product introduction
The ST fiber optical attenuator is a passive device used in fiber optic communication systems. Its main function is to reduce the intensity (power) of the optical signal to prevent the receiving device from being saturated or damaged due to excessive signal strength.
Product Features
Precise Attenuation Control
The attenuation accuracy of the ST fiber optical attenuator is as high as ±0.5dB. In contrast, the accuracy of ordinary attenuators on the market is usually around ±1dB. The high-precision attenuation of our equipment can more accurately adjust the optical power to the optimal operating range of the receiving device, avoiding signal saturation caused by excessive power or signal loss caused by too low power.
Low Insertion Loss
The insertion loss of the ST fiber optical attenuator is within 1.9dB. In contrast, the insertion loss of the common ST attenuators on the market is usually between 2.0-2.5dB. Lower insertion loss means that the signal generates less unexpected energy loss when passing through the attenuator, thereby reducing the signal attenuation of the overall link. This makes our equipment more suitable for long-distance signal transmission.
High Power Handling Capability
The maximum optical input power of the ST fiber optical attenuator is up to 200mW. In contrast, the maximum optical input power of most standard ST attenuators on the market is usually limited to between 100-150mW. Attenuators with low power handling capabilities may cause safety issues such as material ablation and interface melting loss during high-power operation. However, our ST attenuators will not have such problems.
product Spepcification
|
Fiber Connector |
ST |
Ferrule Type |
Zirconia Ceramic |
|
Connector Gender |
Fixed Male to Female |
Transfer Mode |
Singlemode |
|
Attenuation |
1-25dB |
Polish Type |
UPC or APC |
|
Attenuation Accuracy |
1-9 dB (±0.5dB) |
Attenuation Accuracy |
10-25dB (±10%) |
|
Return Loss |
UPC≥50dB; APC≥60dB |
Connector Color |
UPC-Blue; APC-Green |
|
Polarization Dependent Loss |
≤0.2dB |
Max Optical Input Power |
200mW |
|
Durability |
500 times |
Operating Wavelength (nm) |
1260~1620 (SM) |
|
Operating Temperature Range |
-40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F) |
Storage Temperature Range |
-40 to 85°C (-40 to 185°F) |
FAQ
Q: What is the normal range of fiber optic attenuation?
Fiber optic attenuators come in two main types:
1. Fixed Fiber Optic Attenuator
The attenuation level is fixed (such as 1dB, 5dB, 10dB, etc.). For example, a -3dB fiber optic attenuator provides an attenuation of 3dB. This type is commonly used in telecommunications networks, fiber optic testing equipment, local area networks (LANs), and cable television (CATV) systems. Fixed fiber optic attenuators typically have two interfaces: a male connector and a female connector.
2. Adjustable Fiber Optic Attenuator
This type of device allows users to adjust the attenuation level as needed. It features a compact design, lightweight structure, high attenuation accuracy, a wide adjustment range (typically 1–60dB), and strong stability. These attenuators support connectors such as ST, FC, SC, and LC, and are mainly used in fiber optic communication networks, fiber optic data networks, CATV systems, and fiber optic testing setups.
Q: Why use an ST Fiber Optic Attenuator?
A fiber optic attenuator is a device that reduces the power of an optical signal. It is used to attenuate the input optical power and prevent distortion caused by excessive power at the optical receiver.
The optical power received by different optical receivers must fall within a certain range. If the power is too low or too high, the receiver may not function properly. When the power is too high, an attenuator is used to reduce it to an acceptable level. Even if the device works at high power, it may shorten its lifespan.
From a personal perspective, stronger optical signals generate more heat and impose greater demands on components that carry or process them. Therefore, an attenuator is often needed to control these effects.
Attenuators are mainly used for performance testing of optical fiber systems, signal attenuation in short-distance communication systems, and overall system testing.
Stronger is not always better. Excessive optical power can damage receiving devices, which is why attenuation is necessary. For example, the human eye can handle moonlight, but looking at the sun is painful and can cause damage. Similarly, optical communication equipment has a rated input power defined by the manufacturer. If the input exceeds that range, attenuation is required.
In fiber optic communication systems, CATV systems, and high-power optical devices, attenuators are used to reduce input power and avoid signal distortion at the receiver.
Hot Tags: st fiber optical attenuator, China st fiber optical attenuator manufacturers, suppliers, LC Fiber Optical Attenuator, FC Fiber Optical Attenuator
