If you operate fiber optic communications networks, you’re likely always looking for ways to maximize capacity, reach, and reliability. One technology that promises improvements in all these areas is pump and PM signal combiners.
This post will explain what these devices are, how they work, and what benefits networks can gain by Using them. Whether you’re an engineer, network operator, or just interested in fiber optics, read on to learn more!
What Are Pump and Signal Lights?
In fiber networks, a “pump” provides power in the form of laser light. This optical power amplifies the “signal” light as it travels long distances through the fiber, strengthening it along the way. The signal light carries the actual data being transmitted.
Traditionally, the pump and signal lights move separately through their own dedicated fibers. But with a pump and PM combiner, these two wavelengths are fused together into a single beam.
Why Combine Them?
By integrating the pump and signal into one, fiber optic systems gain advantages in reach, simplicity, reliability, and more. Let’s walk through some of the key benefits:
Greater Transmission Distances
As the pump amplifies the signal continuously along the fiber path, the signal can travel much farther without degradation. It’s like having a continuous energy boost that fights signal distortion and dispersion.
Simplified Network Architecture
Rather than separate pump and signal fibers interconnecting amplifiers, combiners allow two-directional transmission over a single fiber. This streamlines network layouts by reducing fiber and component needs.
Higher Signal Quality
Combining the wavelengths maintains a tight coupling between the pump power and signal channels. This results in lower noise buildup and an improved optical signal-to-noise ratio.
Enhanced Reliability
With fewer fibers and components in play, there are fewer potential points of failure. The reliability gains only increase as the networks span longer distances.
Greater Cost Efficiency
Pump and PM signal combiners can dramatically reduce capital and operating costs by eliminating the need for fiber, amplifiers, and transmission infrastructure.
Seamless Integration
A key benefit is that combiners integrate seamlessly with existing fiber plants. They can overlay onto legacy network routes by using already installed single-mode fiber.
Flexibility
These devices support varied channel plans and modulation formats. They’re versatile enough for use in regional, long-haul, and ultra-long-haul network installations worldwide.
Expanding System Capacity
Combiners enable increased fiber capacity through greater span lengths and higher signal channel counts. They represent an efficient method for service providers to expand their capabilities.
The benefits of this device span from engineering metrics like optical signal-to-noise ratio to major things like simplified architecture and enhanced flexibility.
Final Thoughts
Pump and PM signal combiners enable fiber networks to cost-effectively scale capacity, reach, and resilience. They optimize existing infrastructure while improving optical performance. Combiners represent an exciting innovation that is expected to become a standard in optical transport networks worldwide. Whether you’re an engineer designing these networks or working with them, the Pump and PM Signal Combiner can help you in many ways to enhance the capacity of fiber optic networks.