RJ45 Connector
& SFP Cage

The SFP cage is a critical component used to house Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) transceivers, which are essential for high-speed data communication in networking equipment. Understanding the key considerations when selecting an SFP cage ensures optimal performance and compatibility.

When choosing between an SFP connector and an SFP+ connector, it's important to understand their differences. An SFP connector is designed for standard SFP transceivers, supporting data rates up to 4.25 Gbps. In contrast, an SFP+ connector is engineered for SFP+ transceivers, supporting higher data rate up to 10 Gbps. This distinction makes SFP+ connector more suitable for applications requiring higher bandwidth and faster data transfer.

An SFP+ cage supports higher data transfer rate and requires superior EMI performance. To achieve this, we design the EMI spring separately from the SFP+ cage body and solder them together for enhanced EMI performance. In contrast, an SFP cage integrates the EMI spring and cage body into a one-piece design, which is more cost-effective but may result in performance degradation.

Choosing reputable SFP manufacturers is crucial for ensuring product quality and reliability. Manufacturers like GLGNET provide high-quality SFP cages and connectors, backed by extensive testing and certification. Our commitment to innovation and quality makes us a preferred choice in the industry.

SFP cage connectors are available in ganged and stacked configurations to meet different application needs:
Ganged SFP Cage and Connector: Consisting of two separate components – the cage and the connector, the cage is typically packaged as press-fit or DIP, while the connector uses SMT packaging. This separation allows for flexibility in assembly and design.
Stacked SFP Cage (or SFP Connector, SFP Cage Connector): In this configuration, the cage and connector are integrated into one component and are only available in press-fit packaging. This integrated design simplifies installation and provides a compact solution.
Both ganged and stacked SFP cages can be equipped with heat sinks for enhanced thermal management and light pipes to indicate the operational status of the corresponding ports.

Accurate SFP cage dimensions and pinout are crucial for ensuring compatibility and performance. Industry standards for SFP cage dimensions typically include:
Cage Width: Approximately 14.25 mm
Cage Height: Around 9.80 mm for ganged configuration and up to 14.50 mm for stacked configuration
Cage Length: Typically 28.60 mm
The pinout configuration generally follows the SFF-8431 specification, which includes 20 pins arranged in a standardized layout to ensure interoperability between different manufacturers'components.
Customization Options
While adhering to these industry standards is essential for interoperability, GLGNET also offers customization options to meet specific requirements. Whether you need alterations in dimensions, pin configurations, or additional features like enhanced EMI shielding or heat dissipation solutions, we can tailor our SFP cages to your exact specifications.