HP AJ718A 8GB Shortwave B-Series FC SFP+

The HP AJ718A is a hot-pluggable SFP+ optical transceiver module designed for 8 Gbps Fibre Channel shortwave (SW) applications in HPE B-series SAN switches and directors. It operates 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, ensuring backward compatibility with existing lower-speed FC infrastructure.This transceiver provides reliable short-reach connectivity up to 150 m on OM3 multi-mode fiber (or up to 300–400 m depending on fiber grade such as OM3/OM4). It complies with the SFP+ Multi-Source Agreement (MSA), FC-PI-4 Fibre Channel Physical Interface standard, and related 8GFC specifications. The module features a duplex LC optical connector and is intended for use with multi-mode fiber (MMF, 50/125 µm). The electrical interface uses a 20-pin SFP+ connector with high-speed differential signals. It 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 support proactive performance monitoring and fault detection. Additional features include transmitter disable (TX_DISABLE) and loss-of-signal (LOS) indication.
Optical performance meets 8GFC shortwave requirements for jitter tolerance, extinction ratio, and eye mask compliance. The AJ718A is classified as a Class 1 laser product and complies with RoHS and EMC standards. It serves as a standard shortwave transceiver for HPE storage area network environments.
The transceiver is optimized for HPE B-series Fibre Channel switches and compatible third-party SAN platforms supporting 8 Gbps shortwave SFP+ ports. It is ideal for intra-rack, intra-row, or short-reach connections in data centers, storage area networks (SAN), and high-performance computing environments.
Installation benefits from 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 AJ718A 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 using OM3 or OM4 fiber for best performance. The module integrates seamlessly with HPE SAN management tools and standard SNMP/CLI interfaces for remote monitoring of optical parameters and link status.
This shortwave SFP+ transceiver offers a reliable, standards-compliant solution for building or expanding 8 Gbps Fibre Channel fabrics with short-reach connectivity while ensuring full compatibility with HPE B-series infrastructure.