Opelink is a leading manufacturer of fiber optic PLC splitters, serving network operators, system integrators, and distributors worldwide for over 13 years. Our Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) splitters are precision-engineered passive optical components designed for distributing optical signals in FTTH, GPON, EPON, and BPON networks.
Using advanced silica glass waveguide technology on a planar substrate, our PLC splitters deliver consistent splitting ratios with minimal insertion loss across all output ports. Available in 1x2, 1x4, 1x8, 1x16, 1x32, 1x64, and 2xN configurations, we offer multiple packaging options including bare fiber, steel tube, ABS box, and 19-inch rack mount to meet diverse deployment requirements.
All Opelink PLC splitters meet Telcordia GR-1209 and GR-1221 standards, ensuring reliable performance in temperatures from -40°C to +85°C. With insertion loss as low as 0.3dB and excellent uniformity, our products are trusted by telecom operators in over 50 countries.
What is a PLC Splitter?
A PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) splitter is a passive optical device that splits a single optical input into multiple outputs with precise power distribution. Unlike traditional FBT (Fused Biconic Taper) splitters, PLC splitters use semiconductor manufacturing techniques to create waveguide circuits on a silica substrate.
This technology enables PLC splitters to achieve: • Uniform power splitting across all output ports • Low insertion loss (typically 0.3-0.5dB for 1x32) • Excellent wavelength independence (1260-1650nm) • Compact size and high reliability • Consistent performance across wide temperature ranges
PLC splitters are the preferred choice for high-port-count applications in modern PON networks, where precise power budgeting and long-term stability are critical.
PLC Splitter Types and Configurations
Opelink offers comprehensive PLC splitter solutions to meet various network deployment needs: 1. Bare Fiber PLC Splitter Ideal for integration into splice closures and distribution boxes. 250μm bare fiber allows direct splicing with minimal space requirements. 2. Steel Tube PLC Splitter Protected by a stainless steel tube (typically 3mm or 4mm diameter), suitable for outdoor and harsh environment installations. Available with or without fiber pigtails. 3. ABS Box PLC Splitter Housed in a robust ABS plastic enclosure with SC, LC, or FC connectors pre-installed. Plug-and-play design simplifies field installation. 4. Rack Mount PLC Splitter 19-inch standard rack mount chassis with multiple splitter modules. Ideal for central office and data center applications requiring high-density fiber management. Configuration Options: • Splitting Ratios: 1x2, 1x4, 1x8, 1x16, 1x32, 1x64, 2x4, 2x8, 2x16, 2x32 • Fiber Types: Single mode G.657A1, G.657A2, G.652D • Connector Types: SC/UPC, SC/APC, LC/UPC, LC/APC, FC/UPC, FC/APC • Pigtail Lengths: 0.5m, 1.0m, 1.5m, 2.0m (custom lengths available)
Technical Specifications
Parameter
1x2
1x4
1x8
1x16
1x32
1x64
Insertion Loss (dB)
≤3.8
≤7.2
≤10.5
≤13.8
≤17.0
≤20.5
Uniformity (dB)
≤0.6
≤0.8
≤1.0
≤1.4
≤1.6
≤2.0
PDL (dB)
≤0.2
≤0.2
≤0.3
≤0.3
≤0.3
≤0.4
Return Loss (dB)
≥50
≥50
≥50
≥50
≥50
≥50
Directivity (dB)
≥55
≥55
≥55
≥55
≥55
≥55
Operating Temp
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
Wavelength Range
1260-1650nm
1260-1650nm
1260-1650nm
1260-1650nm
1260-1650nm
1260-1650nm
Applications
• FTTH (Fiber to the Home) Networks: Distributing optical signals from OLT to multiple ONTs in residential deployments • GPON/EPON Systems: Power splitting in passive optical networks for broadband access • CATV Distribution: Splitting RF-over-fiber signals for cable television networks • Data Centers: High-density fiber management and signal distribution • Central Offices: Telecom infrastructure and backbone network applications • Fiber Optic Sensors: Signal distribution in sensing and monitoring systems
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between PLC splitter and FBT splitter?
A: PLC splitters use planar lightwave circuit technology with precise waveguide patterns on a silica substrate, offering better uniformity, lower insertion loss, and wavelength independence. FBT splitters use fused biconic taper technology, which is more cost-effective for low port counts (1x2, 1x4) but has higher loss and poorer uniformity for high port counts.
Q2: What splitting ratios are available for PLC splitters?
A: Opelink offers standard splitting ratios of 1x2, 1x4, 1x8, 1x16, 1x32, and 1x64. We also provide 2xN configurations (2x4, 2x8, 2x16, 2x32) for applications requiring dual inputs. Custom ratios can be manufactured upon request.
Q3: What is the typical insertion loss of a 1x32 PLC splitter?
A: Opelink's 1x32 PLC splitters feature typical insertion loss of ≤17.0dB, with premium versions achieving ≤16.5dB. This includes the theoretical splitting loss of 15.05dB (10×log32) plus excess loss of approximately 1-2dB.
Q4: Can PLC splitters be used for both 1310nm and 1550nm wavelengths?
A: Yes, Opelink PLC splitters operate across a wide wavelength range of 1260-1650nm, making them suitable for both 1310nm and 1550nm applications, as well as CWDM and DWDM systems. The insertion loss variation across this range is typically less than 0.5dB.
Q5: Do you offer OEM/ODM services for PLC splitters?
A: Yes, we provide comprehensive OEM/ODM services including custom logos, packaging, fiber lengths, connector types, and labeling. Our engineering team can also design custom splitter configurations for specific applications. Minimum order quantities apply for custom products.
Q6: Advantages of using fiber optic plc splitter 1x8 ?
A 1x8 PLC fiber optic splitter divides one input optical signal into eight output signals with equal power distribution, regardless of wavelength. Unlike FBT splitters that show increasing non-uniformity at higher port counts, PLC splitters use semiconductor-grade waveguide fabrication to achieve precise and consistent splitting ratios. Key advantages: (1) Wavelength-independent performance across 1260–1650nm; (2) Uniform signal distribution to all endpoints; (3) Compact design — fits directly into existing distribution boxes without requiring extra space; (4) Scalable to 64+ channels per device; (5) Lower cost per channel at higher port counts.
Q7: I want to know more about Opelink’s fiber optic plc splitter 1x8?
Opelink 1x8 PLC splitters use planar lightwave circuit technology on a silica glass substrate to evenly split a single input signal into eight output ports. They operate across a ±40nm bandwidth centered at both 1310nm and 1550nm, supporting up to 300mW optical power when connectorized. Each unit ships with an individual test report showing coupling ratio and insertion loss measurements for all eight ports at both wavelengths. The splitter is housed in a compact 100mm × 80mm × 10mm enclosure with four mounting hole sets, and comes with 0.8m fiber leads in Ø900μm tubing. Available from stock with 2.0mm narrow-key FC/PC or FC/APC connectors. Contact us for custom configurations.