Fiber optic splitter enable a signal on an optical fiber to be distributed among two or more fibers. Since splitters not include electronics nor require power, they are an integral component and widely used in most fiber optic networks. For example, the diagram below shows how light in a single input fiber can split between four individual fibers (1x4):

Fiber splitter is used to split the fiber optic light into several parts at a certain ratio. Fiber optic splitters are important passive components used in FTTX networks.

But two kinds of fiber splitters are popular used, one is the traditional fused type fiber optic splitter (FBT coupler), which features competitive prices; the other is PLC fiber optic splitter, which is compact size and suit for density applications. Both of them have its advantages to suit for different requirement.

Fused Biconic Tapered Splitters

FBT is the traditional technology in which two fibers are placed closely together and fused together by applying heat while the assembly is being elongated and tapered. A signal source is used to determine the point at which the desired coupling ratio has been met, which then stops the process.

As this technology has been developed over time, the quality of FBT splitters is very good and they can be deployed in a cost-effective manner. FBT splitters are widely accepted and used in passive networks, especially for instances where the split configuration is smaller (1x2, 1x4, etc).

A drawback of this technology occurs when larger split configurations (1x16, 1x32, 1x64, etc) are required. FBT technology is limited in the number of quality splits that can be achieved in a single instance, so several must be spliced together when a larger split configuration is required. As a result, the physical size increases due to multiple splitters, along with the excess loss from the splices. Thus, for these instances, PLC splitter are more ideal as we will discuss in the next section.

Planar Lightwave Circuit Splitters

A more recent technology, PLC splitters offer a better solution for applications where larger split configurations are required. To achieve this, waveguides are fabricated using lithography onto a silica glass substrate, which allows for routing specific percentages of light. As a result, PLC splitters offer very accurate and even splits with minimal loss in an efficient package.

With the rapid growth of FTTx worldwide, the requirement for larger split configurations (1x32, 1x64, etc) in these networks has also grown in order to serve mass subscribers. Due to the performance benefits and overall low cost to deploy, PLC splitters are now the ideal solutions for these types of applications.
Source: FiberStore