Differences Between FBT Splitter and PLC Splitter

FBT Splitter

FBT Splitter is based on traditional technology to weld several fibers together from the side of the fiber. Fibers are aligned by heating for a specific location and length. Because the fused fibers are very fragile, they are protected by a glass tube made of epoxy and silica powder. And then a stainless steel tube covers the inner glass tube and is sealed by silicon. As technology continues developing, the quality of FBT splitter is very good and it can be applied in a cost-effective way. The following table shows the advantages and disadvantages of FBT splitter.

PLC Splitter

PLC Splitter is based on planar lightwave circuit technology. It comprises three layers: a substrate, a waveguide, and a lid. The waveguide plays a key role in the splitting process which allows for passing specific percentages of light. So the signal can be split equally. In addition, PLC splitters are available in a variety of split ratios, including 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, etc. They also have several types, such as bare PLC splitter, blockless PLC splitter, fanout PLC splitter, mini plug-in type PLC splitter, etc. Therefore, if high split counts, small package size, and low insertion loss are required, you are suggested to choose PLC splitter rather than FBT splitter. The following table shows the advantages and disadvantages of PLC splitter.

The difference between FBT Splitter and PLC Splitter

1. Operating Wavelength

FBT splitter only supports three wavelengths: 850nm, 1310nm, and 1550nm, which makes its inability to work on other wavelengths. The PLC splitter can support wavelengths from 1260 to 1650nm. The adjustable range of wavelength makes PLC splitter suitable for more applications.

2. Splitting Ratio

Splitting ratio is decided by the inputs and outputs of an optical cable splitter. The maximum split ratio of FBT splitter is up to 1:32, which means one or two inputs can be split into an output maximum of 32 fibers at a time. However, the split ratio of PLC splitter is up to 1:64 - one or two inputs with an output maximum of 64 fibers. Besides, FBT splitter is customizable, and the special types are 1:3, 1:7, 1:11, etc. But PLC splitter is non-customizable, and it has only standard versions like 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, and so on.

3. Asymmetric Attenuation Per Branch

The signal processed by FBT splitters cannot be split evenly due to a lack of management of the signals, its transmission distance can be affected. However, PLC splitter can support equal splitter ratios for all branches, it’s more stable.

4. Failure Rate

FBT splitter is typically used for networks requiring the splitter configuration of less than 4 splits. The larger the split, the greater the failure rate. When its splitting ratio is larger than 1:8, more errors will occur and cause a higher failure rate. Thus, FBT splitter is more restricted to the number of splits in one coupling. But the failure rate of PLC splitter is much smaller.

5. Temperature-Dependent Loss

In certain areas, the temperature can be a crucial factor that affects the insertion loss of optical components. FBT splitter can work stable under the temperature of -5 to 75℃. PLC splitter can work at a wider temperature range of -40 to 85 ℃, providing relatively good performance in the areas of extreme climate.

In general, PLC optical splitter and FBT optical splitter have many differences in manufacturing process, operating wavelength, temperature, etc. except for the similar appearance and size.