40G QSFP+ BiDi Optical Transceiver Module
Product Overview
The Apex 40G QSFP+ BiDi module carries a 40 Gigabit link over a single duplex LC pair by transmitting two 20 Gigabit lanes on two wavelengths in each direction. A standard 40GBASE-SR4 or LR4 port needs eight fibers in an MPO connector; the BiDi part needs two.
That difference matters wherever fiber is the constraint. In a campus or metro duct where only one pair of strands is free, or in an operator building where the patch panel is full, a BiDi module keeps the existing 40G port in service without pulling new cable or converting the port to another speed.
The module plugs into a standard QSFP+ port and is coded for the host platform you name, so no software change is required. Every unit is burnt in and tested for optical power, extinction ratio and error rate, supports DDM, and is supplied with the matching patch cords. Where the route can carry eight fibers, QSFP+ SR4, LR4, ER4 and PSM4 parts are available from the same line at lower cost.
Key Features
- 40Gbps aggregated line rate over one duplex LC fiber pair
- Two 20Gbps lanes per direction on a wavelength pair, CWDM and LWDM plans
- Reach options of 100m on multimode and 2km to 10km on single mode
- Plugs into a standard QSFP+ port, coded for the host platform you name
- Uses one eighth of the fiber of a 40GBASE-SR4 MPO link
- Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM/DOM) with live optical readings
- Lower cabling cost and simpler patch panel records than MPO trunks
- RoHS compliant, tested for optical power and error rate before shipment
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|
| Part Number | APX-QSFP-40G-xxKM-BIDI (xx = reach) |
| Manufacturer | Apex |
| Data Rate | 40Gbps (2 x 20Gbps per direction) |
| Form Factor | QSFP+, hot pluggable |
| Optical Technology | BiDi, two lanes per direction on a duplex LC pair |
| Reach Options | 100m MMF, 2km and 10km SMF |
| Fiber Type | Multimode or Single Mode, depending on grade |
| Connector Type | LC duplex |
| Transmitter | Two lane DFB or VCSEL, depending on grade |
| DDM / DOM | Supported |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V |
| Compliance | QSFP+ MSA, RoHS |
| Temperature | 0 to 70C commercial, -40 to 85C industrial on request |
Ordering Options
Family options are listed below as plain text so they can be copied into an RFQ or a spreadsheet.
| Ordering code | Fiber | Reach | Fibers used |
|---|
| APX-QSFP-40G-100M-BIDI | Multimode | 100m | 1 duplex LC pair |
| APX-QSFP-40G-2KM-BIDI | Single mode | 2km | 1 duplex LC pair |
| APX-QSFP-40G-10KM-BIDI | Single mode | 10km | 1 duplex LC pair |
| APX-QSFP-40G-100M-SR4 | Multimode | 100m | MPO, 8 fibers |
| APX-QSFP-40G-10KM-LR4 | Single mode | 10km | MPO, 8 fibers |
| APX-QSFP-40G-40KM-ER4 | Single mode | 40km | MPO, 8 fibers |
Applications
Fiber Constrained Campus Links
Carries 40G between buildings over the one free fiber pair in a duct, where an MPO link would need eight strands.
Operator and Metro Buildings
Reuses an existing 40G switch port on a full patch panel by converting the run to a single duplex LC pair.
Legacy Ports Kept in Service
Keeps 40G QSFP+ ports productive on routes that were never cabled for eight fiber MPO trunks.
Compatibility
40G BiDi modules are coded to the host platform you specify and are tested in live ports before shipment, so an existing 40G port continues to work without a configuration change. The one thing to check on site is the patch panel: a BiDi link uses LC connectors instead of the MPO connector the port was originally cabled with, so the run from the port to the panel is usually replaced with LC patch cords. Send the platform, the span and the fiber grade and we confirm the grade and the coding.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a 40G BiDi module carry 40G on two fibers?
It sends two 20Gbps lanes on two wavelengths in each direction, so eight lanes of bandwidth fit on one duplex LC pair instead of an eight fiber MPO connector.
Does the switch need a special configuration for a 40G BiDi module?
No. The module presents a standard 40G QSFP+ interface and is coded for the platform, so the port comes up as it would with a SR4 or LR4 module.
Which reaches are available?
100m over multimode, and 2km and 10km over single mode fiber. Longer single mode spans are covered by 40G LR4, ER4 or ZR4 parts on the same line.
Can I mix BiDi and SR4 modules on the same switch?
Yes. Different ports can use different grades, as long as both ends of any single link use modules designed to work together. We match and label the pair on request.
Why Choose Apex
- Optical engineering support and supply from 1.25G to 800G, including single fiber and WDM lines.
- Fiber saving options checked against your patch panel before the order is released.
- Every module is tested for optical power, extinction ratio and error rate before shipment.
- Backed by a 3 year warranty and technical support before and after the sale.
