Finisar FDB-1018 SFP Transceiver Evaluation Board

Finisar FDB-1018 SFP Transceiver Evaluation Board

The Finisar FDB-1018 is an SFP transceiver evaluation board designed to support laboratory testing, development, characterization, and troubleshooting of compatible Small Form-factor Pluggable transceiver modules. It provides the electrical power connections and high-speed signal interfaces required to operate an installed SFP module within a controlled engineering or production test environment.

The evaluation board requires two separate supply voltages. Connector J2 accepts the SFP module supply, which must remain between 3.1 V and 3.6 V. Connector J1 accepts a separate 5 V supply with a tolerance of ±10% for the board’s parallel-port communication functions.

The transmitter signal inputs connect through the TX+ and TX- interfaces and require a differential signal swing from 400 mV to 2400 mV. Receiver output signals are available through the RX+ and RX- interfaces with a documented single-ended signal range from 185 mV to 1000 mV. Compatible SFP transceivers include internal AC coupling on all data lines.

The FDB-1018 provides a practical platform for evaluating SFP modules without integrating the transceiver into a complete network system. It can be used with suitable signal-generation, measurement, power-supply, communication, and optical equipment to create an application-specific SFP test station.

Features and Benefits of the Finisar FDB-1018

The Finisar FDB-1018 provides a convenient electrical interface for engineers, laboratories, production teams, and service organizations evaluating compatible SFP optical transceiver modules.

• SFP transceiver evaluation: Provides a dedicated platform for operating and testing compatible Small Form-factor Pluggable modules.
• Separate module power input: Connector J2 accepts the required 3.1 V to 3.6 V supply for the installed SFP module.
• Parallel-port power input: Connector J1 accepts a separate 5 V ±10% supply for parallel-port communication.
• Differential transmitter interface: TX+ and TX- support an input signal swing from 400 mV to 2400 mV differential.
• Differential receiver interface: RX+ and RX- provide access to the received electrical data signal.
• Documented receiver output range: Supports single-ended RX output swings from 185 mV to 1000 mV.
• AC-coupled data operation: Compatible SFP transceivers provide internal AC coupling on all data lines.
• Laboratory integration: Supports connection to compatible signal generators, oscilloscopes, analyzers, power supplies, and optical test equipment.
• Development and troubleshooting: Provides accessible interfaces for evaluating SFP module operation outside a complete communications system.
• Production test support: Can be incorporated into suitable SFP screening, characterization, and quality-control workflows.

Dual-Supply Power Requirements

The FDB-1018 requires two supply voltages for complete operation. The SFP module supply and the parallel-port communication supply serve different functions and must be connected to their designated board inputs.

Connector J2 accepts the module supply voltage. This supply must remain between 3.1 V and 3.6 V. A regulated power source with suitable current capacity and low electrical noise should be used to help maintain stable operation of the installed SFP transceiver.

Connector J1 accepts a nominal 5 V supply for parallel-port communication. The documented tolerance is ±10%, corresponding to an acceptable range of 4.5 V to 5.5 V.

Supply polarity, grounding, connector orientation, and current capability should be verified before power is applied. Applying power to the wrong connector or exceeding the documented voltage range can damage the evaluation board or installed SFP module.

TX+ and TX- Differential Inputs

The TX+ and TX- connectors provide the differential electrical signal that drives the transmitter section of the installed SFP module. The documented differential input swing ranges from 400 mV to 2400 mV.

A compatible differential signal source should be used to drive these inputs. The signal source, cables, connectors, and termination arrangement must be appropriate for the required data rate and electrical interface.

The positive and negative signal paths should be matched as closely as practical. Differences in cable length, loss, impedance, or connection quality can introduce skew, reflections, amplitude imbalance, and waveform distortion.

The transmitter signal amplitude should remain within the documented range. A signal below 400 mV differential may not provide the required drive level, while a signal above 2400 mV differential can exceed the supported input condition.

RX+ and RX- Receiver Outputs

The RX+ and RX- connectors provide access to the electrical output generated by the receiver section of the installed SFP transceiver. The documented single-ended output signal range is 185 mV to 1000 mV.

The RX outputs can be connected to compatible oscilloscopes, error analyzers, signal-integrity instruments, or other suitable receiving equipment. The connected instrument should provide adequate bandwidth and the correct termination for the signal being measured.

The maximum electrical input rating of the connected measurement equipment should be reviewed before connection. Cable quality, connector condition, termination, and measurement bandwidth can affect the displayed waveform and measured signal amplitude.

Internal AC Coupling

Compatible SFP transceivers provide internal AC coupling on all data lines. This coupling blocks DC components while allowing supported high-speed data transitions to pass through the transmitter and receiver interfaces.

The external signal source and measurement equipment should be configured with the transceiver’s internal AC coupling in mind. Additional coupling components should not be introduced unless required by the complete test arrangement.

Because AC coupling removes the steady-state DC component, the transmitted test signal should provide sufficient transition density for the intended measurement. Test-pattern selection should be appropriate for the installed SFP module and the equipment connected to the evaluation board.

Typical Applications

The Finisar FDB-1018 is suitable for professional applications such as:

• SFP optical transceiver evaluation
• Transmitter input testing
• Receiver output characterization
• Signal-integrity measurements
• Optical link development
• Laboratory transceiver troubleshooting
• SFP module screening and qualification
• Production and quality-control testing
• Optical transmitter and receiver experiments
• Communications equipment development
• Engineering test-system integration
• Educational optical communications laboratories

Product Overview

Brand	Finisar
Model	FDB-1018
Product Category	SFP Transceiver Evaluation Board
Supported Module Format	Compatible Small Form-factor Pluggable transceiver modules
Module Supply Connector	J2
Communication Supply Connector	J1
Transmitter Data Inputs	TX+ and TX-
Receiver Data Outputs	RX+ and RX-
Primary Application	Electrical and optical evaluation of compatible SFP transceiver modules

 

Electrical Specifications

Specification	Details
SFP Module Supply Voltage	3.1 V to 3.6 V
Module Supply Connector	J2
Parallel-Port Supply	5 V ±10%
Parallel-Port Supply Range	4.5 V to 5.5 V
Parallel-Port Supply Connector	J1
TX Input Type	Differential through TX+ and TX-
TX Differential Signal Swing	400 mV to 2400 mV
RX Output Type	Differential through RX+ and RX-
RX Single-Ended Signal Swing	185 mV to 1000 mV
Data-Line Coupling	Internal AC coupling provided by compatible SFP transceivers

 

Interface Summary

Interface	Function
J1	5 V ±10% supply for parallel-port communication
J2	3.1 V to 3.6 V supply for the installed SFP module
TX+	Positive transmitter data input
TX-	Negative transmitter data input
RX+	Positive receiver data output
RX-	Negative receiver data output
SFP Module Interface	Accepts a compatible SFP transceiver for evaluation

 

Test-System Requirements

Equipment	Purpose
Regulated Module Supply	Provides 3.1 V to 3.6 V through J2
Regulated Communication Supply	Provides 5 V ±10% through J1
Differential Signal Source	Drives the TX+ and TX- transmitter inputs
Compatible Oscilloscope or Analyzer	Measures the RX+ and RX- electrical outputs
Compatible SFP Module	Provides the optical transmitter and receiver functions under evaluation
Optical Patch Cord	Connects the installed SFP transceiver to compatible optical equipment
Optical Power Meter or Attenuator	Supports optical power verification and receiver-input control

 

Configuration Details Requiring Verification

Configuration Item	Verification Required
Supported Data Rate	Confirm the maximum electrical data rate supported by the evaluation board
Signal-Termination Impedance	Confirm the required TX and RX termination arrangement
Parallel-Port Interface	Confirm connector type, pinout, software, and communication requirements
Module Supply Current	Confirm the current required by the installed SFP transceiver
Supported SFP Standards	Confirm compatibility with the intended SFP module and management interface
Board Controls and Indicators	Confirm available switches, jumpers, LEDs, test points, and monitoring functions

 

Installation and Initial Operation

The evaluation board should be placed on an ESD-safe work surface before an SFP module is installed. Appropriate electrostatic-discharge precautions should be used when handling the board and transceiver.

Both external power supplies should remain switched off while connections are made. The module supply should be connected to J2, and the 5 V communication supply should be connected to J1 using the correct polarity and grounding arrangement.

The differential test source should be connected to TX+ and TX- using matched high-speed cables. The measurement equipment should be connected to RX+ and RX- using cables and terminations appropriate for the intended test rate.

After all connections have been checked, the supplies can be enabled while current draw and board temperature are monitored. Optical and electrical signals should initially be applied at conservative levels.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The Finisar FDB-1018 receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Evaluation may include inspection of the board, SFP cage, connectors, jumpers, switches, communication interface, differential signal ports, power inputs, and printed circuit assembly.

When a compatible SFP module and suitable test equipment are available, testing may include regulated operation through J1 and J2, module recognition, transmitter drive, receiver output, optical continuity, and parallel-port communication.

The TX and RX signal paths may be evaluated with appropriate high-speed equipment to confirm supported electrical operation within the documented signal ranges.

The exact testing scope depends on the availability of a compatible SFP transceiver, regulated power supplies, communication hardware, differential pattern generator, oscilloscope, optical source, receiver, patch cords, and required data rate.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm the complete model as Finisar FDB-1018 and verify that the board is suitable for the intended SFP transceiver and test rate.

The evaluation board requires two separate power supplies. The product listing should identify whether power cables, communication cables, high-frequency cables, an SFP module, optical patch cords, software, documentation, or other accessories are included.

Only the Finisar FDB-1018 evaluation board and accessories specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for fiber optic, telecommunications, optical testing, photonics, laboratory, production, inspection, electronic testing, RF/microwave, and technical research applications. The Finisar FDB-1018 supports transceiver developers, communications laboratories, production facilities, system integrators, universities, and optical networking research teams.

Buyers should review the J1 and J2 power requirements, TX differential input range, RX output range, internal AC coupling, SFP compatibility, communication interface, board condition, functional test results, and included accessories before purchase.