PLC Splitter Wafers & Chips 1xN Special Series
PLC splitters minimize the loss of optical signals during signal distribution. With a standardized 1U cassette and rack-mount configuration, network operators can easily deploy, expand, and maintain their fiber optic connectivity.
Bare fiber type PLC splitters have no connectors on their bare fiber ends, which allows them to be directly spliced with pigtail cassettes and other test equipment. They are often used in FTTH boxes, ODFs and other network cabinets.
Features
PLC splitter is a passive component that utilizes planar light wave circuit technology to divide an input optical fiber signal into multiple output fiber signals at a uniform ratio. It is widely used in FTTH (Fast Thin Client) networks to branch the optical signal PLC Splitter Wafers & Chips 1xN Special Series between the MDF (main distribution frame) and the ONTs (optical network terminals).
A PLC splitter features low insertion loss, low PDL, and high channel-to-channel uniformity. Unlike traditional fused fiber couplers, which require many 1×2 connection packages, the PLC splitter uses a single chip to achieve equal-ratio uniform splitting and save cost.
As a result, SANWA’s PLC splitters can be directly installed in the ODF frame or optical fiber distribution box and eliminate the need for complex on-site splicing. SANWA’s PLC splitters are available in various fan-out configurations and with industry-standard connectors, including SC, LC, FC and ST, to allow simple integration into the existing network infrastructure.
Besides the standard LGX metal box type, SANWA’s PLC splitters also come in a tray-type package or cassette that can be directly mounted inside an MPO/MTP patch panel or enclosure. This provides a modular approach to simplify the installation process and reduce downtime. These trays and cassettes are supplied with pre-terminated MPO/MTP adapters that can be directly plugged into the existing fiber optic connections. In addition, a range of standard SC, LC and FC fiber-end connectors are optionally available.
Applications
Optical signal splitting is an essential function in fiber optic networks. It is used to distribute an incoming optical signal into several paths, so that multiple devices can receive the signal simultaneously. In a PON system, a PLC splitter is used to split an optical signal coming from the Central Office (CO) Optical Line Terminal (OLT) into multiple outputs. The number of outputs is determined by the number of ports on a PLC splitter module.
Compared to FBT splitters, PLC splitters have lower insertion losses and better uniformity. They also provide the flexibility of incremental expansion and various network topologies, such as star and cascade. These benefits make PLC splitters the preferred choice for optical signal splitting in FTTH networks.
Tarluz offers a variety of high-quality PLC splitters in different ports and package types to meet the needs of any network. Our bare fiber type PLC splitters can be directly inserted into compatible receptacles or slots in wall mount FTTH boxes and ODFs, making them easy to install and replace without the need for complex fiber splicing. We also offer miniature plug-in type PLC splitters that can be easily plugged into compatible LC adapters or connectors in a receptacle or slot.
Technical Specifications
The SANWA Pluggable PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) Splitter is a passive component that manufacturing fiber optic passive components allows one optical signal to be divided into multiple signals through its special waveguide made of planar silica and quartz. It is mainly used in FTTH passive optical networks to combine with the MDF and terminal equipments to branch out optical signals from a single MT ferrule.
It features low insertion loss and uniformity within the entire operating wavelength range of 1260 to 1650 nm. This is achieved through a combination of precise waveguide design and advanced fabrication processes, combined with high-quality materials and strict quality control. The PLC splitter is designed and strictly tested to work stably in a wide range of temperatures from -40 to 85 degrees Celsius.
The PLC splitter is an alternative to fused biconical taper-based optical splitters. The major differences are that the PLC splitter uses a chip-size device, and can support multiple functions on a single chip, including WDM couplers, making it more economical. It also has a higher operating temperature range and better channel-to-channel uniformity than FBT splitters.
Tarluz offers a full range of 1×2 to 2×64 PLC splitters with different split configurations and various fiber types, allowing customers to select the right model for their network. These models all meet Telcordia 1209 and 1221 reliability requirements, and are available in Bare fiber type, Blockless type, Cassette Type, LGX Type, 1U Panel PLC Splitter and Rack Chassis Type packages.
Packaging
PLC Splitter is a planar light wave circuit chip-based optical device used to split one or multiple optical signals into several optical outputs. It’s an important passive component in a wide range of network applications, including optical sensing and coherent communication systems. It’s also widely used to connect the central office in passive optical networks (EPON, BPON, and GPON) with terminal equipment, delivering optical signals to different end users.
The patented PLC technology uses semiconductor chips to create multiple waveguide paths, each with a specific splitting ratio. Its precise chip design, advanced fabrication processes and high-quality materials ensure stable performance over a wide temperature range.
Compared to fused biconical taper-based splitters, PLC technology enables smaller components that are more durable and have a wider operating wavelength range. Additionally, it has a higher output power capacity and is easier to maintain.
Optical signal splitting is usually performed in two ways: centralized distribution or cascaded distribution. In centralized distribution, the PLC splitter is installed at a specific position between the optical line terminal (OLT) and optical network unit (ONT), separating the optical signal into multiple outputs. In cascaded distribution, the signal is split more times between multiple PLC splitters. Each successive PLC splitter provides a higher splitting ratio. In addition to the splitting ratio, other factors that affect PLC splitter performance include excess loss caused by pitch and depth inaccuracies of the v-grooves on the fiber array block that holds the PLC chip, fiber array and splitting ration nonuniformity, and connector losses.
