Controlling loss of signal thresholds in an optical receiver

An optical receiver system having a programmable loss of signal threshold level, the optical receiver comprising:

• an optical receiver that receives an optical signal;
• a photodetector that senses a receive power of the optical signal;
• and
• a control module including:
• at least one register containing a plurality of programmed loss of signal threshold settings;
• and
• a processor containing microcode that, when executed, causes the processor to execute the following:
• in response to an input signal relating to a data rate of the optical signal, select from a register a specified one of a plurality of loss of signal threshold settings;
• and
• forward the selected loss of signal threshold setting to a comparator that compares the selected loss of signal threshold setting to at least one signal related to the optical signal.

A method for providing a loss of signal indication relating to an optical signal received by an optical transceiver module, the method comprising:

• accessing an input signal relating to a data rate of the optical signal;
• by a processor, assigning a loss of signal threshold level according to the data rate;
• comparing a receive power of the optical signal with the assigned loss of signal threshold level to determine if a loss of signal condition exists;
• and
• if a loss of signal condition exists, transmitting a loss of signal alert to a host system.