An optical module typically consists of an optical transmitter (TOSA, Transmitter Optical Sub-Assembly, containing a laser diode), an optical receiver (ROSA, Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly, containing a photodetector), functional circuits, and optical (electrical) interfaces. In the era of 5G, AI, and high-speed data centers, optical modules serve as the core bridge for converting electrical signals to optical signals (and vice versa), enabling fast, reliable data transmission across networks. Optical modules typically have an electrical interface on the side that connects to the inside of the system and an optical interface on the side that connects to the outside. The optical module serves as a crucial component in optical fiber communication systems, operating at the physical layer, which is the lowest layer in the OSI model.
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