Optical splitter, or fiber optic splitter, is a critical device in fiber optic communication systems that can distribute incident light to multiple output ports, or combine light from multiple input ports into a single output port. In fiber optic ODN networks, fiber optic splitters play a crucial role in signal distribution and convergence.
Single Mode Fiber Splitter
Single mode fiber splitters are optimized for single mode fibers and usually operate in the wavelength range of 1310nm and 1550nm.
Multimode Fiber Splitter
Multimode fiber splitters are optimized for multimode fibers and typically operate in the 850nm and 1310nm range.
FBT Coupler Splitter
FBT coupler splitter is a traditional manufacturing process that achieves splitting by welding multiple fibers together from the side of the fiber.
Features of FBT splitters include:
Cost-effective: Due to the relatively simple manufacturing process, FBT splitters generally have lower manufacturing costs.
Customizable Splitting Ratio: The splitting ratio of FBT splitters can be customized according to specific needs to meet different application requirements.
Suitable for General Applications: FBT splitters are suitable for general optical ODN network applications, especially for medium and small-scale splitting needs.
PLC Splitter
PLC splitter utilizes planar lightwave circuit technology to achieve splitting through optical waveguides.
PLC splitters have multiple advantages, making them the preferred choice in optical ODN networks:
Wavelength Flexibility: PLC splitters can work across a wide range of wavelengths, typically covering the entire wavelength range from 1260nm to 1650nm. This flexibility makes them suitable for the transmission of optical signals at different wavelengths.
High Stability: With planar lightwave circuit technology, PLC splitters generally have high stability and reliability and are less susceptible to external environmental factors.
Low Insertion Loss: PLC splitters typically have low insertion loss, which can maximize the retention of optical signal strength.
Selectable Splitting Ratio: PLC splitters offer multiple splitting ratios to choose from, including 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, etc., to meet the splitting needs of different applications.
Low Failure Rate: Due to the use of highly integrated optical waveguide technology, PLC splitters generally have low failure rates, helping to improve network reliability.
Suitable for High-Density Applications: PLC splitters are suitable for applications requiring high splitting and complex connections, such as data centers and optical communication networks.
PLC splitter types include bare fiber splitter, no-block fiber splitter, ABS splitter, LGX splitter, and rack mount splitter.
Bare Fiber Splitter
Features: Bare fiber splitter does not have connectors at the end and requires additional fiber protection during installation.
No-Block Fiber Splitter
Features: Similar in appearance to the bare fiber splitter but with a more compact stainless steel tube package, providing stronger fiber protection.
ABS Module Fiber Splitter
Features: ABS splitter adopts plastic ABS casing, providing good protection for optical components and cables.
LGX Box Fiber Splitter
Features: LGX PLC splitter has a sturdy metal box and can be used independently or installed in a standard fiber patch panel or fiber chassis.
Rack Mount Splitter
Features: 1U and 2U are the two available sizes of rack mount splitters, typically using the 19-inch rack unit standard.
Below is a comparison summary of these five types of PLC splitters
| Splitter Type | Features | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Fiber Splitter | No connectors at the ends, requiring additional fiber protection. | FTTH, PON, LAN, CATV, testing equipment, space-limited environments. |
| No-Block Fiber Splitter | Similar appearance to bare fiber splitter but provides stronger fiber protection. | Connections on top of distribution boxes or network cabinets, scenarios requiring better fiber protection. |
| ABS Module Fiber Splitter | Uses plastic ABS casing, providing good protection for optical components and cables. | Outdoor fiber distribution boxes for PON, FTTH, FTTX, GOPN networks, suitable for various environments. |
| LGX Box Fiber Splitter | Has a sturdy metal box, can be used independently or installed in standard fiber patch panels. | Plug-and-play network integration, reducing installation risks, suitable for various scenarios. |
| Rack Mount Splitter | Available in 1U and 2U sizes, using the 19-inch rack unit standard. | EPON, GPON, FTTX, FTTH, high-density cabling environments, high-performance solutions. |
Fiber optic splitters have wide applications in fiber optic communication systems. They can be used for optical signal distribution, convergence, and management. For example, fiber optic splitters can be used in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks, distributing optical signals from a central site to multiple users. Additionally, fiber optic splitters can be used in long-distance transmission systems, data center networks, and optical network equipment.
Others include but are not limited to the following fields:
Fiber Optic Communication
In fiber optic communication systems, fiber optic splitters distribute optical signals from the sending end to different receiving ports, enabling multiplexing and distributed optical networks.
Spectral Analysis
Grating splitters are commonly used in spectral analysis instruments to separate different wavelengths of optical signals for spectral measurement and analysis.
Biomedical Applications
Fiber optic splitters are used in biomedical fields for optical sensing and imaging applications, such as biomolecule detection and cell imaging.
Optical Switching
Digital optical circuit splitters are used in optical networks for optical switching, enabling real-time routing and management of optical signals.
In summary, fiber optic splitters are critical devices in fiber optic communication ODN network systems, capable of achieving optical signal splitting and combining, and play a crucial role in signal distribution and convergence. The types of fiber optic splitters are diverse, including wavelength-based, power-based, and mode-based fiber optic splitters, which can meet different system requirements. When selecting an fiber optical splitter, factors such as split ratio, insertion loss, isolation, operating wavelength, price, and quality need to be considered to ensure the performance and reliability of the fiber optical splitter.
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