Network transceivers, direct attach cables (DACs) and active optical cables (AOCs) are versatile connectivity devices that support a wide range of infrastructure from legacy transport link applications to cutting edge AI data centres. The option to customise these parts is key to finding the most applicable and efficient module for specific use cases. Flexibility in the hardware and software of networking infrastructure is essential for smooth, error free operation. Different industries have specific requirements that may not come as standard in OEM original products. While a lot of customisation options are industry-wide, ATGBICS offers some unique options for truly bespoke requirements.
General Product Customisation
With the huge scope of network connectivity across modern industries, variety in operational characteristics is essential for hardware. Much of this follows industry standard customisation that has evolved with new requirements:
Operating Wavelength
In fibre optic transceivers, different wavelengths are best suited to specific fibre types and transmission distances. They operate between 850nm for short range applications, and 1550nm for long range communication. Shorter wavelengths suffer from higher attenuation when travelling through fibre systems as light is absorbed or scattered faster. This is why 850nm is rarely used for applications longer than a few hundred metres, after which signal integrity falls significantly. On the other hand, 1550nm transmissions can stay stable for over 100km without amplification.
Transceivers used for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) operate over different wavelength ranges. Coarse WDM (CWDM) transceivers have wavelength options between 1270nm and 1610nm with 20nm intervals, enabling up to 18 channels. Dense WDM (DWDM) transceivers operate in the C-Band wavelength range (approximately 1530nm – 1565nm) with tiny wavelength spans allowing 40+ channels for high density applications.
Transmission Distance
Optical budget, fibre type and operating wavelengths determine a transceiver’s distance capabilities. Devices are categorised into optical standards: SR (short range), LR (long range), ER (extended range) and ZR/ZR+ (80+km reach). Older, low speed transceivers are categorised slightly differently as SX (short wavelength), FX (fast ethernet), LX (long wavelength), EX (extended wavelength) and ZX.
Fibre transceivers can transmit data from tens of metres up to 120km with optics and laser power tuned accordingly. The latest ZR+ transceivers can reach even further without the need for signal amplification points. Applications span from short range data centre links to connections between cities or countries.
Connector Types
All transceivers or cables need a connector to allow it to be used in host hardware. Although adapters do exist, it is preferrable to buy a device with direct compatibility with existing infrastructure. Transceivers come with a variety of connector types including LC, SC, ST, FC, MPO/MTP and RJ45. Choosing the appropriate connector for your host equipment simplifies the system and allows for immediate plug-and-play functionality without the extra cost of adapters.
Temperature Grade
Some transceivers are designed specifically for harsh operating environments, with structural differences in the hardware itself to help protect from extreme temperatures, vibrations, dust, moisture and chemicals.
There are three case operating temperature ranges: commercial (0°C to +70°C), extended (-20°C to +85°C) and industrial (-40°C to +85°C). This defines the operationally safe temperatures for the functioning module casing.
Newer high-speed transceivers are rarely available in extended or industrial grades as the enterprise markets they are used in don’t require resistance to extreme conditions. Legacy technology used heavily in industrial markets are required to withstand more challenging environments and so temperature grade variants are widely offered by compatible suppliers.
We explore this deeper in our other blog: Network transceiver temperature grades explained: commercial, extended and industrial.
Vendor Coding
Vendor specific EEPROM coding ensures device compatibility with infrastructure designed around a specific OEM. ATGBICS offers solutions that allow for maximum flexibility in system design including universally coded transceivers and dual coded DACs and AOCs.
DDM/DOM
Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM) or Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) comes as standard in most transceivers. It monitors operational parameters in real time to detect and prevent potential faults for improved reliability, stability and performance. This includes optical transmit/receive power (Tx/Rx), internal temperature, supply voltage and laser bias current and can be configured to report when and where one of these breaks a defined threshold. It is useful for flagging when issues occur, or predicting when one may happen, simplifying maintenance and fault detection.
Legacy Technology
OEM original legacy technology is especially hard to source as manufacturers will have ceased production and technical support. Compatible alternatives bought through ATGBICS fill this gap, providing equivalent quality and functionality through MSA compliance for a fraction of the cost. We can provide a variety of customisation options for our legacy range to maintain flexibility in markets reliant on obsolete technology. There are some general customisation options for 1x9 and 2x5 through hole transceivers that are widely available including:
- Power supply voltage: 3V, 5V, 3V/5V
- SC, FC, ST, LC Connectors
- Distance and power budget
- Temperature grade: commercial, industrial
- Wavelength, including CWDM and specific Tx/Rx wavelengths for BiDi transceivers
ATGBICS Solutions
ATGBICS have a close and efficient relationship with suppliers meaning more comprehensive and bespoke customisation options for our clients. Our technical expertise along with a trusted supply chain means we can support you in finding the exact product and specifications that you need, even if it requires custom parts.
Hardware
The hardware of our non-legacy products can be customised to suit your requirements. Here is what we offer:
- Form/Casing customisation
- Protocol casing standard
- Pull tabs – colour, material
- Device material – improve heat dissipation, EMI resistance, durability, weight
- PCB
- Board material
- Gold finger pinout/protocol
- Laser
- Chip type
- Operating wavelengths
- Optical power
- Connector type
- Driver Chip
- DAC/AOC cable material
- Cable jacket colour
- Sustainability/RoHS compliance
- Fire resistance
- Water resistance
- Cable length
- Core count
Each of these choices interact with the others, so you should consider all of them together as a system when putting together the required specification.
Functionality & Software
Functional parameters and imbedded software can also be customised to guarantee the most efficient operation of our devices:
- Protocol customisation
- Brand compatibility through EEPROM coding
- FC, OTN, InfiniBand, Ethernet
- Operational parameters
- Data rate - fixed or multi-rate options
- Operating temperature
- Transmit power/Receiver sensitivity (Tx/Rx)
- Link budget
- Transmission range
- Custom gold finger layout
- Module upgrade interface definition
- Remote online module coding/recoding service (under development)
Legacy Product Customisation
ATGBICS specialises in obsolete technology that has been discontinued by the OEM. We supply many hard to source parts to fill the demand for legacy products that are still heavily used in many industries including through hole 1x9, 2x5, 2x10 transceivers and discontinued SFP/SFP+ form factors. These can also be customised to fit your needs:
- Conformal coating for enhanced resistance to extreme environments
- Alternate wavelengths or wavelength combinations for BiDi transceivers
- Mechanical modifications including:
- Housing style
- Pin length/soldering layout
- Mounting height
Custom Packaging/Branding
We provide a custom branding service for clients requiring their own company details on a product’s firmware, outer casing, labelling and packaging. On top of this, we provide sales and marketing support to ensure you reach a wide and diverse audience.
Product Coding Customisation
Our universally coded range is not compatible with one specific vendor but instead works with any device. This eliminates the need for vendor lock in, enhancing flexibility in multi-vendor or vendor agnostic infrastructure. All transceivers meet Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) standards guaranteeing equivalent functionality and quality.
Additionally, our DACs and AOCs can be coded to different OEMs on either side of the cable. Available for both single ended and breakout units, this helps to optimise efficiency and flexibility in mixed OEM infrastructure.
Prototype Design & Build Service
ATGBICS offer a comprehensive prototype design and build service to support custom build requirements. Our dedicated team ensures a solution tailored to your needs from the testing and evaluation phase all the way through project roll out.
From design specification to high-volume manufacturing, this service gives our clients peace of mind when finding the right part, ensuring flexibility and accuracy in testing and evaluation. Our prototype design and build solution ensures:
- Strict control of optical electrical and mechanical parameters
- Thermal performance validation across full operating ranges
- Wavelength tolerance and spectral stability
- Full compliance to MSA standards
- Firmware optimisation (PHY configuration, EEPROM coding, DOM/DDM calibration)
- Labelling and enclosure design support traceability
- Controlled BOM sign off, locking in components, firmware and mechanical specifications for consistent high-volume manufacturing
This service is available for all of our network transceivers, direct attach cables (DACs) and active optical cables (AOCs) for both one off custom products and large-scale projects. We can provide a prototype within 2 weeks as well as a range of additional services to support your unique requirements:
- Evaluation units
- Prototype build for qualification and testing
- Prototype datasheets
- Test reports
- Buffer stock for project roll out
- Guaranteed controlled BOM management when the part is approved for full control and traceability in the project
ATGBICS is dedicated to working with our clients to ensure they are happy with the products they purchase from us. We want to make sure you find exactly what you need to construct, maintain, or upgrade your infrastructure as seamlessly as possible with a compatibility guarantee and lifetime replacement warranty for all our products.
If the product customisation you require is not listed in this blog, please get in touch and we will work with you to find a solution!
