Broadcom Limited AFBR-5972Z
- Part No.:
- AFBR-5972Z
- Manufacturer:
- Broadcom Limited
- Category:
- Fiber Optic Transceiver Modules
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
AFBR-5972Z.pdf
- Description:
- TXRX FAST ETHERNET POF
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:758
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Product details
Overview
The AFBR-5972Z from Broadcom is a 650-nm polymer optical fiber (POF) transceiver supporting 100BASE-FX Fast Ethernet at 125 MBaud, with LVPECL I/O, –40°C to +85°C operating range, and 50 m link length over 0.5 NA POF. It integrates a 650-nm LED transmitter and Si PIN photodiode receiver in a compact Versatile-Link duplex connector housing for industrial Ethernet applications.
For engineers reviewing the AFBR-5972Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its 3.3 V LVPECL interface compatibility, signal detect (SD) output timing (<100 µs), optical sensitivity (–26 dBm), RoHS-compliant lead-free package, and mechanical integration with standard POF cabling systems.
Technical Context
The AFBR-5972Z implements a full-duplex 100BASE-FX Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) layer compliant with IEEE 802.3, using a 650-nm LED source and Si PIN photodiode detector optimized for 0.5 NA POF. Its transmitter accepts LVPECL/LVDS differential input and drives modulated optical output with <3.5 ns optical rise/fall times.
The receiver delivers LVPECL differential output with 500–900 mV single-ended swing, supports signal detect assertion at –31 dBm and deassertion at –33 dBm, and maintains <2.14 ns random jitter (BER = 2.5 × 10⁻¹⁰). Power supply noise rejection exceeds 50 mV peak-to-peak across 0.1–100 MHz.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Data Rate | 125 MBaud - Matches 100BASE-FX Fast Ethernet signaling with 4B/5B encoding. |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V ±10% - Requires dual 3.3 V supplies (TxVcc & RxVcc) with local decoupling per datasheet layout. |
| Optical Wavelength | 635–675 nm - Centered at 650 nm for optimal coupling into 0.5 NA polymer optical fiber. |
| Receiver Sensitivity | –26 dBm (min) - Enables reliable 50 m links over POF at BER < 2.5 × 10⁻¹⁰. |
| Signal Detect Timing | <100 µs response - Ensures rapid link status reporting for real-time network fault detection. |
| Temperature Range | –40°C to +85°C - Validated for continuous operation in factory automation and power distribution environments. |
| EMI Shielding | 4 shield ground posts - Must connect to chassis ground to meet IEC 61000-4-3 immunity requirements (15 V/m, 80 MHz–1 GHz). |
Pinout & Package
The AFBR-5972Z uses a surface-mount, compact rectangular housing (10 mm × 12 mm × 7.35 mm) with eight signal pins, four isolated EMI shield solder posts, and two mechanical mounting posts on the bottom side. The package integrates transmitter and receiver opto-electrical subassemblies with a Versatile-Link duplex connector interface.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 TD+ | Transmitter differential data input (+) | LVPECL/LVDS-compatible input; requires 50 Ω termination to RxVcc. |
| 2 TD− | Transmitter differential data input (−) | Paired with TD+; common-mode voltage range GND + 0.8 V to VCC − 0.8 V. |
| 3 TxVcc | Transmitter power supply | +3.3 V supply; must be filtered near pin with 10 μF + 100 nF capacitors per Figure 3. |
| 4 GND | Signal ground reference | Direct connection to host board signal ground plane; low-inductance return path required. |
| 5 RxVcc | Receiver power supply | +3.3 V supply; independent filtering from TxVcc recommended to minimize crosstalk. |
| 6 SD | Signal detect output | LVPECL logic "1" when optical input ≥ –31 dBm; deasserts to logic "0" below –33 dBm. |
| 7 RD+ | Receiver differential data output (+) | LVPECL output; active only when SD = "1"; requires 50 Ω termination to RxVcc. |
| 8 RD− | Receiver differential data output (−) | Paired with RD+; outputs logic "0"/"1" (RD+/RD−) when SD is deasserted. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| IEEE 802.3 100BASE-FX PMA compliance | Fully implements Fast Ethernet physical medium attachment layer for POF PMD without external SERDES. |
| Compact Versatile-Link duplex connector | Enables tool-less, repeatable POF cable mating with mechanical alignment matching UTP RJ-45 footprint. |
| Integrated signal detect (SD) with hysteresis | 2 dB hysteresis (–31 dBm assert / –33 dBm deassert) prevents false link flapping in marginal optical conditions. |
| Low-power 3.3 V operation | Total supply current ≤110 mA at 3.3 V enables use in thermally constrained industrial modules. |
| Laser Class 1 safety certification | TÜV-certified (R 50483935); no user-accessible hazardous radiation-safe for open-board deployment. |
Applications
| Industrial Ethernet over POF | Factory Automation Networking |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: High-noise factory floor connecting PLCs, HMIs, and I/O modules via POF cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full-duplex 100BASE-FX transceiver providing galvanically isolated, EMI-immune physical layer connectivity. Use Value: Immunity to electromagnetic interference eliminates packet loss in motor drive and welding environments where copper Ethernet fails. |
Use Scenario: Distributed control system linking robotic cells with central motion controllers using flexible POF trunk lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Optical PHY enabling deterministic 100 Mb/s communication with <100 µs SD response for rapid fault isolation. Use Value: 50 m link length over 0.5 NA POF supports modular machine reconfiguration without conduit or shielding upgrades. |
| Power Generation Monitoring | Ethernet Fieldbus Protocol Support |
|
Use Scenario: Substation sensor networks transmitting temperature, vibration, and breaker status over POF between switchgear bays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RoHS-compliant, wide-temperature transceiver serving as the optical interface for IEC 61850 GOOSE messaging. Use Value: –40°C to +85°C case rating ensures reliability in unconditioned outdoor enclosures exposed to solar loading and thermal cycling. |
Use Scenario: Integration into EtherCAT, PROFINET, or POWERLINK fieldbus gateways requiring native 100BASE-FX POF support. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in POF PHY enabling legacy copper-based fieldbus devices to interoperate over plastic fiber infrastructure. Use Value: Eliminates need for media converters-reduces BOM count, latency, and failure points in distributed I/O architectures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar optical transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFBR-5973Z | Same package and pinout; supports 70 m link length over 0.3 NA POF (vs. 50 m @ 0.5 NA for AFBR-5972Z); identical electrical interface. | Better suited for longer POF runs with lower-NA fiber; requires matching 0.3 NA fiber infrastructure. | Select AFBR-5973Z only if deploying 0.3 NA POF and requiring >50 m reach; otherwise AFBR-5972Z offers optimal cost/performance for standard 0.5 NA installations. |
| HFBR-5972Z | Legacy Avago (pre-Broadcom) version; identical optical/electrical specs and pinout; RoHS-compliant but lacks TÜV Class 1 certification. | Acceptable for non-safety-critical industrial use; not certified for Class 1 laser safety per EN 60825-1:2007. | Choose HFBR-5972Z only for legacy design continuity where Class 1 certification is not mandated; AFBR-5972Z is preferred for new designs requiring full regulatory compliance. |
Compared with AFBR-5973Z and HFBR-5972Z, the AFBR-5972Z uniquely balances 50 m POF reach, Class 1 safety certification, and drop-in compatibility with standard 0.5 NA fiber-making it the default choice for new industrial Ethernet deployments requiring regulatory assurance and infrastructure simplicity.
Availability
AFBR-5972Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial Ethernet, factory automation, and power generation monitoring requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for AFBR-5972Z includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Broadcom Inc. is a global semiconductor leader designing connectivity, networking, and infrastructure solutions for enterprise, industrial, and automotive markets.
The AFBR-5972Z belongs to Broadcom's Versatile-Link POF transceiver product line, engineered specifically for robust, EMI-immune Fast Ethernet in electrically noisy industrial environments using low-cost polymer optical fiber.
FAQ
What is the maximum supported link length for AFBR-5972Z over polymer optical fiber?
The AFBR-5972Z supports up to 50 meters over standard 0.5 ± 0.05 NA POF, as verified in the AV02-2701EN datasheet under Recommended Operating Conditions. This distance assumes PRBS 2⁷–1 test pattern and BER < 2.5 × 10⁻¹⁰. For 0.3 NA POF, a different variant (AFBR-5973Z) is required to achieve 70 m.
Does AFBR-5972Z require external clocking or SERDES circuitry?
No, the AFBR-5972Z operates as a self-contained 100BASE-FX PMA device and does not require external clock recovery or SERDES. It accepts LVPECL/LVDS differential data directly and outputs LVPECL data, making it compatible with standard Ethernet MAC interfaces without additional timing ICs.
How is the signal detect (SD) pin of AFBR-5972Z used in system design?
The SD pin of AFBR-5972Z provides an LVPECL-level logic signal indicating optical link presence: asserted ("1") above –31 dBm input power and deasserted ("0") below –33 dBm. It enables real-time link status monitoring in PLCs and switches without polling, with <100 µs response time confirmed in Transceiver Diagnostics Timing Characteristics.
Can AFBR-5972Z be wave-soldered, and what are the limits?
Yes, the AFBR-5972Z is Pb-free wave-solderable per datasheet Absolute Maximum Ratings: peak temperature ≤260°C for ≤10 seconds. Reflow profiles must comply with J-STD-020; the part is not rated for infrared reflow beyond moisture sensitivity level (MSL) limits, which are not specified in AV02-2701EN.
What safety certifications apply to AFBR-5972Z?
The AFBR-5972Z is certified as Laser Class 1 per EN 60825-1:2007 (TÜV certificate R 50483935) and UL Recognized (UL File #E173874). It emits only LED radiation-no laser diodes-and poses no eye hazard under normal or single-fault conditions, enabling safe deployment in open-board industrial equipment.
AFBR-5972Z Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Broadcom Limited
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Data Rate:
- 125MBd
- Wavelength:
- 650nm
- Applications:
- Ethernet
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3.3V
- Connector Type:
- Versatile-Link
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
AFBR-5972Z FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AFBR-5972Z through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AFBR-5972Z on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AFBR-5972Z reliable?
The price and inventory of AFBR-5972Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AFBR-5972Z is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AFBR-5972Z?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AFBR-5972Z transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AFBR-5972Z?
AFBR-5972Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AFBR-5972Z order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AFBR-5972Z?
For technical support, including AFBR-5972Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AFBR-5972Z requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AFBR-5972Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AFBR-5972Z products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AFBR-5972Z meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AFBR-5972Z?
All AFBR-5972Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AFBR-5972Z, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AFBR-5972Z part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AFBR-5972Z:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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