A.A. Sudarenko1, D.A. Sudarenko2, O.O. Ushakov3, P.N. Negodaev4, D.E. Chertilin5, S.O. Krumlyakov6

1-6 PJSC “Radiofizika” (Moscow, Russia)

1,2,6 Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University) (Moscow, Russia)

1 alex_radian@mail.ru; 2 sudar1977@gmail.com; 5 chertilin.dima@mail.ru; 6 krumlyakov94@mail.ru

The report investigates the feasibility of using widely available, low-cost SFP transceiver modules for distributing synchronization signals in large and ultra-large phased antenna arrays (PAAs). Modern PAAs may contain hundreds or thousands of transmit–receive modules, which imposes strict requirements on synchronization accuracy, signal integrity, and timing stability across the antenna surface. Traditional electronic solutions do not always meet these demands, making analog–optical links an attractive alternative due to their wide modulation bandwidth, high temporal stability, electromagnetic immunity, and low transmission losses.

To evaluate SFP modules for this purpose, a dedicated test board was developed, providing SMA interfaces, an SFP slot, I²C control, status indicators, and built-in reference signal generators. Several experimental setups were built to measure output optical power, attenuation tolerance, and the minimum received power at which signal loss occurs. Additional tests examined the ability of SFP modules to transmit analog synchronization waveforms, using both optical and electrical oscilloscopes to assess signal shape and phase stability.

Measurements show that SFP modules provide sufficient optical power and reliably detect incoming signals within the tested optical budgets. The signal edges and stability characteristics confirm that these modules can support high-quality synchronization transmission. Overall, the results demonstrate that mass-market SFP transceivers designed for gigabit digital communication are also suitable for distributing synchronization signals in large PAAs, offering a cost-effective and readily available solution.

Sudarenko A.A., Sudarenko D.A., Ushakov O.O., Negodaev P.N., Chertilin D.E., Krumlyakov S.O. Investigation of the characteristics of SFP modules for transmitting synchronization signals. Radiotekhnika. 2026. V. 90. № 4. P. 36−42. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18127/j00338486-202604-05 (In Russian)

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