3. Transceivers for telecoms and industrial applications

The main function of a transceiver is to convert an optical signal into an electrical signal and vice versa. It's an element that contains the active transmitter and receiver components, the transmitter and receiver driver electronics, the signal protocol management electronics and the mechanical connector interface.

This involves coupling optical power from a transmitter chip, laser or LED (light-emitting diode) inside a fiber, or from a fiber to a receiver. Two technologies are available: fiber-primed components, and directly connected components.