800G SR8 Module: Powering HPC Data Centres

As a core component for both intra-data centre interconnections and inter-data centre connections, optical modules play a crucial role in enhancing network performance and capacity. With the continuous growth in data traffic and the demand for higher speeds, deploying 800G transceivers has become increasingly important. This article introduces one of the most popular 800G optical modules: the 800G SR8.

Overview of the 800G SR8 Module

The 800G SR8 optical transceiver module is a hot-swappable optical module specifically designed for 800G SR8 Ethernet links in data centres. Boasting advantages such as high density and low power consumption, the 800G SR8 module can achieve 800Gbps data transmission over a distance of up to 100 metres, significantly enhancing the data transmission capability of data centre networks. It employs various advanced technologies to achieve its high transmission rate of 800Gbps.

Learn more about 800G Transceiver: Demystifying 800G Transceiver: Types, Applications, and FAQs

VCSEL Laser Technology

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting Lasers (VCSELs) are lasers fabricated on semiconductor chips, emitting light vertically from the surface of the semiconductor. Compared to traditional Electro-absorption Modulated Lasers (EMLs), VCSELs offer lower power consumption, smaller size, and better reliability. In the 800G SR8 optical transceiver module, VCSEL chips serve as the light source, encoding high-speed data into 850nm optical signals for transmission through multimode fibre.

PAM4 Modulation Technology

The 800G SR8 optical module adopts Pulse Amplitude Modulation 4-level (PAM4). Compared to traditional Non-Return-to-Zero (NRZ) modulation used in lower-speed optical modules, PAM4 allows each signal to carry twice the amount of data. This enables the 800G optical module to achieve data rates up to 800Gbps on a single optical channel. By utilising PAM4 modulation, the 800G SR8 can transmit more data using the same channel bandwidth.

DSP Chip Technology

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chips are crucial for high-speed optical transmission. The 800G SR8 module typically employs DSP chips manufactured using a 7nm process. These high-speed digital processing chips not only provide digital clock recovery (CDR) but also perform dispersion compensation calculations and remove noise and non-linear interference to ensure the accuracy and stability of data transmission.

Advantages of the 800G SR8 Module

High-Speed Data Transmission:

The 800G SR8 module can achieve data transmission rates up to 800Gbps, effectively reducing network latency and supporting latency-sensitive applications requiring high responsiveness. This meets the demands of data centres and cloud computing platforms for massive data transmission.

High-Density Configuration:

Its compact design allows for high-density port configuration on network equipment, optimising data centre space utilisation while enhancing overall network equipment connectivity. This facilitates large-scale connections in limited space, improving physical space efficiency and network topology flexibility of data centres.

Durability and Reliability:

The 800G SR8 module has a robust structure capable of withstanding continuous high-speed data transmission operations. Whether under high load conditions or in harsh network environments, it maintains stable and efficient performance, extending equipment lifespan and improving system reliability.

Power Efficiency:

The integrated Broadcom DSP chip enables the 800G SR8 module to efficiently process and transmit data while reducing power consumption. This not only lowers the power consumption and operational costs of data centres but also reduces dependency on cooling systems, creating a more environmentally friendly and sustainable network infrastructure.

FS 800G SR8 Optical Module

FS provides various types of 800G SR8 optical modules, such as the 800G QSFP-DD SR8 and 800G OSFP SR8. The 800GBASE-SR8 OSFP optical transceiver module has an integrated Broadcom 7nm DSP chip, with a maximum power consumption of 14W. It achieves up to 50m of 800GBASE Ethernet throughput via dual MTP/MPO-12 connectors and OM4 multimode fibre (MMF). This transceiver complies with IEEE P802.3ck and OSFP MSA standards.

These modules not only offer high bandwidth and low latency advantages but also undergo rigorous testing at FS Optical Transceivers Testing Lab to ensure stability and reliability. Each 800G SR8 transceiver is subjected to comprehensive performance verification, including Power and wavelength testing, traffic testing, and optical performance testing, ensuring stable transmission quality even in high-load, high-density application scenarios. This minimizes network failures and reduces operational complexity, helping users achieve efficient and secure network operations. Additionally, the modules are tested for compatibility with targeted switches to ensure seamless integration with your existing network equipment.

The 800GBASE-SR8 QSFP-DD optical transceiver module also features an integrated Broadcom 7nm DSP chip and has a maximum power consumption of 13W. It supports up to 50 metres of link length over MMF using an MTP/MPO-16 connector. This transceiver conforms to IEE802.3ck, CMIS 5.0, and QSFP-DD MSA standards. FS 800G SR8 modules provide high-speed connectivity for data centre architectures, meeting the growing demands for data traffic and network performance.

	QDD-SR8-800G	OSFP-SR8-800G
Center Wavelength	850nm	850nm
Connector	MTP/MPO-16	Dual MPO-12/APC
Cable Distance (Max.)	30m@OM3 50m@OM4	30m@OM3 50m@OM4
Modulation	8x106.25G PAM4	8x106.25G PAM4
Transmitter Type	VCSEL	VCSEL
Packaging Technology	COB (Chip on Board) Packaging	COB (Chip on Board) Packaging
Chip	Broadcom 7nm DSP	Broadcom 7nm DSP
Power Consumption	≤13W	≤15W
Application	EthernetData Centre	InfiniBand800G to 800G800G to 2x400G Breakout

800G OSFP SR8 Connectivity Solutions

The 800GBASE-SR8 OSFP transceiver supports 2x 400G breakout for higher port density. It is suitable for 800G Ethernet, data centres, and 2x 400G SR4 breakout applications.

800G to 800G Link Connection

In an 800G to 800G link connection, the 800G OSFP SR8 optical module uses two MTP®-12 APC fibre jumpers to achieve 800G rate interconnection. On OM4 fibre, the transmission distance can reach up to 50 metres, making it suitable for short-distance high-speed data transmission scenarios.

800G to 2x 400G Link Connection

In connecting 800G to 2x 400G link connection, the 800G OSFP SR8 optical module is connected to two 400G SR optical modules using two MTP®-12 APC fibre patch cords, achieving interoperability between devices of different speeds. This is suitable for scenarios where devices at varying speeds need to be interconnected.

800G QSFP-DD SR8 Connectivity Solutions

The QSFP-DD transceiver offers high speed and low power consumption in 800G links. It is suitable for 800G Ethernet.

800G to 800G Link Connection

The 800G QSFP-DD SR8 module achieves 800G to 800G link connection via an MTP®-16 APC optical fibre jumper, providing high-speed, low-power data transmission suitable for data centres and high-performance networks.

Conclusion

With its superior bandwidth capacity and compact, energy-efficient design, the 800G SR8 module is driving high-performance computing and data centres towards the future. Its efficient and reliable high-speed data transmission solutions help industries maintain a competitive edge in the ever-changing digital era. Seize this opportunity to register or apply for personalised high-speed solution design consultation with FS, and transform your network. Embrace future connectivity and achieve more efficient digital transformation.