1×3 FBT Splitter Overview
A 1×3 FBT splitter is a fused biconical taper coupler that divides one singlemode input fiber into three output fibers at a fixed ratio. This model ships as an equal 33/33/33 split with FC/APC connectors and holds its ratio across the 1310, 1490, and 1550 nm windows used by GPON, telecom, and CATV networks.
Buy this configuration when one feeder fiber must serve three balanced branches on an FC/APC plant. Insertion loss is 5.6 dB max per port with 0.5 dB uniformity, so all branches behave the same in the power budget. Standard build is 1 m of 0.9 mm leads in an ABS box; 2.0/3.0 mm jackets, unequal ratios, and custom wavelengths are order options.
Key Features
- Three-window operation (1310±40, 1550±40, 1490±10 nm): one part covers GPON downstream/upstream and 1550 nm video overlay.
- 5.6 dB max insertion loss, 0.5 dB uniformity at N=3: every branch sees the same power level in the ODN budget.
- Return loss ≥55 dB, directivity ≥55 dB: suits PON and analog CATV links where reflectance degrades service.
- Equal 33/33/33 split standard, unequal ratios on request: match the split to branch traffic instead of over-lighting short legs.
- FC/APC factory-terminated pigtails: mate directly with APC adapter panels; SC/LC/ST and UPC options exist across the family.
- Corning SMF-28e fiber (G652D or G657A1/A2), 0.9 mm leads in an ABS box: drops into splice trays, closures, and distribution boxes.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | FBT-1×3-SM-0.9-FC/APC-33/33/33 |
| Port configuration | 1×3 (FBT family covers 1×2, 1×4, 1×6, 1×8 … 1×64) |
| Split ratio | 33/33/33 equal split; unequal splitting on request (10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, 50:50, 5:95, 1:99 series) |
| Fiber mode / type | Singlemode; G652D, G657A1/A2; Corning SMF-28e |
| Operating wavelength | Three windows: 1310±40, 1550±40, 1490±10 nm; custom wavelengths within 1260–1650 nm on request |
| Insertion loss (max., N=3) | 5.6 dB |
| Uniformity (N=3) | 0.5 dB |
| Excess loss (typ.) | 0.1 dB |
| Polarization-dependent loss (N=3) | 0.2 dB |
| Return loss / directivity | ≥55 dB / ≥55 dB |
| Connector type | FC/APC on this model; SC/LC/FC/ST in APC or UPC across the family |
| Fiber diameter / length | 0.9 mm standard (2.0 / 3.0 mm options); 1 m or customized |
| Package | ABS box |
| Compliance | Telcordia GR-1209-CORE and GR-1221-CORE (per BWNFiber product documentation) |
Note: all the data above does not include connectors.
Custom Unequal Ratios — Two-Port Coupling Reference
Unequal builds follow the published singlemode coupling-ratio series below (port configuration 1×2 or 2×2). Confirm 1×3 unequal values when you request a quote.
| Coupling Ratio | Tap IL (dB) | Signal IL (dB) |
|---|---|---|
| 50/50 | 2.8-3.6 | ≤3.6 |
| 45/55 | 3.3-3.9 | ≤3.0 |
| 40/60 | 3.8-4.5 | ≤2.6 |
| 35/65 | 4.2-5.0 | ≤2.2 |
| 30/70 | 4.6-5.7 | ≤1.9 |
| 25/75 | 5.8-6.7 | ≤1.6 |
| 20/80 | 6.7-7.6 | ≤1.2 |
| 15/85 | 7.8-9.0 | ≤0.98 |
| 10/90 | 9.3-11.0 | ≤0.63 |
| 5/95 | 12.4-14.0 | ≤0.41 |
| 1/99 | 18.6-21.0 | ≤0.25 |
Excess loss (typ.) 0.1 dB; PDL (max.) 0.15 dB; directivity ≥55 dB; wavelength 1310±40, 1550±40, 1310/1550±40, 1310/1550/1490±40 or custom. Data excludes connectors.
Connectors, Fiber Types & Compatibility
This page is the FC/APC configuration. APC polish uses an 8-degree angled endface and is standard in PON and CATV plants because it keeps reflectance low; the ≥55 dB return loss above assumes a proper APC mate. Never mix APC and UPC on one link — the mismatch damages endfaces and collapses return loss. For UPC or LC panels, use the 1×3 LC/UPC singlemode & multimode version.
Fiber is Corning SMF-28e, with G652D or bend-tolerant G657A1/A2 on the order. Units plug into FC/APC adapter panels, splice trays, and distribution boxes in central offices or field cabinets.
Applications
- GPON / FTTx distribution: split one feeder toward three distribution points; 1490 nm downstream and 1310 nm upstream both sit in the three-window band.
- CATV and RF video overlay: the 1550 nm window plus ≥55 dB return loss keeps analog channels clean.
- Telecom central offices and distribution sites: power splitting and tapping, indoor or outdoor via closures.
- Test equipment and lab benches: a stable equal split with 0.1 dB typical excess loss gives repeatable reference paths.
- Network monitoring: monitor ports usually want an unequal tap, not 33/33/33 — see the 1×3 SC/APC 70:30 / 90:10 tap coupler.
How to Choose: Ratio, Windows, Connector, Cable
Split ratio. An equal 33/33/33 split sends about one-third of input power to each port — roughly 4.8 dB of splitting loss before excess loss; 5.6 dB is the specified maximum per port. Choose equal when branches run similar distances, unequal (10:90 to 1:99) when one branch only samples the signal or serves a shorter leg. Check the ODN budget against the splitter loss chart (1×2 to 1×64).
Operating windows. Three-window means the coupler holds its ratio at 1310, 1490, and 1550 nm — GPON (1490 down / 1310 up) can share plant with 1550 nm video, and later wavelength additions need no swap. Single- and dual-window builds exist for fixed wavelength plans.
Connector, cable, length. Match polish to the plant — APC in PON/CATV and high-return-loss links. Run 0.9 mm leads inside splice trays and closures; pick 2.0 or 3.0 mm jackets where pigtails leave protected trays. Standard lead length is 1 m per leg; order longer leads instead of coiling slack in the tray.
Model decoder. FBT-1×3-SM-0.9-FC/APC-33/33/33 = FBT family · 1×3 ports · singlemode · 0.9 mm leads · FC/APC · equal 33/33/33 ratio. Change any field to get the matching order code.
1×3 FC/APC vs Other 1×3 FBT Versions
| Version | Connectors | Fiber | Ratio | Choose when |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| This page — 1×3 FC/APC, ABS box | FC/APC | SM, three windows | 33/33/33 (custom ok) | FC/APC panels; PON/CATV links needing ≥55 dB RL |
| 1×3–1×N LC/UPC, steel tube | LC/UPC | SM + MM | Equal/custom, to 1×N | LC/UPC panels, multimode legacy, more ports |
| 1×3 SC/APC 3.0 mm tap | SC/APC | SM | 70:30 or 90:10 | Monitoring taps, unequal legs |
| FBT splitter category | SC/FC/ST/LC/E2000 or none | SM & MM | All ratios, custom packages | OEM, non-standard builds |
For the category view, browse all FBT coupler configurations; for technology background, see the fiber optic splitter overview.
Testing & Quality Control
Optical performance is verified against the specification table: insertion loss, uniformity, return loss, directivity, and PDL at the stated wavelengths. Compliance with Telcordia GR-1209-CORE and GR-1221-CORE is stated per BWNFiber product documentation.
Packaging & Ordering Information
Standard build: 1 m, 0.9 mm FC/APC leads in an ABS box, on the input and all three outputs. Custom builds cover ratio, wavelength plan, connector type and polish, jacket diameter (0.9/2.0/3.0 mm), and lead length.
Request a Quote for This 1×3 FBT Splitter
Send these six parameters so we can confirm the model code and pricing in one round:
- Quantity and delivery destination
- Split ratio — 33/33/33 equal or a custom unequal value
- Wavelength plan — three-window 1310/1490/1550 nm or custom within 1260–1650 nm
- Connector type and polish — FC/APC on this model
- Fiber type — G652D or G657A1/A2 (Corning SMF-28e)
- Jacket diameter and lead length — 0.9/2.0/3.0 mm, 1 m standard or customized
Contact the BWNFiber team with your configuration, or use the inquiry form on this page. For closures, trays, and ODN hardware that ship with splitter orders, see our FTTx supporting products.
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