High Density Optical Splitter with External Fanout
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for optical fiber access and deployment in fiber-to-the-X (FTTX) architectures leads to a need for higher signal splitting capacity in optical splitter modules, which typically requires more space in hubs or nodes, limiting the ability to add subscribers without expanding infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
The development of high-density optical splitter modules using ultra bend performance fiber and beneficial fanout designs, allowing for increased splitting capacity within a confined volume, with split densities exceeding 36 splits per cubic inch, and the use of external fanout devices to manage output fibers efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If more splitter modules are added to increase signal splitting capacity, then the number of subscribers that can be served increases, but the space consumed in hubs or nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fiber distribution system into modular splitter units that can be independently installed in rack-mounted configurations. Each splitter module contains a specific number of ports (e.g., 1x8, 1x16, 1x32) and can be stacked or arranged vertically to achieve high splitting capacity (96, 128, or more outputs) while maintaining a compact footprint that optimizes space utilization in fiber distribution hubs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal space consumption to vertical space utilization by implementing rack-mounted splitter modules. The modules are designed with vertical stacking capability, allowing multiple splitter units to be arranged in a vertical column within a standard rack enclosure. This dimensional change enables high-density fiber distribution (96+ outputs) while consuming minimal horizontal floor space in the hub or node location.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of output ports in a splitter module is increased, then more subscribers can be connected, but the physical size of the splitter module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the high-port-count splitter functionality into multiple smaller modular units. Instead of creating one large 1x96 splitter module, the system uses multiple 1x16 or 1x32 modules that can be combined through fiber patching or daisy-chaining. Each individual module maintains a compact, manageable size while the aggregated system achieves the desired high output capacity, making installation and maintenance more practical.
Solution Approach 2:
The splitter modules are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized port configurations that allow them to function in multiple ways. A single module can be used independently for small deployments, or multiple modules can be combined in series or parallel configurations to achieve higher splitting ratios. The modules can be mounted individually or stacked vertically in rack enclosures, providing flexibility in system design while maintaining compact individual module sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical splitter assembly for splitting an input signal from an input optical fiber is provided. The optical splitter assembly includes an optical splitter module having an input optical fiber, output optical fibers, and a splitter device configured to split the input signal from the input optical fiber into output signals that are each directed into one of the output optical fibers. The optical splitter assembly also includes external fanout devices that are provided outside of the optical splitter module. The optical splitter module defines an internal volume. The input optical fiber, the output optical fibers, and the splitter device are provided in the internal volume. One or more groupings of output optical fibers extend out of the optical splitter module to an external fanout device. Individual output optical fibers extend out of each of the external fanout devices with the individual output optical fibers being separate from each other.