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SFPTotal Evolution

Contents
  1. General information
  2. Applications
  3. Main advantages
  4. Quick start
  5. Controls
  6. Control commands
  7. Note

The SFPTotal E>olution project conducts technical research into the compatibility and use of high-speed optical transceivers with network switching equipment in fiber optic communication, data storage and artificial intelligence systems. It also develops products for testing and programming optical transceiver memory.

The SFPTotal E series coding board is a specialized device for programming the memory of 1.25G SFP, 10G SFP+, 25G SFP28, 40G QSFP+, 100G QSFP28, 200G QSFP56, 200G QSFP-DD, 400G QSFP-DD, 50G DSFP, 100G DSFP, 400G OSFP and 800G OSFP optical transceivers, including DAC, AOC, SFP RJ45 and OLT PON transceivers.

The device supports programming password protected transceivers according to CMIS 5.0, MSA SFF-8472 and SFF-8636, as well as script based writing and programming modules with hardware write protection circuits.

The device has OSFP, QSFP-DD and DSFP ports, with backward compatibility for SFP/SFP28 and QSFP+/QSFP28, a USB Type C connector for connection to a PC, LED indicators, power control jumpers, and a connector for an external 5V 2A DC power supply.

3D model of the SFPTotal Evolution coding board with OSFP, QSFP-DD and DSFP/SFP ports

Applications

SFPTotal coding boards are used for the following tasks:

  • Programming optical transceivers;
  • Programming AOC and DAC cables;
  • Ensuring module compatibility with network equipment from different manufacturers;
  • Programming write protected transceiver memory;
  • Reading transceiver diagnostic information in real time;
  • Rebranding OEM transceivers.

Main advantages

  • Compact size;
  • Support for optical transceivers with data rates of 400G and 800G;
  • No restriction to a particular transceiver manufacturer;
  • Flexible control of write speed and settings;
  • Support for programming transceivers with a password;
  • Access to nonstandard transceiver memory addresses;
  • Programming transceivers with hardware write protection;
  • External power supply support for high power transceivers;
  • Hardware password search support;
  • Technical support from the manufacturer.

Quick start

Installing the device driver

For correct operation, install the device driver before connecting the device for the first time. It is available on the download page.

Windows 10 / 11 include drivers for SFPTotal Evolution by default. Simply connect the device to the computer and wait for automatic installation to complete.

If the operating system does not include a driver or special driver installation policies apply to new devices, follow the driver installation instructions.

Some versions of Windows require a system restart after driver installation for the virtual serial port device to work correctly.

Software

Use the official SFPTotal Wizard software to work with the device. It provides a convenient interface for editing, reading and writing transceiver memory.

No preliminary device configuration or calibration is required to start using the application.

For complete software instructions, see the User Guide.

Connection settings

Connect the coding board to the computer's USB port using the supplied USB Type C cable. The operating system detects a new device when it is connected for the first time.

By default, no connection configuration is required. The application automatically detects the coding board connected to the PC.

If the application was previously configured for a direct device connection, open the menu Connection - Connection Settings.

Connection Settings: automatic detection of an SFPTotal Mini/Plus coding board

Reset Serial port number, select Programming board type for your device and select Automatically search device for connection to connect to the coding board automatically.

Save the connection settings by clicking Save connection settings.

Device activation

The coding board is supplied with limited functionality and requires activation before use.

See the section Device activation.

Connecting a transceiver

The coding board has OSFP, QSFP-DD and DSFP ports for transceivers. The DSFP port accepts DSFP and SFP transceivers. The QSFP-DD port is backward compatible and accepts QSFP-DD, QSFP28 and QSFP+ transceivers.

Insert the transceiver into the port cage and push it in gently until it clicks. The latch on the transceiver casing must engage with the port cage. When the transceiver is correctly installed, the green STAT LED stops flashing and stays on. The coding board is ready for use.

To remove the transceiver, pull its bail to release the latch, then hold the sides of the module with two fingers and pull it out of the port. Do not pull the module out by its bail, as it may break.

The LED keeps flashing and the module cannot be read

  • Check that SW1, which controls port power, is set to ON or that software power control is enabled.

  • Make sure the device's power supply requirements are met.

Attention!

OSFP transceivers draw current according to the power class specified by the manufacturer. A computer USB port cannot provide sufficient power, so an external power supply is required when connecting high power optical transceivers.

Connecting OSFP-RHS transceivers

The metal OSFP port cage is designed for standard OSFP-IHS modules. It cannot accept OSFP-RHS modules (slim modules without a heatsink) because of the internal stops on the cage walls.

To connect OSFP-RHS modules to the coding board, remove the OSFP-IHS metal port cage by pressing the edge that protrudes beyond the device PCB.

Install the cage for OSFP-RHS transceivers.

Connecting transceivers without a port cage is not recommended, as this can damage the port connector and solder joints.

Controls

The coding board has the following status indicators and controls:

Power control

  • The dual PWR jumper switches the 5V DC supply to the power controller input. Measuring equipment can be connected in series with the circuit here.

  • The SW1 slide switch controls power to the transceiver ports. Set it to ON to power the OSFP port.

LED indicators

  • The MCU indicator lights up when the device is connected to a computer.

  • The STAT indicator flashes when power is on and the device is waiting for a transceiver. It stays on when a transceiver is connected to a port.

  • The ERR indicator stays on when the device detects a data bus fault or lockup.

  • The PWR indicator shows that power is present at the power controller input.

  • The PRESENT indicator lights up when a transceiver is connected to the OSFP port.

  • The INT indicator shows that the Interrupt operation flag is set.

 

Jumpers

The OSFP, QSFP-DD and DSFP port circuitry includes a group of jumpers for controlling individual power rails and transceiver low-speed signals.

The functions of the main jumpers are marked on the front or back of the PCB.

OSFP

  • Opening VCC1 disconnects power to the first channel.

  • Opening VCC2 disconnects power to the second channel.

  • Opening VCC3 disconnects power to the third channel.

  • Opening VCC4 disconnects power to the fourth channel.

  • The INT/RSTn jumper connects the corresponding OSFP port line so that the coding board can read M_INT (Interrupt Operation) and control the transceiver reset through M_RSTn. Closed by default.

  • The LPW/PSNT jumper connects the corresponding OSFP port line so that the coding board can read H_PRSn and control low power mode through M_LPWn. Closed by default.

  • Installing the LOWPWR jumper pulls H_LPWn up to the supply voltage and switches the transceiver to high power mode. Open by default.

  • The RESET jumper resets the module. Open by default.

For more information about the INT/RSTn and LPW/PSNT lines, see section 14.5, Low-speed Signals, in the official OSFP Specification: https://osfpmsa.org/assets/pdf/OSFP_Module_Specification_Rev5_1.pdf

QSFP-DD/QSFP

  • Opening VCC_RX disconnects QSFP receiver power.

  • Opening VCC_TX disconnects QSFP transmitter power.

  • The VCC1 disconnects QSFP transceiver controller power.

  • The VCC2 disconnects QSFP-DD transceiver controller power.

  • Opening VCC_RX1 disconnects QSFP-DD receiver power.

  • Opening VCC_TX1 disconnects QSFP-DD transmitter power.

  • The MODSEL selects the transceiver for data bus access. Open by default and controlled by software.

  • The RESETL resets the module. Open by default.

DSFP/SFP

  • Opening PWR_TX disconnects transmitter power.

  • Opening PWR_RX disconnects receiver power.

  • Closing RS0 and RS1 pulls the corresponding transceiver pins to ground to control the Rate Select lines.

  • Closing RX_LOS connects RX_LOS to the management controller circuitry for SFP module reading mode

  • Closing TX_FAULT connects TX_FAULT to the management controller circuitry for SFP module reading mode

  • The INT/RSTn connects the corresponding DSFP port line so that the coding board can read M_INT (Interrupt Operation) and control the transceiver reset through M_RSTn. Open by default.

  • The LPW/PSNT connects the corresponding OSFP port line so that the coding board can read H_PRSn and control low power mode through M_LPWn. Open by default.

Low power mode

  • The TX_EN disables low power mode for QSFP, QSFP-DD and SFP transceivers. Open by default.

I2C data bus

The SDA, SCL and GND pins provide access to the I2C data bus.

The data bus logic levels correspond to 5V.

 

Connecting a bench power supply

The coding board has contacts for connecting a bench power supply with a 3.3V DC output directly to the OSFP_VCC port power rail.

A bench power supply is recommended to maintain a stable voltage when working with transceivers consuming more than 10 W.

When connecting a bench power supply directly, disable the coding board's power controller by setting the SW1 slide switch to OFF.

WARNING! When connecting a bench power supply directly, do not exceed the 3.465 V DC limit specified by the standard for Host VCC.

Control commands

The coding board operates using a proprietary command protocol supported by SFPTotal Wizard.

SFPTotal protocol commands provide access to the device's full capabilities for complex programming procedures or specific transceiver control registers.

Note

  1. Component labels on the PCB may differ depending on the hardware revision. See the accompanying documentation for details.

  2. Embedded firmware updates are available only through SFPTotal service. Contact Support to check whether an update is available.

  3. An external 5V DC 2A power adapter is recommended for high power transceivers. Connector polarity is marked on the device PCB.

  4. The coding board supports connection to a bench power supply.

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