Definition and characteristics of industrial-grade optical modules and commercial-grade optical modules
Optical modules can be divided into industrial-grade optical modules and commercial-grade optical modules according to different operating temperatures. At present, the commonly used optical modules on the market are mainly commercial-grade optical modules, so most people do not know much about industrial-grade optical modules. As the name implies, industrial-grade optical modules are optical modules used in industrial environments. They are generally used in harsh environments with big temperature differences, and have the advantages of strong durability and applicability. Commercial-grade optical modules are usually used in environments where the indoor temperature is relatively stable. It is currently the most common and widely used optical modules on the market.
The difference between industrial-grade optical modules and commercial-grade optical modules
Operating temperature
The operating temperature range of industrial optical modules is between -40°C and 85°C, and the operating temperature range of commercial optical modules is between 0°C and 70°C.
Application Environment
Industrial-grade optical modules are generally used in industrial environments such as tunnels, factories, and power stations; commercial-grade optical modules are generally used in network environments such as data centers, computer rooms, and enterprise networks.
Test method
Industrial-grade optical modules need high and low temperature aging tests to ensure that the optical modules can work normally and stably at temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. The working temperature of commercial-grade optical modules is between 0°C and 70°C, so there is no need to withstand extreme temperatures, and only need to carry out aging tests at normal temperature.
Physical cooling
Since the industrial-grade optical module will work at a high temperature of 85°C, heat dissipation silica gel must be used to dissipate the heat generated by the laser to achieve the effect of physical cooling and avoid damage to the optical module caused by excessive temperature. Commercial-grade optical modules do not require this cooling method.
Temperature compensation
In order to ensure that the industrial-grade optical module can operate normally in sub-zero low temperature, it needs to be temperature compensated so that the optical module can obtain a continuous current supply so that its performance will not be affected. However, the minimum withstand temperature of commercial-grade optical modules is above zero, so no temperature compensation is required.
Price
Due to the physical cooling and temperature compensation of the industrial-grade optical module, its raw material cost and manufacturing cost increase. Therefore, in the case of the same parameters such as transmission rate and wavelength, the price of industrial-grade optical modules is more expensive than that of commercial-grade optical modules.
How to choose industrial-grade optical modules and commercial-grade optical modules
The operating temperature range of industrial-grade optical modules is wider than that of commercial-grade optical modules, and the performance is more stable. Therefore, in outdoor environments with large temperature differences, such as tunnels, industrial-grade optical modules must be selected, because compared with commercial-grade optical modules, their safety and reliability are higher. In an indoor environment with relatively stable temperature difference, such as a computer room, industrial-grade optical modules and commercial-grade optical modules both can meet actual application requirements, but considering the wiring cost, better choose commercial-grade optical modules.
Frequently Asked Questions About industrial-grade optical modules
Q: Can industrial-grade optical modules be used as commercial-grade optical modules?
A: The operating temperature of commercial-grade optical modules is 0°C~70°C, while the operating temperature of industrial-grade optical modules is -40°C~85°C, which is wider than the operating temperature range of commercial-grade optical modules, and it can work normally in outdoor environments. Therefore, the industrial-grade optical module can be used as a commercial-grade optical module, and the operation is more stable and reliable.
Q: How to use the industrial-grade optical modules?
A: Industrial-grade optical modules are generally used with industrial-grade network equipment, such as industrial-grade Ethernet switches, etc. The specific connection scheme is similar to that of commercial-grade optical modules.
Q: What are the precautions for using industrial-grade optical modules?
A: Before installing industrial-grade optical modules, the port of the optical module needs to be cleaned to keep the port clean and free of pollution. During installation, anti-static gloves or anti-static wristbands should be worn, handled with care, and installed horizontally.