What is Fiber Optic PLC Splitter?

In the optical network topology, the emergence of optical splitters helps users maximize network performance. An optical splitter is a passive optical device that can decompose optical signals into multiple optical signal outputs. It contains one or two input ports and multiple output ports. When the optical network system needs to couple and distribute optical signals, an optical splitter can be used to achieve this.

Working Principle of Fiber Optic Splitter

An optical splitter, also known as a splitter, is an integrated waveguide optical power distribution device. Its function is to realize the branching of optical signals. For example, a 1×4 optical splitter can divide an input optical signal into four output optical signals in equal proportions and transmit them in four different channels. Nowadays, fiber optic splitter are widely used in passive optical networks. Such as EPON, GPON, BPON, FTTX, and FTTH. It plays an important role.

When an optical signal is transmitted in a single-mode optical fiber, the optical energy cannot be completely concentrated in the fiber core for propagation. A small amount of optical energy is propagated by approaching the fiber cladding. In general, when the distance between the cores of two optical fibers is close enough, the optical signal transmitted in one optical fiber can enter the other optical fiber. That is, the optical signal can be redistributed between these two optical fibers. Which is the origin of the optical splitter.

What is PLC Splitter?

PLC splitter is an optical splitter based on planar lightwave circuit technology. It includes three layers: substrate, waveguide and cover. Waveguide plays a key role in the splitting process to allow a specific percentage of light to pass through. So the signal can be equally divided. In addition, PLC splitters are available in a variety of split ratios. Including 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, etc.

Advantages of PLC Splitter

PLC optical splitter have a compact configuration, smaller size, and small footprint. PLC optical splitters are suitable for a variety of operating wavelengths. Such as 1260nm-1650nm, etc. The splitter ratios of all branches of the PLC are equal. It has good stability in all ratios.

Types of PLC Splitter

Bare Fiber Optical Splitter

Bare splitter are the simplest and most commonly used PLC optical splitters in FTTX projects. This type of PCL splitter has optical fibers left on all ends. Therefore, network engineers can freely splice according to the application. At the same time, bare fiber PCL splitters only need to take up a small amount of space during the wiring process. Therefore, it can be installed in the fiber fusion box to provide distribution signals for FTTH.

Mini Steel tube PLC Optical Splitter

A steel tube fiber optic PLC splitter looks like a bare fiber splitter. The main difference from the bare fiber splitter is that the steel tube PLC optical splitter uses a compact stainless steel tube package. Which is usually terminated with a fiber optic connector. Many bare fiber optical splitters also use chips packaged in stainless steel tubes.

Mini Plug-in PLC Optical Splitter

Mini plug-in fiber optic PLC splitter are currently widely used in FTTx projects. Especially in the distribution of FTTx network users. With low space requirements, the miniature plug-in PLC optical splitter can provide quick installation and facilitate FTTS project deployment.

ABS Box PLC Optical Splitter

ABS Box fiber optic PLC splitter uses a plastic box to hold the splitter chip. The input fiber and the output fiber are on a layer of splitter waveguide made of quartz substrate. Which can provide easier and more flexible wiring. In addition to providing reliable protection, the ABS Box PLC Optical Splitter can also be installed in various wiring cabinets or chassis. It is very common to install an ABS Box PLC Optical Splitter in a standard 19-inch rack unit.

PLC Optical Splitter with Splitter

PLC Splitter with Splitter generally uses 0.9mm tight-packed optical fiber. Which increases the length of the branch ribbon fiber connected to the PLC chip. The adapter of this optical splitter has a variety of splitting ratios. Which can meet the requirements of users who need different types of splitters.

LGX Box PLC Optical Splitter

LGX Box PLC Optical Splitter looks like an MTP distribution box. It puts the entire PLC optical splitter in a metal box. And isolates the distribution fiber embedded in the panel from the input fiber of the optical fiber adapter. LGX PLC optical splitters can be installed individually or in standard rack units or fiber enclosures for better cabling.

Tray-type PLC Splitter

The tray-type PLC splitter uses a space-saving package for better cable management. However, it adopts an international 19-inch design that can be deployed in ODF for good cable management and signal transmission. The design clearly marks the ports of the tray-type PLC optical splitter. Which can reduce failures caused by incorrect connections.

Rack-mounted PLC splitter

The design of the rack-mounted PLC splitter meets the requirements of high-density data centers or server rooms. It can be securely mounted on a data center or server rack. Multiple ports can be added to the PLC optical splitter. Which is an ideal solution for high-density wiring.

Another type of optical splitter – FBT splitter

The FBT splitter is based on traditional technology, welding multiple optical fibers together from the side of the optical fiber. The fibers are aligned to specific positions and lengths by heating. Because the fused optical fibers are very fragile, they are protected by glass tubes made of epoxy resin and silica powder. The inner glass tube is then covered with a stainless steel tube and sealed with silicon. FBT splitters are less expensive and are made of easily accessible and inexpensive materials.

Summary

I believe you also have a certain understanding of what is plc splitter. Optical splitters play a vital role in modern communication networks and have many advantages and broad market prospects. Toem provides detailed PLC splitter configuration and selection solutions.