Optical-to-electrical converter modules typically consume from a few milliwatts to several watts of electrical power, depending on the type and application.

Typical Power Ranges

• High-speed photodetector modules (e.g., Keysight N7005A) are designed for direct optical-to-electrical conversion for oscilloscopes and usually operate with linear optical input powers of 4–8 mW, with electrical power consumption generally in the low-watt range, depending on the internal amplification and signal processing circuitry .
• Power-over-fiber converters (e.g., Broadcom AFBR-POC series) are designed to convert optical power into usable electrical power for remote electronics. These devices can deliver up to 1–3 W of electrical power from high-power optical inputs, with typical output voltages of 3–6.5 VDC .
• Logic-level O/E converters (e.g., Highland V730) used for pulse or timing signal distribution often operate from a VME backplane or low-voltage supply, consuming a few watts per module, depending on the number of channels and output drive requirements .
• High-speed RF O/E converters (e.g., TIA-2000) with avalanche photodiodes and adjustable gain may require additional power for biasing and amplification, typically in the sub-watt to low-watt range .

Factors Affecting Power Consumption

1. Module Type: High-speed RF modules and amplified APD converters consume more power than simple photodiode-based logic-level converters.
2. Number of Channels: Multi-channel modules increase total power consumption proportionally.
3. Optical Input Power: Power-over-fiber devices scale electrical output with optical input, affecting overall consumption.
4. Voltage and Load Requirements: Modules designed to drive 50-ohm loads or TTL/NIM logic levels may require higher internal power.
5. Thermal Management: Some high-power modules include active cooling or heat sinks, which can slightly increase total system power usage.

Summary

In general, O/E converter modules consume anywhere from tens of milliwatts for simple single-channel logic-level devices to several watts for high-speed, multi-channel, or power-over-fiber converters. Designers should consult the specific datasheet for exact voltage, current, and thermal requirements to ensure proper integration and reliable operation .