Stratos Lightwave, Inc. (NASDAQ: STLW) announced the availability of loopback testers for network hubs and other systems using MSA-compliant Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) optical transceivers. These loopbacks test port operation in equipment where SFP transceivers are to be installed in applications such as Ethernet, SONET, or Fibre Channel.
Stratos SFP Loopbacks have no optical inputs or outputs, as the electrical signals are simply received and then looped back to the port driver circuitry. In this way, the host can determine if there is a problem with the port being tested. To act as a power-on indicator, the front of the loopback has a panel which illuminates when power is applied. This panel takes the place of the optics which would normally be mounted on the front of an MSA-compliant transceiver.
The loopbacks also include an EEPROM which can be read by the host. Information in the EEPROM identifies the vendor, vendor part number, and information about the loopback. If the host can read this information correctly, it is further evidence that the port and the host are operating correctly.
To ensure consistent high quality, signal-carrying PC board traces are carefully matched in length, and have tightly controlled impedance. Stratos tests all of their SFP Loopbacks for correct EEPROM programming and functioning, operation of the power-on light, and that data is being looped through the unit without corruption.
Typical pricing is under $20 in volume.
About Stratos Lightwave:
Stratos Lightwave, Inc. (NASDAQ: STLW) develops, manufactures and sells optical subsystems and components for high data rate networking, data storage, and telecommunications applications. For more information, visit www.stratoslightwave.com.