2Group 1x4 PM PLC Splitter Polarization Maintaining Splitter 1260nm 1650nm FC APC To MPO APC

2Group 1x4 PM PLC Splitter Polarization Maintaining Fiber Splitter 1260 1650nm FC APC To MPO APC For Coherent Communication FOG And Fiber Sensing

Product Overview

The 2Group 1*4 PM PLC Splitter is a high-performance passive device that integrates two sets of 1*4 polarization-maintaining PLC splitters into a single module. It can achieve stable splitting of 8 channels (two sets of 4 channels each) from a single input light source, making it particularly suitable for multi-channel applications in polarization-sensitive systems. The product uses PM15-U25D polarization-maintaining fiber, with a wide operating wavelength range of 1260～1650 nm and a test wavelength of 1550 nm, covering multiple communication bands including O/E/S/C/L. Typical insertion loss is ≤8.2 dB, and channel uniformity is ≤0.8 dB, ensuring consistent power distribution across all output channels. The input side uses a 0.9 mm blue Hytrel tube with an FC/APC connector (slow-axis operation), while the output side uses a 3.0 mm yellow PVC tube with an MPO/APC male connector (fast-axis operation). The overall package size is a 100*80*10 mm ABS box structure, featuring a compact design, neat wiring, and easy system integration.

In typical applications, this dual-set 1*4 polarization-maintaining PLC splitter is primarily targeted at coherent communication, fiber optic gyroscopes, and fiber optic sensing systems. In coherent communication systems, it can serve as a multiplexing unit for local oscillator light or signal light, splitting a single stable light source into multiple paths to provide a unified light source for multi-channel coherent receivers or parallel test platforms. In fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs), it can distribute the light source to multiple gyroscope probes, enabling multi-axis inertial measurement or multi-channel redundant design. In fiber optic sensing systems, it can provide optical power to multi-point distributed sensing heads, evenly distributing the same light source across multiple sensing channels for multi-point synchronous monitoring of physical quantities such as stress, temperature, and vibration. For systems requiring "single-source multi-channel + polarization-maintaining characteristics," this device can significantly simplify the optical path structure.

In terms of performance characteristics, the 2Group 1*4 PM PLC Splitter combines advantages such as low insertion loss, high extinction ratio, excellent channel uniformity, and high reliability. The overall insertion loss is no more than 8.2 dB, and the channel uniformity is controlled within 0.8 dB, which is beneficial for obtaining a consistent channel response through simple calibration later. The extinction ratio is ≥18 dB, which can effectively distinguish and maintain specific polarization states, providing stable polarization conditions for polarization-sensitive measurements and coherent detection. Return loss is ≥50 dB, and directivity is ≥50 dB, which can significantly reduce the impact of end-face reflection and crosstalk on the front-end light source and detection unit. The maximum input optical power is ≤300 mW, the operating temperature range is -5～+65 ℃, and the storage temperature is -40～+85 ℃, ensuring long-term stable operation in communication equipment rooms, laboratories, and some industrial environments.

From a system integration and engineering implementation perspective, this device is ideally suited for use as a multi-channel optical power distribution hub within a chassis or at the module level. Two 1*4 configurations support "symmetrical" or "dual-redundant" optical path designs: for example, one set serves the main working link, while the other acts as a backup or test link; alternatively, each set can correspond to a separate polarization channel or two independent subsystems. At the cabling level, the input uses short 0.5 m, 0.9 mm blue sleeve FC/APC connectors for easy direct connection to light sources or preamplifier modules; the output connects to the downstream board or splitter module via MPO/APC connectors, significantly reducing multi-core jumpers and fusion splices, resulting in a cleaner and more reliable chassis. For OEMs, the splitter can be mounted on a 1U/2U chassis or module tray for "plug-and-play" integration via a unified MPO interface.

Compared to using multiple independent 1*4 splitters or ordinary non-polarization-maintaining PLC splitting solutions, the 2Group 1*4 PM PLC Splitter offers significant advantages in integration, polarization maintenance capability, and system consistency. First, integrating two 1*4 groups within the same ABS housing significantly reduces the number of components, fusion splices, and fiber optic connections, thereby lowering cumulative insertion loss and potential failure risks. Second, using PM15-U25D polarization-maintaining fiber and explicitly specifying slow-axis operation at the input FC/APC and fast-axis operation at the output MPO/APC facilitates the establishment of a unified polarization reference coordinate across the entire system, reducing power and phase fluctuations caused by random polarization drift. Third, the manufacturer provides clear specifications for insertion loss, uniformity, extinction ratio, return loss, directivity, and temperature range, along with standardized ordering codes (number of ports, wavelength, packaging, fiber type, length, and connector type, etc.), facilitating project selection, mass production, and subsequent maintenance, thus reducing the system's total lifecycle cost.

Overall, the 2Group 1*4 PM PLC Splitter is a key fundamental device for multi-channel polarization-maintaining applications such as coherent communication, fiber optic gyroscopes, and fiber optic sensing. It excels in terms of wide operating wavelength, low insertion loss, high extinction ratio, excellent channel uniformity, high return loss, and compact packaging, providing stable and reliable multi-channel optical power distribution and polarization management capabilities within a limited space. Through proper selection and system-level integration, equipment manufacturers and system integrators can significantly simplify optical path design, improve system consistency and repeatability, and reserve sufficient margin for future channel expansion and functional upgrades. It is one of the most worthwhile solutions to consider when building high-performance polarization-maintaining multi-channel optical networks.