PLC Splitter

OPTICO - Your Professional Fiber Optic Component Manufacturer

 

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Strong Production Capacity

Operate 3 major production lines totaling over 6000㎡ and produce PLC splitters 2000K Ch/Month

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experienced and mature Team

With 15+ years of industry experience, 360 experienced workers, including 30 engineers with 10+ years in fiber optics

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One-stop Store for fiber Optic

Provide you a comprehensive data center cabling and FTTx network solutions

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Customization and oEM Service

Design, customize and mass-produce special products in a short time

 

 

 

  • 2X4 Single Mode PLC Splitter
    Uniformly splits dual optical inputs into multiple optical outputs.
    Compatible with 1310/1550nm operating wavelengths.
    7.3dB insertion loss and 0.3dB low polarization dependency...
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  • SC Fiber PLC Splitter
    SC Fiber PLC Splitter PLC Splitter is one of the most important passive components in the optical fiber link. It is a fiber optic convergence device with multiple input ends and multiple output...
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  • FC Fiber PLC Splitter
    FC Fiber PLC Splitter Optico Communication Co., Ltd is an full-experienced fiber optical components factory making FC Fiber PLC Splitter in Shenzhen, China. Established in 2000, we have dedicated...
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  • LC Fiber PLC Splitter
    LC Fiber PLC Splitter We are one of the leading manufacturers producing LC Fiber PLC Splitter in China. We have dedicated our selves to fiber optic accessories for more than 18 years since the...
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  • Network Fiber PLC Splitter
    Network fiber PLC Splitter We are a professional factory of fiber optic accessories providing Network fiber PLC Splitter in China. We have made our dedication to fiber optic accessories for at...
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  • SC Fiber Optic PLC Splitter
    SC Fiber Optic PLC Splitter Optico Communication Co., Ltd is one of the leading supplier of fiber optic components, supply SC Fiber Optic PLC Splitter in Shenzhen, China. Established in 2000, we...
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  • LC Fiber Optic PLC Splitter
    Fiber Optic PLC Splitter manufacturer OPTICO COMMUNICATION (www.fiberopticom.com) focuses on the development of fiber optic network communication product lines and provides a comprehensive...
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  • FC Fiber Optic PLC Splitter
    FC Fiber Optic PLC Splitter Optico Communication Co., Ltd is one of the leading factories of fiber optic products providing FC Fiber Optic PLC Splitter in Shenzhen, China. Our company established...
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  • Fiber Optic Networks ABS PLC Splitter
    Networks fiber optic plc Splitter Optico Communication Company is a professional manufacturer of Networks fiber optic plc Splitter in Shenzhen, China. We have devoted our selves to fiber optic...
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  • Bare Fiber PLC Splitter
    Bare Fiber PLC Splitter: Bare fiber splitter is a kind of ODN product suitable for PON networks that can be installed in the pigtail cassette, test instrument and WDM system, which minimizes the...
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  • LGX PLC Splitter
    Quick Details Place of Origin: Shenzhen, China (Mainland); Brand Name: OPTICO; Model Number: LGX-SCA1X16; Application: FTTH, FTTB, FTTX Network; Type: insert plate/ LGX box; Casing...
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  • Optical 1x8 ABS PLC Splitter
    1x8 ABS PLC Splitter Quick Details Place of Origin: Shenzhen, China (Mainland); Brand Name: OPTICO; Model Number: ABS-PLC; Fiber Type: G657A,G652D; Fiber length: 1.0 m or...
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WHAT IS fIBER OPTIC SPLITTER?

If you’re familiar with passive optical networking, whether in the LAN or in the outside plant FTTX world, you likely know what an optical splitter (or beam splitter) does. Fiber optic splitters allow signals on the optical fiber to be distributed between two or more optical fibers. Because splitters neither contain electronic devices nor require a power source, they are an indispensable component widely used in most fiber optic networks. But did you know that there are two distinct types of splitters—planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitters (sometimes called planar waveguide circuit splitters) and fused biconical tapered (FBT) splitters?

 

PLC-Splitter
01. PLC Splitter

PLC splitters are the main type of splitters used in passive optical Lans and off-factory FTTX networks (e.g., GPON, EPON, etc.). They split the input signal from the optical line terminal (OLT) into multiple output signals to serve the optical network terminal (ONT) or optical network unit (ONU) located in the work area, home or enterprise.

 

The PLC splitter performs equal splitting to the signal, expressed by the 1XN or 2XN split ratio, where the first number is the number of inputs and N is the number of outputs. This is done using a semiconductor optical splitter chip with integrated waveguide technology based on a quartz substrate.

02. FBT Coupler

FBT is the traditional technology in which two optical fibers are brought close together and then fused together by applying heat while the assembly is being elongated and tapered. Since this technology has been developed over time, the quality of the FBT splitter is very good. Additionally, its materials are cheap and readily available,  so it can be deployed in a cost-effective manner.

 

It is crucial to note that FBT splitters support only 850 nm, 1310 nm, and 1550 nm wavelengths. Additionally, they are considered less reliable than PLC splitters due to less precise split ratios, more restricted operating temperatures, and a higher susceptibility to failure, particularly at higher split ratios. Despite these limitations, FBT splitters still have their niche applications.

FBT-Coupler

 

MAIN FEATURES OF PLC SPLITTER

 

 

Low Insertion Loss & PDL

 

The combination of precise waveguide design, advanced fabrication processes, high-quality materials, and quality control measures by OPTICO's mature production line allows PLC splitters to achieve low insertion loss and low PDL.

 
 

Equal Split Ratio

 

The manufacturing process of PLC splitters involves photolithography and etching on a silica substrate. This process enables the creation of  waveguides with controlled dimensions And the carefully-designed planar waveguide chip creates multiple waveguide paths, each contributing to a specific split ratio.

 

Temperature Stability

 

All OPTICO's PLC splitters are designed and strictly tested for stable performance over a wide operating temperature range from -40℃ to 85℃, reaching industrial grade. 

 

 

 

TYPES OF PLC SPLITTER
 

The following are seven typical PLC splitters types.

Bare-Fiber-PLC-Splitter

Bare Fiber PLC Splitter

Bare fiber PLC splitters have no connectors at the bare fiber end and therefore require a complete set of protection on the carrying case and device/equipment. It can be splicing with pigtail cassettes, test instruments, and other fibers in WDM systems to minimize space footprint.

 

Bare fiber PLC splitters are valued for their small size and ability to save space in complex optical systems. It is commonly used in FTTH, PON, LAN, CATV, test equipment and other applications.

Mini Type PLC Splitter

Mini Type PLC Splitters resemble bare PLC splitters in terms of apperance but have a more compact and protective stainless steel package to enhance protection for the fibers. They feature fiber optic connectors at their fiber ends, commonly available in SC, LC, FC, and ST. This eliminates the need for fiber splicing during installation.

 

Mini PLC splitters are typically used in distribution boxes or network cabinets for various connection purposes, where their small size and easy installation are advantageous.

 

Mini-Type-PLC-Splitter
ABS-Module-PLC-Splitter

ABS Module PLC Fiber Splitter

An ABS Module Fiber Splitter refers to a type of fiber optic splitter that is packaged in an ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic module. ABS is a durable and lightweight thermoplastic known for its strength and impact resistance, making it suitable for protecting the internal optical components and cables of the splitter.

ABS Fiber Splitter is adaptable to various installation environments and specifications due to its simple and compact structure. Typical splitter modules include configurations such as 1×4, 1×8, 1×16, 1×32, 1×64, 2×4, 2×8, 2×16, and 2×32. This type of splitter is used in combination with outdoor fiber distribution boxes, particularly in PON, FTTH, FTTX, and GPON networks.

LGX Cassette PLC Splitter

LGX PLC splitter or LGX Cassette PLC splitter has a sturdy metal box to accommodate the PLC splitter. It can be used independently or easily installed in a standard fiber optic patch panel or fiber optic enclosure/chasis. The standard LGX metal box housing provides a plug-and-play method to integrate into the network, eliminating any risks during the installation process. There is no need for on-site splicing or skilled personnel during the deployment process.

 

Besides, the modular approach of the MPO/MTP cable solution, coupled with prefabricated adapter panels and cassettes, further simplifies the cabling process.

LGX-Cassette-PLC-Splitter
Rack-Mount-PLC-Splitter

Rack mount PLC Splitter

As the name suggests, rack-mount PLC splitter uses the standard 19-inch rack unit  to contain the PLC splitter inside.1U and 2U are the two available rack-mount PLC splitter sizes on the market, with 1U rack-mount splitter being more commonly used. 

 

Since rack-mount PLC splitter is intended to be mounted on a standard equipment rack, it can be widely used for both indoor and outdoor applications in EPON, GPON, FTTx projects, CATV or high-density cabling environment such as data centers. 

 

Tray Type PLC Splitter

Tray type PLC splitter can be regarded the fiber tray which contains PLC fiber splitter inside. PLC splitter is installed or mounted within a tray, panel, or enclosure. The tray provides a structured and organized platform for housing and managing multiple PLC splitters. It is often directly installed in ODF frame or optical fiber distribution box directly. FC, SC, ST & LC connectors are selective for termination.


Tray type PLC splitter is an ideal solution for splitting at the places that are near OLT or ONU. For example, FTTx construction, optical network construction, CATV network and etc.

Tray-Type-PLC-Splitter
Mini-Plug-In-Type-PLC-Splitter

Mini Plug-in Type PLC splitter

Mini Plug-in Type PLC Splitters are designed to be easily inserted or plugged into compatible receptacles or slots within wall mount FTTH box, ODFs or other network enclosures. It is characterized by its small and compact size.

Using the mini plug-in PLC type splitter saves time and space but still provides reliable protection for the fiber optic splitter.

 

 

 

BENEFITS OF USING PLC SPLITTERS

 

By leveraging the power of fiber optic splitters, telecommunications providers can build robust and future-proof networks to meet the growing demands of our connected world.

Enabling Efficient Network Expansion

PLC splitters support a scalable network architecture, allowing network operators to easily expand the number of users or service areas. As the demand for additional connections grows, PLC splitters can be added to the network to accommodate the increased bandwidth and capacity without the need for extensive rewiring.

Extending Network Reach

In telecommunications, lower signal loss is necessary for the network to reach more remote locations or cover larger geographical areas. PLC splitters typically have low insertion loss. By using splitters, network operators can effortlessly deploy fiber optic connectivity to multiple locations, such as homes, businesses, and data centers, while maintaining high speed and reliable communications.

Ensuring Flexibility and Scalability

PLC splitters are modular components, meaning they can be easily added or removed from a network without affecting the entire infrastructure. They allow the creation of incremental expansion and various network architectures, such as point-to-point or point-to-multipoint configurations, tree, star, and cascade topologies, to meet specific requirements.

Preserving Signal Integrity

OPTICO's PLC splitters are manufactured using precision processes, such as photolithography, to create intricate waveguide patterns on a silica substrate. The splitters exhibit low PDL and uniform splitting ratios. Additionally, PLC splitters are passive devices, are less prone to failures and do not introduce additional electronic noise into the system, thus to create a clean and interference-free signal path.

 

 

 

 

PLC Splitter Design
 
PLC Splitter Manufacturing Technology
 

PLC splitter is based on Semiconductor technology. Waveguides are fabricated using lithography onto a silica glass substrate, which allows for routing specific percentages of light. 

The PLC optical splitter is composed of three parts: an optical splitter chip, and the optical fiber array is coupled at both ends. These three components must be precisely aligned, and their design and assembly play an important role in the stability of the PLC splitter.

 

There are several important processes in the production process of PLC splitter.

1. Prepare PLC chip and optical fiber array.

2. Align the optical path.

3. Cure.

4. Reliability test, environmental test, mechanical test

 

 

 

 

 
 
How Does PLC Splitter Work in PON Network?

In a Passive Optical Network (PON), a Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) splitter is a key component used for the efficient distribution of optical signals from a central office (CO) to multiple end-users, such as homes or businesses. The PON architecture is a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) or fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) solution that minimizes active electronic components in the outside plant, relying on passive optical components like PLC splitters. Here's how a PLC splitter works in a PON network.

01 Central Office (CO)

At the central office, the optical signal carrying data from the service provider is sent over a single optical fiber.

02 PLC Splitter Location

The PLC splitter is typically located between the PON Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and the Optical Network Terminals/Units (ONTs/ONUs) that the OLT serves. This is where the optical signals are split to serve multiple subscribers. 

03 Input Signal Splitting

The incoming optical signal is coupled into the input port of the PLC splitter. PLC splitters are designed to divide the optical signal into multiple output ports, typically with splitting ratios like 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, etc.

04 Distribution to Subscribers

Each output port of the PLC splitter is connected to an individual optical fiber, which is then routed to the optical network termination (ONT) or optical network unit (ONU) at the subscriber's premises. The signal is distributed passively without the need for active electronic devices.

05 Subscriber Reception

At the subscriber's location, the optical signal is received by the ONT or ONU, which converts the optical signal into electrical signals for further processing by the customer's equipment. 

06 Bidirectional Communication

PONs support bidirectional communication, meaning that both the upstream (from subscribers to the central office) and downstream (from the central office to subscribers) traffic is accommodated. The signals from multiple subscribers share the same optical fiber in the upstream direction.

 

FAQ

 

 

Q: What is the difference between PLC splitter and FBT coupler?

A: PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) splitters and FBT (Fused Biconical Taper) couplers are both used for optical signal splitting, but they differ in technology and performance. PLC splitters employ a planar waveguide structure on a silica chip, providing precise splitting ratios, low insertion loss, and low PDL. In contrast, FBT couplers fuse and taper fibers, resulting in a simpler but less controllable process with potential for uneven splitting ratios and higher insertion loss. PLC splitters offer better performance, customization options, and are suitable for diverse applications, while FBT couplers are more cost-effective for specific scenarios with lower port counts.
 

Q: Where is a PLC splitter used?

A: (1) FTTH Networks: PLC splitters are employed in FTTH networks to distribute optical signals from a single optical line terminal (OLT) to multiple optical network terminals (ONTs) in homes or businesses.
(2) PON Systems: In passive optical networks (PONs), PLC splitters are integral components for splitting optical signals to serve multiple subscribers.
(3) Data Centers: PLC splitters find use in data centers for efficient optical signal distribution and connectivity.
(4) CATV Networks: PLC splitters are applied in CATV systems for distributing optical signals to multiple households.
Metro and Access Networks: PLC splitters are employed in metropolitan and access networks to split optical signals for widespread connectivity.
 

Q: What size is a PLC splitter?

A: It depends on the package form of the splitter. Take OPTICO's 1x2 PLC splitter as an example. The bare fiber type is L40xW4xH4 mm; the 900um fiber type is L55xW7xH4 mm; and the ABS box type is L100XW80XH10 mm.
 

Q: How do PLC splitters work?

A: The principle is very easy to understand. PLC splitters have a planar waveguide structure on a silica chip. The waveguide is a thin, flat channel that guides the optical signal. First, the optical signal enters the PLC splitter through an input port. Second,T the waveguide is carefully designed to split the optical power into multiple output channels. The splitting ratio is predetermined during the manufacturing process. And third, the split optical signals exit the PLC splitter through multiple output ports. Each output port carries a portion of the original signal's power.

 

 

 

 

 

Shenzhen Optico Communication Co., Ltd. is one of the leading plc splitter manufacturers and suppliers in China, featured by quality products and good service. Welcome to wholesale customized plc splitter form our factory. Also, free sample is available.

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