Fiber Optics Tech

Fiber Optic Attenuators October 16th, 2008

Why Do We Need Fiber Optic Attenuators?

A fiber optic attenuator, also called an optical attenuator, simulates the loss the would be caused by a long length of fiber. Typically, this device performs receiver testing. While an optical attenuator can simulate the optical loss of a long length of fiber, it cannot accurately simulate the dispersion that would be caused by a long length of fiber.

Put it simply, for a fiber optic receiver, too much light can overload it and degrade the bit error ratio. In order to achieve the best bit error ratio (BER), the light power must be reduced. Fiber optic attenuators fit the requirement perfectly. This can happen when the transmitter delivers too much power such as when the transmitter is too close to the receiver.

What Is a Fiber Attenuator and How Does It Work?

Attenuators are like your sunglasses, which absorbs the extra light energy and protect your eyes from being dazzled. Attenuators typically have a working wavelength range in which they absorb the light energy equally. Read more..

Tags: connector type attenuator, fiber optic attenuator, fiber optic receiver, fixed value attenuators, receiver testing
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