By goodvin | 28 March 2024 | 0 Comments
Application and Selection of Fiber Optic PLC Splitter and FBT Splitter
Fiber optic splitters are essential components in passive optical networks, enabling the distribution of optical signals from a single input fiber to multiple output fibers. Two common types of fiber optic splitters are the Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) splitter and the Fused Biconical Taper (FBT) splitter. Each type has its own unique characteristics and applications, and it is important to understand the differences between them in order to select the most suitable splitter for a particular network deployment.
Application of Fiber Optic Splitters
Fiber optic splitters are widely used in various optical communication systems, such as Fiber to the Home (FTTH), Passive Optical Networks (PON), and fiber optic sensing applications. They play a crucial role in splitting and distributing optical signals with minimal loss and distortion. The choice of splitter type depends on the specific requirements of the application, including the number of splitting ratios, insertion loss, polarization dependence, and environmental conditions.
Fiber optic PLC Splitter
PLC splitters are fabricated using semiconductor manufacturing techniques to create a compact and reliable device. They are typically constructed on a silica glass substrate using photolithography, etching, and thermal processing to create waveguide circuits that split the input signal into multiple output ports.
Fiber optic PLC splitters offer several advantages, including:
1. Low Insertion Loss: PLC splitters have low insertion loss, making them suitable for applications where signal loss must be minimized.
2. Wide Operating Wavelength Range: They can operate over a wide range of wavelengths, including the commonly used 1310nm and 1550nm bands.
3.Compact Size: PLC splitters are compact and can accommodate a large number of split channels in a single device.
4.Different fan-out ratios and form factors
5.Easy integration into system racks or nodes
6.High reliability due to hermetically sealed construction
Fiber optic PLC splitters are suitable for applications such as:
1.Distribution nodes in fiber to the home networks
2.Passive optical networks for telephone and broadband internet access
3.5G front and middle haul networks
4.Data center and cloud computing networks
FBT Splitter
FBT splitters are constructed by fusing and tapering two or more fibers together to create a region where the optical power is split among the output fibers. The fused region is then encapsulated in a protective housing to ensure mechanical strength and stability.
FBT splitters have their own set of advantages, including:
1. Cost-Effectiveness: FBT splitters are cost-effective for low to mid-level splitting ratios and are suitable for applications with budget constraints.
2. Ruggedness: They are more rugged and less sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity compared to PLC splitters.
3.Customization: FBT splitters can be easily customized for specific splitting ratios and packaging requirements.
4.More options for fan-out ratios and form factors
5.Easy integration into fiber assemblies and cables
6.Compact size
FBT splitters are suitable for applications such as:
1.Passive optical networks
2.Enterprise and campus networks
3.Data center cabinet and rack solutions
4.Wireless and 5G radio unit distribution
Selection Criteria
When selecting a fiber optic splitter for a specific application, several key factors should be considered:
1. Splitting Ratio: Determine the required splitting ratio based on the network architecture and the number of subscribers or end-users.
2. Insertion Loss: Evaluate the acceptable level of insertion loss to ensure that the signal quality meets the system requirements.
3. Polarization Sensitivity: Consider the polarization dependence of the splitter if the system operates with polarized light.
4. Environmental Conditions: Assess the operating environment, including temperature range, humidity, and mechanical constraints, to determine the suitability of the splitter type.
5. Cost: Compare the cost-effectiveness of PLC and FBT splitters based on the specific application requirements and budget constraints.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both PLC and FBT splitters play vital roles in optical communication networks, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. The selection of the most suitable splitter type depends on the specific application requirements, including splitting ratio, insertion loss, environmental conditions, and cost considerations. By carefully evaluating these factors, network planners and operators can ensure the optimal performance and reliability of their optical communication systems.
FAQS
Q1.What are PLC optical splitters?
PLC splitters are based on planar lightwave circuits and photolithography technology. They offer the highest performance in terms of low loss, uniformity, and wide wavelength range.
Q2.What are FBT optical splitters?
FBT splitters utilize fused biconical taper technology. They provide a more economical solution compared to PLC splitters but have higher loss and lower uniformity.
Q3.What are the key differences between PLC and FBT splitters?
PLC splitters offer lower loss, higher uniformity, wider wavelength range, and smaller form factor. However, they are more expensive. FBT splitters are more flexible, available in more options, and offer a lower cost, though they have higher loss.
Q4.When should PLC splitters be used?
PLC splitters should be used for applications requiring the highest performance, such as 5G networks, data centers, and dense FTTH deployments.
Q5.When should FBT splitters be used?
FBT splitters can be used for most applications except those requiring the lowest possible power budget penalties. They are suitable for enterprise networks, campus networks, and medium-density FTTH networks.
Key words: optical splitter, PLC splitter, FBT splitter, fan-out ratio, form factor, application, selection criteria
Application of Fiber Optic Splitters
Fiber optic splitters are widely used in various optical communication systems, such as Fiber to the Home (FTTH), Passive Optical Networks (PON), and fiber optic sensing applications. They play a crucial role in splitting and distributing optical signals with minimal loss and distortion. The choice of splitter type depends on the specific requirements of the application, including the number of splitting ratios, insertion loss, polarization dependence, and environmental conditions.
Fiber optic PLC Splitter
PLC splitters are fabricated using semiconductor manufacturing techniques to create a compact and reliable device. They are typically constructed on a silica glass substrate using photolithography, etching, and thermal processing to create waveguide circuits that split the input signal into multiple output ports.
Fiber optic PLC splitters offer several advantages, including:
1. Low Insertion Loss: PLC splitters have low insertion loss, making them suitable for applications where signal loss must be minimized.
2. Wide Operating Wavelength Range: They can operate over a wide range of wavelengths, including the commonly used 1310nm and 1550nm bands.
3.Compact Size: PLC splitters are compact and can accommodate a large number of split channels in a single device.
4.Different fan-out ratios and form factors
5.Easy integration into system racks or nodes
6.High reliability due to hermetically sealed construction
Fiber optic PLC splitters are suitable for applications such as:
1.Distribution nodes in fiber to the home networks
2.Passive optical networks for telephone and broadband internet access
3.5G front and middle haul networks
4.Data center and cloud computing networks
FBT Splitter
FBT splitters are constructed by fusing and tapering two or more fibers together to create a region where the optical power is split among the output fibers. The fused region is then encapsulated in a protective housing to ensure mechanical strength and stability.
FBT splitters have their own set of advantages, including:
1. Cost-Effectiveness: FBT splitters are cost-effective for low to mid-level splitting ratios and are suitable for applications with budget constraints.
2. Ruggedness: They are more rugged and less sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity compared to PLC splitters.
3.Customization: FBT splitters can be easily customized for specific splitting ratios and packaging requirements.
4.More options for fan-out ratios and form factors
5.Easy integration into fiber assemblies and cables
6.Compact size
FBT splitters are suitable for applications such as:
1.Passive optical networks
2.Enterprise and campus networks
3.Data center cabinet and rack solutions
4.Wireless and 5G radio unit distribution
Selection Criteria
When selecting a fiber optic splitter for a specific application, several key factors should be considered:
1. Splitting Ratio: Determine the required splitting ratio based on the network architecture and the number of subscribers or end-users.
2. Insertion Loss: Evaluate the acceptable level of insertion loss to ensure that the signal quality meets the system requirements.
3. Polarization Sensitivity: Consider the polarization dependence of the splitter if the system operates with polarized light.
4. Environmental Conditions: Assess the operating environment, including temperature range, humidity, and mechanical constraints, to determine the suitability of the splitter type.
5. Cost: Compare the cost-effectiveness of PLC and FBT splitters based on the specific application requirements and budget constraints.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both PLC and FBT splitters play vital roles in optical communication networks, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. The selection of the most suitable splitter type depends on the specific application requirements, including splitting ratio, insertion loss, environmental conditions, and cost considerations. By carefully evaluating these factors, network planners and operators can ensure the optimal performance and reliability of their optical communication systems.
FAQS
Q1.What are PLC optical splitters?
PLC splitters are based on planar lightwave circuits and photolithography technology. They offer the highest performance in terms of low loss, uniformity, and wide wavelength range.
Q2.What are FBT optical splitters?
FBT splitters utilize fused biconical taper technology. They provide a more economical solution compared to PLC splitters but have higher loss and lower uniformity.
Q3.What are the key differences between PLC and FBT splitters?
PLC splitters offer lower loss, higher uniformity, wider wavelength range, and smaller form factor. However, they are more expensive. FBT splitters are more flexible, available in more options, and offer a lower cost, though they have higher loss.
Q4.When should PLC splitters be used?
PLC splitters should be used for applications requiring the highest performance, such as 5G networks, data centers, and dense FTTH deployments.
Q5.When should FBT splitters be used?
FBT splitters can be used for most applications except those requiring the lowest possible power budget penalties. They are suitable for enterprise networks, campus networks, and medium-density FTTH networks.
Key words: optical splitter, PLC splitter, FBT splitter, fan-out ratio, form factor, application, selection criteria
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