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How to improve the stability of optical modules?
Knowledge Base + 2024.02.19

In modern communication systems, optical modules, as important transmission components, their reliability and stability are crucial to ensure the normal operation of the communication system. The performance of optical modules in harsh environments such as high temperature, low temperature and humidity directly affects the stability and performance of the communication system.


Optical module performance in high-temperature environments


High-temperature environments can have a significant impact on the performance of optical modules. According to experimental data, when the temperature rises from 25°C to 85°C, the output power of the module decreases by about 10%. In addition, the sensitivity of the optical module is also affected by high temperatures, decreasing by about 5% when the temperature rises from 25°C to 85°C. 


This means that in a high-temperature environment, the transmission efficiency and reception performance of the optical module will be affected, thereby affecting the stability and performance of the communication system.


In order to ensure the reliability and stability of optical modules in high temperature environments, the following measures can be taken:


1. Select optical modules with excellent high-temperature performance. When selecting optical modules, optical modules with high-temperature performance certification should be selected to ensure their stable performance in high-temperature environments.


2. Optimize the thermal design of the optical module. By improving the thermal design of the optical module, improve its heat dissipation performance and reduce the impact of temperature on the performance of the optical module. For example, heat sinks, heat sinks and other heat dissipation devices can be used to increase the heat dissipation area of the optical module and improve the heat dissipation efficiency.


3. Conduct high-temperature testing. High-temperature testing of optical modules to assess their performance in high-temperature environments, timely detection and resolution of potential problems.


Second, the performance of the optical module in a low-temperature environment


Low temperature environment will also have an impact on the performance of the optical module. According to experimental data, when the temperature drops from 25°C to -40°C, the output power of the optical module decreases by about 15%, and the sensitivity decreases by about 10%. In a low-temperature environment, the transmission efficiency and reception performance of the optical module will be affected, thus affecting the stability and performance of the communication system.


In order to ensure the reliability and stability of the optical module in a low-temperature environment, the following measures can be taken:


1, select optical modules with excellent low-temperature performance: when selecting optical modules, optical modules with low-temperature performance certification should be selected to ensure their performance stability in low-temperature environments.


2, the use of low-temperature compensation technology: for the low-temperature environment of optical module performance degradation, you can use low-temperature compensation technology. This technology by adjusting the operating parameters of the optical module, so that its performance in the low temperature environment to a certain degree of compensation, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the optical module in the low temperature environment.


3, low-temperature testing: low-temperature testing of optical modules to assess their performance in low-temperature environments, timely detection and resolution of potential problems.


4, improve the material performance of the optical module: in the design and production of optical modules, you can choose materials with excellent low-temperature performance, in order to improve the reliability and stability of the optical module in a low-temperature environment. For example, the use of low-temperature performance of better lasers, photodetectors and other components.


Third, the performance of the module in a humid environment


Humid environments pose serious challenges to the reliability and stability of optical modules. Moisture and humidity can lead to corrosion of electronic components, degradation of insulation and even short circuits, thus affecting the performance and life of optical modules. To ensure the reliability and stability of optical modules in humid environments, the following measures can be taken:


1. Select optical modules with waterproof and moisture-proof performance: When purchasing optical modules, you should select optical modules with waterproof and moisture-proof performance. This type of optical module usually adopts a sealed design, which can effectively prevent moisture from entering the module and protect the internal electronic components.


2. Optical module encapsulation process: by improving the encapsulation process of the optical module, you can improve its waterproof and moisture-proof performance. For example, the use of nitrogen filling or vacuum encapsulation technology to reduce moisture and oxygen inside the module, thereby reducing the impact of humidity on the performance of the optical module.


3. Moisture test: Moisture test on the optical module to assess its performance in a humid environment, timely detection and resolution of potential problems. Humidity test includes the module's output power, sensitivity, and transmission rate and other aspects of the test to ensure that the performance of the optical module in a humid environment is stable.


4. Adopt dehumidification measures: In practical applications, dehumidification equipment or the use of desiccant and other methods to reduce the humidity of the environment in which the optical module is located, to reduce the impact of moisture on the optical module.


5. Regular inspection and maintenance: in a humid environment, should regularly check the optical module operating status, timely detection and treatment of faults caused by moisture. For example, check whether there are cracks in the module shell, whether the seal is intact, and whether there are signs of corrosion in the internal components.


6. The use of desiccant or dehumidifier: the use of desiccant or dehumidifier in the packaging or storage environment of the optical module can effectively absorb the moisture in the surrounding air and keep the environment dry, thus protecting the optical module from moisture.


With the above measures, we can significantly improve the reliability and stability of optical modules in humid environments. This not only helps to guarantee the continuous operation of the communication system, but also extends the service life of the optical module and reduces failures and maintenance costs caused by environmental factors.


Through the test of Walsun production optical module, it can be concluded that walsun optical module storage temperature can be up to 85 ℃, the lowest can be -40 ℃; operating temperature telecom-grade temperature range: 0-70 ℃, industrial-grade temperature range: -40-85 ℃.


The performance of optical modules in harsh environments such as high temperature, low temperature and humidity directly affects the stability and performance of the communication system. The reliability and stability of optical modules in harsh environments can be ensured by selecting optical modules with excellent performance, optimizing the thermal design of optical modules, conducting high-temperature, low-temperature, and humidity tests, as well as improving the encapsulation process of optical modules. These measures help to improve the performance of the communication system and ensure the normal operation of the communication system.


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