Optical splitters are one of the most important passive components in fiber optic links, and are fiber optic cascading devices that can have multiple inputs and multiple outputs. The commonly used M x N designation indicates that an optical splitter has M inputs and N outputs.

Operating Principle of Optical Splitters:

When a single-mode fiber transmits an optical signal, the light energy is not completely concentrated in the fiber core; a small amount is transmitted through the cladding close to the core. In other words, if the cores of two fibers are close enough, the mode field of light transmitted in one fiber can enter the other, and the optical signal is redistributed between the two fibers.

Currently, two types of optical splitters meet the requirements: one is the planar optical circuit (PLC) splitter, manufactured based on optical integration technology; the other is the fused biconical tape (FBT) splitter, manufactured using traditional passive optical components. Manufacturers use traditional fused biconical tape processes. Both types of devices have their advantages. Users can choose the appropriate type of splitter based on different applications and requirements. YINGDA briefly introduces PLC splitters and FBT splitters.

Planar Lightwave Circuit(PLC) Splitter

Planar waveguide optical splitter is an integrated waveguide optical power distribution device based on a quartz substrate. The device consists of an optical splitter chip coupled to fiber arrays at both ends. The chip is the core component; its quality and the number of splitting channels directly affect the price of the entire splitter. The chip has one input and N output waveguides. The fiber arrays are located on the upper surface of the chip and enclosed in a housing, forming an optical splitter with one input and N output fibers.

PLC splitters are available in various configurations, such as 1×2, 1×4, 1×8, and 1×16, and can handle high-power signals. They are also available in a range of split ratios, such as 50/50, 70/30, and 80/20, among others.

FBT (Fused Biconical Taper) splitters are one of the oldest types used in the telecommunication industry. They are made by fusing and tapering two or more fibers together, which causes the signal to split evenly across each channel. FBT splitters are typically made from silica glass fibers and are used in single-mode and multimode fiber optic systems.

FBT splitters are available in various configurations, such as 1×2, 1×4, 1×8, and 1×16, and can handle high-power signals. However, FBT splitters have limitations, such as limited bandwidth and large size.

Which Type of Splitter Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing between FBT splitters and PLC splitters, there is no clear winner. The choice depends on several factors:

1. Splitting Ratio: In system applications, it is defined as the output power of the output port of the splitter, which is related to the wavelength of the transmitted light.
2. Insertion Loss: refers to the dB of each output relative to the input optical loss. Generally, the lower the insertion loss value, the better the performance of the splitter.
3. Return Loss: also known as reflection loss, refers to the power loss of the returned or reflected optical signal due to a discontinuity in the optical fiber or transmission line. In general, the greater the return loss, the better.
4. Isolation: It means that the optical splitter of one optical path isolates the optical signals of other optical paths.

In addition, uniformity, directivity, PDL polarization loss, and price are also key parameters affecting the performance of beam splitters.

YINGDA provide splitter:

                  1x8 SC/APC FTTH Splitter                                                  PLC splitter 1x9

     ABS Module Box Type 1X32 PLC Splitter                        1:32 Fiber Optic PLC Splitter Horizontal

  PLC Splitter Plug-in type 1x16 LGX box            Rack mount 19inch 1x32 Fiber Optic PLC Splitter          

FBT Coupler

    Fiber Optic FBT Splitter 1:2 For FTTH                           Fiber Optic FBT Splitter 1:2 70%/30%

FAQ

How does a PLC splitter function?

The light passes through the input fiber array of the PLC splitter and enters the planar lightwave circuit chip. The optical waveguide on the semiconductor chip divides the light into two or more independent signals and guides them to the output fiber array. Finally, the signals are output from different channels.

Which splitter is better for long distances?

The insertion loss of each output end of an FBT splitter varies greatly. The nominal max uniformity difference of a 1×4 FBT splitter of an equal split is about 1.5 dB, let alone the larger splitters. The poor uniformity affects its overall transmission distance. There is no significant difference in insertion loss at each output terminal of the PLC splitter, making it better for long-distance applications.

Where can PLC splitters be applied?

In FTTx network architectures, PLC splitters provide optical communications to residential and commercial areas.

In data centers, PLC splitters distribute optical signals to multiple endpoints.

In internal wiring, PLC splitters connect multiple devices requiring Internet access.