{"id":6741,"date":"2025-08-08T17:47:38","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T09:47:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ascentoptics.com\/blog\/?p=6741"},"modified":"2025-08-08T17:47:38","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T09:47:38","slug":"a-closer-look-at-100g-qsfp28-single-lambda-modules-for-modern-data-centers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ascentoptics.com\/blog\/a-closer-look-at-100g-qsfp28-single-lambda-modules-for-modern-data-centers\/","title":{"rendered":"A Closer Look at 100G QSFP28 Single Lambda Modules for Modern Data Centers"},"content":{"rendered":"

100G QSFP28 optical module, as a mainstream solution for high-speed data center interconnects, has been widely adopted in various high-performance network environments. Compared to the traditional 4\u00d725G solution, the 100G QSFP28 Single Lambda module offers a simpler design by transmitting 100Gbps over a single wavelength.This helps reduce deployment complexity and lower overall costs. At the same time, it meets the demands of high-speed interconnects, making it an ideal solution for next-generation data centers.<\/p>\n

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Overview of 100G QSFP28 Single Lambda optical modules<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The 100G QSFP28 Single Lambda<\/a> is an optical transceiver designed for data centers and high-speed networks, capable of delivering 100Gbps of data over a single wavelength. Based on PAM4 (4-level Pulse Amplitude Modulation) technology, it enables high-bandwidth transmission in a compact form factor and is typically used for short- to medium-distance connections.<\/p>\n

Single Lambda technology refers to optical communication that achieves data rates of up to 100Gbps over a single optical channel (or wavelength). As an emerging optical module solution, it is widely adopted in high-speed Ethernet links such as 100G, 200G, and 400G, playing a crucial role in modern data centers and cloud computing environments.<\/p>\n

In simple terms, traditional 100G optical modules\u2014such as 100G QSFP28 SR4 or LR4\u2014typically use a 4\u00d725Gbps multi-channel design, achieving a total bandwidth of 100Gbps through four wavelengths or four fibers.\u00a0In contrast, Single Lambda technology delivers the same 100Gbps data rate using just one wavelength (lambda), greatly simplifying the module architecture.<\/p>\n

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Core Technologies<\/strong><\/h2>\n

PAM4 Modulation<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

PAM4 (Four-Level Pulse Amplitude Modulation) replaces traditional NRZ (Non-Return-to-Zero) binary modulation by encoding 2 bits per symbol instead of 1. This allows more data to be transmitted within the same bandwidth.<\/p>\n

PAM4 is the key enabling technology for Single Lambda high-speed transmission. Compared to NRZ, which transmits one bit per symbol, PAM4 doubles the data rate, making it possible to achieve 100Gbps over a single wavelength.\u00a0It is also the core modulation scheme used in next-generation 400G and 800G optical modules, forming the foundation of high-speed optical networks.<\/p>\n

High-Speed Electro-Optical Components<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Single Lambda modules require high-performance components such as lasers, modulators, and receivers that support 50Gbps or higher per lane. These components are critical for maintaining signal integrity at high data rates.<\/p>\n

Advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing)<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Modern modules integrate advanced DSP technology to handle tasks like equalization, Forward Error Correction (FEC), and clock recovery. This ensures reliable performance and low bit error rates even under challenging high-speed transmission conditions.<\/p>\n

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100G QSFP28 Single Lambda Key Specifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0Parameter<\/td>\nSpecifications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0\u00a0Form Factor<\/td>\nQSFP28\uff08MSA-compliant\uff09<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Data Rate<\/td>\n100Gbps\uff081\u00d7100G PAM4\uff09<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Modulation Format<\/td>\nPAM4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Electrical Interface<\/td>\n4\u00d725G NRZ\uff08CAUI-4\uff09or 2\u00d750G PAM4\uff08CDAI-2\uff09<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Optical Interface<\/td>\nLC Duplex (Single-wavelength BiDi or dual-fiber unidirectional)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wavelength<\/td>\n1310nm (mainstream) \/ 1271nm \/ 1291nm \/ 1331nm (CWDM wavelengths)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Transmission Distance<\/td>\n500m (DR) to 40km (ER)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Fiber Type<\/td>\nMMF\/SMF<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0\u00a0Power Consumption<\/td>\n<4.5W (typical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Digital Diagnostics (DDM)<\/td>\nSupported via I\u00b2C interface, enabling real-time monitoring of temperature, optical power, voltage, etc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0\u00a0Standards Compliance<\/td>\nIEEE 802.3\uff08100GBASE-DR\/FR\/LR\uff09\u3001100G Lambda MSA\u3001QSFP28 MSA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Types of 100G Single Lambda Module<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\n

According to relevant standards set by IEEE and MSA organizations, 100G QSFP28 Single Lambda optical modules are categorized into several subtypes, primarily distinguished by transmission distance, application scenarios, and technical implementation methods. Key products include: 100G QSFP28 DR, 100G QSFP28 FR,100G QSFP28 LR,100G QSFP28 ER\uff0c100G QSFP28 FR CWDM\uff0c 100G QSFP28 LR CWDM, 100G QSFP28 LR BIDI 10km\/20km,100G QSFP28 ER Lite BIDI 30km, 100G QSFP28 ER BIDI 40km, and 100G DWDM QSFP28 ZR.<\/p>\n

\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/colgroup>\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
AscentOptics PN<\/th>Mode<\/th>Fiber Type<\/th>Connector<\/th>Wavelength<\/th>Distance<\/th><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
QSP-100S131-5HCL<\/td>100G QSFP28 DR1<\/td>SMF<\/td>Duplex LC<\/td>1310nm<\/td>500m<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100S131-02CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 FR1 <\/td>SMF<\/td>Duplex LC<\/td>1310nm<\/td>2km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100S131-10CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 LR1<\/td>SMF<\/td>Duplex LC<\/td>1310nm<\/td>10km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100S131-30CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 ER1-30<\/td>SMF<\/td>Duplex LC<\/td>1310nm<\/td>30km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100S131-40CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 ER1-40<\/td>SMF<\/td>Duplex LC<\/td>1310nm<\/td>40km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100C1xx-02CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 FR1 CWDM <\/td>SMF<\/td>Duplex LC<\/td>CWDM 1271\/1291\/1311\/1331nm<\/td>2km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100C1xx-10CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 LR1 CWDM<\/td>SMF<\/td>Duplex LC<\/td>CWDM 1271\/1291\/1311\/1331nm<\/td>10km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100DCxx-80CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 1CH C-Band DWDM<\/td>SMF<\/td>Duplex LC<\/td>DWDM CHxx<\/td>80km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100DOxx-25CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 1CH O-Band DWDM<\/td>SMF<\/td>Duplex LC<\/td>DWDM CHxx<\/td>25km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100B123-10CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 LR1-10 BIDI<\/td>SMF<\/td>Simplex LC<\/td>Tx 1270\/Rx 1330nm<\/td>10km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100B132-10CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 LR1-10 BIDI<\/td>SMF<\/td>Simplex LC<\/td>Tx 1330\/Rx 1270nm<\/td>10km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100B123-20CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 LR1-20 BIDI<\/td>SMF<\/td>Simplex LC<\/td>Tx 1290\/Rx 1310nm<\/td>20km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100B132-20CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 LR1-20 BIDI<\/td>SMF<\/td>Simplex LC<\/td>Tx 1310\/Rx 1290nm<\/td>20km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100B149-30CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 ER1-30 BIDI<\/td>SMF<\/td>Simplex LC<\/td>Tx 1304\/Rx 1309nm<\/td>30km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100B194-30CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 ER1-30 BIDI<\/td>SMF<\/td>Simplex LC<\/td>Tx 1309\/Rx 1304nm<\/td>30km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100B149-40CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 ER1-40 BIDI<\/td>SMF<\/td>Simplex LC<\/td>Tx 1304\/Rx 1309nm<\/td>40km<\/td> <\/tr>\n
QSP-100B194-40CL<\/td>100G QSFP28 ER1-40 BIDI<\/td>SMF<\/td>Simplex LC<\/td>Tx 1309\/Rx 1304nm<\/td>40km<\/td> <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n