PLC Splitter
Using planar optical waveguide technology, PLC splitters divide one or two light beams into multiple channels. They are often used in a variety of applications, including passive optical networks (PONs) and medical equipment.
PLC splitters are available in a number of different styles. These include bare fiber, blockless, ABS, LGX box, mini plug-in type and tray-type splitters.
Optical Splitter
Optical splitters are an important component of modern telecom networks and are used for splitting or distributing optical signals. They can be found in many telecommunications companies and are a key tool for increasing network efficiency.
Depending on the network topology, splitters can be deployed in a centralized or cascaded (also known as distributed) configuration. Centralized splits typically include 1×16 or 1×32 split ratio counts that allow for optimal port aggregation and increased efficiencies across all access points, making network testing and troubleshooting easier and more efficient.
There are two basic types of passive optical splitters: Fused Biconical Taper (FBT) and Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC). Both offer the same low insertion loss, polarization dependent loss, high reliability, and a small form factor.
The main differences between the two are the technology they use and how they are manufactured. FBT splitters are the traditional type and are made by fusing together several fibers. They can support operating wavelengths of 850nm, 1310nm, and 1550nm and have a maximum split ratio of 1:32.
PLC splitters, on the other hand, use a semiconductor process to manufacture optical waveguide branching devices. They are more versatile than FBT splitters and have higher spectral uniformity, but they are generally more expensive and less compact.
As a result, it is important to choose the right type of splitter for your application. Both FBT and PLC splitters have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, so you should consider the specific needs of your network before making a decision.
Bare Fiber Splitter
Bare fiber splitter is a kind of optical power management device that uses silica optical waveguide technology to distribute optical signals from Central Office (CO) to multiple premise locations. It offers a cost-effective and space-saving networking solution in an optical transmission system. It is widely used for FTTH Passive Optical Network, including EPON (as EPON splitter) and GPON (as GPON splitter).
PLC splitter is a passive optical device that uses planar lightwave circuit (PLC) chip to divide one or more fiber optic signals into multiple optical signal or combine several optical signals into a single signal. It has multiple input and output terminals, and is applicable to technologies such as GPON, EPON, BPON and FTTX.
Compared with FBT splitter, PLC optical splitter has lower cost per port, higher reliability and insertion loss. It also has better performance in a wider operating temperature range. It is suitable for use in a variety of applications, especially for FTTx project and CATV network.
Another difference between the two devices is that PLC splitter can achieve equal-ratio uniform splitting. In contrast, FBT optical splitter can only achieve a uniform distribution of the resulting strands. Hence, FBT splitters are prone to error and failures when the splitting ratio is high.
In addition, a low insertion loss is the plc splitter key to achieving good performance. PLC optical splitters are able to achieve a lower insertion loss than FBT optical splitters, which can reduce the system power penalty and ensure the performance of the optical signal.
There are many different package form factors of PLC splitters in the market. Some of them include bare fiber splitter, blockless splitter, ABS splitter, LGX box splitter and mini plug-in type splitter.
Blockless Splitter
PLC splitter (also known as Planar Lightwave Circuit) is a passive optical power management device that uses silica waveguide structures to evenly split an optical signal from 1 or 2 input channels and distribute the split signal to N multiple output channels. It is a highly reliable solution with good channel-to-channel uniformity and small size, which has been widely used in PON networks to realize optical signal power management.
Compared with fused fiber optic splitter, which is an old and mature products, PLC is more sophisticated technology, the cost is higher but it has many advantages. It is widely used in FTTH network, it is an important passive component and its function of distribution is also quite useful.
In contrast to the FBT (fused biconical taper) splitter, which is manufactured based on the traditional technology and has long history, the PLC splitter is developed based on the silica glass wave-guide process and reliable precision aligned fiber pigtail in a miniature package. The PLC splitter features wide operating wavelength range, good channel-to-channel uniformity, high reliability and low loss.
The PLC splitter family is available in different split counts and connector types, such as 1×4, 1×8, 1×16, 1×32, 1×64. All of them are Telcordia GR 1221 CORE qualified and RoHS compliant.
Besides, it is compatible with single mode fiber at wavelength range from 1260 plc splitter to 1650 nm. It also has a compact stainless tube package that makes it an important product for the FTTx project. It can be terminated with common fiber optic connectors such as FC, SC, LC etc. Moreover, it is very stable to operate at the temperature range of -40 to 85 degC.
ABS Splitter
ABS splitter, also known as planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitter, is an important passive optical component in PON system. It divides one or more fibers into multiple strands that can be used to distribute a single network interface to several subscribers. It is especially suitable for the applications of GPON, EPON and BPON, as well as other technologies such as passive optical network (PON), fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and fiber optic transmission system.
This type of splitter is a key component in many PON systems and can be used in centralized or distributed architectures. It can also be used to distribute a single strand of fiber to several different locations, making it an ideal choice for a variety of network installations and enabling higher performance.
Another important consideration in plc splitter design is ground clearance, which is the distance between the bottom of the splitter and the ground. The ground clearance of a splitter should be at least 5.56 inches. This is important when passing over obstacles, such as steep indoor parking garages or driveways that are inclined into the street.
The length of the front splitter is also a critical factor in performance. The longer the splitter is, the more downforce it can create at high speeds, but it should be no more than 4″ to 8″ long in most cases.
Finally, a good air dam is essential to controlling the air that is created by your splitter and front bumper. The air dam should seal tightly to your splitter and bumper, preventing air from leaking under the bumper and into the backside of the intercoolers, air filters, oil coolers and radiators on your vehicle. This prevents drag, increases airflow, and improves cooling performance!
LGX Cassette Fiber Splitter
A plc splitter is an optical component that separates or combines light signals in an optical network. These devices can be found in a wide range of applications, including FTTx, GPON and EPON systems.
These units are fabricated using silica optical waveguide technology to distribute signals accurately and evenly with minimal loss. They are commonly used to distribute optical signals from Central Office (CO) to multiple premise locations in Fiber to the point (FTTx) deployments and other passive optical networks (e.g., EPON, GPON, BPON).
This type of device is often used in high density data centers where space is an issue. It can help save rack space by distributing a large number of fibers in a compact package.
Moreover, it offers easy installation. These units are designed to be inserted in LGX compatible patch panels, LIUs, termination boxes and other fiber distribution equipment.
They are tamper-proof and can be installed in standard rack mount chassis. They are also compatible with FieldSmart modules, which enable the splitter to expand with future growth as necessary.
In addition, these units can be used for real-time monitoring in high performance networks and high density cabling systems. They can create an exact copy of a signal passing through them and are effective in detecting network issues that may arise.
In general, there are three types of cassettes in the market, namely MTP standard LGX cassette, MTP HD cassette and MTP TAP cassette. They are different in terms of design, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. If space is the primary consideration, MTP HD cassette will be the best choice; if security and high performance are more important, MTP TAP cassette is recommended.