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The OP8216 is a 1U fiber-optic channel interface output (TX) or input (RX) depending on selected configuration.

The board holds optical transceivers and convert logic signals into fiber-optic signals (transmit channels), and fiber-optic signals into digital logic signals (receive channels).  Hence it ensures optical digital input and output isolation between the OPAL-RT simulator and the unit under test. 

The transceivers are compatible with plastic optical fiber cables (650 nm wavelength). Their frequency range is DC to 25 MHz, corresponding to a 50 Mbps baud rate, for distances up to 50 meters. The absolute minimum for transmission (Tx) high and low pulse width is 20 ns. This frequency range means the board can be used as a standard digital I/O card with isolation (DC mode), or for low-speed communication protocols. 

Possible configurations are

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To ensure that the OP8216 is compatible with different equipment and fiber-optic setups, an optical power budget must be established and calculated.

An optical power budget involves knowing the following:

• Fiber-optic link distance.

• Fiber-optic link attenuation and loss factor. 

• Connectors and amplifiers throughout the fiber-optic link.

• Receiver sensitivity.

• Transmitter power.

For the OP8216, the transmitter has an optical output power of -4.5 dBm (min) to +2dBm (max) [for 1 mm POF].

The receiver has a sensitivity of -22 dBm to +2 dBm.

For 1 mm POF, worst-case attenuation can be estimated to be 0.27 dB/m from -40C to +85C at 650 nm.

These numbers can be used to present an example of an optical power budget, where the OP8216 transmitter is connected to the OP8216 receiver through a 50 m, 1 mm POF link. 

Assuming there are no connectors or amplifiers, and that we are using a 50 m fiber-optic link between the OP8216 transmitter and receiver, we can calculate:

0.27 dB/m * 50 m = 13.5 dB losses through 1 mm POF.

-4.5 dBm - 13.5 dB = -18 dBm at the receiver.  -18 dBm is within the receiver sensitivity specification, so the link will work properly.

We can thus confirm that this example 50m link would be compatible with the OP8216 transmitter and receiver.

NOTE:  Presented values are used as an example calculation only.  Please replace values with measured or known values for your specific application.

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DB37 Connector	Channel and Signal Name	DB37 Connector	Channel and Signal Name

DB37 Connector	Channel and Signal Name	DB37 Connector	Channel and Signal Name
1	+CH00	20	GND	Open
2	+CH01	21	GND
3	+CH02	22	GND
4	+CH03	23	GND
5	+CH04	24	GND
6	+CH05	25	GND
7	+CH06	26	GND
8	+CH07	27	GND
9	+CH08	28	GND
10	+CH09	29	GND
11	+CH10	30	GND
12	+CH11	31	GND
13	+CH12	32	GND
14	+CH13	33	GND
15	+CH14	34	GND
16	+CH15	35	GND
17		36
18	+5V (out)	37	GND
19

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