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How Does a PLC Splitter Work?

What is a Fiber Optic PLC Splitter?

An optical fiber PLC splitter is a passive optical device used to distribute one input signal evenly across multiple output ports. It is commonly found in telecommunication networks, especially in FTTH and other PON applications, facilitating multi-point-to-point communications from central offices to end-user premises.


Working Principle

At the heart of a splitter is an integrated photonic circuit fabricated on a silica substrate through photolithographic processes. This manufacturing method is similar to the way semiconductor chips are made, providing the PLC splitter with high precision and stability.


When an optical signal enters the PLC splitter, it is guided into a series of micro-waveguides integrated into the substrate. These waveguides are designed with very low loss and engineered to effectively split the light signal into two or more paths. Each waveguide’s dimensions and shape are precisely controlled to ensure that the signal is uniformly divided between all output ports.


Structure

A typical splitter consists of the following parts:
Fiber Connectors: Used to connect the input and output fibers.
Input/Output Couplers: These couple the light from the fibers into the waveguides of the PLC substrate.
Waveguide Array: This is the core of the PLC splitter, containing numerous tiny waveguides for transmitting and splitting the light signal.
PLC Substrate: A platform made of silica material that supports the waveguide array and provides mechanical protection.


Advantages of PLC Optical Splitter

Low Insertion Loss: Advanced manufacturing processes allow them to maintain low signal attenuation, ensuring high transmission efficiency.
High Reliability: As a passive device with no moving parts, PLC splitters offer high reliability and a long operational life.
Compact Design: They take up much less space compared to traditional optical splitters, making them ideal for installation in environments with limited space.
Scalability: They can be configured in various ratios such as 1x2, 1x4, 1x8, and beyond, adapting to the needs of different network deployment sizes.


Conclusion

In summary, Planar Lightwave Circuit PLC splitters are critical components in modern communication networks due to their efficient operation, robust durability, and ease of installation and maintenance. FIBERFUTURE provides fiber optic splitters with low insertion loss and ow polarization-dependent loss (PDL), come and ask for more information.

How Does a PLC Splitter Work?

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