Unbalanced PLC Splitters: Optimize Your PON System with Customizable Solutions
Updated at Dec 2nd 20241 min read
The optical splitter plays a crucial role in modern Passive Optical Networks (PON) and is widely used in scenarios such as Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH). As the demand for diverse applications continues to grow, a special type of PLC splitter has emerged: the unbalanced PLC splitter. This new type of splitter can distribute optical signals unevenly according to specific needs, providing greater flexibility and higher efficiency for communication networks.
What Is an Unbalanced PLC Splitter?
Unbalanced PLC Splitter, also known as Asymmetric PLC Splitter or Non-Uniform PLC Splitter, differs from uniform PLC by providing varying ratios of optical signals across different ports, enabling asymmetric splitting.
This feature makes unbalanced PLC advantageous for longer distances and more flexible network designs.
Typical application scenarios of unbalanced PLC
In rural or small community settings, traditional PON networks often require significant initial manpower and resources for complete deployment. However, using asymmetric PLC allows for phased network construction, reducing upfront investment.
For example, an asymmetric PLC can direct 10% of the optical power to one port to serve a small customer group, while the remaining 90% is transmitted to the next splitter in the cascade for further power distribution. This approach not only extends the reach of fiber networks but also enhances deployment efficiency.
Benefits of FS Unbalanced PLC Splitters
As a global solutions provider, FS offers custom services for unbalanced splitters in various housing forms (such as ABS, Mini Module, and LGX cassette), and 1×N/ 2×N configuration types.
This article will use the FS online customizable 1×5 Unbalanced PLC Splitter as an example to showcase its unique advantages and key features.
The FS 1×5 Unbalanced PLC offers customizable splitting ratios for port 1 (CH1), with the remaining optical power evenly distributed among the other ports (CH2-CH5). Its waveguide structure design ensures precise optical power distribution, providing efficient performance across various application scenarios.
In addition, the FS 1×5 Unbalanced PLC keeps high optical performance and versatile functionalities to meet diverse customer needs:
Outstanding Optical Performance
Full-Band Operation: All FS PLCs support full-wavelength splitting from 1260 to 1650 nm, without water peak, enabling full-band operation.
Low Loss: The combination of a waveguide chip, G.657A1 bend-insensitive fiber, and nano zirconia ceramic ferrule ensures the lowest insertion loss, low PDL, high return loss, stable high directivity, and high-quality splitting.
High Reliability
Utilizing planar lightwave circuit technology, this PLC is suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. It meets optical reliability standards such as IEC61300-2, Telcordia GR-1209-CORE, and GR-1221-CORE, with annual ORT monitoring to ensure reliable transmission.
Customized Service
The FS 1×5 unbalanced splitter PLC offers customized splitting ratios like 20/80, 33/67, 50/50, 75/25, or 95/5. It also allows customization of other key parameters:
Customizable options | Housing | Split Ratio (CH1) | Connector | Cable Diameter | Length |
Detailed Parameter Option | Blockless Mini Module ABS Pigtailed Module | 20% 33% 50% 75% 95% | LC/UPC SC/UPC FC/UPC LC/APC SC/APC FC/APC | 0.9mm 0.25mm | 0.5m 1.0m 1.5m |
The following table shows the detailed parameters of each kind of FS 1×5 unbalanced PLC, which is convenient for customers to choose more intuitively:
Splitting Ratio (CH1) | 20% | 33% | 50% | 75% | 95% |
Operating Wavelength (nm) | |||||
Fiber Type | G.657A1 or customer specified | ||||
Insertion Loss (dB) | ≤8.5 | ≤7. 4 | ≤4.2 | ≤2.4 | ≤1.8 |
Loss Uniformity (dB) | ≤0.8 | ||||
Polarization Dependent Loss (dB) | ≤0.3 | ||||
Return Loss (dB) | ≥50 | ||||
Directivity (dB) | ≥55 | ||||
Wavelength Dependent Loss (dB) | ≤0.3 | ||||
Operating Temperature (℃) | -40～85 | ||||
Additionally, FS offers custom solutions for 1×N and 2×N symmetric optical splitters. These products are available in a variety of packaging options:
Rapid Delivery for PON Network Solutions
Based on customer choices, FS can provide complete PON network solutions and adapted equipment with rapid delivery. This includes OLT and ONU/ONT devices for GPON/EPON/XGS-PON networks, integrated with custom PLC to ensure high compatibility and efficiency. These solutions are designed to maximize return on investment for FTTx networking applications.
Conclusion
Unbalanced PLC splitters are essential for optimizing PON systems with their flexibility and high-performance capabilities. FS custom solutions meet diverse requirements for split ratios, packaging, and optical performance, enabling efficient bandwidth allocation and resource optimization in complex network scenarios.
By integrating unbalanced PLC splitters with other PON products, FS.com is committed to providing customers with an efficient and reliable overall network architecture. Looking forward, FS.com remains committed to innovation in optical networking, providing intelligent and personalized solutions to meet evolving network demands and build a connected future.