Total output power of the optical splitter
The output power of an optical splitter depends on the input power, the splitter ratio, and the insertion loss, with each output port receiving a fraction of the input signal reduced by the total loss.
Understanding Splitter Output Power
Optical splitters are passive devices that divide a single input optical signal into multiple outputs. The split ratio defines how the input power is distributed. For example, a 1:4 splitter ideally divides the input power equally among four outputs, while a 10:90 tap coupler sends 10% of the power to one port and 90% to another . The insertion loss represents the reduction in signal strength due to the splitting process and imperfections in the device. Real-world splitters always have some excess loss beyond the ideal splitting loss, which must be considered when calculating output power .
Calculating Output Power
For an ideal 1:N splitter, the splitting loss in dB is calculated as: Splitting Loss (dB) = 10 × log10(N) The actual output power per port is then: P_out (dBm) = P_in (dBm) − Total Loss (dB) Where Total Loss includes both the ideal splitting loss and any additional losses from connectors, splices, or fiber attenuation . Example:
- Input Power: 0 dBm
- Splitter: 1:8 (ideal splitting loss ≈ 9 dB)
- Additional Loss: 0.5 dB Total Loss = 9 + 0.5 = 9.5 dB Output Power per port = 0 − 9.5 = −9.5 dBm (~0.112 mW)
Practical Considerations
- Splitter Type: FBT splitters are cost-effective for small splits (1:2, 1:4), while PLC splitters provide uniform output for large splits (1:32, 1:64) and are preferred in FTTH networks .
- Uniformity: High-quality splitters ensure consistent output power across all ports. Variations can affect signal quality at the receiver.
- Network Design: Selecting the appropriate split ratio is crucial to maintain sufficient optical power at each ONT or receiver. Excessive splitting can reduce signal strength below operational thresholds, causing errors or dropouts . By understanding the relationship between input power, split ratio, and insertion loss, network designers can accurately predict per-port output power and ensure reliable performance in PON and FTTH deployments.
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