Optical pluggable transceiver stretches data rates and distances

Amphenol has released the QEPT 4-TRX 200G NRZ, a 200Gbit per second high-speed optical pluggable transceiver module.

The QEPT (Quad Embedded Pluggable Transceiver), capable of 56Gbit per second at distances up to 70m over the full temperature range of 0 to +70°C.

The aggregate performance is 200Gbit per second over four channels.

The module is in response to faster data rates in data centres as well as mil-aero applications, said Amphenol.

Introducing the transceiver at Embedded Tech Trends 2025, Oscar Banos, Amphenol Fiber Systems International’s director of business development, described it as the pathway to PAM4, the modulation technology that doubles the baud rate of signal transmission compared to NRZ (non-return to zero) signals. It integrates PAM4-enable VCSEL drivers and transimpedance amplifier (TIA) and is upgradeable from the company’s QEPT 100G NRZ model, using the same foot print, and backwards compatible at 25Gbit per second NRZ.

The module measures 29mm x 18mm (with an effective PCB area of 180mm²), with a mezzanine-type connection and a screw locking feature for board mounting.

Evaluation kits (pictured) are available with software tools and a GUI to test functionality. They are shipped with a power supply for the appropriate voltage and current during testing.

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Caroline Hayes

Caroline Hayes is the editor of Electronics Weekly. She has been covering the electronics industry for over 30 years, edited UK and pan-European titles and contributed to UK and international online and print publications. Although specialising in the semiconductor market, she also has a keen interest in education, careers and start-up opportunities in the broader electronics industry.