HPEQW923A

16 Gb Fibre Channel Short-Wave SFP+ transceiver module

The HPEQW923A (Spare & Option # 680536-001) is a short-wave 16 Gb Fibre Channel SFP+ module engineeredfor SAN fabrics. It operates at 850 nm over multimode fiber (OM3/OM4), supporting up to ~100 m link length and backward compatibility with 8 Gb and 4 Gb FC speeds. Designed for use in HPEStoreFabric switches, HBAs, and arrays, this module includes Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) per SFF-8472, enabling real-time monitoring of transmit/receive power, bias, voltage, and temperature. It's OEM-certified to ensure full interoperability in storage environments requiring high-performance, low-latency connectivity across SAN hardware

Features

This transceiver complies with SFF-8431/SFF-8472 and FC-PI-5 standards for Fibre Channel, delivering data rates up to 14.025 Gb/s (16 Gb FC). It employs an LC duplex connector and uses a VCSEL laser paired with a PIN photodiode receiver. Typical optical characteristics include transmit power around -7.8 to -0.5 dBm and receiver sensitivity of approximately -10.5 dBm, giving an optical budget of ~2.7 dB×suitable for distances up to ~100 m over OM3/OM4 fiber, with extended variants supporting up to 300 m in compatible modules.The QW923A is commonly sold in single-new or refurbished condition. Refurbished units typically include a 90-day warranty, whereas OEM-new versions may offer longer coverage or lifetime guarantees when sourced from HPE-authorized resellers. Several third-party vendors also supply QW923A-compatible transceivers, many labeled as TAA-certified with lifetime limited warranty and full interoperability.

Advanced Options

Certified for HPEStoreFabric switches, HBAs and arrays, the QW923A ensures full support for fabric features such as zoning, atomic tests, fabric recovery, and performance monitoring. Default DOM support allows administrators to monitor and report on signal health, enabling proactive diagnostics in Fibre Channel storage networks.Designed for enterprise Fibre Channel fabrics, the QW923A ensures consistent 16 Gb/s performance with sub-nanosecond deterministic latency. Its optical link characteristics×including power and sensitivity×support reliable short-reach links in high-speed SAN topologies. DOM telemetry enables real-time monitoring of each module's optical and thermal parameters, allowing proactive failure prevention and performance assurance.

Product Key Features

• • 16 Gb/s Fibre Channel (short-wave, 850 nm) SFP+ transceiver

  • Backward-compatible with 8 Gb and 4 Gb FC links

  • Duplex LC connector over multimode fiber (OM3/OM4)

  • Supports DOM diagnostics per SFF-8472 (power, voltage, bias, temperature)

  • Optical budget ~2.7 dB, typical reach approx. 100 m (up to 300 m in extended vendors)

  • OEM-certified HPEpart (QW923A / 680536-001) with vendor-level support

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Reliability & Performance

OEM certification ensures compatibility with HPEStoreFabric switches, controllers, and storage systems×supporting full SAN fabric features such as zoning, FSPF, credit recovery, and diagnostics. This compatibility includes firmware recognition, health indicators, and support with HPEstorage software tools. Refurbished units provide a budget-conscious option with acceptable reliability in less-critical paths, though warranty term is limited to about 90 days. OEM-new modules from trusted vendors often include lifetime warranty or extended coverage. Vendor-encoded firmware ensures accurate link negotiation and avoids compatibility issues.Pull-tab (easy removal) variants are available to help maintain hot-swappable operations in dense chassis or array environments.

Key Features :

• 16 Gb Fibre Channel short-wave SFP+ module

• Backward compatible with 8 Gb and 4 Gb Fibre Channel

• Duplex LC for multimode fiber up to ~100 m

• SFF-8472 DOM diagnostics: power, bias, voltage, temperature

• OEM QW923A (680536-001) compatibility ensures vendor-level support

• Refurbished and new options; extended models support up to ~300 m reach

Specification	Details
Model Number	QW923A (680536-001)
Product Type	16 Gb/s short-wave SFP+ Fibre Channel transceiver SFP+ transceiver module
Data Rate	Up to 14.025 Gbps (16 Gb Fibre Channel)
Wavelength	850 nm (VCSEL transmitter, PIN receiver)
Connector	Duplex LC
Fiber Type	OM3/OM4 multimode fiber
Typical Reach	Up to ~100 m; extended versions up to ~300 m
Optical Budget	~2.7 dB
Transmit Power	-7.8 to -0.5 dBm
Receiver Sensitivity	~-10.5 dBm
DOM Support	Yes, per SFF-8472 standard
Temperature Range	Commercial (0-70 °C)
Compliance	FC-PI-5, SFF-8431/8472, SFP MSA, RoHS
Warranty	OEM-new: standard or extended; Refurbished: ~30-90 days