Optical Splitter

What Is Optical Splitter?

A fiber optic splitter also referred to as an optical splitter, fiber splitter, or beam splitter, is an integrated waveguide optical power distribution device that can split an incident light beam into two or more light beams, and vice versa, containing multiple inputs and output ends. Splitters optimize fiber utilization, eliminating the need for dedicated cables for each terminal.

Different Types of Optical Splitter

PLC Splitters

PLC splitters are advanced devices that use lithographic techniques to create a circuit on a flat substrate, typically silica glass. This manufacturing process allows them to split incoming light into multiple outputs with high precision. PLC splitters are known for their stability and uniformity in splitting ratios, which makes them ideal for applications requiring equal distribution of light, such as in PON (Passive Optical Network) systems.

Normally, fiber splitters have an even split ratio. However, with the rapid development of splitter applications in various scenarios, such as in some FTTR or rural practical applications, equally splitting splitters are not necessarily the optimal choice. In order to further improve the utilization of customer ports and save fiber resources, unbalanced splitters with non-equal splitting ratios are also experiencing rapid growth. Taking the FS 1x5 unbalanced PLC splitter as an example, it can allocate 20%, 33%, 50%, 75%, or 95% optical power for CH1, while the remaining four channels evenly split the remaining optical power, thus maximizing resource utilization.

FBT Splitters

FBT splitters, on the other hand, are created by fusing and tapering together two or more optical fibers. This process involves heating the fibers and simultaneously pulling them to form a biconical taper, which facilitates the splitting of light. FBT splitters are a more traditional and cost-effective solution, especially suitable for applications with smaller numbers of splits, like 1:2 or 1:4. While they may not offer the same level of performance as PLC splitters in terms of uniformity and loss, they are still widely used in various optical networks.

Considerations for Choosing a Suitable Fiber Splitter

Splitter Type (PLC vs. FBT): PLC splitters are ideal for scenarios requiring high split ratios, such as 1:32 or 1:64. They provide uniform distribution of light with minimal loss and high stability, making them suitable for larger and more complex networks. On the other hand, FBT splitters are better suited for smaller split ratios, like 1:2 or 1:4, and are generally more cost-effective. This makes FBT splitters a good choice for smaller or less performance-critical applications where budget considerations are essential.

Splitting Ratio: When choosing a fiber splitter, consider the splitting ratio, which is the proportion of output power at the splitter's output ports. This ratio is crucial as it affects the overall system performance and is related to the wavelength of the transmitted light. Generally, higher split ratios are typically handled by PLC splitters.

Insertion Loss: Insertion loss is a critical factor in splitter selection, as lower insertion loss means less signal degradation. For applications where maintaining high signal strength is critical, opting for a splitter with lower insertion loss is essential.

Return Loss: High return loss (also known as reflection loss) is desirable because it indicates minimal signal reflection back into the fiber, thereby maintaining signal integrity. When choosing a splitter, ensure that it has a high return loss to reduce potential signal issues.

Operating Environment: Assess the operating conditions such as temperature and humidity that the splitter will be exposed to. Some splitters are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them suitable for outdoor or industrial applications. Others are more suited for controlled indoor environments, so choose accordingly based on where the splitter will be deployed.