Fiber optic attenuators are available in a variety of types. There are numerous kinds of optical attenuators on the market. They can be classified into different ways, such as the type of connector, kind of cable, and other factors. The general rule is to categorize them into two groups Fixed optical attenuators (FOA) and optical variable attenuators (VOA). In relation to the various types of cables, they are divided into different modes likemulti-mode or mono-mode attenuators.
Fixed Optic Attenuator
Fixed attenuator, as its name suggests , provides an invariable amount of attenuation in optical fiber. It is possible to express it in decibels typically between 1dB to 30dB. This could be 1dB, 5dB or 10dB, and so on. Fixed optic attenuators may use a variety theories to fulfill their duties. The most widely used optical attenuators generally use doped fibers, misaligned splices as well as total power. The least preferred attenuators typically employ the concept of reflection and gap loss.
In the illustration below, fixed-value attenuators consist of connector type and in line type. In-line is an ordinary fiber patch cable. The optical attenuators are included in patch cables. Connector-type attenuators look like those of the bulkhead connector. It is usually supplied with a male plug connector on the other end that allows the fiber attenuators connect directly to receivers or adapters in the patch panel. it also has an adapter for female fiber optics that allows the patch cords can be joined to. There are female optical attenuators which can be used as adapters or attenuators in tandem. Their applications include optical fiber testing equipment, Local Area Network (LAN) and CATV systems.
Optic Variable Attenuator
Optic variable attenuator is also called VOA, or the variable optical attenuator (VOA) generally employs an adjustable neutral density. VOA can be used to measure and test. It can, however, be typically be used the Erbium Doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) to even out the intensity of light across different channels. It is stable with wavelength and frequency sensitive and also mode-insensitive, giving a wide dynamic range.
In the simplest sense there are two kinds of optical attenuators which are stepwise attenuators that are variable. Attenuators with a stepwise design can modify the degree of attenuation using known steps, like 0.1dB, 0.5dB or 1dB. Attenuators that can be continuously adjusted offer a precise level of attenuation through an adjustable adjustment. This means that users are able modify the attenuator’s settings in order to adapt to the needs of changing speedily and precisely without causing disruption to the system.
Monomode as well as Multimode Monomode and Multimode Fiber Optic Attenuator
Since fiber optic attenuators are able to be used with two kinds of fiber cables that are multimode and single mode, optical attenuators can be classified as multimode or single mode. Attenuators made from fiber optics are usually used for single-mode long-haul applications. This is the reason why the most well-known kind is also a single mode type. However, even though fiber optic attenuators are typically used in one type of mode, they also have multi-mode attenuators available for fiber optics which can be connected to a multimode fiber cables. If you are choosing one with optical attenuators over others, it’s important to consider the attenuation range and the wavelength.
4. When is the best time to use fiber optic attenuators?
If you’re considering whether you should use fiber optic attenuators inside your device, you’ll encounter two situations that require an attenuator for fiber optics.
- An example of this is where fiber optic attenuators are used to reduce the power of the receiver. In some cases, signals that reach the receiver are too strong and may cause interference to the receiver’s components. The receiver’s power influences two elements that transmit into the fiber as well as the amount of power that is lost through the amplifier. Too much receiver powercan cause by the mismatch between the transmitters/receivers. This can lead to the usage of media converters intended to cover a greater distance. In this scenario, optical attenuators can be paced within the link fiber can reduce the strength of the signal. This will make sure that the signal strength is consistent with.
- Another instance is when attenuators are used to determine the limits of the power level. When the transmitter is turned on, it is using a fiber-optic power meter. In addition, it is set to the system’s operating wavelength An attenuator may be used to gauge the power of the system.
5. How do I Utilize Fiber Optic Attenuators to Data Link?
Single-mode system, specifically in the analog CATV systems. The main element that determines the proper amount of loss will be the reflection, or return loss. Many types of optical attenuators (especially ones that have a gap loss) are prone to problems because of the high reflectance. In turn, they can negatively impact the transmitter, as well as connectors that have high reflectance. Read more.
