability by detecting and correcting bit errors introduced during transmission. With bit error ratio (BER) performance of 1E-12, the module maintains data integrity even under challenging link conditions. Individual channel control through the two-wire serial interface enables selective activation, reducing power consumption when full bandwidth isn't required.

The duplex LC connector interface has become the de facto standard for enterprise fiber connectivity, simplifying cable management and enabling high port density. Class 1 laser safety certification ensures compliance with occupational safety regulations while RoHS compliance addresses environmental concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes ER4 optical transceivers from other 40G modules?

ER4 modules specialize in extended reach applications up to 40 kilometers using single-mode fiber and CWDM wavelengths. Standard SR4 modules operate over multimode fiber for distances under 150 meters, while LR4 modules bridge the gap with 10km reach. The choice depends on specific distance requirements and existing fiber infrastructure.

How do optical transceivers handle channel multiplexing?

The module integrates a multiplexer that combines four separate 10Gb/s optical signals at different wavelengths into a single fiber strand. A corresponding demultiplexer on the receiving end separates these wavelengths back into individual channels. This approach maximizes fiber utilization without requiring multiple fiber pairs.

Can I mix different transceiver vendors in the same network?

Industry-standard optical transceivers following MSA specifications should interoperate regardless of manufacturer. However, some switch vendors implement proprietary coding or validation that restricts third-party module usage. Testing compatibility in your specific environment before large-scale deployment is recommended.

What maintenance do optical transceivers require?

These devices are largely maintenance-free but benefit from periodic inspection. Keep connector end-faces clean using appropriate fiber cleaning tools, monitor DDM parameters for performance degradation, and ensure adequate cooling airflow in high-density installations. Replace modules proactively when diagnostic data indicates declining performance.

How does digital diagnostic monitoring improve network operations?

DDM provides real-time telemetry that enables predictive maintenance strategies. By tracking transmit power, receive power, and other parameters over time, network administrators can identify degrading links before complete failure occurs. This visibility reduces mean time to repair (MTTR) and improves overall network availability.

What determines the maximum transmission distance?

Distance limitations result from optical power budget, chromatic dispersion, and fiber attenuation. The 18.5dB power budget accommodates 40km of standard single-mode fiber with typical 0.35dB/km attenuation plus connector losses. Higher-quality fiber or inline amplification can extend reach beyond standard specifications.

Are these modules compatible with existing 10G infrastructure?

While using the same fiber type, 40G optical transceivers require compatible 40G switch ports. The electrical interface, form factor, and lane configuration differ fundamentally from 10G modules. Upgrading to 40G requires switch hardware supporting QSFP+ interfaces and appropriate bandwidth capacity.

The advancement of optical transceiver technology continues driving network evolution, enabling higher speeds, longer distances, and improved reliability. As organizations build infrastructure for emerging applications requiring massive bandwidth, selecting appropriate optical transceivers becomes increasingly critical for long-term network scalability and performance.

 

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