Steel Tube 3 Port Optical Circulator 1550nm Low Insertion Loss High Isolation Circulator

This product is a 1550nm Fiber Optic Circulator (Steel Tube Device), employing a 3-port structure. It operates in a unidirectional transmission mode with Port1→Port2, Port2→Port3, allowing for the orderly separation and guidance of optical paths in different directions within the same fiber optic system. It is ideally suited for use as a C-band unidirectional optical path management device. The device operates at a wavelength of 1550±30nm, with a typical insertion loss not exceeding 0.9dB, ensuring both directivity and isolation while keeping link power loss at a low level. The product uses SMF-28e single-mode fiber, 1m pigtail, and a 0.9mm Hytrel sheath. The standard package size is a Φ5.5*L38mm steel tube structure, with FC/APC connectors at both ends. Port1/Port2/Port3 are marked in red, blue, and white respectively for easy field identification and cabling installation.

From a network application perspective, this fiber optic circulator can be widely used in various scenarios such as broadband access networks, PON networks, CATV systems, and DWDM systems. In broadband and backbone networks, it can achieve directional isolation between the transmitting and receiving optical paths, avoiding echo interference and improving the operational stability of transceiver modules. In PON, it can be used on the OLT side or in repeater nodes to provide directional guidance for uplink and downlink optical paths. In CATV systems, the circulator helps to separate broadcast signals from monitoring and return signals directionally, reducing system noise and crosstalk. In DWDM wavelength division multiplexing systems, it can be used as a direction selection device, working with filters or Bragg gratings to achieve unidirectional extraction or insertion of specific wavelength signals, providing reliable directional control capabilities for complex optical layer architectures.

In terms of optical and electrical performance, this circulator combines advantages such as low loss, high isolation, low polarization dependence parameters, and high reliability. Its insertion loss at 23℃ is ≤0.9dB, and minimum isolation is ≥40dB, effectively blocking reverse light leakage and improving the system's optical signal-to-noise ratio. Polarization-dependent loss (PDL) is ≤0.15dB, and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) is ≤0.1ps, which helps maintain signal quality and adapts to high-speed transmission requirements. Return loss is ≥50dB, and crosstalk is ≥50dB, significantly reducing the impact of reflection and crosstalk on the transmitter and pre-amplifier optical devices. The maximum power handling capacity is 500mW, meeting the needs of most medium-to-high power C-band applications. The device is verified according to Telcordia specifications and complies with RoHS environmental standards. Its operating temperature range is 0～+70℃, and its storage temperature range is -40～+85℃, demonstrating excellent environmental adaptability and long-term stability.

From a system integration and engineering implementation perspective, this circulator can be flexibly embedded into various optical modules, chassis devices, and experimental platforms. Typical applications include: combining with fiber Bragg gratings or filters to form unidirectional add/drop structures, enabling selective extraction or injection of specific wavelength signals; in amplifiers or active modules, the circulator can be used to separate forward and backward amplified spontaneous emissions (ASE), or to directionally separate the monitoring optical path from the main signal optical path; in reflective sensing systems and interferometric measurement systems, the circulator can establish strict directional relationships between the transmitting, sensing, and receiving arms, simplifying the optical path structure; in the laboratory, it can also serve as a basic device for building unidirectional ring cavities, optically isolated links, and complex optical path topologies, providing researchers with a highly controllable three-port optical path management unit.

Compared to traditional directional control schemes implemented using splitters, optical switches, and other devices, the 1550nm steel tube fiber optic circulator offers significant advantages in size, loss, directivity, and reliability. First, a single device can complete unidirectional optical path mapping between ports, reducing the number of fusion splices and connectors, thereby reducing system insertion loss and potential failure points. Second, the Φ5.5*L38mm steel tube enclosure combined with 0.9mm pigtails makes it easy to install and cable in dense modules or narrow-space chassis. Stable high isolation and high return loss indicators help ensure that the equipment's performance does not drift during long-term operation, reducing maintenance frequency. Combined with clear order information coding (supporting configuration type, band, packaging form, fiber sheath, and connectors), customers can quickly select and customize according to project needs, making the process more efficient from engineering implementation to later maintenance.

In summary, this 1550nm fiber optic circulator is a key fundamental device for broadband access, PON, CATV, DWDM, and related optical network and test systems. Through low insertion loss, high isolation, low PDL/PMD, high return loss, and excellent environmental reliability, it provides a stable and reliable solution for various unidirectional optical path control and direction management scenarios. Whether used for mass production integration of complete equipment or for optical path construction of scientific research and testing platforms, this circulator can provide high-performance direction management capabilities within a limited space, helping users improve the optical performance, overall reliability, and long-term maintainability of the system, laying a solid device foundation for complex optical networks and photonic applications.