PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) is a technology used in optical communication networks for light division and signal processing. The main use of PLC light division is to split the light signal into multiple channels, allowing it to be transmitted to multiple destinations simultaneously. In this article, we will discuss the various uses of PLC light division in optical communication networks.
PLC Light Division
PLC light division is achieved through the use of a PLC splitter, which is a passive optical device that splits the light signal into multiple channels. The splitter is designed with a planar waveguide that guides the light signal through the device, where it is split into multiple outputs. The splitter can be designed to split the light signal evenly among all the outputs, or it can be designed to split the light signal unevenly to provide different power levels to the outputs.
Uses of PLC Light Division
Fiber to the Home (FTTH): PLC light division is widely used in FTTH networks to split the light signal between multiple customers. The splitter is typically installed in the fiber distribution box, where it splits the incoming fiber optic signal into multiple channels, which are then distributed to individual customers.
Passive Optical Network (PON): PLC light division is also used in PONs to split the light signal between the Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Unit (ONU). The splitter is typically installed in the Optical Distribution Network (ODN), where it splits the incoming fiber optic signal into multiple channels, which are then transmitted to the ONUs.
Optical Amplification: PLC light division can also be used in optical amplifiers to split the amplified signal into multiple channels. The splitter is typically installed after the optical amplifier, where it splits the amplified signal into multiple channels, which are then transmitted to multiple destinations.
Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM): PLC light division is also used in WDM systems to split the light signal into multiple wavelength channels. The splitter is typically designed to split the light signal into multiple outputs, each of which corresponds to a different wavelength.
Optical Add/Drop Multiplexing (OADM): PLC light division is used in OADM systems to add or drop channels from the optical signal. The splitter is typically designed to split the optical signal into multiple channels, which are then directed to different add/drop ports.
Conclusion
PLC light division is a critical technology used in optical communication networks for splitting the light signal into multiple channels. The technology is widely used in various applications, including FTTH, PON, optical amplification, WDM, and OADM systems. The use of PLC light division allows for efficient transmission of the light signal to multiple destinations, improving the performance and reliability of optical communication networks.
