Name: 1x16 SC APC PLC Splitter Steel Tube Bare Fiber | Singlemode
Brand: Evolux
SKU: 290140387

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification	Parameter	Specification
Split Ratio	1×16	Connector Type	SC/APC (Input) / Bare Fiber (Output)
Fiber Type	G.657A1 Singlemode	Operating Wavelength	1260nm ~ 1650nm
Insertion Loss (Max)	≤13.5dB @1550nm	Return Loss (Input)	≥60dB (APC)
Loss Uniformity	≤1.2dB	Directivity	≥55dB
Polarization Dependent Loss	≤0.3dB	Wavelength Dependent Loss	≤0.5dB
Package Type	Steel Tube (Ø3.0×54mm)	Output Fiber Diameter	250μm Bare Fiber
Input Fiber Length	1.0m (Customizable)	Output Fiber Length	1.5m (Customizable)
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +85°C	Storage Temperature	-40°C to +85°C
Tensile Load (Fiber)	≥5N	Compliance Standards	Telcordia GR-1221, RoHS

Why Steel Tube Bare Fiber Design Matters for Large-Scale PON Deployment

Superior Mechanical Protection for Outdoor and Cabinet Installations

The steel tube enclosure of this 1x16 SC APC PLC splitter provides exceptional resistance to physical impact, moisture ingress, and temperature fluctuations. Unlike ABS box or mini tube packages, the steel tube design withstands the demanding conditions inside outdoor fiber distribution cabinets (ODCs), underground splice closures, and telecom manholes. Network operators deploying FTTH infrastructure in regions with extreme weather or rodent activity rely on steel tube splitters to maintain long-term signal integrity without frequent maintenance interventions.

250μm Bare Fiber Output Simplifies On-Site Fusion Splicing

Each of the 16 output ports terminates in 250μm bare fiber rather than pre-connectorized pigtails. This configuration enables field technicians to perform direct fusion splicing to distribution cables or drop cables at the installation point. For centralized splitting architectures where splitters mount inside fiber distribution hubs (FDHs) or optical distribution frames (ODFs), bare fiber outputs eliminate the need for adapter panels and reduce connector-related insertion loss by approximately 0.2dB per connection point.

1:16 Split Ratio Balances Coverage and Power Budget

The 1x16 singlemode PLC splitter distributes optical signals from a single OLT port to 16 downstream ONUs while maintaining a Class B+ or Class C+ power budget in GPON and XGS-PON networks. Compared to 1x32 or 1x64 configurations, the 1:16 ratio preserves higher optical power at each subscriber terminal, supporting longer reach distances up to 20km in typical FTTH deployments without requiring optical amplifiers.

Steel Tube Package vs Other Splitter Enclosures

Feature	Steel Tube (This Product)	ABS Box	Mini Tube
Mechanical Strength	Excellent – withstands impact and compression	Moderate	Limited
Temperature Tolerance	-40°C to +85°C	-40°C to +75°C typical	-40°C to +85°C
Best Installation Environment	Outdoor cabinets, splice closures, harsh conditions	Indoor patch panels, wall boxes	Space-limited indoor enclosures
Output Termination	250μm bare fiber – fusion splice ready	Usually pre-connectorized pigtails	900μm loose tube or pigtails
Splice-Based Installation	Ideal – minimizes connection loss	Requires adapters for splicing	Possible with stripping

Application Scenarios

FTTH Fiber Distribution Hubs and Cabinets

This 1x16 steel tube PLC splitter integrates seamlessly into fiber distribution hubs (FDHs) serving residential neighborhoods. The bare fiber outputs splice directly to distribution cables routed toward subscriber premises, while the rugged steel tube body mounts securely on standard splice trays inside weather-sealed cabinets.

Central Office Optical Distribution Frames

Telecom operators deploying centralized PON splitting architectures install 1x16 bare fiber splitters within optical distribution frames at the central office. The SC/APC input connects to feeder cables from OLT equipment, and technicians fusion splice each 250μm output fiber to individual distribution fiber routes.

Outdoor Splice Closures for Rural Broadband Expansion

In rural FTTH projects where fiber routes span long distances between distribution points, steel tube splitters provide the mechanical durability required for installation inside pole-mounted or underground splice closures. The extended operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) ensures reliable signal splitting through seasonal temperature variations.

GPON/XGS-PON Network Upgrades

Network operators upgrading legacy PON infrastructure to XGS-PON or higher-speed standards use 1x16 singlemode PLC splitters to maintain backward compatibility while supporting 10Gbps downstream transmission. The wide 1260-1650nm operating bandwidth accommodates both current and next-generation PON wavelength plans.

FAQ

Q: What does "bare fiber 250μm" mean for the output ports?

A: The 16 output fibers of this splitter terminate as uncoated 250μm diameter fibers without connectors or protective tubing. This design allows field technicians to fusion splice each output directly to distribution or drop cables, reducing overall insertion loss compared to connector-based terminations.

Q: Why choose SC/APC connectors instead of SC/UPC for the input?

A: SC/APC (Angled Physical Contact) connectors provide return loss of 60dB or higher, which is essential for PON networks transmitting video overlay signals on the 1550nm wavelength. The angled end face minimizes back reflections that could interfere with sensitive optical transmitters in OLT equipment.

Q: What is the typical insertion loss for a 1x16 PLC splitter?

A: The theoretical minimum insertion loss for a 1:16 split is approximately 12dB (10×log₁₀16). This steel tube splitter specifies a maximum insertion loss of 13.5dB at 1550nm, accounting for manufacturing tolerances and waveguide excess loss while remaining within GPON Class B+ power budget requirements.

Q: Can I install this splitter outdoors without additional enclosure?

A: While the steel tube provides robust mechanical protection, installation inside a sealed splice closure or fiber distribution cabinet is recommended to protect the bare fiber outputs and input pigtail from moisture and UV exposure. The splitter itself withstands -40°C to +85°C temperatures.

Q: How do I mount the steel tube splitter inside a fiber distribution hub?

A: Most FDH splice trays include dedicated slots or clips for steel tube splitters. Position the tube horizontally, secure with cable ties or mounting brackets, and route the bare fiber outputs to fusion splice holders. Ensure minimum bend radius of 30mm for 250μm bare fiber during routing.

Q: Is this splitter compatible with XGS-PON and 10G-EPON systems?

A: Yes. The 1260-1650nm operating wavelength range covers all current and planned PON standards including GPON (1490/1310nm), XGS-PON (1577/1270nm), and 10G-EPON. The singlemode G.657A1 fiber ensures low attenuation across all these wavelengths.

Q: What customization options are available?

A: Custom configurations include: input/output fiber lengths from 0.5m to 3.0m, alternative connector types (FC/APC, LC/APC) on input, 900μm loose tube on outputs instead of 250μm bare fiber, and special markings for fiber identification. Contact our team with specific project requirements.

Ordering Information

Evolux Fiber supplies the 1x16 SC APC PLC splitter with steel tube enclosure and bare fiber outputs in standard and custom configurations. Our production facility maintains inventory for rapid fulfillment of common specifications while accommodating project-specific requirements for larger deployments.