DS3800NFCF1G1E | Replacement for DS3800NFCF

Description

Product Introduction

The DS3800NFCF1G1E is the single-channel version of the NFCD1L1E—the board that pushes the Mark IV fiber optic architecture to 20km by adding an integrated EDFA preamplifier. The suffix tells the story: the first “1” indicates a hardware revision. The “G” specifies a 1550nm DWDM laser with an APD receiver and an integrated EDFA preamplifier—providing a 42dB optical budget, enough for 20km on single-mode fiber. The second “1” adds the diagnostic suite. The final “E” is the aerospace-grade environmental package: triple-layer conformal coating with ceramic-reinforced topcoat, radiation-hardened electronics, and MIL-STD-810G certification with 15g RMS vibration tolerance. This board was designed for single-link installations where 16km isn’t enough—and where the environment demands aerospace-grade reliability.

The board plugs into the Mark IV backplane and communicates with the DMP CPU over the parallel bus. The EDFA preamplifier boosts the signal before it enters the APD receiver, providing a 42dB optical budget—enough for 20km on standard single-mode fiber. Compare this to the NFCF1F1E (16km range, DWDM laser, APD receiver, no EDFA). The 1G1E gives you 25% more reach, using an EDFA that requires additional power and generates heat—but it works. This is the board for customers who need the maximum range possible without external amplification.

Key Technical Specifications

Compatible Replacement Models

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an EDFA, and why does this board have one?
An EDFA (Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier) is an optical amplifier that boosts the signal before it enters the receiver. The 1G1E uses an EDFA to extend the reach from 16km to 20km. The EDFA is built into the board—it contains a length of erbium-doped fiber and a pump laser. It requires significant power (the extra +12V current) and generates heat. This is what makes this board unique—no other single-channel Mark IV fiber board has an EDFA.

Why does this board have both an EDFA and an APD?
The EDFA provides the optical gain (amplification of the light signal). The APD is the detection device—it converts the light signal into an electrical signal. The EDFA amplifies the signal before the APD, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and extending the reach. The APD provides the sensitivity to detect the amplified signal. They work together: the EDFA gives you the gain; the APD gives you the detection.

Is the EDFA safe to work with?
The EDFA contains a 980nm pump laser that outputs up to 100mW. This is Class 3B—dangerous to eyes and skin. The board has an interlock that disables the pump laser if the fiber connector is disconnected. Never defeat the interlock. Never look into the fiber connector when the board is powered on. Use a fiber optic power meter for testing and keep the fiber connected at all times during operation.

Do I need to upgrade my DMP firmware for this board?
The EDFA requires custom firmware that controls the pump laser current and monitors the EDFA gain. This firmware was never released to the general public. We include the custom firmware EPROMs with every 1G1E we ship. The firmware upgrade is complex—we recommend we do the upgrade in-house before shipping.

Can I use this board with a standard NFCF at the other end?
No. The 1G1E uses an EDFA preamplifier and APD receiver. The standard NFCF uses an APD receiver without EDFA. They’re not compatible. Both ends need to be 1G1E (or 1G, 1G1, or 1L1E) boards. To get the 20km range, you need a 1G1E at both ends.

What’s the most common failure mode on the NFCF1G1E?
We’ve handled only a handful of these boards. The most common failure is the EDFA pump laser—it can degrade over time. The EDFA Pump Current LED gives you advance warning. The second most common failure is the EDFA gain—the board automatically adjusts the pump current to maintain constant gain. If the gain is out of specification, the board will log an error.

What’s your warranty and lead time?
The NFCF1G1E is a rare board. Lead time is 3-5 business days. We offer a 2-year warranty. We test every board with a 48-hour burn-in, a fiber optic loopback test (with a spool of 20km single-mode fiber), and a full diagnostic verification. The test report is included.

Is this board compatible with the Mark VIe?
No. This board is for Mark IV systems only. The backplane architecture is different.

SIEMENS 6FC5210-0DF31-2AA0
SIEMENS 6SC6101-2B-Z:Z=A40+A28+G10+N13+V12
ABB PM861AK01