The concept of the GBICs (Gigabit Interface Converter) is based on a pluggable transceiver solution (optical transmitter and receiver). Due to the multisource agreement (MSA) of different manufacturers there is a standardized mechanical and electrical interface defined. So the exchange of modules from different manufacturers is possible.

Many active network components, especially in the backbone area such as switches or routers, are equipped with slots for taking up the optical transceivers. The customers reaches the highest flexibility in terms of network configuration using GBIC transceivers. Their construction allows to install them during operation (hot swap).

The current transceivers of MICROSENS offer the transmission over multimode and single mode fiber up to Gigabit speeds. Depending on the version it is possible to transmit high speed services over a distance up to 120 km.

The optical transceivers of MICROSENS meet the Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) specifications in the revision 5.4. Furthermore they are compatible to the Gigabit Ethernet specifications according IEEE standard 802.3® and the Fibre Channel specifications FC-PH, PH2, PH3 and FC-PI 10.0.

Depending on the model, the GBICs are available with different wavelengths. For multimode applications such as Gigabit Ethernet and Gigabit Fibre Channel there are VCSEL lasers used with a wavelength of 850 nm. With this technology it is possible to cover distances up to 550 m (50/125 µm fiber). For single mode applications there are high quality lasers available with 1300 nm and 1550 nm. These lasers offer the possibility to cover distances from 10 km to 120 km, depending on the model.