ALM5K 1550 nm 10 mW 10 GHz Butterfly Analogue DFB Laser
- Technology
- Analogue fibre optical devices
- Partner
- AGx Technologies
The ALM5K 1550 nm analogue DFB laser module is designed for broadband analogue signal transmission over optical fiber. Operating in the low-loss C-band, it supports direct modulation up to 10 GHz for wideband RF transport in demanding systems. Its high-linearity DFB design helps preserve signal integrity in CATV, wireless infrastructure, 5G, DAS, and other RF-over-fiber applications. The module integrates critical control and protection components including a thermoelectric cooler, thermistor, optical isolator, and monitor photodiode. These elements help maintain stable wavelength, optical power, and low-noise performance over changing operating conditions. Packaged in a hermetic 14-pin butterfly form factor with fiber pigtail and RF K-connector input, the ALM5K is well suited for professional analogue optical link design.
The ALM5K is a high-performance 1550 nm analogue DFB laser module intended for broadband signal transport over fiber. Its direct modulation capability up to 10 GHz makes it a strong fit for RF over fiber, CATV distribution, wireless communications, 5G mobile networks, and distributed antenna systems.
Built into a hermetic 14-pin butterfly package, the module combines the laser, TEC, thermistor, optical isolator, and monitor photodiode in one compact assembly. This integrated design supports stable optical output, low distortion, and reliable long-term operation in demanding analogue link environments.
Range features
A high level overview of what this range offers
- 10 GHz direct modulation bandwidth – Supports ultra-wideband analogue and RF signal transport over fiber
- High-linearity DFB laser design – Helps preserve signal fidelity with low distortion
- 1550 nm C-band operation – Enables low-loss transmission for longer optical links
- Up to 10 mW optical output – Provides strong optical power for robust link budgets
- Integrated TEC and thermistor – Stabilises temperature, wavelength, and output power
- Built-in optical isolator – Reduces back-reflection effects and improves laser stability
- Monitor photodiode included – Supports output monitoring and closed-loop control
- Hermetic 14-pin butterfly package – Simplifies integration into telecom and RF-over-fiber assemblies
- 50 Ω K-connector RF input – Enables high-frequency analogue drive in a standard interface
Downloads
for ALM5K 1550 nm 10 mW 10 GHz Butterfly Analogue DFB Laser
What’s in this range?
All the variants in the range and a comparison of what they offer
Parameter | Value |
Center Wavelength | 1530 to 1565 nm |
Optical Output Power | 8 dBm minimum |
Modulation Bandwidth (-3 dB) | 10 GHz |
Laser Type | Directly modulated 1550 nm DFB laser |
Side Mode Suppression Ratio | 35 dB minimum |
RF Input Port | 50 Ω K-connector |
Package Format | Hermetic butterfly package |
Integrated Components | TEC, thermistor, optical isolator, monitor photodiode |
Fiber Type | SMF-28e single-mode fiber |
Fiber Length | 1 meter minimum |
Fiber Connector | SC/APC standard |
Threshold Current | 20 mA maximum |
Operating Current | 70 to 100 mA typical |
Operating Voltage | 2.1 V |
Operating Case Temperature | -10 °C to +65 °C |
TEC Case Temperature Range | -20 °C to +70 °C |
Storage Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C |
FAQs
for ALM5K 1550 nm 10 mW 10 GHz Butterfly Analogue DFB Laser
The ALM5K is designed for analogue fiber-optic link applications carrying broadband RF signals. Typical use cases include CATV distribution, RF over fiber, wireless and 5G infrastructure, distributed antenna systems (DAS), satellite antenna remoting, and other wideband analogue transport systems up to 10 GHz.
The module uses direct modulation of the DFB laser diode through its 50 Ω K-connector RF input. This allows the RF signal to be applied directly to the laser, removing the need for a separate external modulator in many broadband analogue applications.
The ALM5K integrates a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), thermistor, optical isolator, and monitor photodiode. Together, these components help stabilise temperature, protect the laser from optical feedback, and support optical power monitoring and control for consistent operation.
A 1550 nm laser operates in the telecom C-band, where optical fiber attenuation is low, making it well suited for longer transmission distances. The DFB design provides stable single-frequency output and good spectral purity, which supports low-noise, high-quality analogue RF signal transport.
The module is supplied with SMF-28e single-mode fiber and a 1 meter minimum fiber length. The standard connector is SC/APC, which helps minimise return reflections and is well suited to analogue optical link applications.
The ALM5K should be driven with a low-noise laser diode current source that provides the required DC bias and supports high-frequency modulation. The internal monitor photodiode can be used for optical power control, and the integrated TEC should be connected to an appropriate temperature controller for stable operation. Proper ESD precautions and current limiting are essential.
Yes. The ALM5K uses a hermetically sealed butterfly package and integrates key stabilisation components for professional optical systems. When operated within the specified electrical and thermal limits, it is suitable for continuous use in telecom, CATV, and RF-over-fiber environments.
