Foundry HFCT-721XPD-FD2 10GBASE-LR XFP

The Foundry HFCT-721XPD-FD2 is a hot-pluggable 10 Gigabit XFP optical transceiver module designed for 10GBASE-LR applications. It operates at a nominal wavelength of 1310 nm, utilizing a distributed feedback (DFB) laser transmitter and a PIN photodiode receiver. The module complies with the XFP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) and supports reliable transmission up to 10 km over single-mode fiber (ITU-T G.652).This transceiver handles data rates from 9.95 Gb/s to 11.1 Gb/s, covering 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10.3125 Gbps) as well as OC-192/STM-64 SONET/SDH protocols. It features duplex LC optical connectors and a 30-pin XFP electrical interface with XFI-compliant differential signals. Internal AC coupling is provided on both transmitter and receiver paths. The module operates from a single +3.3 V power supply with low power dissipation, typically under 3.5 W.

Digital diagnostic monitoring (DDM) is supported via the two-wire I2C serial interface, allowing real-time monitoring of key parameters including transmitted optical power, received optical power, laser bias current, supply voltage, and module temperature. Programmable alarm and warning thresholds facilitate proactive fault detection and network performance optimization. Control functions include transmitter disable (TX_DISABLE) and loss-of-signal (LOS) indication.

Optical characteristics include average transmitter output power in the range of approximately -8 dBm to 0 dBm and receiver sensitivity of -14.4 dBm or better. The design meets IEEE 802.3ae requirements for 10GBASE-LR, along with relevant jitter tolerance, extinction ratio, and link budget specifications. The HFCT-721XPD-FD2 is classified as a Class 1 laser product and complies with applicable EMC and RoHS standards.

The transceiver is compatible with Foundry Networks (Brocade) equipment and other platforms equipped with standard XFP ports, such as routers, switches, and optical transport systems. It is suitable for deployment in enterprise backbones, metropolitan area networks (MAN), data center interconnects, and telecom environments requiring 10 km reach on single-mode fiber.

Installation benefits from the hot-pluggable form factor, enabling insertion or removal without powering down the host system. The module supports commercial operating temperatures, typically from 0°C to +70°C (or -5°C to +70°C in some variants), and requires sufficient airflow around the XFP cage for thermal management in high-density configurations.

During operation, the HFCT-721XPD-FD2 performs rate adaptation where supported by the host device and provides calibrated digital diagnostic data for accurate reporting. Recommended connections use duplex single-mode fiber optic patch cables with LC connectors. Proper fiber cleaning and inspection are essential to prevent contamination and maintain link performance.

This module offers a standards-compliant solution for 10G network upgrades and expansions. It integrates with host management systems through SNMP or CLI for remote monitoring and diagnostics. In the event of link degradation, diagnostic information can help identify issues related to fiber quality, connectors, or environmental conditions.