HP AJ716A 8GB Shortwave B-Series FC SFP+

The HP AJ716A is a hot-pluggable SFP+ optical transceiver module designed for 8 Gbps Fibre Channel applications in B-series SAN switches and compatible storage networking equipment. It operates as a shortwave (SW) transceiver at a nominal wavelength of 850 nm using a VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) transmitter and a PIN photodiode receiver. The module supports multi-rate operation for 2 Gbps, 4 Gbps, and 8 Gbps Fibre Channel, providing backward compatibility with lower-speed FC infrastructure.This transceiver supports transmission distances up to 300 meters over multi-mode fiber (MMF, OM3 or better) and complies with the SFP+ Multi-Source Agreement (MSA), FC-PI-4, and related Fibre Channel standards. It features a duplex LC optical connector and is intended for use with 50/125 µm or 62.5/125 µm multi-mode fiber. The electrical interface uses a 20-pin SFP+ connector with high-speed differential signals. The module operates from a single +3.3 V power supply with low power consumption, typically below 1.5 W.
Digital diagnostic monitoring (DDM/DOM) functions are implemented according to SFF-8472 via the two-wire I2C serial interface. This enables real-time monitoring and reporting of key parameters including transmitted optical power, received optical power, laser bias current, supply voltage, and module temperature. Programmable warning and alarm thresholds facilitate proactive performance monitoring and fault detection. Additional features include transmitter disable (TX_DISABLE) and loss-of-signal (LOS) indication.
Optical performance specifications include average transmitter output power typically from -8.2 dBm to -1 dBm and receiver sensitivity suitable for the rated distance on OM3/OM4 multi-mode fiber. The design ensures compliance with Fibre Channel jitter tolerance, extinction ratio, and eye mask requirements. The AJ716A is classified as a Class 1 laser product and complies with RoHS and EMC standards.
The transceiver is optimized for use in HP (HPE) B-series Fibre Channel switches and directors, as well as compatible third-party SAN equipment supporting 8 Gbps shortwave SFP+ ports. It is ideal for intra-rack or short-reach connections within data centers, storage area networks (SAN), and high-performance computing environments requiring reliable 8 Gbps Fibre Channel connectivity.
Installation is simplified by the hot-pluggable SFP+ form factor, allowing insertion or removal without powering down the host equipment. The module supports commercial operating temperatures from 0°C to +70°C and requires adequate airflow for thermal management in high-density switch configurations. Proper cleaning and inspection of the duplex LC connectors are essential to prevent contamination and maintain optimal link performance.
During operation, the AJ716A automatically negotiates the supported Fibre Channel speed (2/4/8 Gbps) with the connected device and provides calibrated digital diagnostic data for accurate reporting. Recommended fiber patch cables are duplex multi-mode LC-to-LC with OM3 or OM4 fiber for best performance up to 300 m. The module integrates seamlessly with host SAN management systems for remote monitoring of optical parameters and link status.
This shortwave SFP+ transceiver offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for building or expanding 8 Gbps Fibre Channel fabrics with short-reach connectivity while ensuring full compatibility with HP B-series infrastructure.