Broadcom Limited AFBR-5978Z
- Part No.:
- AFBR-5978Z
- Manufacturer:
- Broadcom Limited
- Category:
- Fiber Optic Transceiver Modules
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
AFBR-5978Z.pdf
- Description:
- TXRX FAST ETH POF 125MBD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
AFBR-5978Z from Avago Technologies is a digital diagnostic 650 nm LED-based transceiver for Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) and Ethernet (10 Mbps) over Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) and Hard-Clad Silica (HCS) fiber, featuring LVPECL I/O, SFF-8472-compliant DMI, and SC-RJ connector interface. It supports link distances up to 50 m on POF and 100 m on HCS in factory automation networks.
For engineers reviewing the AFBR-5978Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its 3.3 V LVPECL differential I/O, integrated digital diagnostics (temperature, supply voltage, received optical power), –25 °C to +85 °C operating range, and SC-RJ mechanical compatibility with Reichle & De-Massari systems.
Technical Context
The AFBR-5978Z integrates a 650 nm LED transmitter with driver IC and Si PIN photodiode receiver, both operating at 3.3 V. Its electrical interface uses AC-coupled differential TDATA± inputs and DC-coupled LVPECL RDATA± outputs with defined 130 Ω/82 Ω termination.
Digital diagnostics comply fully with SFF-8472 Rev 9.3 via two-wire I²C interface (addresses 0xA0 and 0xA2), supporting real-time monitoring of internal temperature (±5.0 °C accuracy), supply voltage (±0.1 V), and received optical power with alarm/warning thresholds, plus soft TX_DISABLE and RX_SD control.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Operating Speed | 10/100 Mbps Ethernet with 4B/5B (Fast) and Manchester (Ethernet) encoding - enables auto-negotiation between legacy and high-speed links. |
| Optical Wavelength | 635–660 nm central wavelength (typ. 650 nm) - optimized for high coupling efficiency into 0.5 NA POF and 0.37 NA HCS fiber. |
| Link Distance | Up to 50 m on standard POF, 100 m on HCS - meets Profinet and POFAC Fast Ethernet over POF/HCS requirements. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.97–3.63 V - tight 3.3 V tolerance ensures stable LVPECL output swing and DMI functionality across industrial temperature range. |
| Diagnostic Interface | SFF-8472-compliant two-wire serial bus (0xA0/0xA2) - enables host-side real-time fault isolation and predictive maintenance without external sensors. |
| Temperature Range | –25 °C to +85 °C case operating temperature - validated for uncontrolled factory floor environments. |
| Receiver Sensitivity | –25 dBm OMA (POF), –29.3 dBm OMA (HCS) - defines minimum launch power required for <2.5×10⁻¹⁰ BER with PRBS2⁷⁻¹ pattern. |
Pinout & Package
The AFBR-5978Z uses a custom molded housing with duplex SC-RJ receptacle, twelve signal pins, and two isolated solder posts for mechanical anchoring. The package complies with SC-RJ height constraints and includes internal EMI shielding.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (Sda) | I²C data line | Open-drain bidirectional DMI data line; requires 4.7–10 kΩ pull-up to 3.3 V on host board. |
| Pin 2 (Rx GND) | Receiver ground reference | Direct connection to host receiver ground plane - critical for low-noise analog front-end performance. |
| Pin 3 (Rx Vcc) | Receiver power supply | +3.3 V supply filtered locally near pin - minimizes noise coupling into Si PIN preamp stage. |
| Pin 4 (Sd) | LVPECL signal detect output | Logic-high when valid optical input present; drives upstream LOS-bar or SD inputs with proper LVPECL termination. |
| Pins 5–6 (Rdata−/Rdata+) | Differential LVPECL receiver outputs | 3.3 V LVPECL-compatible pair requiring 130 Ω pull-up to Vcc and 82 Ω pull-down to ground per line. |
| Pin 7 (Tx Vcc) | Transmitter power supply | +3.3 V supply filtered locally near pin - stabilizes LED driver bias and modulation fidelity. |
| Pin 8 (Tx GND) | Transmitter ground reference | Direct connection to host transmitter ground plane - isolates high-slew-rate LED drive current from receiver path. |
| Pin 9 (Txdis) | Transmitter disable control | Active-high logic input (2.0–3.63 V = off); internally pulled up (~8 kΩ) - enables fail-safe shutdown during hot-plug or fault conditions. |
| Pins 10–11 (Tdata+/Tdata−) | Differential AC-coupled inputs | 100 Ω differential inputs with internal AC coupling - eliminates need for external capacitors on host SERDES side. |
| Pin 12 (Scl) | I²C clock line | Open-drain clock line; requires 4.7–10 kΩ pull-up to 3.3 V - supports up to 400 kHz SFF-8472 serial clock rate. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Digital Diagnostics Monitoring Interface (DMI) | Fully implements SFF-8472 Rev 9.3 with real-time readout of internal temperature, supply voltage, and received optical power - enables embedded health monitoring without external circuitry. |
| LVPECL Signal Detect Output | Dedicated Sd pin provides fast, logic-level indication of optical signal presence/loss - simplifies loss-of-signal detection in industrial PLC backplanes. |
| SC-RJ Connector Compatibility | Mechanically compliant with Reichle & De-Massari SC-RJ system - ensures interoperability with standardized POF/HCS cabling infrastructure in factory automation. |
| Transmitter Disable Control | Hardware (Txdis pin) and software (SFF-8472 byte 110, bit 6) control paths - supports both immediate hardware shutdown and host-configurable soft disable. |
| RoHS-Compliant & Lead-Free | Meets EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU - certified for use in environmentally regulated industrial and automation equipment. |
Applications
| Factory Automation Networking | Profinet Over POF/HCS |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Connecting programmable logic controllers (PLCs), I/O modules, and HMIs in noisy manufacturing environments using plastic or hard-clad silica fiber. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full-duplex optical transceiver providing 10/100 Mbps physical layer interface with deterministic latency and EMI immunity. Use Value: Eliminates copper EMI susceptibility while maintaining compatibility with existing Fast Ethernet MAC layers and Profinet protocol stacks. | Use Scenario: Deploying Profinet-compliant fieldbus links over POF in machine-building applications where flexibility and vibration resistance are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Optically isolated PHY layer device meeting Profinet's electrical and optical performance recommendations for POF and HCS media. Use Value: Enables drop-in replacement of copper-based Profinet nodes without redesigning network topology or changing upper-layer firmware. |
| Industrial Ethernet Backplane Links | Legacy Ethernet Migration Path |
Use Scenario: Interconnecting modular control cabinets via short-reach optical links inside control panels subject to thermal cycling and electromagnetic interference. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-immunity transceiver with integrated DMI for continuous health monitoring of optical link integrity. Use Value: Reduces unplanned downtime by detecting early degradation in received optical power before BER exceeds operational thresholds. | Use Scenario: Upgrading legacy 10 Mbps Ethernet devices to support 100 Mbps operation while retaining existing POF cabling infrastructure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-speed transceiver supporting both Manchester (10 Mbps) and 4B/5B (100 Mbps) signaling - enables seamless speed negotiation. Use Value: Extends service life of installed POF cable plants without requiring full physical layer overhaul or new cabling installation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar optical transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFBR-5979Z | Same SC-RJ package and DMI interface, but uses VCSEL instead of LED; higher power efficiency and tighter spectral width (Δλ < 10 nm). | Optimized for longer HCS reach (>150 m) and lower jitter; not rated for POF use. | Select AFBR-5979Z only when migrating to HCS-only infrastructure with stricter jitter budgets. |
| HFBR-5972P | Legacy non-DIAG version; no SFF-8472 interface, no temperature/voltage monitoring, same 650 nm LED and SC-RJ form factor. | Lacks real-time diagnostics; suitable only for cost-sensitive applications where predictive maintenance is not required. | Choose HFBR-5972P if DMI functionality is unnecessary and BOM cost reduction is prioritized over field serviceability. |
Compared with AFBR-5978Z, AFBR-5979Z offers superior optical performance on HCS but sacrifices POF compatibility, while HFBR-5972P reduces complexity and cost at the expense of diagnostic capability - making AFBR-5978Z the balanced choice for mixed-media industrial deployments requiring visibility into link health.
Availability
AFBR-5978Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for factory automation networking, Profinet over POF/HCS, and industrial Ethernet backplane links requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for AFBR-5978Z 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
Avago Technologies (now part of Broadcom) is a global leader in semiconductor photonics, specializing in high-reliability optoelectronic components for industrial, enterprise, and communications infrastructure.
The AFBR-5978Z belongs to Avago's industrial-grade POF/HCS transceiver product line, designed specifically to enable robust, EMI-immune Fast Ethernet connectivity in harsh factory environments where copper cabling fails.
FAQ
What is the maximum supported link distance for AFBR-5978Z on Plastic Optical Fiber?
The AFBR-5978Z supports up to 50 meters on standard 0.5 ± 0.05 NA POF, as verified under unstressed conditions with PRBS2⁷⁻¹ pattern and BER < 2.5×10⁻¹⁰. This distance assumes use of compliant SC-RJ connectors and proper termination per Figure 4 in the datasheet. Performance may degrade beyond 50 m due to modal dispersion in bandwidth-limited POF.
Does AFBR-5978Z support both 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps Ethernet speeds?
Yes, AFBR-5978Z natively supports both 10 Mbps (Manchester encoding) and 100 Mbps (4B/5B encoding) Ethernet speeds. The transceiver automatically adapts to the signaling rate of the connected SERDES, enabling seamless integration into mixed-speed industrial networks without configuration changes. Auto-negotiation occurs over a 1 MHz carrier as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table.
How is digital diagnostics accessed on AFBR-5978Z?
Digital diagnostics on AFBR-5978Z are accessed via a two-wire I²C interface at addresses 0xA0 (serial ID) and 0xA2 (diagnostic memory map), fully compliant with SFF-8472 Rev 9.3. Host systems read real-time parameters including internal temperature, supply voltage, and received optical power - all stored in coherent MSB/LSB pairs - and configure soft controls like TX_DISABLE through byte 110 of the A2h map.
What is the purpose of the two solder posts on the AFBR-5978Z package?
The two solder posts on the AFBR-5978Z provide primary mechanical anchoring to withstand repeated mating/unmating forces from SC-RJ fiber cables. They are electrically isolated from the transceiver's circuitry and do not require connection to the PCB ground plane - ensuring mechanical stability without compromising signal integrity or introducing ground loops in sensitive industrial applications.
Can AFBR-5978Z be used with Hard-Clad Silica (HCS) fiber, and what is its sensitivity?
Yes, AFBR-5978Z is qualified for use with 200 µm HCS fiber (NA = 0.37 ± 0.04), supporting link distances up to 100 meters. Its unstressed receiver sensitivity is –29.3 dBm OMA (peak-to-peak), measured with PRBS2⁷⁻¹ pattern at BER < 2.5×10⁻¹⁰. Input optical power must remain below –4 dBm OMA to avoid duty cycle distortion exceeding ±1 ns, as specified in the Receiver Optical Characteristics table.
AFBR-5978Z Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Broadcom Limited
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Data Rate:
- 100Mbps
- Wavelength:
- 650nm
- Applications:
- Ethernet
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3.3V
- Connector Type:
- SC
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
AFBR-5978Z FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AFBR-5978Z through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AFBR-5978Z 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-5978Z reliable?
The price and inventory of AFBR-5978Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AFBR-5978Z is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AFBR-5978Z?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AFBR-5978Z transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AFBR-5978Z?
AFBR-5978Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AFBR-5978Z 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-5978Z?
For technical support, including AFBR-5978Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AFBR-5978Z requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AFBR-5978Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AFBR-5978Z 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-5978Z meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AFBR-5978Z?
All AFBR-5978Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AFBR-5978Z, 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-5978Z part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AFBR-5978Z:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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