What are the types of fiber optic splitters?

Splitters can be constructed using a variety of singlemode and multimode fibers and most connector types for a variety of applications.

From a technical point of view, there are two types of separators commonly used:

1. FBT separator

2. PLC splitter

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As with most technologies, each type has its advantages and disadvantages when deployed in a PON.

FBT is a traditional technique in which two fibers are placed in close proximity and fused together by heating as the component is elongated and thinned. A signal source is used to determine the point at which the desired coupling ratio is met and then the process is stopped.

As this technology continues to evolve, FBT splitters are of such high quality that they can be deployed in a cost-effective manner. FBT splitters are widely accepted and used in passive networks, especially in smaller split configurations (1x2, 1x4, etc.).

The disadvantage of this technique occurs when larger split configurations are required (1x16, 1x32, 1x64, etc.). The FBT technique can achieve a limited number of quality splits in a single instance, so when larger split configurations are required, multiples must be stitched together. As a result, the physical size increases due to multiple splitters, and the additional loss of splicing also increases. Therefore, for these cases, as we will discuss in the next section, a PLC splitter is more ideal.

Planar Lightwave Splitter

PLC separators are a newer technology that offer better solutions for applications requiring larger separation configurations. To achieve this, waveguides were fabricated onto a quartz glass substrate using photolithography, allowing a specific percentage of light to be routed. As a result, PLC splitters can provide very accurate and even uniform separations with minimal losses in a very efficient package.