DR Type 8 Lasers ELSFP Pluggable Laser Source

As AI clusters and high‑performance computing (HPC) continue to drive exponential bandwidth growth, traditional pluggable optical modules are approaching physical limits in power consumption and density. Co‑packaged optics (CPO) has emerged as the key technology to overcome the bandwidth bottleneck. At the heart of the CPO ecosystem, the DR Type 8 Lasers ELSFP (External Laser Source) delivers a high‑performance, pluggable continuous‑wave (CW) DFB laser solution—designed to enable efficient, reliable, and serviceable CPO switch platforms.

●Pluggable Laser Source to support co-packaged optics (CPO) switch platform ●CW DFB Laser ●Compliant with ELSFP Implementation Agreement OIF- ELSFP-02.0 ●Compliant with ELSFP CMIS OIF-ELSFP-CMIS-01.0 and CMIS 5.1 ●Case operating temperature 0°C to 50°C ●Two wire serial Interface with digital diagnostic monitoring ●Complies with EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS compliant) ●Class 1 Laser

Pluggable Laser Source Purpose‑Built for CPO Platforms

In contrast to traditional pluggable modules where lasers and modulators are integrated, CPO decouples the laser source from the switch ASIC and optical engine. The ELSFP is purpose‑built for this architecture. It fits into a standard, pluggable form factor on the front panel of a CPO switch, providing stable, high‑power CW optical power to the on‑board silicon photonics engine.

This approach delivers two key advantages: it removes the thermal burden of lasers from the switch chip, simplifying thermal management, and it enables field‑replaceable laser sources. When a laser source reaches the end of its life, operators can simply replace the ELSFP module without replacing the entire switch—dramatically improving serviceability.

High‑Performance CW DFB Laser Array

The module integrates an 8‑channel continuous‑wave distributed feedback (CW DFB) laser array. DFB lasers are known for exceptional wavelength stability and narrow linewidth, making them the ideal choice for high‑speed optical interconnects and silicon photonics applications.

High‑density output: With an 8‑channel (DR8) configuration, a single module delivers eight independent, high‑quality optical signals, supporting 400G, 800G, and future CPO port speeds.

Precise wavelength control: Maintains stable laser wavelength even under demanding environmental conditions, ensuring reliable carrier injection for the downstream silicon photonics modulator.

Full Compliance with Industry Standards

To ensure plug‑and‑play interoperability with mainstream CPO switch platforms, the ELSFP adheres to widely adopted industry specifications:

Hardware interface: Compliant with OIF‑ELSFP‑02.0 Implementation Agreement, ensuring mechanical, electrical, and hot‑plug compatibility across leading CPO systems.

Management interface: Compliant with OIF‑ELSFP‑CMIS‑01.0 and CMIS 5.1. The standard two‑wire serial interface enables real‑time digital diagnostic monitoring (DDM) of key parameters—temperature, supply voltage, laser bias current, and optical output power—allowing precise system management and proactive fault detection.

Reliable Operation Across Commercial Temperature Ranges

Data center switches operate under complex airflow and thermal conditions. The ELSFP is rated for a case operating temperature range of 0°C to 50°C, ensuring stable laser performance even under high‑load scenarios where cooling may be constrained. This wide‑temperature tolerance guarantees link reliability in real‑world deployment environments.

Safety and Environmental Compliance

Laser safety: Classified as a Class 1 laser product, the module meets international safety standards and is safe for normal operation, protecting operators and field personnel.

Environmental compliance: Fully compliant with EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS), free from restricted hazardous substances, and aligned with global environmental regulations to support green data center initiatives.

The DR Type 8 Lasers ELSFP is more than a laser source—it is a foundational building block for the CPO ecosystem. By combining a high‑power CW DFB laser array with a standards‑compliant, pluggable form factor, it elegantly solves the key challenges of laser independence and serviceability in CPO architectures.

For next‑generation AI clusters and hyper‑scale data centers, the ELSFP represents an efficient, flexible, and future‑ready optical interconnect solution: preserving the operational convenience of pluggable optics while unlocking the power and density advantages of CPO.

DR Type 8 Lasers ELSFP Key Features at a Glance

Architecture: 8‑channel CW DFB laser array

Application: CPO switch platform integration

Standards compliance: OIF‑ELSFP‑02.0, OIF‑ELSFP‑CMIS‑01.0, CMIS 5.1

Management: Two‑wire serial interface with digital diagnostic monitoring (DDM)

Operating temperature: 0°C to 50°C case temperature

Laser safety: Class 1 laser product

Environmental: RoHS compliant (EU Directive 2011/65/EU)