1
2018.12④
Blockdiagram
Active Optical Connector
BF4M Series
Overview
Hirose developed the micro "BF4MC connector" that
enables optical transmission of data between boards
that are incorporated in devices.
It converts an electrical signal that is received from a
board by using the semiconductor component built-in
the connector, and transfers the data via optical fiber.
BF4MC connector is a revolutionary design that enables
easy use of electromagnetic noise-free, insulated, long-
distance, high-speed transmission. These are the merits
of the optical transmission, mounted inside devices
achieving dramatic downsizing and lower power
consumption when compared to existing optical products.
It can be used in a wide range of applications, medic
alappliances Measurement equipments, FA system
etc.
VCSEL
Driver VCSEL PD TIA +
LA
VCSEL : Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser PD : Photo Diode
TIA : Trans mpedance Amplifier
LA : Limiting Amplifier
Electrical input
BF4 transmitter BF4 receiver
Optical data transmission
Optical Fiber
Electrical output
Eye Diagram (Typical) :
Transmission speed 6.25 Gbps, Length 5 meters
5cm
Features
1. Optical transmissions achieved by
simplified electrical connections
An easy transmission is accomplished with electronic
connectors and has eliminated the need for cleaning
the mating faces of traditional fiber optic connectors.
2. High-speed, signal transmissions with
no EMI noise.
Optical signal transmissions rated up to 6.25 Gbps
are possible.
Since there is no EMI noise on the signal lines,
system design time will be saved.
3. Highly flexible optical fiber
A highly flexible optical fiber is useful for narrow
space wiring in the box.
4. Long-distance, high-speed and high
quality signal transmissions
The BM4M design is capable of high speed and
high quality signal transmissions even over long
transmission distances.
5. Low power consumption
Power consumption is significantly reduced compared
to conventional optical transceiver.
6. Space-saving and low profile
design with 1.5mm height
By using the BF4M, optical transmissions can be
achieved with small form factor electronic
connectors that save on overall size and valuable
PCB space.
Fig.1
Full-scale
Fig.3
Fig.2
In cases where the application will demand a high level of reliability, such as automotive,
please contact a company representative for further information.
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BF4M Series●Active Optical Connector
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GND 1
GND 2
GND 3
Imon 4
SD 5
VDD 6
GND 7
DOUT- 8
GND 9
GND 10
20 GND
19 GND
18 GND
17 EN
16 NC
15 VDD15
14 GND
13 DOUT+
12 GND
11 GND
GND 1
GND 2
GND 3
VDD 4
GND 5
FILT 6
GND 7
DIN+ 8
GND 9
GND 10
20 GND
19 GND
18 GND
17 ACTIVE
16 NC
15 NC
14 GND
13 DIN-
12 GND
11 GND
Fiber Fiber
Top View
BF4MC-TX Plug BF4MC-RX Plug
<Pin Assignment> <Pin Functions>
Descriptions of BF4MC-TX pins
Synbol Name Type Details
VDD Vsupply Power
Power Supply DC+2.5 or +3.3V
GND Ground
Ground
-------
ACTIVE Activate Input H voltage : Active mode
L voltage : Sleep mode
FILT Filter -------
Decouping capacitor connection contact
DIN+ Data input + Input Differential Data Input
DIN– Data input – Input
NC Not Connect -------
Not connected in normal operation
Descriptions of BF4MC-RX pins
Synbol Name Type Details
VDD Vsupply Power Power for PD(*)
VDD15 Vdd1.5V Power Power for Core(*)
GND Ground
Ground
-------
SD Signal Detect Output H voltage:Detected
L voltage:Undetected
DOUT+
Data Output + Output Differential Data Output
DOUT–
Data Output – Output
EN Regulator Enable Input
[Dual supply mode]
Not connected
[Single supply mode]
EN pin must be connect to VDD
Imon Mirrored photodiode
current monitor Output Not connected(Inspection pin)
NC Not Connect -------
Not connected in normal operation
(*): For details, see Hirose's technical specifi cation ETAD-K0671.
Electrical characteristics
Electrical characteristics of BF4MC-TX (transmitter side)
Electrical characteristics of BF4MC-RX (receiver side)
MiｎNominal Max Unit
Transmission speed (8B/10B) 0.05 ---------- 6.25 Gbps
VDD voltage 2.25 2.5/3.3 3.6 V
ACTIVATE = H voltage 1.0 ---------- VDD voltage V
DIN common voltage 150 ---------- 340 mVp
DIN differential voltage 200 ---------- 1400 mVp
MiｎNominal Max Unit Remarks
Transmission speed (8B/10B) 0.05 ---------- 6.25 Gbps ----------
VDD voltage 2.25 2.5/3.3 3.6 V ----------
VDD 15 voltage 1.45 1.5 1.55 V When driving with dual power sources
DOUT common voltage 160 ---------- 330 mVp ----------
DOUT differential voltage 160 ---------- 330 mVp ----------
SD = H voltage 1.0 1.5 1.6 V ----------
Imon 20.0 ---------- ---------- uA For internal inspection
BF4 variations
TYPE Used image Product image
Both ends BF4M
(Connection for board to board)
One end BF4M, the other conventional
optical connector
(Connection for box interface)
BF4M-TX
BF4M-RX
outside the device
Inside the device
BF4M
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BF4M Series●Active Optical Connector
3
Product Materials
Plug harnesses
Component Materials
Transmitter plug (TX)
Housing LCP (White)
Contact Phosphor bronze (Au plating)
Plate Phosphor bronze (Ni plating)
VCSEL GaAs
VCSEL driver Si (CMOS)
Bonding wire Au
Sealing resin Epoxy resin
Heat shrink tubing Polyolefi n (Black)
ESD cap Elastomer (Black)
Receiver plug (RX)
Housing LCP (White)
Contact Phosphor bronze (Au plating)
Plate Phosphor bronze (Ni plating)
PD GaAs
TIA / LA Si (CMOS)
Bonding wire Au
Sealing resin Epoxy resin
Heat shrink tubing Polyolefi n (Black)
ESD cap Elastomer (Black)
Optical fi ber Fiber Silica glass (GI-50/80)
Coating UV curable resin / Thermoplastic resin (Ø0.5)
SC connector
Housing PBT (Blue)
Boot Elastomer (Blue)
Spring Stainless steel
Ferrule ZrO2
Ferrule fl ange Stainless steel
Cap Elastomer (Black)
LC connector
Housing PEI (Beige)
Boot Elastomer (White)
Spring Stainless steel
Ferrule ZrO2
Ferrule fl ange Brass
Cap PP (Black)
Receptacles
Component Materials
Transmitter Receptacle(TX)
and
Receiver Receptacle(RX)
Housing LCP(Black)
Contact Phosphor bronze (Au plating)
Shell Phosphor bronze (Au plating)
Plug harness
BF4M C-6G TX RX -B1 -75MM
❶❷❸❹❺❻
❶Series
❷Identification of Bit rate
 C-6G: 0.05 to 6.25 Gbps
❸❹Type of plug that attaches to both ends of the
harness
  TX : BF4 Transmitter plugx SC : SC connector
  RX : BF4 Receiver plug LC : LC connector
❺Type of fiber cable
 B1 : diameter Ø0.5, Red
 B2 : diameter Ø0.5, Blue
❻Identification of the length of the fiber cable
*
Cable length less than 1m ⇒ The end of the product
name·**MM(Millimeter)
*
Cable length 1m or more ⇒ The end of the product
name·**M(Meter)
Receptacle
BF4 -TX -14 DS -0.5 V (01)
❶❷❸❹❺❻❼
❶Series
❷Identification of the Transmitter and Receiver
 TX : Transmitter
 RX : Receiver
❸Number of Electrical terminal pin
 14 pin
❹Identification of Socket shape
 Socket(S) of Double line assignment pins(D)
❺Identification of the electric terminal pitch
 0.5mm
❻Identification of the mating method
 V：Vertical mated to the mounting surface
❼Packing specifications
 None：500 pcs/reel
 (01)：1000 pcs/reel
 (02)：2000 pcs/reel
 (10)：10 pcs/pack
 (11)：100 pcs/reel
■Product Number Structure
Refer to the chart below when determining the product specifications from the product number.
Please select from the product numbers listed in this catalog when placing orders.
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BF4M Series●Active Optical Connector
4
Product Appearance and HRS No.
Plug harness
L
（6）
（6）9.82
9.82
3.1
3.1
（φ0.5）
Identification mark
for TX side
Identification mark
for RX side
1.3
1.3
1.45
1.45
Connection example of +3.3 V (single power supply mode)
Apr.1.2019Copyright2019HIROSEELECTRICCO.,LTD.AllRightsReserved.
BF4M Series●Active Optical Connector
5
BF4MC harness
Part No. HRS No. Fiber Cable length L
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-45MM 831-1102-0 04
Ø0.5 Red
45mm
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-50MM 831-1102-0 05 50mm
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-55MM 831-1102-0 06 55mm
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-60MM 831-1102-0 07 60mm
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-65MM 831-1102-0 08 65mm
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-70MM 831-1102-0 09 70mm
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-75MM 831-1102-0 75mm
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-80MM 831-1102-0 11 80mm
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-85MM 831-1102-0 12 85mm
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-90MM 831-1102-0 13 90mm
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-95MM 831-1102-0 14 95mm
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-100MM 831-1102-0 15 100mm
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-1M 831-1109-9 1m
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-2M 831-1109-9 01 2m
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-3M 831-1109-9 02 3m
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-4M 831-1109-9 03 4m
BF4MC-6GTXRX-B1-5M 831-1109-9 04 5m
Length (L) of the harness
· The shortest harness length is 45mm, and the harness up to 100mm in length is available in 5mm increments.
(45mm, 50mm, 55mm …, 100mm)
· Harness longer than those listed above is also available upon request. Please inform us of your desired harness length.
· Blue Fiber color is also available. Contact Hirose sales representative for details.
BF4MC Plug SC Connector
3.1
（Ø0.5）
9.82 （6）
Ｌ
（7.4）
1.45
1.3
（9）
25
（33）
●BF4MC-SCConnectorharness
Part No. HRS No. Fiber Length TX or RX
BF4MC-6GTXSC-B1-100MM 831-1111-0 Ø0.5 Red 100mm TX
BF4MC-6GRXSC-B1-100MM 831-1112-0 100mm RX
The shortest harness length is 100mm.
· Please use the transmit and receive BF4MC connectors together.
· Harness longer than those listed above is also available upon request. Please inform us of your desired harness length.
· Blue fi ber color is also available.
LC Connector
BF4MC Plug
3.1
Ｌ
（13.2）
（Ø0.5）
（6）
9.82
（4.5）
1.45
1.3
（4.5）
（17）
●BF4MC-LCConnectorharness   
Part No. HRS No. Fiber Length TX or RX
BF4MC-6GTXLC-B1-100MM 831-1114-0 Ø0.5 Red 100mm TX
BF4MC-6GRXLC-B1-100MM 831-1135-0 100mm RX
The shortest harness length is 100 mm.
· Please use the transmit and receive BF4MC connectors together.
· Harness longer than those listed above is also available upon request. Please inform us of your desired harness length.
· Blue fi ber color is also available.
Apr.1.2019Copyright2019HIROSEELECTRICCO.,LTD.AllRightsReserved.
BF4M Series●Active Optical Connector
6
Receptacle:Pattern Layout
（ ）
Recommended stencil dimensions
6WHQFLOWKLFNQHVVѥP
Apeture ratio
Pads for contacts : 70%
Pads for shell : 100%
Recommended PCB land pattern dimensions
0.26
1.2
4.9 3.65
1.4
0.91
4.4
5.4
6.4
4.46
4.4
5.4
3
P=0.5
3.84.5
5.6 5.7
1.9
4.4
5.4
3
1.4
1.2
0.9
3.654.9
1
1.9
4
5.4
6.4
0.3
P=0.5
The hatched areas in Figure 2.4(A) are close to metal
shell, and there is a possibility of a short circuit. Make
sure not to locate a via hole without a solder resist.
Receptacle: Transmitter (TX)
3
P=0.5±0.05
1.48±0.1
9.5
(2.05)
(0.25)
4.95
5.43
(1.75)
10.25
Vacuum
pick up area 3mm
2.1mm Vacuum
pick up area
3
9.5
(1.75)
(0.25)
4.95
5.43
(2.05)
10.25
P=0.5±0.05
Vacuum
pick up area
1.48±0.1
Vacuum
pick up area
3mm
2.1mm
Receptacle: Receiver (RX)
· The structure is designed so that the receiver (RX)
plug does not mate.
Part No. HRS No. Package specifi cations
BF4-TX-14DS-0.5V 831-0008-6 500 pcs/reel
BF4-TX-14DS-0.5V(01) 831-0008-6 01 1000 pcs/reel
BF4-TX-14DS-0.5V(02) 831-0008-6 02 2000 pcs/reel
BF4-TX-14DS-0.5V(10) 831-0008-6 10 10 pcs/pack
BF4-TX-14DS-0.5V(11) 831-0008-6 11 100 pcs/reel
· The structure is designed so that the transmitter (TX)
plug does not mate.
Part No. HRS No. Package specifi cations
BF4-RX-14DS-0.5V 831-0009-9 500 pcs/reel
BF4-RX-14DS-0.5V(01) 831-0009-9 01 1000 pcs/reel
BF4-RX-14DS-0.5V(02) 831-0009-9 02 2000 pcs/reel
BF4-RX-14DS-0.5V(10) 831-0009-9 10 10 pcs/pack
BF4-RX-14DS-0.5V(11) 831-0009-9 11 100 pcs/reel
Apr.1.2019Copyright2019HIROSEELECTRICCO.,LTD.AllRightsReserved.
BF4M Series●Active Optical Connector
7
Packaging Specifications for the receptacles
Ø1.5 sprocket hole
near side
Reel dimensions
TX
TX
A-A
A
A
Emboss carrier tape dimensions
2±0.5
Ø330±2
Ø80±1
25.5±0.5
29.5±1
1.6±0.1
(5.25)
24±0.3
(11)(6)
P=4±0.1
2±0.1
P=12±0.1
11.5±0.1
1.75±0.1
5.5±0.1
t=0.3±0.05
Ø13±0.2
Ø21±0.8
Ø1.5
＋0.1
0
120°
120°
Extraction tool
Recommended refl ow temperature profi le (lead-free solder)
BF4-T2
（6）（
4.4）
（2.6）
（40）
φ
2
φ
2
Test board
150ç
180ç
250
180
100
0
220ç
220
150
25
Time(sec)
MAX 250℃
Reflow cycle: 2 cycle Max.
Temperature(ç)
Recommended reflow temperature profile (lead-free solder)
Preheat time Soldering time
９０ to １２０sec ６０ sec MAX.
(６０sec)
Connector Mating Method
Metal plate (silver) shall be on
bottom surface during mating
process.
Do not mate the connector while power is being supplied
Make sure to insert or remove the plug after the power
supply is turned off. Hot plugging/unplugging may cause
damage.
Part No. HRS No. Packing specifications
BF4-T2 831-0006-0 1 piece
PCBs for testing and evaluation are available.
Please contact us for more information.
BF4M High Speed
Transmission Board : TX2
BF4M High Speed
Transmission Board : RX2
Metal exposed area (gold,
triangle) shall be on top
surface during mating
process.
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BF4M Series●Active Optical Connector
8
Notes on handling of the product
(Notes on change of information)
• The content of this document including the information
regarding the connector (hereafter, the Product) is subject to
change without prior notice.
(Prohibition of reproduction)
• No part of this document may be copied or reproduced without
prior written consent of Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. (hereafter,
Hirose). Even if written consent of Hirose is obtained, it is
prohibited to amend any part of this document and copy or
reproduce it. Hirose shall assume no obligation or liability in
connection with such amended information or reproduction.
(Responsibilities for design safety)
• Hirose shall assume no responsibilities for the support for the
application of the Product or the product design of the
customer. The customer shall be responsible for the product
and application of the customer in which the Product is used.
The customer shall take appropriate design and operational
safety measures in order to minimize the potential risks
predicted for the product and application of the customer in
which the Product is used.
(Responsibilities for determination of the suitability)
• When using the Product, the customer shall ensure safe design
at his/her own responsibility so that malfunction or failure of the
Product would never cause an infringement on the life, body or
property. For design or use of the Product, make sure to refer
to the materials (including the catalog, specifications, and
design note) and follow the same. When using information
including the product data provided in the document, technical
data or circuit examples shown in the figures and tables, the
customer shall evaluate the information on the customer’s
product and determine the suitability at the customer’s own
responsibility.
(Responsibilities for specific applications)
• Make sure to consult with our sales representative in advance
when considering of use for specific applications that require
extremely high quality and reliability (e.g. nuclear equipment,
aerospace systems, transportation equipment and various
safety related equipment).
(Prohibition of replication)
• Do not disassemble reverse-engineer, modify, analyze or
replicate the Product.
(Prohibition of application to prohibited products)
• The Product must not be used for any product that
manufacture, use and sale of which is prohibited by the
domestic or international laws, regulations and ordinances.
(Notes on the guarantee and license)
• The technical data provided in the materials of the Product is
intended to describe the representative behaviors and
application of the Product. It is not to guarantee the intellectual
property rights or any other rights of Hirose nor a third party
and not to grant the license.
(Notes on the warranties for the contract)
• Unless otherwise provided in a written contract or other
documents (specifications) agreed between the customer and
Hirose, Hirose makes no warranties of any kind (including, but not
limited to, warranties of the function and operation, warranties of
merchantability, warranties of suitability for a specific application or
purpose and warranties of correctness of the information).
(
Prohibition of weapons of mass destruction and military purposes)
• It is prohibited to use the Product or the technical information
contained in this document for any military purposes, including
but not limited to, development of weapons of mass
destruction.
(Notes on export)
• To export the Product to other countries, the exporter shall
conduct the applicability determination based on Foreign
Exchange and Foreign Trade Act of Japan. If you wish to have
the applicability determination sheet issued by Hirose, contact
our sales representative. Note that in the export arrangement,
the customer shall be an exporter and responsible for
compliance with all the applicable laws and regulations and
terms and conditions of the agreement with Hirose.
Notes on use of the product
(Notes on the specification range)
• Using the Product under conditions beyond the specification range
(for voltage, current and temperature) provided in this document
may result in an accident (including ignition, heat generation, and
smoking). Confirm the document thoroughly and make sure to use
the Product within the specification range.
(Notes on the laser)
• The laser beam is emitted from the end-face of the optical fiber in
operation. It may cause eye injury or loss of sight if it enters the
eyes. Do not stare directly into the end-face of the optical fiber.
The laser beam is emitted from the VCSEL in operation. It may
not be visible depending on its wavelength, but nonetheless it
may cause eye injury or loss of sight if the laser beam or its
reflected beam enters the eyes. Do not stare (look into) the
laser beam directly.
(Notes on fracture of the optical fiber)
• In case of fracture of the optical fiber used in the Product, turn
off the power immediately.
In addition, Use care when handling it to avoid injury from
fractured parts or fragments.
(Notes on use of GaAs)
• The Product is equipped with a semiconductor within the
connector and contains gallium arsenide (GaAs).
(Notes on the environment including gases)
• Avoid the use of the Product in gas environments with chlorides
or sulfides. The Product may deteriorate and features may be
affected.
(Notes on storage)
• Store the Product out of corrosive substances, corrosive gases,
high temperature and humidity or direct sunlight.
Do not apply excessive pressure or vibration to the Product. It
may cause deterioration, deformation, damage or failure of the
Product.
(Notes on resin molded part)
• The resin molded part of the Product may contain black spots
or its color may be slightly different, but that has no effect on
the product performance.
Cautions
Do not pull the fiber when removing the connector.
When removing the connector, make sure to hook the plug with an extraction tool so that the stress is not
applied to the cable. Pulling the cable to remove it may cause a breakage in the cable
Unmating tool
Do not remove the plug while power is being supplied.
Make sure to remove the plug after the power supply is
stopped. Hot plugging / unplugging may cause damage.
The characteristics and the specifications contained herein are for reference purpose. Please refer to the latest customer drawings prior to use.
The contents of this catalog are current as of date of 12/2018. Contents are subject to change without notice for the purpose of improvements.
2-6-3,Nakagawa Chuoh,Tsuzuki-Ku,Yokohama-Shi 224-8540,JAPAN
TEL: +81-45-620-3526 Fax: +81-45-591-3726
http://www.hirose.com
http://www.hirose-connectors.com
®
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