Relationship and Differences Between the Coupler and Splitter
In fact, splitter is named for the function of the device, coupler named for its working principle, the splitter may be based on the coupler, and may be based on the waveguide or the separating element, the coupler can be done either the splitter, but also can be done WDM, attenuator.
Fiber optic couplers either split optical signals into multiple paths or combine multiple signals on one path. Optical signals are more complex than electrical signals, making optical couplers trickier to design than their electrical counterparts. Like electrical currents, a flow of signal carriers, in this case, photons, comprises the optical signal. However, an optical signal does not flow through the receiver to the ground. Rather, at the receiver, a detector absorbs the signal flow. Multiple receivers, connected in a series, would receive no signal past the first receiver which would absorb the entire signal. Thus, multiple parallel optical output ports must divide the signal between the ports, reducing its magnitude. The number of input and output ports expressed as an N x M configuration characterizes a coupler. The letter N represents the number of input fibers, and M represents the number of output fibers. Fused couplers can be made in any configuration, but they commonly use multiples of two (2 x 2, 4 x 4, 8 x 8, etc.).
WDM, DWDM and CWDM are based on the same idea of using multiple wavelengths of sunshine on one fiber, but differ within the spacing of the wavelengths, quantity of channels, and also the capability to amplify the multiplexed signals within the optical space. EDFA provides an efficient wideband amplification for that C-band, Raman amplification adds a mechanism for amplification in the L-band. For CWDM wideband optical amplification is not available, limiting the optical spans to many tens of kilometers.
Splitter:
Fiber optic splitter is a device that split the fiber optic light into several parts by a certain ratio. The simplest couplers are fiber optic splitters. These devices possess at least three ports but may have more than 32 for more complex devices. Fiber optic splitters are important passive components used in FTTX networks. But two kinds of fiber splitters are popularly used, one is the traditional fused type fiber optic splitter (FBT splitter), which features competitive prices; the other is PLC fiber optic splitter, which is compact size and suit for density applications. Both of them have their advantages to suit the different requirements.
Fiber optic splitter typical parameters include input and output part cable length, splitting ratio, working wavelength, and with what kind of fiber optic connectors. Just like fiber patch cable, fiber splitters are usually with 0.9mm, 2mm, or 3mm cables. 0.9mm outer diameter cable is mostly used in stainless steel tube package fiber optic splitters, while 2mm and 3mm cables are mostly used in box type package fiber splitters. Based on working wavelength differences there are single window and dual window fiber optic splitters. And there are single-mode fiber splitter and multimode fiber splitter. Typical connectors installed on the fiber optic splitters are FC or SC type.
But the split ratio just can do 50:50. And 1 ×2 optic splitter price is more expensive than FBT 1×2 Coupler.
Fiber optic couplers or splitters are available in a selection of styles and sizes to separate or combine light with minimal loss. All couplers are produced employing a proprietary procedure that produces reliable, low-cost devices. They’re rugged and impervious to common high operating temperatures. Couplers can be fabricated with custom fiber lengths or with terminations of any type.
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