What is an industrial grade optical module?

Many people may not be aware that optical modules are an integral part of all network connectivity deployments. Most of the optical modules we normally come across can only meet the needs of commercial data centre network deployments, so how can large industrial network deployments be met? In this case, industrial grade optical modules were born. So, what is an industrial grade optical module?

What is an industrial grade optical module  
The operating temperature of an optical module is one of its most important parameters and can have an impact on all other parameters of the module. When the temperature of the environment in which the optical module is used changes, other parameters such as the operating current will also change, thus affecting its normal transmission. Industrial grade optical modules have been developed to address this problem. The normal operating temperature of commercial optical modules is 0 to 70°C, while industrial optical modules can operate at temperatures from -40°C to 85°C, and can work at temperatures as high as 85°C and in harsh sub-zero environments. In addition to this industrial grade optical modules must be designed with scene hardened components in electrical components and housings to ensure the life of the module.

Applications of industrial grade optical modules  
Industrial optical modules are used in industrial Ethernet networks such as industrial and factory automation, outdoor applications, railway and intelligent transportation systems, marine, oil, gas, mining and other industrial fibre media converters or Ethernet switches. Industrial optical modules are designed to meet the needs of industrial Ethernet in harsh operating environments and to provide long-lasting stability. 

How to achieve industrial grade standards for optical modules  
The main reference standard for industrial grade optical modules is their operating temperature, so how is this standard achieved?  
1、Hardware up to standard: The chips and lasers used in industrial grade optical modules must be made of products that reach industrial temperature levels.  
2, physical cooling: industrial optical modules to meet the stable operation in high temperature must have self cooling function, industrial optical modules mainly use cooling silica gel to physical cooling, so that the heat generated by the laser as fast as possible to dissipate.  
3、Temperature compensation: When the industrial grade optical module operates in sub-zero low temperature, in order to make its performance unaffected, it must be temperature compensated to ensure its normal operation in low temperature. Temperature compensation is a complex task that takes a lot of time for technicians to calculate and write. This is the main reason why industrial grade optical modules are more expensive than ordinary optical modules.  

Well, the above content is Leapfrog Electronics on what is the industrial grade optical module? I hope it can help you!