What Is Fiber Optic Splitter?
Fiber optical splitter, also named beam splitter, is a integrated waveguide optical power distribution device, which splits the optical power carried by a single input fiber into two or more output fibers. Splitters contain no electronics nor require power. They play an important role in passive optical network (EPON, GPON, BPON, FTTX, FTTH etc.) and are available in a variety of split ratios, including 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, and 1:32. Figure 1 illustrates a simple 1:4 optical splitter.
Fiber optical splitter, is different from WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplex). WDM divides the different wavelength fiber optic light into different channels. Fiber optic splitter splits the fiber optic light into several channels.
Fiber optical splitter, splits the fiber optic light into several parts at a certain splitting ratio. For example, a 1X4 equal ratio splitter. can split the fiber optic light signal into four equal 25% parts and sent to the 4 different channels. Fiber optic splitters can be terminated with different types of connectors, the main package could be box type or stainless tube type, one is usually used with 2mm or 3mm outer diameter cable, the other is usually used with 0.9mm outer diameter cables.
Fiber Optic Splitter Features
1. Single mode, multimode, and PM fiber types
2. Multiple port configurations, custom length and cable diameters
3. Various splitting ratios, 50:50 to 1:99
4. Tube type or Box type, PLC fiber optic splitters or Fused fiber optic splitters
5. PC, UPC, and APC fibre optic connectors
6. Available with FC, SC, ST, LC, and MU connectors
Types Of Fiber Optic Splitters
According to the working wavelength, optic splitters can be divided into single window fiber optic splitter and dual window fiber optic splitter.
Single Window Fiber Optic Splitter and Dual Window Fiber Optic Splitter
Here the window refers to the working wavelength. Single window fiber optic splitter is with one working wavelength, dual window fiber optic splitter is with two working wavelength. For multimode fiber, the term means that the fiber is optimized for 850 nm and 1310 nm operation. For single-mode fibers, the term means that the fiber is optimized for 1310 nm and 1550 nm operation.
From a technology stand point, there are two commonly used types of optical splitters: Fused Biconic Tapered (FBT) splitter and Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) splitter.
FBT splitter: Operating wavelength, Operating bandwidth, typical additional loss, insertion loss, polarization dependent loss, uniformity and directivity and splitting ratio
PLC splitter: Operating wavelength, insertion loss, uniformity, return loss and polarization dependent loss
FBT Splitter
FBT splitter is a traditional technology in which two fibers are placed closely together and fused together by applying heat while the assembly is being elongated and tapered with over 20 years history. It is a mature products, material used to make such products is easy to get so the total cost is small. FBT splitters are widely accepted and used in passive networks, especially for instances where the split configuration is smaller (1x2, 1x4, etc).
PLC Splitter
PLC splitters are developed based on silica glass wave-guide process with reliable precision aligned fiber pigtail in a miniature package. Waveguides are fabricated using lithography onto a silica glass substrate, which allows for routing specific percentages of light. PLC fiber splitter can realize 1X32 splitting or more and its loss is not sensitive to the working wavelength. PLC splitters offer very accurate and even splits with minimal loss in an efficient package.
A drawback of FBT technology occurs when larger split configurations (1x16, 1x32, 1x64, etc) are required. FBT technology is limited in the number of quality splits that can be achieved in a single instance, so several must be spliced together when a larger split configuration is required. A more recent technology, PLC splitters offer a better solution for applications where larger split configurations are required.
Where Is OpticalSplitter Used?
Optical splitters are installed in each optical network between the PON Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and the Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) that the OLT serves. Networks implementing BPON, GPON, EPON, 10G EPON, and 10G GPON technologies all use these simple optical splitters. A PON network may be designed with a single optical splitter, or it can have two or more splitters cascaded together. Cascading is usually done when houses being served are clustered in smaller groups. Splitters are sometimes housed in the Central Office (CO) and individual fibers run from the office to each subscriber.
PON splitters are bi-directional, that is signals can be sent downstream from the central office, broadcast to all users, and signals from the users can be sent upstream and combined into one fiber to communicate with the central office.
Figure 2 illustrates a single splitter in GPON network. Note that the splitter can be deployed in the CO alongside the OLT, or it may be deployed in an OutSide Plant (OSP) cabinet closer to the subscribers. A splitter can also be deployed in the basement of a building for a Multiple Dwelling Unit (MDU) installation.
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