Fiber Optics - Receivers

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GP1FMV31RK0F

GP1FMV31RK0F

Socle Technology Corporation

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Fiber Optics - Receivers

1. Overview

Fiber optic receivers are optoelectronic devices that convert optical signals transmitted through optical fibers into electrical signals. As critical components in fiber optic communication systems, they perform photon-to-electron conversion through semiconductor materials like silicon (Si), indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), or germanium (Ge). Modern high-speed communication networks, sensing systems, and data centers rely on these devices for reliable signal detection with bandwidth capabilities extending from hundreds of MHz to 100+ Gbps.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional FeaturesApplication Examples
PIN PhotodiodeHigh linearity, low capacitance, fast response (ns range)Telecom networks, optical power meters
APD (Avalanche Photodiode)Internal gain mechanism, improved SNRLong-haul DWDM systems, LIDAR
PhototransistorHigh sensitivity, low costShort-range links, industrial sensors
Integrated ReceiverCombined detector and transimpedance amplifier400G/800G optical modules

3. Structure and Components

Typical fiber optic receiver architecture includes:

  • Optical Interface: FC/SC/LSH connectors with anti-reflective coated windows
  • Photodetector: Semiconductor chip with active area (50 m-2mm diameter)
  • Thermal Management: Heat sink or TEC (thermoelectric cooler) for stability
  • Pre-amplifier: Transimpedance amplifier (TIA) for current-to-voltage conversion
  • Electrical Interface: SMA/BNC connectors or PCB-mounted pads

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterDescriptionImportance
Responsivity0.5-1.5 A/WDetermines conversion efficiency
Bandwidth100MHz-100GHzLimits data transmission rate
Dark Current<10nAImpacts signal-to-noise ratio
Operating Wavelength850nm/1310nm/1550nmMatches fiber transmission windows
Dynamic Range-20 to -60dBmDefines signal power tolerance

5. Application Fields

Primary application domains include:

  • Telecommunications: 5G fronthaul/backhaul, DWDM networks
  • Data Centers: 400G QSFP-DD optical modules
  • Medical: Endoscopic imaging systems
  • Industrial: Optical proximity sensors
  • Aerospace: Fiber optic gyroscopes (FOG)

Case Study: 100G LR4 receiver modules in backbone networks enable 10km transmission with four 25G channels via wavelength division multiplexing.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerProduct SeriesKey Features
FinisarFTRx-100GC-band 100G coherent receiver
HamamatsuG12132-01Planar InGaAs APD array
LumentumOC5xx SeriesHigh-power photodiode modules
ThorlabsDET01CFCCompact fiber-coupled receiver

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations for component selection:

  • Match wavelength sensitivity to transmitter (850nm/1310nm/1550nm)
  • Ensure bandwidth exceeds system data rate by 20%
  • Select appropriate dynamic range for link budget
  • Evaluate temperature stability (-40 to +85 C operational range)
  • Consider form factor (TO-can, butterfly package, surface-mount)

Industry Trends Analysis

Future development shows:

  • Integration of photodetectors with CMOS circuits (SiPh)
  • Adoption of Bessel filters for 0.5THz+ bandwidth receivers
  • Cost reduction through silicon photonics mass production
  • Advancements in single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) for quantum communication
  • Miniaturization for pluggable modules (OSFP, QSFP-DD)

Market growth projections indicate 9.8% CAGR until 2027, driven by 5G and hyperscale data center expansions.

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