How FBT Fiber Optic Couplers Are Manufactured: A Deep Dive into FBT Machine Technology
Introduction Fused Bionical Taper (FBT) technology remains a cornerstone in passive optical network (PON) component manufacturing, particularly for fiber optic couplers, splitters, and WDM devices. At the heart of this process lies the FBT machine—a precision instrument combining thermal engineering, mechanical alignment, and real-time monitoring. This article explores the working principles, key components, and industrial applications of FBT machines, offering insights for telecom engineers and procurement specialists. 1. Core Mechanism of FBT Machines FBT machines operate on the principle of controlled fiber fusion and tapering: Fusion Stage : Two or more bare fibers are aligned in parallel and fused under precise hydrogen/oxygen flame heating (typically at 1,400–1,600°C). Tapering Stage : The fused section is elongated while monitoring insertion loss (<0.2 dB) and splitting ratio uniformity (±2%). Packaging : The active region is encapsulated in a quartz substrate or stainl...