Optical cable stripper and splitter

Optical cable strippers prepare fiber ends for connection, while optical splitters distribute light signals to multiple outputs in fiber networks.

Optical Cable Stripping

Optical cable stripping is the process of removing the protective coatings or jackets from a fiber optic cable to expose the bare glass fiber for splicing, termination, or testing. Fiber strippers are precision tools designed to remove coatings without damaging the delicate glass core, ensuring signal integrity and reliable connections . The process typically involves:

• Stripping the outer jacket or sheath of the fiber cable.
• Removing primary and secondary coatings to expose the glass core.
• Preparing the fiber for splicing, connectorization, or insertion into devices like splitters. Proper stripping is essential because any nick or scratch on the fiber can cause signal loss or breakage. Tools vary from mechanical, thermal, or non-contact strippers, and are tailored to different fiber diameters and coating types .

Optical Splitters

Optical splitters are passive devices used to divide a single optical signal into multiple outputs or combine multiple signals into one. They are critical in passive optical networks (PONs) such as GPON, EPON, and FTTH, allowing a single fiber interface to serve multiple subscribers . Key functions include:

• Signal distribution: A 1×N splitter divides the input light into N outputs, each carrying a portion of the original signal power.
• Network efficiency: Enables multiple users to share a single optical line without active electronics.
• Versatility: Splitters can be FBT (Fused Biconical Taper) for small-scale applications or PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) for large-scale deployments, offering low loss, uniform light distribution, and high reliability . Splitters work through optical coupling and waveguide interference, ensuring minimal signal loss while redistributing light across multiple fibers .

Summary

• Fiber strippers: Prepare optical fibers by removing coatings for splicing or connectorization, ensuring clean, damage-free fiber ends.
• Optical splitters: Passively distribute or combine optical signals, enabling efficient sharing of a single fiber among multiple endpoints in telecommunications and data networks. Together, these tools and devices are fundamental for building, maintaining, and expanding fiber optic communication systems.