In the fiber optical network system, like FTTx and LAN world, fiber optic splitter helps users to maximize network performance. The basic term of fiber optic splitter is to split one or two input optical signal into output multiple signals at a certain ratio.
There are two different types of splitters, PLC splitters and FBT splitters. But how do we choose them? Let’s see how these different splitters work and some key considerations.
What is PLC splitter?
PLC splitter refers to planar lightwave circuit splitter (sometimes called planar waveguide circuit splitters). PLC splitter use a semiconductor optical splitter chip based on a quartz substrate with integrated waveguide technology to split the input signal into various outputs.
PLC splitters divide signals equally and are denoted with a 1XN or 2XN splitter ratio, where the first number is the number of inputs and N is the number of outputs. PLC splitters are high-quality with low failure rates that offer precise equal splitting for 1260 nm to 1650 nm operating wavelengths.
For different applications, PLC splitters can be further categorized into different types including bare PLC splitters, blockless PLC splitters, ABS PLC splitters, LGX box PLC splitters, mini plug-in type PLC splitters, tray type PLC splitters and 1U rack mount PLC splitters.
Advantages
- Suitable for multiple operating wavelengths (1260nm – 1650nm)
- Equal splitter ratios for all branches.
- Compact configuration; smaller size; small occupation space.
- Good stability across all ratios.
- High quality; low failure rate.
Disadvantages
- Complicated production process.
- Costlier than the FBT splitter in the smaller ratios.
What is FBT splitter?
FBT refers to fused biconic taper to fuse two or more fibers together, which causes the signal to split across each channel. FBT splitters are typically made from silica glass fibers and are used in single-mode and multimode fiber optic systems.
FBT splitters differ from PLC splitters in that they can split an input signal into unequal signals at a specific percentage. While they can split signal equally in 1X2, 1X3, 1X4, and 1X8 ratios, FBT splitters aren’t recommended for ratios greater than 1X4. For asymmetrical splits, 1X2 FBT splitters can pretty much accommodate any desired ratio, including 40/60, 30/70, 20/80, 10/90, 5/95, 1/99, etc. FBT splitters work by fusing two or more pieces of optical fiber. This process makes FBT splitters less expensive than PLC splitters. However, as PLC splitter technology has advanced and gained market share, the cost differential has come down.
Advantages
- The product is well-known and is easy to produce, thus reducing cost of production.
- Splitter ratios can be customized.
- Can work on three different operating bands (850nm, 1310nm, and 1550nm).
Disadvantages
- Restricted to its operating wavelength.
- Because of errors in equality insertion loss, the maximum insertion loss will vary depending on the split and increase substantially for those splits over 1:8.
- Because an exact equal ratio cannot be ensured, transmission distance can be affected.
- High temperature dependent loss (TDL). The operating temperature range is 5 to 75 Celsius degrees. Any changes in temperature can affect the insertion loss.
- The larger the split, the larger the encapsulation module.
- Susceptible to failure due to extreme temperatures or improper handling.
Difference between PLC Splitter and FBT Splitter
| Parameters | FBT Splitter | PLC Splitter |
| Fabrication Method | Two or more pieces of optical fibers are bound together and put on a fused-taper fiber device. The fibers are then drawn out according to the output branch and ratio with one fiber being singled out as the input. | Consists of one optical chip and several optical arrays depending on the output ratio. The optical arrays are coupled on both ends of the chip. |
| Operating Wavelength | 1310nm and 1550nm (standard); 850nm (custom) | 1260nm -1650nm (full wavelength) |
| Application | HFC (network of fiber and coaxial cable for CATV); All FTIH applications. | Same |
| Performance | Up to 1:8 – reliable. For larger splits reliability can become an issue. | Good for all splits. High level of reliability and stability. |
| Input /Output | One or two inputs with an output maximum of 32 fibers. | One or two inputs with an output maximum of 64 fibers. |
| Package | Steel Tube (used mainly in equipment); ABS Black Module (Conventional) | Same |
| Input /Output Cable | Bare optical fiber; 0.9mm, 2.0mm, and 3.0mm | Same |
| Temperature Dependent Loss (TDL) | 5 to 75 Celsius degrees | -40 to 85 Celsius degrees |
Conclusion
In this article, some differences between PLC and FBT splitters are introduced to help you choose the more suitable item for your network. In short, PLC splitter has better performance and less limitation, but FBT splitter is less expensive to save more for the budgets. If you are still not sure about which one to choose, please contact us for help.