Industrial Grade vs. Commercial Grade Optical Transceiver Modules

Industrial Grade Optical Transceiver Modules

Industrial grade optical modules are used in relatively harsh environments with big temperature differences. The most basic working conditions of industrial optical modules are that they must meet the requirements of -40℃ and 85 ℃. They must adopt scenario-hardened component designs in their electrical components and housing to ensure the service life of the modules.  

Commercial Grade Optical Transceiver Modules

Commercial grade optical modules are the most common products in the market and are widely used in data centers and indoor interconnection scenarios. The operating temperature ranges from 0℃ to 70℃.

Differences between Industrial and Commercial Grade Optical Transceivers

Operating temperature range

Industrial Grade: -40~85℃

Commercial Grade: 0~70℃

Testing Methods

Industrial grade optical modules need to be subjected to high and low temperature aging tests, to make sure that the modules can work stably in an environment with temperature below 0℃ and maximum temperature at 85℃.

Commercial grade optical modules go through aging tests at normal temperature and can withstand a maximum temperature of 70℃. The ideal operating temperature is 0-70℃.

Application Areas

Industrial grade optical modules are commonly used with industrial Ethernet switches in industrial and factory automation, railway and intelligent transportation systems (ITS), power utility substations, marine, oil and gas, mining and other industrial Ethernet networks. The industrial grade optical modules can ensure the lasting stability of the industrial Ethernet in the harsh working environment.

Commercial grade optical modules are the most common and widely used products in the market, such as indoor data center rooms.

5G Applications

The AAU side optical module in 5G fronthaul transmission involves outdoor applications and requires industrial grade optical modules (-40 to 85℃).

The 5G midhaul and backhaul transmission optical modules are used in the equipment room with good heat dissipation conditions, where commercial-grade chips can be used. 

Data Center Applications

Data center internal interconnection requires a relatively small operating temperature range. Data centers usually use commercial-grade optical modules. The operating temperature ranges from 0℃ to 70℃.

In summary, the operating temperature of the optical module affects the parameters of the optical module. When the working environment temperature of the optical module changes, the operating current of the optical module also changes with the temperature. As a result, the parameters of the optical module change, affecting the normal transmission of the optical module.

To ensure the performance stability of optical modules, Glsun has various test standards for optical modules. For example, the temperature, humidity, and performance standards of optical modules must be met to better ensure the service life of optical modules.