PLC is Planer Lightwave Circuit, the planar optical waveguide technology is a semiconductor waveguide process for fabricating optical waveguide branching devices, which can integrate different functional optical components onto one chip, and is a basic process technology for realizing integration, modularization, and miniaturization of photovoltaic devices.
Main raw materials of PLC Splitter
1.Chip
The PLC splitter chip is fabricated using a semiconductor process (lithography, etching, development, etc.).
The optical waveguide array is listed on the upper surface of the chip, and the shunt function is integrated on the chip, that is, the shunt is realized on one chip. Generally, the split ratio of each node is 50:50, and then, in the chip The two ends respectively couple the input and the output of the multi-channel fiber array and perform the optical path of the package waveguide.
Chip technical indicators
2. Fiber array
Fiber Arrays are fabricated using V-grooves that utilize a special bonding process for precise fiber positioning and high reliability to meet different needs.
The thermal expansion coefficient matching package design ensures that the fiber array board is stress-free, high reliability, and no fiber shift at high temperatures.
The end face angle can be precisely ground as required. Compliant with Telcordia GR-1209-CORE and GR-1221-CORE standards.
The structure of the fiber array
Fiber optic arrays rely mainly on precision-planned V-grooves for positioning. Fiber spacing is the most important inspection item. The core spacing includes two detection indicators, the lateral distance between the core and the core (called Pitch) and their longitudinal distance between them (called Deviation), the error of both is controlled at ±0.5um
V-groove production
The V-groove method is to engrave a V-shaped groove on a substrate with high flatness and arrange and fix the optical fiber in the V-shaped groove. If single crystal silicon is used as the substrate, the V-shaped groove produced has a precise structure and good consistency. The advantages are applicable to both discrete and densely arranged fiber arrays.
PLC debugging technology
The debugging of the PLC splitter refers to the technique of aligning the respective light-guiding paths (ie, waveguide paths) on the planar waveguide splitter with the optical fibers in the optical fiber array, and then bonding them together with a specific coupling adhesive.
The alignment accuracy of the PLC splitter and the fiber array is the key to this technology.
The packaging of the PLC splitter involves a six-dimensional close alignment of the fiber array and the optical waveguide, which is difficult.
PLC Splitter structure
PLC Splitter products are aging cycles to ensure compliance with Telcordia GR-1209-CORE and GR-1221-CORE standards
PLC Splitter application
PLC Splitter Mainly used in fiber distribution boxes, racks.
1.Insert type PLC
The Insert type PLC is packaged in an ABS plastic box, and the port is end-mounted, mainly installed in the fiber transfer box.
Insert type PLC is mainly used in fiber splitting box.
2.Tray type PLC
The Tray type PLC is packaged in an ABS plastic box, and the port is end-mounted, generally has a beveled card mounting adapter.
Tray type PLC is mainly used in patch panels, cable transfer boxes, etc.
3.Rack-mounted PLC
The rack-mounted PLC is housed in a metal case and can be mounted in a 19-inch 1U standard cabinet, which is generally end-type.
Rack –mounted PLC is mainly used in optical cable distribution boxes, optical distribution frames, and so on.
Advantages and disadvantages of PLC Splitter
Advantages:
1.Wastage is not sensitive to the transmitted optical wavelength and can meet the transmission needs of different wavelengths.
2.Spectral uniform and the signal can be evenly distributed to the user.
3.Compact structure, small size, can be directly installed in the existing various transfer boxes, without special design to leave a large installation space.
4.Single device shunt channels are numerous, which can reach more than 32 channels.
5.The multi-channel cost is low, and the more branches, the more obvious the cost advantage.
Disadvantages:
1.The device manufacturing process is complicated and the technical threshold is high. At present, the chip is monopolized by several foreign companies, and there are only a few enterprises that can mass-pack and produce in China.
2.The cost is higher than the Fused Fiber Splitter, it is particularly at a disadvantage in terms of low channel shunt
The application of PLC Splitter
1.Rack type: Installed in a 19-inch OLT cabinet; when the fiber branch is placed in the home, the installation equipment provided is a standard digital cabinet; the ODN needs to be placed on the table.
2.ABS box type: Installed in the 19-inch standard rack; when the fiber branch is placed in the home, the installation equipment provided is the cable transfer box; when the fiber branch is placed in the household, the equipment specified by the customer is installed.
3.Bare fiber type: ① Installed in various types of pigtail boxes. ② Installed in various types of test instruments and WDM systems.
4.Splitter type: ① Installed in various types of optical equipment. ② Installed in various types of optical test instruments.
5.Mini: ① installed in the cable connector box. ②Installed in the module box. ③ Installed in the wiring box.
6.Insert type: This device is used for user access points in the FTTX system that need to be split. It mainly completes the Optical Distribution Frame entering the cell or building. It has the functions of fixing, stripping, welding, jumper, and splitting of optical fiber.6.Insert type: This device is used for user access points in the FTTX system that need to be split. It mainly completes the Optical Distribution Frame entering the cell or building. It has the functions of fixing, stripping, welding, jumper, and splitting optical fiber.
7.Pallet type: Suitable for integrated installation of various types of fiber optic splitters, wavelength division multiplexers, etc. Use high-quality fiber optic connectors, adapters, low insertion loss, high return loss