What’s the Differences Between PLC Splitters and FBT Coupler?

PLC – Planar Lightwave Circuit Splitter

Advantages

1. Suitable for multiple operating wavelengths (1260nm – 1650nm); unstinted.
2. Equal splitter ratios for all branches.
3. Compact configuration; smaller size; small occupation space.
4. Good stability across all ratios.
5. High quality; low failure rate.

Disadvantages

1. Complicated production process.
2. Costlier than the FBT splitter in the smaller ratios.

FBT – Fused Biconical Splitter

Advantages

1. The product is well-known and is easy to produce, thus reducing cost of production.
2. Splitter ratios can be customized.
3. Can work on three different operating bands (850nm, 131 Onm, and 1550nm).

Disadvantages

1. Restricted to its operating wavelength.
2. Because of errors in equality insertion loss, the maximum insertion loss will vary depending on the split and increase substantially for those splits over 1:8.
3. Because an exact equal ratio cannot be ensured, transmission distance can be affected.
4. High temperature dependent loss (TDL). The operating temperature range is 23 °F- 167 °F. Any changes in temperature can affect the insertion loss.
5. The larger the split, the larger the encapsulation module.
6. Susceptible to failure due to extreme temperatures or improper handling.