What are the important technical indicators of optical splitters?

An optical splitter is one of the important passive components in an optical fiber link, mainly used for light splitting. It is generally applied between the Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Unit (ONU) of a passive optical network to split optical signals. So what are the important technical indicators of optical splitters?

1. Insertion Loss

The insertion loss of an optical splitter refers to the dB value of optical loss for each output relative to the input. Generally speaking, the smaller the insertion loss value, the better the performance.

2. Splitting Ratio

The splitting ratio is defined as the ratio of output powers of each output port of the optical splitter. Usually, the splitting ratio of PLC optical splitters is evenly distributed, while that of fused biconical taper (FBT) optical splitters can be unevenly distributed. The specific ratio setting of the splitting ratio is related to the wavelength of the transmitted light. For example, when an optical splitter transmits 1.31-micron light, the splitting ratio of the two output ports is 50:50; when transmitting 1.5μm light, it becomes 70:30 (this occurs because optical splitters have a certain bandwidth, i.e., the frequency band width of the optical signal transmitted when the splitting ratio is basically unchanged).

3. Isolation

Isolation refers to the ability of one optical path of the optical splitter to isolate optical signals in other optical paths.

4. Return Loss

Return loss, also known as reflection loss, refers to the power loss of the optical signal returned or reflected from discontinuities in the optical fiber or transmission line. The larger the return loss, the better, to reduce the impact of reflected light on the light source and the system.

In addition, uniformity, directionality, PDL (Polarization Dependent Loss), and other parameters also affect the performance of optical splitters. As one of the most important passive devices in optical fiber links, optical splitters are particularly suitable for connecting MDF (Main Distribution Frame) and terminal equipment in passive optical networks (EPON, GPON, BPON, FTTX, FTTH, etc.) to distribute optical signals.

The above is an introduction to the important technical indicators of optical splitters. If you have any other questions, please feel free to consult us.

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