PLC optical splitter vs. FBT optical splitter: Who is the invisibility champion of fiber optic networks?

 

 

 

1.The PLC optical splitter is a key equipment in fiber optic communication networks. It uses semiconductor technology to manufacture waveguides on quartz glass substrates and achieves precise optical signal distribution through photolithography technology. This technology can effectively distribute input optical signals to multiple output channels, suitable for various scales and application requirements.

2.PLC optical splitters include bare fiber, micro steel pipe, ABS box, branching type, tray type, rack type, LGX, and micro plug-in type, each designed for different installation environments and network requirements. Optical splitters typically have multiple branching ratio options, such as 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, etc., which can flexibly meet different network configurations and optical signal allocation needs.

3.PLC optical splitters are widely used in fields such as telecommunications, data communication, cable TV networks, and monitoring systems, providing efficient optical signal management and distribution functions, helping to improve network performance and reduce operating costs. They not only enhance the stability and security of data transmission, but also support network expansion and upgrading, providing users with stable and reliable communication services.

 

 

The FBT optical splitter adopts traditional passive component manufacturing technology, which is achieved by bundling two or more optical fibers together and then using a tapering machine for melting and stretching. Due to the fragility of the fused optical fiber, additional protective measures are required. Usually, a glass tube made of epoxy resin and silica is placed on the fusion joint to provide initial mechanical strength and environmental protection. In order to further enhance the protective effect, a layer of stainless steel tube will be added outside the glass tube, and ultimately sealed with silicon material. This multi-layer protection structure not only improves the durability of the optical splitter, but also ensures its reliability under various environmental conditions. With the continuous maturity of technology, the production cost of FBT optical splitters is gradually decreasing, making this technology more cost-effective in the market.

 

 

 

 

① Working wavelength:
The working wavelength of the PLC optical splitter is between 1260nm and 1650nm, which is adjustable and supports more application environments; The FBT optical splitter only supports three wavelengths: 850nm/1310nm/1550nm, and cannot operate at other wavelengths.

 

 ② Spectral ratio:
Splitting ratio is used to measure the ratio between the input light signal and the output light signal of an optical splitter. For PLC optical splitters, their splitting ratio can reach up to 1:64, demonstrating their advantages in high reliability. In contrast, the standard splitting ratio of FBT optical splitters is 1:32. However, FBT optical splitters have significant flexibility, and their splitting ratio can be customized according to needs, such as various non-standard configurations such as 1:3, 1:7, 1:11, etc. This makes FBT optical splitters highly adaptable and advantageous in specific application scenarios. Relatively speaking, PLC optical splitters have a relatively fixed selection of splitting ratio, usually providing standard configurations such as 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, and 1:64, suitable for a wider range of applications that require higher reliability. Both have their unique characteristics and advantages, and can be selected and applied according to specific network needs.

 

 

③ Cost
The manufacturing process of PLC (planar waveguide optical splitter) is relatively complex, and its core component - the chip - has a high cost. In contrast, FBT (fused cone splitter) is made of materials such as steel and heat shrink tubing. Due to the lower cost of materials used in FBT optical splitters and their relatively simple manufacturing technology, the price of FBT optical splitters in the market is usually more cost-effective.

The PLC optical splitter adopts advanced optical integration technology, which requires precise process control and high-tech equipment during the production process, resulting in high production costs. Especially in large-scale production, the cost of chips accounts for a large proportion. Therefore, although PLC optical splitters have superior performance, their prices are relatively high.

On the other hand, the manufacturing process of FBT optical splitters is relatively simple, mainly by using melt taper technology to stretch and fuse optical fibers to form optical splitters. This method requires lower costs of raw materials such as steel and heat shrink tubing, and its manufacturing process is not as complex as PLC optical splitters, resulting in a significant reduction in the overall cost of FBT optical splitters. Moreover, due to the fact that the production of FBT optical splitters does not require high-precision equipment and complex technical support, their time and labor costs in production are relatively low.

Therefore, although PLC optical splitters perform well in terms of performance and stability, FBT optical splitters are undoubtedly a more cost-effective choice for some cost conscious application scenarios. In the market, FBT optical splitters still occupy an important position due to their low price and reliable performance, especially in some cost sensitive network construction. 

 

 

Overall, although PLC optical splitters and FBT optical splitters may be similar in appearance and size, they have significant differences in manufacturing processes, working wavelengths, temperature adaptability, and other aspects. In recent years, with the continuous progress of optical splitter manufacturing technology, PLC optical splitters have gradually become a more superior passive optical device.

The PLC optical splitter is manufactured using optical waveguide technology, and its core component is an integrated chip made through high-precision lithography and etching processes. This enables the PLC optical splitter to have higher accuracy and stability, operate over a wider wavelength range, and have better temperature adaptability. Therefore, in high-performance network applications, PLC optical splitters typically perform well.

In contrast, FBT optical splitters use melt taper technology, which achieves optical splitting by melting and stretching multiple optical fibers into a conical structure at high temperatures. This process is relatively simple and cost-effective, but its working wavelength range and temperature stability are slightly inferior to PLC optical splitters. Therefore, FBT optical splitters are usually suitable for network environments that are cost sensitive and have relatively low performance requirements.

Based on the above analysis and comparison, the following conclusion can be drawn: if your network has high performance requirements, choosing a PLC optical splitter will be a more ideal choice. Its advanced manufacturing process and excellent performance can provide more reliable protection for your network. However, for some application scenarios with limited budgets or low performance requirements, FBT optical splitters are still an economical choice that can meet basic optical signal allocation needs.

 

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