PLC splitter

PLC splitter PLC splitter

PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) splitters, which are a type of optical power management device widely used in fiber optic networks, particularly in FTTH (Fiber to the Home) and PON (Passive Optical Network) systems. It is an essential component in modern fiber optic networks, providing an efficient and reliable means of distributing optical signals across multiple paths without requiring power.

Features

【Uniform Splitting】-They provide equal signal splitting, which is crucial for balanced data transmission in networks.
【Low Insertion Loss】-PLC splitters are designed to have low insertion loss, meaning they minimize the loss of signal strength during splitting.
【High Return Loss】-High return loss indicates that very little signal is reflected back to the source, which is important for maintaining the quality and consistency of the signal.
【Compact Size】-They are typically compact and can be easily integrated into various types of fiber optic distribution boxes or enclosures.
【Wide Wavelength Range】 - operate efficiently over a broad range of wavelengths, typically covering standard telecommunications wavelengths such as 1310 nm, 1490 nm, and 1550 nm. This makes them versatile for different types of optical signals.
【High Reliability】-They are highly reliable, with good thermal stability, ensuring consistent performance over a wide temperature range.
【Good Directivity】-They offer good directivity, which helps in reducing interference between the different paths in the splitter.
【Scalability】-They come in various split ratios, from 1x2 splitters to configurations like 1x32 or 1x64, providing flexibility and scalability in network design.

Applications

Passive Optical Networks (PONs)

This is one of the primary applications of PLC splitters. They are used in PONs for distributing data to multiple endpoints. PONs are widely used in telecommunications for providing high-speed internet and television services. PLC splitters are essential in GPON (Gigabit PON), EPON (Ethernet PON), and other types of PON architectures.

FTTx Systems

In Fiber to the x (FTTx) systems, where “x” can be home (FTTH), curb (FTTC), building (FTTB), or other locations, PLC splitters are used to distribute the signal to multiple premises. They enable one single fiber coming from a central office to serve multiple homes or buildings.

Cable Television Networks

In CATV (Cable Television) networks, PLC splitters are used to distribute TV signals from a single source to multiple subscribers, ensuring consistent signal strength and quality.

Local Area Networks

In LANs, especially those that require high bandwidth over a fiber optic backbone, PLC splitters can be used to distribute signals to different departments or units within an organization.

Data Communications

They are used in data centers and other data communication environments for routing optical signals to multiple locations or servers efficiently.

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Systems

In WDM systems, which use multiple wavelengths of light on a single fiber, PLC splitters are used for evenly splitting signals across the different wavelengths.

Advantages vs Disadvantages

Advantages

Even Splitting –They provide very even splitting of optical signals, which is crucial for balanced data distribution in networks.

Low Insertion Loss –PLC splitters typically have lower insertion loss compared to other types of splitters, such as FBT (Fused Biconical Taper) splitters.

Wide Wavelength Range -PLC splitters can operate over a wide range of wavelengths, typically from 1260 to 1650 nm, making them suitable for various types of optical transmission systems.

Scalability -Available in various splitting ratios (like 1×8, 1×16, 1×32, 1×64), they offer flexibility in network design and scalability.

Disadvantages

Cost -Generally, PLC splitters are more expensive than FBT splitters, especially for lower split ratios.

Limited Splitting Ratios -While they offer various splitting options, the ratios are fixed. Once a PLC splitter is manufactured with a certain split ratio, it cannot be adjusted.

Signal Loss -Despite having low insertion loss, any form of splitting inevitably leads to some level of signal attenuation.

Inflexibility in Splitting Ratios -Unlike some other types of splitters that can offer variable splitting ratios, PLC splitters are fixed in their design, which might not be as adaptable for certain dynamic network requirements

How They Work

Input Signal: The process starts with an optical signal (like an internet signal) entering the PLC splitter through a single fiber.
Splitting the Signal: Inside the PLC splitter, this signal passes through a special optical chip. This chip is designed to split the incoming light into several paths, dividing it into equal or specific proportions. Think of it as a mirror maze where light bounces in different directions, but in a very controlled and precise manner.
Multiple Outputs: After the signal is split inside the chip, it exits the PLC splitter through multiple fibers. Each of these fibers carries a part of the original signal.
Uniform Distribution: The key feature of the PLC splitter is that it divides the signal uniformly. This means that each output fiber gets an equal share of the signal, ensuring that all users connected to these fibers receive a consistent signal strength.

How They Production

Assembling the PLC Chip

The PLC chip is then assembled into a package that protects it and allows for fiber connections.
Input and output fibers are aligned and attached to the chip. This alignment is crucial as it ensures the even distribution of light across all output fibers.

Packaging and Sealing

The assembled PLC splitter is then packaged, often in a small, robust case that protects the internal components and provides points of attachment for the input and output fibers.
Additional protective elements may be added to the package for thermal stability and to shield against environmental factors.

Testing and Quality Control

Each splitter undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it performs as expected. This includes testing for insertion loss, uniformity of splitting, return loss, and environmental durability.
Consistency and reliability are key, so quality control is a major part of the production process.

Component Fabrication

The process begins with the fabrication of the various components of the connector. This typically includes the connector body, ferrule (a small, cylindrical component that holds the fiber), spring, and other mechanical parts.
These components are often made from materials like plastic (for the body) and ceramic or metal (for the ferrule).

Final Packaging for Distribution

Once they pass all tests, the PLC splitters are ready for final packaging and distribution.
They are often packaged with protective elements to ensure safe transport to their final destination.