Class 1M laser safety

Meeting the requirements for a Class 1M classification is very important for an optical interconnect system in a computer environment due to the potential for customer exposure to laser radiation. The Laser compliance details the compliance certification of the coupling links.

The 12x IFB coupling links achieved Class 1M laser certification through numerous design safeguards. Whenever a duplex link is opened for any reason (such as broken fiber or unplugged connectors) the link detects this condition and reduces the optical power emissions from the transmitter on both ends of the link to levels below the class 1M international safety limits. The power is reduced quickly enough to prevent any possible injury to the operator. When the link is in this mode, the transmitter continues to pulse at a very low duty cycle. When the link is restored, the transmitter automatically performs a handshake and reactivates both ends of the link.