Everything You Must Know About FBT vs. PLC Fiber Optic Splitters

Fiber optic splitter, also referred as fiber coupler, is a fiber optic device that features one or more input fibers for distributing optical signals. The signals can be distributed into two or more output fibers at a certain ratio. Optical fiber link is the most important part of any setup that is aiming to connect a passive optical network (EPON, GPON, BPON, FTTx, etc.), to the MDF (Main Distribution Frame). The splitters helps the terminal equipment to achieve the branching of the optical signal with ease and ensure optimal connectivity throughout the network.

China holds a significant place in the world when it comes to manufacturing and supplying optimal fiber splitters throughout the globe. Before heading towards contacting a reliable fiber optic splitter manufacturer in China, you should know about the advantages and disadvantages of using FBT and PLC splitters. Once you will be able to decide the splitter type you wish to choose, then you can contact fiber optic patch cord suppliers in China to ensure that you get the right products for completion of your desired network framework.

What is a Fiber Optic Splitter?

The fiber optic splitter are made available in a wide range of styles and sizes. The main aim of these splitters is to split or combine light with minimal loss. In China, all the products are manufactured using high-grade raw material to come up with reliable, low-cost devices. You can choose their fiber lengths and/or with terminations to meet your desired requirements. All the splitters are made available with a protective metal sleeve to cover the split and are built with a box to ensure optimal security of the splitting components. You can choose from the single and multiple fiber modes but it is important to consider that most of the connectors installed on the fiber optic splitters are of FC or SC type.

Many couplers are complaint to LC, LC/APC, SC, SC/APC, FC, FC/APC, and ST, are immune to EMI (Electromagnetic Interference), and consumes no electrical power. The best thing about optic fiber splitters is that they do not add noise to system design and their passive design makes bi-directional wavelengths operate independently. Two common types of splitters used are:

1. PLC – Planar Light wave Circuit Splitter

Planar Light wave Circuit Splitter or PLC splitters make use of an optical splitter chip to distribute the incoming signal into multiple outputs. The chip is either silica or quartz-based and is made available in varying polished finishes to meet diversified requirements. The entire structure of these splitters are segmented into three layers, namely a substrate, the waveguide and the lid. For routing specific percentages of light, waveguides are fabricated using lithography onto a silica glass substrate. It is also essential to consider that the physical appearance of any splitter may vary depending on its final assembly. PLC splitters are poplar for delivering reliable, high quality performance and low failure rates. Experts claim that issues like low insertion loss, high return loss, low PDL, and low uniformity is unlikely to happen, if you are using PLC splitters. These splitters are configured compactly, thus, they occupy little space. PLC splitters are used to split equal splitter rations for all branches.

2. FBT – Fused Biconic Tapered Splitter

As the name suggests, the Fused Biconic Tapered Splitter or FBT splitters are fused with a heat source to create a one-to-one fusion splice. The fibers are set up in a group to create a specific location and desired length. Then, heat is applied to the aligned fibers and are monitored for split ration, polarization-dependent loss (PDL), and insertion loss (IL). The fusion process only stops when the desired parameters have been met on all fibers.

FBT splitters are easy to produce, thus, reduces the cost of production. The best thing about this type of splitters is they are capable of splitting an unequal ratio, either symmetrical or non-symmetrical. FBT splitters can work seamlessly on three different operating bands, namely 850 nm, 1310 nm and 1550 nm. Owing to these benefits, these splitters are widely used in passive networks and setups where the split configuration is smaller.

Explore the web for more information on which splitter you should choose for competing your setup.

Mathew John works with a leading electrical manufacturing company which is also known as a reliable fiber optic splitter manufacturer in China. He is keen writer and loves to write about tips and strategies.