Comparison of advantages and disadvantages between 40G QSFP+SR4 optical module and QSFP+AOC optical cable

1、 40G QSFP+SR4 optical module VS 40G QSFP+AOC active optical cable

1. The power consumption of the two is different. The maximum power consumption of the 40G QSFP+SR4 optical module is less than 3.5W, while the maximum power consumption of the 40G QSFP+AOC active optical cable is less than 1.5W. Obviously, the power consumption of the 40G QSFP+SR4 optical module is greater than that of the 40G AOC active optical cable.

2. 40G QSFP+SR4 optical module has DDM digital diagnostic monitoring function, while 40G QSFP+AOC active optical cable has no DDM digital diagnostic monitoring function, so SR4 is superior to AOC in receiving sensitivity.

3. 40G QSFP+SR4 optical modules can only be interconnected with MPO multimode jumper, while 40G QSFP+AOC active optical cables have their own cables, which can be directly inserted into the equipment for use.

4. The transmission distance of the two is different. The transmission distance of the 40G QSFP+SR4 optical module is 100m/300m, while the 40G QSFP+AOC active optical cable is generally 70m.

5. The insertion loss and return loss are different. If the optical fiber is inserted into a 40G QSFP+SR4 optical module, different insertion loss and return loss will occur when the optical fiber is repeatedly unplugged, while the 40G QSFP+AOC is less affected by repeated insertion and removal during use. Therefore, the repeatability and interchangeability of 40G AOC active optical cable is stronger than that of 40G QSFP+SR4

6. The 40G QSFP+SR4 optical module determines the quality of the optical module through the optical eye diagram, while the 40G AOC active optical cable determines the quality of the active optical cable through the electrical eye diagram.

7. The 40G AOC active optical cable needs to be tested in four quadrants to ensure that the MPO interface and optical cable of AOC will not melt under high temperatures. The 40G QSFP+SR4 optical module needs to be connected with MPO jumper with uncertain performance, so the integrated 40G AOC active optical cable ensures the performance of the product.

8. The cost of the two is different. At present, the price of 40G AOC active optical cable is lower than that of 40G QSFP+SR4 optical module, and the 40G QSFP+SR4 optical module also needs to be used together with MPO multi-mode jumper, so the use cost of 40G QSFP+SR4 optical module is higher than that of 40G AOC active optical cable.