Two-paddle BWN-FPC
Use the two-paddle structure when a compact manual adjustment arrangement is sufficient for the intended setup. BWNFiber lists an 18 mm loop diameter for this configuration.
PLC Splitter
BWN-FPC Manual Fiber Polarization Controller
Adjust the state of polarization in an application-matched single-mode fiber with a configurable two- or three-paddle controller. Specify the wavelength, fiber, loop geometry, lead length and termination before quotation.
Input state
of polarization Manually adjusted
output state
of polarization
output state
Working principle
How does a paddle fiber polarization controller work?
Fiber loops around the paddles create stress-induced birefringence. Rotating a paddle changes the orientation of the induced axes relative to the transmitted polarization. Retardance depends on the fiber, wavelength, loop diameter and number of turns; the paddles are therefore adjusted while the optical response is monitored.
01
Define the optical configuration
Confirm the wavelength, exact fiber designation, loop diameter, winding requirement and termination before loading or ordering the fiber.
02
Rotate while monitoring
Observe the polarization-sensitive output with the appropriate measurement setup and adjust the paddles iteratively.
03
Record the achieved setting
Document the paddle positions and measured response. BWN-FPC is manual and should not be presented as an active polarization tracker or guaranteed long-term lock.
Configuration choice
Should you choose two paddles or three?
Controller structure and final optical behavior must be evaluated together. Paddle count, loop diameter, fiber construction and wavelength work together; none should be selected in isolation.
Three-paddle BWN-FPC
The three-paddle arrangement is configured to approximate a quarter-wave, half-wave and quarter-wave sequence at the intended design condition. BWNFiber lists 27 mm and 56 mm loop options.
18mm · two-paddle
27mm · three-paddle
56mm · three-paddle
Manual fiber polarization controller selection matrix
| Selection question | Starting point | What must still be confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Is a compact, simpler adjustment layout the priority? | Start with the two-paddle, 18 mm loop configuration. | Required transformation, fiber type, wavelength, winding and available fiber length. |
| Do you need more degrees of manual polarization transformation? | Start with the three-paddle configuration. | Choose 27 or 56 mm loop geometry and define the design wavelength. |
| Will the unit use a preloaded fiber? | Specify the exact single-mode fiber, cover and lead length. | Compatibility across the operating band and connector reference plane. |
| Will the customer load an existing fiber? | Confirm cover diameter and fiber length before selecting the controller. | Whether the cable can achieve the required turns without violating the intended routing. |
Verified product data
What are the published BWN-FPC specifications?
The values below summarize the published BWN-FPC configuration data. Final performance and acceptance conditions remain configuration dependent and must be confirmed in the quotation or approved specification.
| Model | BWN-FPC |
|---|---|
| Controller type | Manual paddle-style fiber polarization controller using stress-induced birefringence |
| Number of paddles | 2 or 3 |
| Operating wavelength | 480–2400 nm published platform range; the usable band is dependent on the selected fiber and loop configuration |
| Fiber type | Application-matched single-mode fiber; exact fiber designation required for quotation |
| Fiber cover | 0.9 mm tube standard; 3 mm jacketed option stated as available and subject to configuration confirmation |
| Fiber length | 0.25 m or customized |
| Connector options | None, FC/PC or FC/APC; published preloaded option specifies a 2.0 mm narrow key |
| Loop diameter | 18 mm for two paddles; 27 mm or 56 mm for three paddles |
| Insertion loss incl. connectors | 0.2 dB typical; maximum acceptance limit to be confirmed for the approved configuration |
| Return loss | 55 dB with FC/APC connectors |
| Optical power handling | 0.5 W |
| Materials | Aluminum base; Delrin paddles |
| Not published | Operating temperature, storage temperature, dimensions, weight, certification, test method, MOQ, lead time and package specification |
*Confirm the test wavelength, connector condition, measurement reference plane and acceptance limit before using catalog values as a purchase specification.
01
Wavelength
State the operating wavelength or band, not only a broad platform range.
02
Fiber
Provide the exact single-mode fiber designation and cover construction.
03
Paddles
Choose two or three paddles based on the required manual transformation.
04
Loop geometry
Select 18, 27 or 56 mm and state the required winding or ask for review.
05
Lead length
Define the input and output lead lengths and total fiber requirement.
06
Termination
Select bare fiber, FC/PC or FC/APC and confirm connector key requirements.
07
Quantity
Provide prototype and production quantities separately.
08
Acceptance data
List the measurements, limits and document format needed with the order.
09
Application
Describe the source, polarization-sensitive device and monitored output.
Application fit
Where is a manual fiber polarization controller used?
BWN-FPC is intended for systems where an operator can adjust the paddles while observing a polarization-sensitive optical response. It is not a substitute for an active tracker when continuous compensation is required.
Fiber component testing
Adjust the launch state while evaluating a polarization-sensitive component or optical path.
PDL measurement
Vary the input state as part of a measurement setup designed to evaluate polarization-dependent loss.
Fiber laser experiments
Tune the input or intracavity state in laboratory fiber-laser and amplifier investigations.
Fiber sensing
Adjust the state of polarization in polarization-sensitive sensor and interferometric experiments.
Optical communication research
Support controlled manual polarization adjustment in laboratory communication and component-evaluation setups.
Interfaces and compatibility
What must be compatible with the BWN-FPC?
Compatibility is a configuration decision, not a brand list. The exact fiber, cover, wavelength, winding and connector interface must form one approved build.
Fiber and cover
BWNFiber describes the product for single-mode fiber and lists a 0.9 mm tube as standard. A 3 mm jacketed option is also stated, but should be confirmed against the selected paddle and loop geometry.
Connector interface
Request the unit without connectors or with FC/PC or FC/APC terminations. Specify the mating interface, connector key and lead length rather than writing only “FC connector.”
Manual control is not PMF
A paddle controller changes the state of polarization manually. It does not perform the same task as a polarization-maintaining fiber assembly, and it does not actively track polarization drift.
Wavelength caution: treat 480–2400 nm as the published platform range across configurable builds—not as a guarantee that one unspecified fiber covers that entire range. Confirm the exact fiber and design wavelength before ordering.
BWN-FPC versus adjacent polarization solutions
| Solution type | Best fit | Do not assume |
|---|---|---|
| BWN-FPC manual paddle controller | Hands-on adjustment in laboratory, component-test, fiber-laser, sensing and PDL measurement setups. | Continuous feedback, active tracking or guaranteed long-term lock. |
| Active or motorized polarization controller | Automated scanning, remote control or closed-loop compensation when supported by the selected system. | That BWN-FPC provides motors, software or feedback electronics. |
| Polarization-maintaining fiber assembly | Preserving a defined polarization axis when launched and aligned to the assembly specification. | That PMF replaces a controller used to transform an arbitrary input state. |
Evidence before purchase
Testing, documents and procurement information.
The current BWNFiber source page publishes optical values but does not identify the measurement method, temperature limits, certifications, MOQ, lead time or package specification. These items should be agreed before release of a purchase order.
Define acceptance at the configured wavelength.
For a project that requires acceptance data, state the measurement wavelength, fiber and connector build, reference plane, required IL/RL limits, sample plan and report format. BWNFiber should confirm which checks and documents are available for the proposed configuration before production.
- Do not assume a test method that is not named in the product specification.
- Do not convert a catalog typical value into a lot-acceptance limit without written confirmation.
- Use the approved drawing or configuration sheet as the purchase reference.
Confirm commercial terms per configuration.
MOQ, sample availability, lead time, export packaging, labeling and included documents are not published for BWN-FPC. Request these items in the quotation together with the optical configuration and quantity.
- Separate prototype quantity from forecast or production quantity.
- State whether individual labels, serial numbers or custom packaging are required.
- Confirm which datasheet revision and drawing govern the order.
Technical file 01
Request with RFQ →Configuration-specific datasheet
Fiber, wavelength, loop, lead, termination and accepted optical values.
Technical file 02
Request with RFQ →Dimension drawing
Mechanical envelope, mounting points and connector or lead orientation.
Technical file 03
Define required evidence →Available test documentation
Ask which IL, RL or other configuration-specific records can be supplied.
Related BWNFiber resources: review fiber optic test equipment and tools when planning the measurement setup. The linked category does not itself verify BWN-FPC acceptance testing.
Technical and purchasing questions
Manual fiber polarization controller FAQ.
These answers separate published BWN-FPC facts from items that still require configuration or engineering confirmation.
Prepare a technical RFQ →What is a manual fiber polarization controller?
A manual fiber polarization controller changes the state of polarization in a single-mode fiber by creating controlled birefringence and allowing the operator to rotate the effective waveplate axes.
How does a paddle fiber polarization controller work?
Fiber loops around the paddles create stress-induced birefringence. Rotating the paddles changes the orientation of the induced axes, allowing the output state of polarization to be adjusted while the operator monitors the optical response.
Should I choose two or three paddles?
Choose two paddles for a simpler, more compact adjustment setup. Choose three paddles when the application requires more degrees of manual polarization transformation. Final suitability depends on fiber, wavelength and loop configuration.
Which loop diameter should I specify?
BWNFiber lists an 18 mm loop for the two-paddle controller and 27 mm or 56 mm loops for three-paddle controllers. Confirm the loop diameter together with fiber type, wavelength and winding requirements.
What fiber and jacket options can be ordered?
The published standard fiber cover is a 0.9 mm tube. The BWNFiber source page also states that 3 mm jacketed fiber can be supplied; this option should be confirmed for the selected controller geometry. Specify the exact single-mode fiber designation in the RFQ.
What connector options are available?
The controller can be requested without connectors or with FC/PC or FC/APC terminations. The published preloaded connector option uses a 2.0 mm narrow key.
Does the 480–2400 nm range apply to every configuration?
No universal fiber build should be assumed to cover the entire published range. The selected fiber, loop diameter and winding determine the usable wavelength configuration, so the operating band must be confirmed before ordering.
What insertion loss and return loss are published?
The published typical insertion loss is 0.2 dB including connectors, and return loss is listed as 55 dB for FC/APC connectors. Confirm the maximum insertion-loss limit, measurement conditions, and acceptance value for the final configuration.
Can BWN-FPC lock or actively stabilize polarization?
BWN-FPC is a manual paddle controller, not an active polarization tracker. The operator adjusts the paddles while monitoring the output. If active stabilization or a documented locking function is required, state that requirement before product selection.
What details should I send for a quote?
Send the operating wavelength, exact fiber type, two- or three-paddle preference, loop diameter, winding requirement, input and output lead lengths, connector termination, quantity and required acceptance documents.
BWN-FPC technical RFQ
Send the configuration—not just the product name.
A useful quotation starts with the optical conditions and acceptance needs. BWNFiber can then confirm the build, document availability, and commercial terms that apply to that configuration.