Optical Splitter Specifications

Optical splitters distribute or combine light signals from one fiber to multiple fibers, with specifications covering optical performance, mechanical structure, materials, and environmental tolerances.

Overview

Optical splitters are passive devices used in FTTH, PON, and Ethernet networks to split or combine optical signals, enabling point-to-multipoint communication. They are available in 1xN and 2xN configurations, with customizable split ratios to meet network requirements. Splitters can be bare, connectorized, or module-based, suitable for indoor and outdoor deployment .

Optical Performance

• Insertion Loss: Typically ≤3.8 dB for PLC splitters, depending on split ratio .
• Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL): ≤0.2 dB .
• Wavelength Range: 1260–1650 nm, covering standard telecom bands .
• Uniformity: Even distribution of optical power across output ports.
• Flexural/Bend Loss: Loss change <0.2 dB at 1550 nm for a 20 mm bend; <0.1 dB for 100 turns on a 75 mm diameter cylinder .

Materials

• Optical Fiber Core: Quartz glass, often low water peak (LWPF) for minimal attenuation .
• Coating: Plastic or resin-based, 900 µm tight buffer for cords, ribbon coating for multi-fiber arrays .
• PLC Chip: Quartz-based planar lightwave circuit material .
• Housing: Aluminum, stainless steel, or equivalent corrosion-resistant material .
• Connectors: SC/PC or SC/APC types, resistant to temperature, vibration, and chemical exposure .

Mechanical and Environmental Characteristics

• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 85°C for bare PLC splitters .
• Humidity Tolerance: Designed for stable operation under high humidity conditions .
• Structure: Closed housing compatible with optical terminal boxes; lightweight and flexible for easy installation .
• Identification: Fiber cores color-coded or numbered for easy identification .

Standards and Compliance

• Telcordia GR-1209-CORE: Generic requirements for fiber optic branching components .
• Telcordia GR-1221-CORE: Reliability assurance for passive optical components .
• IEC-61753-1: Environmental and mechanical qualification .
• ITU-T G.657.A2: Low bend loss optical fiber standard .

Applications

• FTTH Networks: GPON, XGS-PON, 25G/50G PON systems .
• LAN, WAN, Metro Networks: High-density optical distribution .
• CATV and Telecommunications: Signal distribution to multiple premises .

Summary

Optical splitters are critical for efficient fiber network deployment, offering low insertion loss, high reliability, and environmental resilience. Selection depends on split ratio, configuration (1xN or 2xN), connector type, and deployment environment, ensuring compatibility with FTTH and other optical network architectures .