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As mobile networks evolve beyond 5G, the demands on fronthaul interconnects continue to intensify. Optical interconnects have become the backbone of fronthaul infrastructure, providing the high bandwidth, low latency and precision timing needed for communication between distributed units (DUs) and remote units (RUs). To keep pace with this evolution, innovation in optical technology is more critical than ever.

Optical Interconnect in Fronthaul
In a mobile network’s fronthaul segment, optical interconnects connect the baseband (DU) and radio (RU) components. These links must deliver high data rates while maintaining synchronization and low latency. As networks scale, and cell sites multiply, these connections must also meet stringent power, cost, and thermal performance targets especially in space and power-constrained environments.

Challenges for Next Generation Fronthaul
The shift to next-generation mobile access presents several challenges:

• Form Factor & Power: RUs require compact pluggable optics (SFPx form factors) that consume less power. A typical requirement is under 1.5 W, even at higher speeds like 50G or 100G.
• Environmental Resilience: Optics must operate reliably under industrial temperature conditions (I-temp and beyond), with lifespans stretching up to 15 years.
• Bandwidth Growth: The fronthaul must support higher data rates—50G and 100G links are rapidly becoming standard in laser light scattering (LLS) and gray optical links between RUs and DUs.
• Synchronization Precision: Tight timing sync requirements in 5G and beyond mean optical pluggables must be characterized for jitter, latency, and any potential degradation to timing accuracy.

Mobile Optical Pluggables Alliance (MOPA) Blueprint v3.3
The MOPA v3.3 blueprint targets maintain cost and power at levels similar to prior generations, even as data rates increase. For instance, the SFP56 standard remains at a 1.5 W power class. This continuity is essential to ensure cost-effective scaling.

So, what about 100G? Expectations are clear: maintain the same power and cost envelopes as previous technologies, even at double the throughput.

Linear Pluggable Optics (LPO)
LPO is emerging as a key technology for achieving these targets. By removing the DSP (Digital Signal Processor), LPO modules can:

• Cut power consumption by up to 50%
• Reduce BOM costs by up to 30% at 112G
• Improve latency and reliability
• Enable rate agility, making them highly adaptable

These benefits make LPO an ideal solution for SFP56 and SFP112 form factors.

Looking Ahead
LPO helps enable cost-effective, power-efficient and manageable high-speed optical fronthaul.

Specifically designed for next generation mobile fronthaul, MACOM’s new MALD-39071 EML Linear Driver with Equalizer supports LPO modules and integrates input equalization, broad dynamic range and optional automatic gain control. It features high bandwidth, supports a variety of data rates and is tailored for cost and power efficiency in a variety of form factors, including SFP112, QSFP112, 800G OSFP and 800G QSFP-DD.

As operators gear up for beyond-5G rollouts, leveraging solutions that support LPO can help ease operations, streamline network management and futureproof performance.

 

 

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