Fbt Optical Fiber Splitter Vs. Plc Optical Fiber Splitter

By Author: Ryan
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The fiber optic splitter is a critical component of ODN and one of the most essential passive components in optical fiber networks. Its job is to split a single optical fiber signal into several optical fiber signals.


The two most prevalent varieties are the fiber fuse biconic taper machine and PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) fiber splitters. What's the difference between them?


FBT optical fiber splitter


This approach involves bundling two or more optical fibers with the coating removed, melting and stretching them on a tapering machine, and monitoring the change in split ratio. Keep one fiber (cut off the others) as the input end and the other as the multi-channel output end.


PLC optical fiber splitter


The PLC optical fiber splitter is constructed with semiconductor technology. It splits the input signal into several output signals using an optical fiber splitter device. There are several types of PLC splitters to select from. The firm offers steel pipe splitters, ...
... cassette splitters, card splitters, rack mount splitters, and outdoor pole splitters.


Working wavelength


The FBT optical fiber splitter only supports three wavelengths: 850nm, 1310nm, and 1550nm, and cannot function at additional wavelengths. The PLC optical fiber splitter has a working wavelength ranging from 1260nm to 1650nm, which may be modified to suit various applications.


Split ratio


The FBT Fiber Taper Machine has a split ratio of up to 1:32 and may be customized to 1:5, 1:7, 1:11, or 1:12. The PLC optical fiber splitter has a splitting ratio of up to 1:128, and it is a standard product with just 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, and 1:128 options available.


Distribution uniformity


The FBT optical fiber splitter is packed with numerous 1x2 splitters. It has poor signal control and cannot produce consistent light splitting. Furthermore, when the split ratio increases, the homogeneity decreases, affecting the transmission distance. The PLC optical fiber splitter can split light in an equal ratio and with uniformity.


Operating temperature


The FBT optical fiber splitter has a working temperature range of -5 ~ 75ºC, whereas the PLC optical fiber splitter can function at -40 ~85ºC. The PLC optical fiber splitter has a larger operating temperature range.


Failure Rate


Currently, the mature tapering technique can only package optical fiber splitters with a ratio of less than 1:4. Errors are common throughout the connect and packaging processes, resulting in failures. This indicates that the higher the splitting ratio of the FBT optical fiber splitter, the greater the failure rate. The failure rate of the PLC optical fiber splitter is significantly lower than that of the FBT optical fiber splitter.


Production expenses


The fiber fuse biconic taper machine optical fiber splitter is manufactured of heat shrink tube, steel, and other materials; material costs are low, and device production technique is straightforward. However, the production process for PLC optical fiber splitters is difficult, and the chip is expensive. As a result, the FBT optical fiber splitter costs less than the PLC optical fiber splitter.