Optical modules are optoelectronic devices that perform photoelectric and electro-optical conversion. The transmitting end of the optical module converts the electrical signal into an optical signal, and the receiving end converts the optical signal into an electrical signal. Optical modules are classified according to the package form, the common ones are SFP, SFP+, QSFP+, QSFP28 and so on. Optical modules will undergo strict testing and quality inspection procedures before shipment, such as incoming material inspection, parameter inspection, aging test, real machine test, end-face inspection, etc. The results of all test items must reach the standard level, otherwise, the optical module will be It will return to the production line for re-adjustment. Understanding these tests will help you identify the quality of incoming optical modules. The following will introduce the detection process of the optical module one by one.
Step 1: Incoming Material and Patch Inspection
Incoming material inspection and patch inspection will be performed before assembling the optical module. Among them, incoming inspection refers to the manufacturer’s inspection of incoming devices before assembling the optical module, such as detecting whether the optical transmitting assembly (TOSA), the optical receiving assembly (ROSA), and the optical transmitting and receiving assembly (BOSA) are qualified, so as to ensure the optical module quality, reducing rework and defect rates while avoiding damage to expensive optical components. Patch inspection is mainly to detect whether the PCB board patch is correct and whether there is pollution, so as to ensure the performance of the optical module.
Step 2: Functional Parameter Test
To measure the transmitted optical power, receiving sensitivity, eye diagram, extinction ratio and bit error, the equipment required are an optical attenuator, optical power meter, bit error meter (adjust optical power and sensitivity by rate), and eye diagram meter.
Step 3: Temperature Test
Then carry out high and low-temperature aging tests to check product stability.
Step 4: Compatibility Test
3. Test on the switch to check product compatibility and ensure compatibility. People who often buy optical modules know that optical modules usually need to confirm the compatibility code because there are currently two types on the market, one is a high-performance compatible module, the other is the original switch brand optical module, and the price gap between the two is larger. The quality of the optical module can directly affect the transmission effect of the optical fiber link. Although the quality of the original optical module is very good, its price is very expensive. Now, the compatible optical modules provided by many suppliers are completely comparable to the original optical modules, and the price is very advantageous, which can help users save a lot of costs.
Step 5: End Surface Test
Finally, the end face is detected on the optical fiber end face detector, and the port is cleaned with a cleaning pen to keep the port clean and ensure quality. In fact, every test item involves inserting the optical module into a device or instrument, so the optical module is susceptible to contamination, so the optical module needs to be tested under a microscope before shipment, and it is ready to be packaged without dirt, but if there is dirt, it needs to be cleaned.
