Fiber-Optic Transceivers Key Terms

To make smarter business choices, understand the key terms of fiber-optic transceivers

By Howard Robertson

Transceivers are devices, such as cellular telephones or satellite communication networks, that include both a transmitter and a receiver in the same unit. Fiber-optic transceivers can interface with two types of cables - single mode and multimode. These are arranged parallel to each other so that they can operate independently of each other. Both the receiver and the transmitter have their own circuit so that they can handle transmissions in both directions.

Whether you want to become a fiber-optic transceivers manufacturer or supplier, you will need to know the technical terms related to fiber-optic transceivers. This guide covers the fiber-optic transceivers key terms, such as fiber-optic, single mode fiber-optic transceivers, transceivers and fiber-optic receivers.

Fiber-Optic

Fiber-optics are made from a bundle of thin glass or plastic strands. This bundle allows light to pass through without leaking out. Fiber-optics are used to create internet data and images, images of internal organs, vocal sounds in telephones and more than 80% of cable and satellite television images.
Try: You can learn more about fiber-optics at HyperPhysics, an informative website for physics concepts.

Transceivers

A transceiver is a combination transmitter/receiver device in a single product, such as a cell phone or fax machine. A transceiver is a device that performs, within one chassis, both telecommunications transmitting and receiving functions.
Try: Marvell, an expert in microprocessor architecture and digital signal processing, offers the definition of transceivers.

Single mode fiber-optic transceivers

Single mode is an optical fiber that will allow only one mode to propagate. The fiber has a very small core diameter of approximately 8 µm (micrometers). It permits signal transmission at extremely high bandwidths and allows very long transmission distances.
Try: You can refer to MrFiber.com, an online source for the fiber-optic terms, for the definition of single mode fiber-optic transceiver.

Multimode fiber-optic transceivers

Multimode describes a fiber-optic cable which supports the propagation of multiple modes. Multimode fiber may have a typical core diameter of 50 to 100 µm, with a refractive index that is graded or stepped.
Try: You can read through detailed information about multimode fiber-optic transceivers at Fiber Optic for Sale.

Fiber-optic receivers

Fiber-optic receivers are instruments that convert light into electrical signals. They contain a photodiode semiconductor, signal-conditioning circuit and an amplifier. Fiber-optic receivers use three types of photodiodes: positive-negative junctions (PN Junction), positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) photodiodes and avalanche photodiodes (APD). Fiber-optic receivers can use single mode and/or multimode optical cable.
Try: electronics-manufacturers, an informative website for various electronics products, offers detailed information about various fiber-optic products, including fiber-optic receivers.

Fiber-optic transmitters

Fiber-optic transmitters are devices that include an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or laser source and signal conditioning electronics to inject a signal into the fiber.
Try: You can read through basic information about fiber-optic transmitters at Panasonic Corporation of North America.