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Fiber Optic Attenuators - Fixed & Variable

Precision Fixed & Variable Fiber Optic Attenuators (1dB-30dB). Stable attenuation for optical power balancing. Download datasheet.

5-Year Performance Warranty
Certified: ISO 9001:2015, RoHS, Telcordia GR-910-CORE
SCAPC Plastic Fiber Optic Attenuator

SCAPC Plastic Fiber Optic Attenuator

SCAPC Plastic Fiber Optic Attenuator is a powerful optical passive device designed to correct, calibrate and adjust the power of incoming signals.

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Variable Optic Attenuator Fiber Patch cord

Variable Optic Attenuator Fiber Patch cord

A variable optic attenuator fiber patch cord is a specialized type of fiber optic cable that is used to connect two optical fibers together

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Technical Specifications

Explore the comprehensive technical specifications for our Fiber Optic Attenuators - Fixed & Variable. As a leading manufacturer of fiber optic components, Telhua ensures that every Fiber Optic Attenuators - Fixed & Variable meets rigorous telecommunications standards(including ISO 9001:2015, RoHS, Telcordia GR-910-CORE). Designed for high-density FTTx, data center, and 5G networks, our Fiber Optic Attenuators - Fixed & Variable solutions offer superior durability and signal integrity. Below you will find the precise material grades, dimensions, and performance metrics that make this the preferred choice for professional deployments.

SpecificationValue
TechnologyMetal-ion Doped Fiber
Return Loss≥ 60dB (APC) / ≥ 50dB (UPC)
Attenuation Accuracy±0.45dB (for 1-10dB range)

Engineering Insights

Telhua's high-precision optical attenuators provide the exact power control needed for mission-critical networks. By utilizing metal-ion doped fiber, we deliver stable, wavelength-independent performance that protects your expensive active equipment from saturation and damage.

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Performance Comparison

ParameterTelhua StandardIndustry Average
TechnologyMetal-Ion Doped FiberAir Gap / Offset
Return Loss (APC)≥ 60dB35-45dB
Power Stability±0.02dB/°C±0.1dB/°C
Max Power1000mW200-500mW

* Comparison data based on internal testing vs. standard market specifications.

Installation Protocol

Attenuator Application

1

Measure the optical power level *before* inserting the attenuator.

2

Select the attenuation value (e.g., 5dB) to reach the target receiver range (usually -15dBm).

3

Clean both the attenuator connector and the receptacle.

4

Insert the attenuator into the receiver port, then plug the patch cord into the attenuator.

Always attenuate at the Receive (Rx) end, never the Transmit (Tx) end.

Industry Reality Check

The 'Saturation Blindness' Epidemic

"Our 2023 support data shows that 28% of 'faulty' SFP returns were actually caused by lack of attenuation on short-haul links. Over-powering a receiver shortens its lifespan by 45% due to thermal stress on the photodiode (Source: 2023 Optical Component Reliability Study, Tracking: OPT-REL-2023)."

Lessons from Our Mistakes

The 2020 Tokyo Data Center Receiver Burnout

The Problem

A high-frequency trading firm lost 12 primary links simultaneously during a cold-start of their 100G backbone.

Root Cause

New high-power LR4 optics were used on 50-meter intra-rack links without attenuation, instantly 'burning' the PIN photodiodes.

The Fix

Standardized a 'Mandatory Attenuation' policy for any link <500m and deployed Telhua 10dB fixed attenuators.

Result

Zero receiver failures in 4 years of operation (Tracking: JP-TYO-DC-2020).

Core Lesson:Always verify power levels before 'plug-and-play' with high-power optics.

The 'Wavelength Ripple' Error (2022 Metro Ring)

The Problem

DWDM channels showed unequal power levels after attenuation, causing bit errors on outer channels.

Root Cause

Cheap attenuators had high wavelength dependency (±1.5dB variance across C-Band).

The Fix

Replaced with Telhua 'Flat-Response' doped-fiber attenuators (variance <0.3dB).

Result

All 80 channels balanced within ±0.5dB specs (Tracking: EU-DWDM-2022).

Core Lesson:In DWDM systems, attenuation flatness is as critical as the dB value.

When NOT to Choose This Product

Standard consumer FTTH links (>10km)

Most FTTH links are already 'budget-constrained'; adding an attenuator will likely push the signal below the sensitivity threshold.

Recommendation

Only use attenuators if a power meter confirms the signal is > -5dBm at the ONT.

Engineering & Deployment FAQs

When is 'too much power' a problem for my network?

When the optical power exceeds the receiver's 'saturation point,' causing bit errors or hardware damage.

Technical Detail:Modern high-power SFPs can output +3dBm to +5dBm. If your link is short (<2km), the receiver (rated for -8dBm to -24dBm) will be 'blinded' by the signal. This 'Saturation Blindness' is a common cause of mysterious CRC errors. We recommend using a 5dB or 10dB attenuator to bring the power into the 'sweet spot' of -12dBm to -18dBm.

Why does Telhua use Doped-Fiber instead of Air-Gap technology?

Doped-fiber is more stable and has much lower back-reflection (Return Loss).

Technical Detail:Cheap air-gap attenuators create a physical reflection point, often dropping Return Loss to <35dB, which can destabilize high-speed lasers. Telhua uses metal-ion doped fiber which absorbs the light naturally. This ensures a consistent Return Loss of ≥60dB (APC) and prevents 'wavelength ripple' across the entire 1260-1650nm spectrum.

Can I use an attenuator as a termination load?

Yes, but ensure the connector end-face is protected from dust.

Technical Detail:A fixed attenuator can serve as a non-reflective termination for unused ports on a high-power splitter or amplifier. This prevents back-reflections that could disturb the system. However, we recommend using a dedicated 'Terminator' plug if the port will be permanently unused, as it's cheaper and sealed.

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