Understanding SNAP12: What You Need to Know

Our blog has many articles on optical modules, mainly focusing on the most common and regular transceiver types. However, there are still a few out-of-the-way types of optical modules, such as SNAP12, that we need to cover. Today, we are focusing on the SNAP12 topic. This article aims to help industry professionals and technical users understand the SNAP12 transceiver concepts, key features, and application scenarios. Now, let’s get to the point.

What is a SNAP12?

SNAP12 is a 12-channel pluggable parallel optical module with an MPO connector for high-speed data transmission. Unlike the regular pluggable SFP/SFP+, This form factor features 12-channel parallel optics to achieve 40G/100G data speed. The earliest SNAP12 dates back to around 2002, when the SNAP12 MSA launched. Now, it is over twenty years old.

The SNAP12 multi-source agreement is the industry standard for this optical module. This MSA agreement defines the primary SNAP12 mechanical, electrical, and optical Interface. The target is to provide the same parameters for multi-vendors and ensure identical performance, interpretability, and maximum supplier flexibility.

Applications of SNAP12

SNAP12 is targeted for special high-speed data communications applications, including the typical sectors, including defense, space, commercial aerospace, medical equipment, and industrial automation markets.

• Data centers and computer networks: for high-speed optical interconnections to support high-density, high-speed signal transmission between computing and data processing centers.
• Military equipment: Interconnects in radar systems to support high data rate signal processing.
• Vehicle and Airborne Systems: For use in harsh environments, such as vehicle, airborne, and shipboard systems, ensuring reliability at high altitudes and under extreme conditions.
• Industrial equipment: for advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, and machine vision applications.
• Commercial Aerospace: High bandwidth and reliability are critical, especially in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) systems.
• Medical Equipment: This is for applications requiring high-speed data transmission and reliability.

Conclusion

SNAP12 is the optical module form factor for exceptional industrial and defense applications. It uses a 12-channel parallel optical interface and a 10×10-pin MEG-Array Electrical connector. Although most guys may not use or know about it, it still serves particular industries like defense, machine vision, and industrial applications. Its high-speed, high-density, compact design is ideal for various demanding applications in these sectors.

Read More

• Multi-Source Agreement: A Beginner Guide
• MTP vs MPO connector: What is the difference?
• What is SFP Module? An Ultimate Guide