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While each RX Series model is designed and intended for operation over the specified wavelength range shown by the solid colored regions above, each will respond with reduced performance to optical inputs at shorter wavelengths, as shown by the partially transparent regions.

Features

• Fiber-Coupled Receivers with Bandwidths up to 42 GHz
• Available from Stock with FC/PC Connectors; Contact Tech Support for FC/APC Versions
• AC-Coupled RF Outputs
• Hermetically Sealed GaAs or InGaAs Detector Module
• Two Fiber Pigtail Options:
  
  • OM4 (Ø50 µm Core) Multimode Fiber
  • SMF-28 Single Mode Fiber
• 3.3 V Power Requirement (User Supplied)
• Available Packaged in Ultrafast Receiver Instruments
• Discounts for High-Volume Purchases Available; Contact OEM Sales with Inquiries

Thorlabs' RX Series of High-Speed Receivers combine a photodiode and transimpedance amplifier in a compact hermetic package with a pigtailed fiber input. Available with maximum bandwidths of 10 GHz, 25 GHz, 40 GHz, or 42 GHz, they are designed for use as components in systems where the user needs a reliable, high-bandwidth detection device. See the specifications for each device below, including fiber type, spectral response, and conversion gain.

Ideally, these items should be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) that supplies power and control signals that are free of noise and spikes. The fiber pigtail allows the input to be routed to another location off the PCB. All these receivers use FC/PC connectors as standard, but FC/APC connectors are available upon request; please contact Tech Support with inquiries. The coaxial output connectors (2.92 mm or dual GPPO^®*, depending on device) allow for cables to be connected to the module and then routed to the follow-on hardware. The outputs are designed for 50 Ω coaxial cable and should be terminated into 50 Ω equipment to prevent electrical reflections. These high-speed photoreceiver modules are ESD sensitive, so observe proper storage and handling procedures (see the Operation tab for details).

The performance of each RX series ultrafast photoreceiver is factory tested, and a summary of the individualized test results is shipped with each receiver. For receivers purchased after January 16^th, 2020, a file with both this summary sheet and supporting test data can be downloaded by clicking on the red Docs icon () next to the Item # and entering your device's serial number under "Download Serial Item Data." Data files for devices purchased before this date are available by contacting Tech Support. A sample of these results for the RX25BF ultrafast photoreceiver can be viewed here.

*GPPO is a registered trademark of Corning.

Webpage Features
	Clicking this icon below opens a window that contains full specifications and performance graphs for each item.
	Clicking this icon below allows you to download our standard support documentation for each item.

Janis Valdmanis, Ph.D. Optics
Ultrafast Optoelectronics
General Manager

We Design, Develop, and Manufacture
Equipment up to 70 GHz

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The RXM25AF Photoreceiver includes the RX25AF Ultrafast Photoreceiver Module.

ESD Sensitive Components: Please note that the components inside these modules are ESD sensitive. Take all appropriate precautions to discharge personnel and equipment before making any electrical connections to the unit. This especially applies to coaxial connecting cables that can accumulate capacitive charge.

Operation Guide for RX10 Series Photoreceivers

Please reference the drawing to the lower left for connectors and pin assignments; the diagram to the lower right depicts the internal elements of the photoreceiver. Unpack the unit carefully, making sure to take ESD precautions. For detailed operation procedures, refer to the spec sheet for each item #, accessible by clicking the Support Docs icon () below.

1. Mount the unit using the Ø2.1 mm mounting holes.
2. Attach the 2.92 mm output of the unit to the measurement instrument using suitable cables or adapters. The measurement instrument must have a 50 Ω input and adequate bandwidth to resolve the high-speed signal from the detector.
3. It is critical that the power up and power down sequence is performed correctly:
   
   1. Power-Up Sequence: Photodiode First, Then Amplifier
   2. Power-Down Sequence: Amplifier First, Then Photodiode
4. Couple the optical input signal to the photoreceiver via the FC/PC connector after the photodiode and amplifier are biased. Ensure the average input optical power does not exceed 6 dBm.
5. The DC photocurrent can be monitored using a resistor in series with the bias pin and a voltmeter across the resistor. Make sure that the voltage drop across the resistor does not reduce the bias on the module below its operating voltage.

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RX10 Series Internal Block Diagram Showing the Photodiode, Amplifier Stage, and RF Output

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RX10 Series Device Schematic

Operation Guide for RX25 Series, RX40AF, and RX42AF Photoreceivers

Please reference the drawing to the lower left for connectors and pin assignments; the diagram to the lower right depicts the internal elements of the photoreceiver. Unpack the unit carefully, making sure to take ESD precautions. For detailed operation procedures, refer to the spec sheet for each item #, accessible by clicking the corresponding Support Docs icon () below. For pin assigments, click on the blue icons () in the tables below and go to the Pin-Out Connections tabs.

1. Mount the unit using the M2.5 x 0.45 mounting holes. It is possible to use M2 screws for mounting if bypassing the M2.5 threads in the feet is desired.
2. Attach the GPPO^® RF outputs of the unit to the measurement instrument using suitable cables or adapters. The measurement instrument must have a 50 Ω input and adequate bandwidth to resolve the high-speed signal from the detector. If only one output is used the other output must be terminated with a high quality 50 Ω termination.
3. See datasheet for the pin out and detailed instructions to bias the device. It is critical that the power up and power down sequence is performed correctly:
   1. Power-Up Sequence: Photodiode First, Then Amplifier, Then Control Pins
   2. Power-Down Sequence: Control Pins First, Then Amplifier, Then Photodiode
4. Couple the optical input signal to the photoreceiver via the FC/PC connector. Ensure the average input optical power does not exceed 10 dBm.
5. The DC photocurrent can be monitored using a resistor in series with the bias pin and a voltmeter across the resistor. Make sure that the voltage drop across the resistor does not reduce the bias on the module below its operating voltage.

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RX25AF, RX25BF, RX25DF, and RX40AF Internal Block Diagram Showing the Photodiode,
Amplifier Stages, Control Pins, and Differential RF Outputs

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RX25DF, RX25AF, and RX40AF Device Schematic

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RX42AF Internal Block Diagram Showing the Photodiode,
Amplifier Stages, Control Pins, and Differential RF Outputs

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RX42AF Device Schematic