Price list for DML active optical equipment for data center interconnection

Directly Modulated Laser (DML) optical components for data center interconnects vary in cost depending on data rate, reach, and form factor, with pricing typically negotiated with vendors rather than publicly listed.

Overview of DML Components

DML-based optical modules are widely used for short- to medium-reach data center interconnects, typically up to 10 km for single-mode fiber applications. They are commonly integrated into:

• Pluggable transceivers (SFP28, QSFP28, OSFP, or OSFP-LPO for higher speeds)
• Active Optical Cables (AOCs)
• On-Board Optics (OBO) These components convert electrical signals to optical signals using DML lasers and photodetectors, supporting data rates from 25 Gbps to 1.6 Tbps per link, depending on the module and vendor .

Factors Affecting Pricing

Pricing for DML optical components is influenced by:

• Data rate and protocol support: Modules supporting higher speeds (e.g., 400G, 800G, 1.6T) or multiple protocols (Ethernet, Fibre Channel, InfiniBand, PCIe) are more expensive .
• Reach and fiber type: Short-reach multimode DML modules are generally lower cost than long-reach single-mode modules, which may require precise wavelength control and higher-quality packaging .
• Form factor and integration: Pluggable modules (QSFP-DD, OSFP) and AOCs with integrated DMLs are priced higher due to compact design, thermal management, and low-latency performance .
• Vendor and supply chain: Leading suppliers like MACOM, Cisco, and Amphenol offer proprietary chipsets and modules, and pricing is often negotiated based on volume, service agreements, and customization .

Typical Market Context

• Short-reach DML modules (up to 300 m multimode fiber) are widely used in intra-rack and inter-rack connections and are generally more cost-effective .
• Long-reach DML modules (up to 10 km or more) are used for inter-data center links and may approach the cost of EML-based modules due to tighter performance tolerances .
• High-speed pluggable modules (400G–1.6T) are increasingly deployed in hyperscale data centers, with costs reflecting advanced packaging, low power consumption, and compliance with standards like OSFP MSA, IEEE 802.3, and OIF-CMIS .

Procurement Recommendations

Since public price lists are generally unavailable, the best approach is to:

1. Contact vendors directly (MACOM, Cisco, Amphenol, Finisar, Lumentum) for quotes based on required data rate, reach, and form factor.
2. Specify volume and delivery schedule, as bulk orders often reduce per-unit cost.
3. Consider total cost of ownership, including power consumption, cooling, and integration with existing DCI infrastructure . In summary, while exact prices are not publicly listed, DML active optical components for data center interconnects are priced according to speed, reach, form factor, and vendor, and procurement typically involves direct negotiation with suppliers.