Fiber Optics Mechanical Splicing

5/31/2015

Comment 1

? What is fiber optics splicing

Fiber Optics splicing is the process of jointing or holding two fibers
together
-: There are two methods of fiber optics splicing namely
a. Fiber Optics Mechanical Splicing

b. Fiber Optics Fusion Splicing

?What Is Fiber Optics Mechanical Splicing

In a mechanical splicing, two cleaved fiber tips are mechanically
aligned to each other by using a precise housing alignment. An index
matching gel is preinstalled between both end cleaved fiber tips to
.minimize back reflection and to maintain a low-loss optical interface
It is similar function to the fusion splicing except that the fibers are
held together by mechanical means rather than by permanent fusion
.or welding technique
The mechanical splice performance depends on
a. cleaving performance
b. mechanical splice housing alignment design
c. end-user skills and patience
The Fiber Optics Mechanical Splicing Concept
-:Basically the mechanical splice process involves five steps
a. fiber optics stripping
b. fiber optics cleaning to remove excess of plastic buffer
c. cleaving the fiber optics ends
.d. inserting the fibers into the mechanical splice housing
This mechanical splice housing retains the fibers so their ends are in
.contact
 Advantages of Mechanical Fiber Optics Splices

Mechanical splices require no special tools except for fiber .1

.optics stripper and cleaver
Mechanical splices can be used in situations .2
where power supply is not readily available or
.the using of fusion splicing is highly impractical
.Mechanical splices can be made as a temporary connections .3
Mechanically aligned cleaved fibers can be completed in few .4
.minutes thanks to precision alignment mechanism
It is a low investment especially for FTTH's drop cable .5
.installation

Disadvantages of Mechanical Fiber Optics Splices

The typical insertion loss of mechanical splicing is < 0.3 - 0.5dB .1

.compared to 0.03dB using fusion splicing
Mechanical splices are typically for multimode .2
fibers due to its larger core diameter size
however single mode mechanical splices is
gaining momentum in the installaton FTTH last
.mile
The optical performance depending on quality .3
of cleaving, alignment mechanism and index
matching gel
Above all, the completion of good mechanical .4
splices depending upon end-user skills and
.patience
Types of Mechanical Splices