Understanding Video SFP Transceivers

SFP (Small Form factor Pluggable), is a module used as a network interface for both telecommunications and data communications applications. An SFP slot in telecommunications and data networking hardware is a modular slot for a specific media transceiver, such as a fiber optic cable or a copper cable. The advantage of using SFP compared to fixed interfaces is that according to applications in connecting to single-mode and multi-mode optical fiber cables or copper cables, you can choose the appropriate SFP and place it in the terminal of the optical communication line, network card, Switches and routers.

The specifications of the small form factor pluggable transceivers and the corresponding electrical interface are determined by the Multi Source Agreement (MSA) under the supervision of the SFF committee. An MSA is an agreement entered into by several industrial manufacturers to produce products from different vendors with interoperability and interchangeability.

SFPs that follow the MSA standard are called MSA SFPs. Non-MSA standard is different to MSA standard. For example, 3G -SDI video SFP transceiver has 20 pins, MSA and Non-MSA differ in I2C pin definition: MSA standard defines I2C definition on the fourth pin (SDA ) and the fifth pin (SCL ); while Non-MSA standard defines it on the fifth and sixths pins.

Small form factor pluggables support the transmission of signals in optical networks such as SONET , SDH , Ethernet, Fiber channel, PON , video transmission and other standard communication networks.
Video SFP is also referred to as digital video transceiver or SDI video SFP. It can be used in SDI equipment to transmit SDI video signals. These small form factor pluggables effectively guarantee the quality of video transmission by transmitting pathological video signals.

In the rapid evolution of digital video transmission with high capacities in HD and UHD qualities, it is necessary to produce Video SFPs that have a high level of efficiency in video image transmission. Therefore, video transceiver modules are made for various data transmission and reception speeds from 50 Mbps to 11.88 Gbps. They are specifically designed for robust performance under SMPTE 259M, SMPTE 344M, SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 424M, SMPTE ST2081 and SMPTE ST-2082 standards for the transmission of SDI signals from SD-SDI to 12G -SDI.

Based on the type of signal transmission, Video SFPs exist in the following modes: Dual transmitters, dual receivers, single transmitter, single receiver, transceiver and single port transceiver. They are manufactured according to MSA and Non-MSA standards. Their operating wavelengths are: 850 nm, 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm, CWDM wavelengths and DWDM wavelengths. The transmission distance for them varies from 300 meters to more than 80 kilometers.

Coaxial cable video SFP transceiver

Coaxial cable digital video transceiver is available for connecting coaxial cable for electrical transmission of SDI signal up to 12G-SDI quality. The connectors of these SFPs are made in two standard types, DIN 1.0/2.3 and HD-BNC.

HDMI video SFP

HDMI Video SFP transceiver is an HDMI v1.4 signal converter (up to 1920×1080). The HDMI Video SFP transmitter converts the 3G/HD/SD-SDI signal to HDMI v1.4 signal and the receiver type converts the HDMI v1.4 signal to 3G/HD/SD-SDI. The port of this Video SFP is HDMI type D.

DVI Video SFP

DVI Video SFP is a DVI v1.0 signal converter (up to 1920×1080). DVI Video SFP transmitter converts 3G/HD/SD-SDI signal to DVI v1.0 signal and receiver type converts DVI v1.0 signal to 3G/HD/SD-SDI. The port of this video transceiver is HDMI type D. The HDMI interface is electrically identical to the DVI interface, so a DVI to HDMI adapter cable is used to connect this converter to the DVI port.