FBT Splitter

1×2 FBT + 1×4 PLC Hybrid Splitter SC/APC

This hybrid optical splitter combines a 1×2 FBT stage with a 1×4 PLC stage in one connectorized assembly. The working configuration has one direct FBT branch and four branches behind the PLC stage. Before ordering, confirm the FBT ratio, which FBT leg feeds the PLC, the port-label map and separate acceptance limits for the direct and cascaded paths.

FBT Splitter FBT-1x2-PLC-1x4-HYBRID-SCAPC

FBT-1×2-PLC-1×4-HYBRID-SCAPC

This hybrid optical splitter combines a 1×2 FBT stage with a 1×4 PLC stage in one connectorized assembly. The working configuration has one direct FBT branch and four branches behind the PLC stage. Before ordering, confirm the FBT ratio, which FBT leg feeds the PLC, the port-label map and separate acceptance limits for the direct and cascaded paths.

Working model: BWN-FBT-PLC-1X2-1X4-SCAPC — TBC; product-owner confirmation required

Primary CTA: Send the intended topology, wavelengths, fiber/interface requirements and path-loss limits for a configuration review.

What this hybrid splitter is

The assembly uses two different splitter stages. A 1×2 fused biconical taper (FBT) device creates two branches. One branch remains a direct external branch; the other enters a 1×4 planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitter and becomes four external branches. The direct branch and the four cascaded branches are different optical paths and must not be assigned one shared insertion-loss limit.

The supplied photos show two metal tube packages, a visible 1X2FBT+1X4PLC Splitter label, a 50% sleeve marker and four green connector housings on the PLC branch. The exact ratio tolerance, leg assignment, fiber type, wavelength window, connector polish, lead construction and optical limits remain TBC — source required.

Working configuration and port map

Port classWorking roleQuantityWhat must be confirmed
FBT common portAssembly input1Direction, label, connector polish and reference plane
Direct FBT branchBranch that does not pass through the PLC stage1Nominal ratio, tolerance, color/label and acceptance limit
FBT-to-PLC internal pathFeeds the PLC stage1 internal connectionWhich ratio leg feeds the PLC and how the internal joint is protected
PLC branchesFour outputs after the FBT and PLC stages4Output labels, uniformity and per-path acceptance limits

Engineering hold: the table describes the intended topology, not an approved production drawing. Do not release it until the marked drawing confirms input/output direction and leg assignment.

Key product facts

ParameterControlled draft valueEvidence status
Product type1×2 FBT + 1×4 PLC cascaded hybrid optical splitterObserved in supplied images/label; engineering confirmation required
Working modelBWN-FBT-PLC-1X2-1X4-SCAPCTBC — draft only
FBT stage1×2Observed in label; exact component/BOM TBC
PLC stage1×4 on one FBT branchObserved/inferred from assembly; drawing TBC
Nominal FBT ratio50/50TBC — a 50% sleeve is visible, but ratio/tolerance and leg assignment are not approved
External connectorSC/APCTBC — green housings are visible, but BOM/end-face confirmation is required
PackageTwo metal tube modulesVisible; material and dimensions TBC
Fiber mode/typeTBC — source requiredDo not infer singlemode or multimode from product family language
Operating wavelengthTBC — source requiredModel-specific datasheet/test report required
Direct-branch insertion lossTBC — source requiredState test wavelengths and whether connectors are included
Cascaded-output insertion lossTBC — source requiredProvide maximum per output and reference plane
Return loss/directivity/PDL/uniformityTBC — source requiredModel-specific acceptance limits required
Lead diameter/length/color codeTBC — source requiredApproved mechanical/label drawing required
Operating/storage temperatureTBC — source requiredDo not copy family or competitor limits
Dimensions/installation envelopeTBC — source requiredRequired for enclosure/terminal fit review

Why the two path classes need separate acceptance limits

The direct branch passes through the FBT stage. Each of the other four branches passes through the FBT stage, the internal FBT-to-PLC connection and the PLC stage. The cascaded branches therefore require their own measured acceptance limits. A standalone 1×4 PLC value or a generic 1×2 FBT value cannot, by itself, define the finished assembly.

For quotation and sample approval, the controlled specification should state:

  1. the direct-branch limit;
  2. the maximum limit for each cascaded branch;
  3. cascaded-branch uniformity, if required;
  4. test wavelengths;
  5. reference method and reference plane;
  6. whether connector pairs are included;
  7. any lot/sample acceptance rule.

IEC 61300-3-4 describes attenuation measurement methods for fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components. Citing the standard does not prove that this model was tested to it; the approved BWNFiber test plan must identify the actual method used.

Interfaces, fiber and compatibility conditions

Treat the following as order-controlled fields rather than assumptions:

  • connector type and polish on every external lead;
  • fiber mode/type and any bend-performance requirement;
  • operating/test wavelengths;
  • lead diameter, length and protective construction;
  • branch colors, sleeves and permanent port labels;
  • host enclosure space, routing radius and internal splice protection;
  • direct-branch purpose and the four PLC-branch endpoints;
  • system optical budget and acceptance margin.

The finished assembly should be approved against the actual host, wavelength plan and link budget. A green connector housing alone is not sufficient evidence of an SC/APC production configuration.

How to select the correct configuration

  1. Confirm the architecture. Use this topology only when the design requires one direct branch and four branches after a second splitter stage.
  2. Lock the FBT ratio and leg assignment. State both percentage legs and identify which one feeds the PLC.
  3. Define the wavelengths and fiber. Provide the system wavelength plan and required fiber type rather than relying on a generic splitter-family range.
  4. Define each interface. State connector, polish, lead construction, length and labeling for every external port.
  5. Calculate and approve both path classes. Keep the direct branch and cascaded branches separate in the optical budget.
  6. Confirm mechanical fit. Compare tube dimensions, pigtail routing and bend requirements with the closure, terminal or tray.
  7. Freeze the evidence pack. Approve the SKU, drawing revision, specification limits, label map and sample test report before batch release.

Related product decisions

RequirementBetter page/product route
A single 1×2 FBT stage with no PLC cascadeUse an exact 1×2 FBT product record
Four equal outputs without a separate direct FBT branchReview an exact 1×4 PLC product
One direct branch plus four branches behind a PLC stageThis 1×2 FBT + 1×4 PLC hybrid configuration
One direct branch plus eight branches behind a PLC stageReview the separate 1×2 FBT + 1×8 PLC variant
Technology selection rather than an exact BOMUse the PLC-vs-FBT comparison guide

Do not replace the 1×4 and 1×8 variants solely by changing a port-count phrase. Each page requires its own drawing, path limits, dimensions, label map and RFQ evidence.

For broader navigation, browse FBT splitter configurations, review the fiber optic splitter product families, compare PLC and FBT splitter technologies, or inspect the different topology of the 1×2 FBT 50/50 bare-fiber splitter.

Use conditions and non-fit conditions

This assembly may be considered when an approved passive optical design calls for one direct FBT branch and four downstream PLC branches. The application must be confirmed against the system wavelengths, path budgets, interfaces, environment and host equipment.

Do not specify this configuration when:

  • all required outputs should share one equal PLC split;
  • the FBT ratio or which leg feeds the PLC is not defined;
  • the direct and cascaded paths have not been budgeted separately;
  • the host cannot accommodate both tube modules and pigtail routing;
  • the required optical, environmental or documentation limits are not available for the approved build.

No specific ONU, OLT, CATV, monitoring, FTTH, FTTA or brand compatibility is claimed in this draft.

Testing and quality-control requirements

The release packet should identify, at minimum:

CheckRequired controlled record
IdentityApproved model/SKU and drawing revision
Visual/labelPort labels, ratio sleeve, connector/interface and lead color map
Direct pathMeasured value and acceptance limit at each required wavelength
Four cascaded pathsIndividual measured values, maximum limit and required uniformity
Reflectance-related performanceReturn-loss/directivity method and limits, if applicable
MechanicalTube dimensions, lead construction/length and inspection criteria
TraceabilitySerial/lot convention and report-to-unit/lot mapping
DocumentsDatasheet, drawing and sample/batch report availability

Availability of these BWNFiber documents is TBC — sales/engineering/QA confirmation required.

Packaging and procurement information

The following fields are not supported by the current source packet and must be confirmed per approved configuration:

  • MOQ;
  • sample availability;
  • unit and carton packaging;
  • label format;
  • production/lead-time basis;
  • price and currency;
  • warranty;
  • included datasheet, drawing, inspection report or certificate.

What to send for an RFQ

Send one configuration block containing:

  • intended architecture and host enclosure/terminal;
  • required FBT ratio and the leg that must feed the PLC;
  • fiber type/mode and operating/test wavelengths;
  • connector/polish for all external ports;
  • lead diameter, input/output length and color/label rules;
  • direct-branch and cascaded-output acceptance limits;
  • whether connector loss is included in those limits;
  • required environmental/mechanical conditions;
  • drawing, datasheet and test-report requirements;
  • sample quantity, batch quantity and destination.

Primary CTA: Request a configuration review and quotation.

Secondary CTA: Request the approved drawing and model-specific acceptance limits — availability TBC.

Downloads

  • Model-specific datasheet: TBC — source required
  • Marked topology/mechanical drawing: TBC — source required
  • Sample IL/RL test report: TBC — source required
  • Packaging/label specification: TBC — source required
FAQ

1×2 FBT + 1×4 PLC Hybrid Splitter SC/APC FAQ

Is this a single PLC splitter?

No. The working configuration is a 1×2 FBT stage cascaded into a separate 1×4 PLC stage. A production drawing must confirm the internal leg assignment.

Are the direct branch and four PLC branches expected to have the same insertion loss?

No. They are different path classes. The direct branch passes through the FBT stage, while each cascaded branch also passes through the PLC stage and the internal connection. Use separate model-specific acceptance limits.

Does the visible `50%` sleeve prove a 50/50 specification?

It supports a visual observation only. The nominal ratio, tolerance, wavelength conditions and which leg feeds the PLC must be confirmed in the approved BOM, drawing and test report.

Are the green connectors confirmed as SC/APC?

The working product name specifies SC/APC and the photos show green housings, but the connector type and polish still require BOM or end-face confirmation before publication.

Can the FBT ratio, lead length or connector be customized?

No customization promise is supported by the current evidence. Put the requested fields in the RFQ and obtain a configuration-specific response.

What should be checked before sample approval?

Confirm the model code, topology drawing, ratio/leg mapping, wavelengths, fiber, connector/polish, lead construction, labels, direct-path limit, four cascaded-path limits, test convention and document pack.

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