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Global Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) Splitters Market Forecast

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    Report

  • 518 Pages
  • March 2018
  • Region: Global
  • ElectroniCast
  • ID: 4620975
This is the author's analysis and forecast of global market consumption of planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitters used in optical communication applications. For the purposes of this study, the author specifically addresses the PLC splitter, using waveguide circuits and aligned fiber optic pigtails, integrated inside a package.

The 2017-2027 quantitative market review and forecast data presented in this report are segmented into the following geographic regions, plus a Global summary:
  • America (North America, Central and South America)

  • EMEA (Europe, Middle Eastern countries, plus Africa)

  • APAC (Asia Pacific)


PLC Splitter Applications analysis covered in this report:
  • Service Providers Telecommunication and Cable TV (CATV)

  • Passive Optical Network (PON), FTTX, Other

  • Fiber Optic Test/Measurement

  • Private Enterprise/Data Centers/Local Area Networks (LANs)

  • Harsh Environment (Military, Industrial, Other)


The forecast for each product-level is presented by function:
  • Consumption Value ($, Million)

  • Number of Units (Quantity in 1,000)

  • Average Selling Prices ($, each)


PLC splitters will continue to contribute an important role in Fiber to the Home (FTTH) networks by allowing a single passive optical network (PON) interface to be shared among many subscribers. PLC splitters are available in compact sizes; therefore, they can be used in aerial apparatus, pedestals or in-ground as well as rack mount or other module-based value-added product. Installation is simple using a variety of connector types or splicing.

This report provides a detailed market and technology analysis of PLC splitters, which are largely driven by FTTX/Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and are trending towards commodity manufacturing processes.

The market forecast is segmented by the following product categories and split configurations:
  • Hierarchy of Selected PLC Splitters, by Fabrication-Level

  • Component Device (compact)

  • Modules


Hierarchy of Selected PLC Splitters, by Splitter Configuration
  • 1xN

  • 1×2

  • 1×4

  • 1×8

  • 1×16

  • 1×32

  • 1×64

  • 2xN

  • 2×4

  • 2×8

  • 2×16

  • 2×32

  • Other (miscellaneous MxN)


The information is presented in easy-to-follow illustrations and text. The reasons for the forecasted trends are discussed. The report also outlines the market research methodology followed and the key assumptions made. Terms, acronyms, and abbreviations used are defined. A list of fiber PLC splitter manufacturers and related companies is provided, along with description of the types of PLC splitters and related technologies that they address. The technology trends of other pertinent fiber optic components and devices in the fiber optic marketplace are presented.

Optical communication networks combine voice, audio, data at high and low speeds, video, television (including interactive 3D high resolution television), and other specialized transmission into a single integrated infrastructure.

Included within the infrastructure is business Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, unified messaging, web-assisted call centers, and a variety of small-business infrastructures. Residential use includes smart-TV (Internet-based TV), cloud-based video on demand (Netflix/Amazon), e-commerce, small office/home office telecommuting, advertising, medical monitoring, elder care monitoring, childcare monitoring, home and office security. Most existing communications will be built upon an Internet backbone during the period of this study. Reasons for this transition are rooted in demand. The customers are demanding greater speed, more functionality and reliability, and naturally, they expect “perfect” quality of service.

Planar waveguide circuits (PWCs) also referred to as planar lightwave circuits (PLCs), incorporate numerous active and passive functional uses for packaged modules. The long-term trend is for a larger share of discrete-circuit (single-function) based PWCs/PLCs being displaced by equivalent performance hybrid (multiple-function) planar devices.

The majority of optical functions, such as splitters, variable optical attenuators (VOAs) and array waveguides (AWGs) are currently developed and implemented forming discrete (single function/monolithic) component integration. The combination of the packaging and integrated optics aspects of PWC technology provides for an attractive and powerful technology for devices/modules, which will hold multiple (two or more) functions (integrated multifunction devices); thereby, reducing size, weight, and cost versus larger, bulkier discrete devices/modules.

As the demand for larger quantities of optical communication components evolve, technologies, which are friendly to automation assembly processes, will have a competitive manufacturing/cost advantage. Use of silicon wafers, for example, draws extensively on the mass-production techniques of the commercial integrated circuit (IC) production whelm, since the fabrication of PWCs incorporates many of the same pieces of equipment and processes.

Fiber-to-the-Home passive optical networks (FTTH/PONs) integrated PLCs, with multiple functions, have promise for a sizable market. The biplexer, an all-in-one transponder that includes the two wavelengths, 1310nm upstream and 1490nm downstream, is one end-use modules based on planar waveguide technology that is required for PON. And some networks will use a 1550nm wavelength for a cable TV overlay, creating the need for triplexers.

Information Base

This study is based on analysis of information obtained continually over 15 years, but updated through the middle of March 2018. During this period, analysts performed interviews with authoritative and representative individuals in the fiber optics industry plus telecommunications, cable TV, private datacom, military/aerospace & other communication industries, instrumentation/ laboratory - R&D and factory/manufacturing, from the standpoint of both suppliers and users of planar waveguide circuits.

The interviews were conducted principally with selected:
  • Engineers, marketing personnel and management at manufacturers of fiber optic couplers/splitters, PON/FTTH components/devicse, optical fiber, AWGs/optical waveguide and other components, cable assemblies, test/measurement equipment, Fiber optic connectors, mechanical splices splice and installation apparatus

  • Design group leaders, engineers, marketing personnel and market planners at major users and potential users of optical communication devices, including passive optical devices and active/transceivers, such as telecommunication transmission, switching and distribution equipment producers, data communications equipment producers, harsh environment, military systems, aircraft and spacecraft electronic equipment producers, optical instrumentation system producers and others

  • Other industry experts, including those focused on standards activities, trade associations, and investments.


The interviews covered issues of technology, R&D support, pricing, contract size, reliability, documentation, installation/maintenance crafts, standards, supplier competition and other topics.

Selected customers also were interviewed, to obtain their estimates of quantities received and average prices paid, as a crosscheck of selected vendor estimates. Customer estimates of historical and expected near term future growth of their application are obtained. Their views of use of new technology products were obtained.

The analyst then considered customer expectations of near term growth in their application, plus forecasted economic payback of investment, technology trends and changes in government regulations in each geographical region, to derive estimated growth rates of quantity and price of each product subset in each application. These forecasted growth rates are combined with the estimated baseline data to obtain the long-range forecasts at the lowest detailed level of each product and application.

A full review of published information was also performed to supplement information obtained through interviews.

The following sources were reviewed:
  • Professional technical journals and papers

  • Trade press articles

  • Technical conference proceedings

  • Product literature

  • Company profile and financial information

  • Additional information based on previous market studies

  • Personal knowledge of the research team.


In analyzing and forecasting the complexities of the worldwide markets for planar waveguide circuits and related devices, it is essential that the market research team have a good and a deep understanding of the technology and of the industry. The members who participated in this report were qualified.

Note: Market forecast data in this study report refers to consumption (use) for a particular calendar year; therefore, this data is not cumulative data.

Bottom-up Methodology: The author forecasts are developed initially at the lowest detail level and then summed to successively higher levels. The background market research focuses on the amount of each type of product used in each application in the base year (last year - 2017), and the prices paid at the first transaction from the manufacturer.

This forms the base year data. The analysts then forecast the growth rates in component quantity use in device type, along with price trends, based on competitive, economic and technology forecast trends, and apply these to derive long term forecasts at the lowest application (use) levels. The usage growth rate forecasts depend heavily on analysis of overall end user trends toward digital broadband communication equipment usage and economic payback.

Cross-Correlation Increases Accuracy The quantities of fiber optic attenuators, DWDM, optical fiber/cable, connectors, transceivers, transport terminals, optical add/drop MUX, couplers/splitters, isolators, photonic switches and other products used in a particular application are interrelated. Since the author conducts annual analysis and forecast updates in each fiber optic related product field, accurate current quantity estimates in each application are part of this corporate database. These quantities are cross-correlated as a “sanity check.”

Table of Contents

1. PLC Splitter Market Forecast Executive Summary
1.1 Overview
1.2 Planar Waveguide Circuit Modules Market Trends
1.3 Fiber Optic Networks

2. PLC Splitter Market Forecast, by Fabrication-Level and Port-Count Configuration
2.1 Overview
2.2 PLC Splitter - Component Device (compact devices)
2.3 PLC Splitter Modules

3. PLC Splitter Market Forecast, by Fabrication-Level, Split Ratio and Application
3.1 Overview
3.2 Passive Optical Network (PON) - FTTX Networks / Service Providers (Telco/CATV)
3.3 Fiber Optic Test/Measurement & Specialty Applications
3.4 Private Enterprise Networks
3.5 Harsh Environment (Military, Industrial, Other)

4. PLC Splitter Technology
4.1 Overview
4.2 PLC Splitter - Component Device (tube or compact box)
4.3 PLC Splitter Modules

5. PLC - Related Product Suppliers Company Profiles - Company Profiles (60 companies)

6. Optical Communication Trends

6. Optical Communication Trends
6.1 Fiber Network Technology Trends
6.2 Components
6.2.1 Overview
6.2.2 Transmitters and Receivers
6.2.3 Optical Amplifiers
6.2.4 Dispersion Compensators
6.2.5 Fiber Optic Cable
6.3 Devices and Parts
6.3.1 Overview
6.3.2 Emitters and Detectors
6.3.3 VCSEL & Transceiver Technology Review
6.3.4 Optoelectronic Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs)
6.3.5 Modulators
6.3.6 Component Technology in Harsh Environments

7. Research and Analysis Methodology

8. Definitions: Acronyms, Abbreviations, and General Terms

9. 10-Year Market review and Forecast Data Base (2017-2027)

10. Region
  • Global

  • America

  • Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA)

  • Asia Pacific (APAC)


List of Tables
1.2.1 Standard: OM3- and OM4- Distances for Ethernet
1.2.2 40G/100G - Physical Layer Specifications
1.2.3 Licensed Local Fixed Carriers in Hong Kong
1.2.4 Features: Distributed Continuous Fiber Optic Sensor System Components
2.1.1 Polymer Photonic Technology & Components Examples
2.2.1 PLC Splitter Compact Device Global Forecast, by Region ($Million)
2.2.2 PLC Splitter Compact Device Global Forecast, by Region (Quantity/Units)
2.2.3 PLC Splitter Compact Device Global Forecast, by Split Configuration ($Million)
2.2.4 PLC Splitter Compact Device Global Forecast, by Split Configuration (Quantity/Units)
2.2.5 PLC Splitter Compact Device Global Forecast, by Split Configuration (Price, $ Each)
2.3.1 PLC Splitter Module Global Forecast, by Region ($Million)
2.3.2 PLC Splitter Module Global Forecast, by Region (Quantity/Units)
2.3.3 PLC Splitter Module Global Forecast, by Split Configuration ($Million)
2.3.4 PLC Splitter Module Global Forecast, by Split Configuration (Quantity/Units)
2.3.5 PLC Splitter Module Global Forecast, by Split Configuration (Price, $ Each)
3.1.1 PLC Splitter Compact Device Global Forecast, by Application ($Million)
3.1.2 PLC Splitter Compact Device Global Forecast, by Application (Quantity/Units)
3.1.3 PLC Splitter Module Global Forecast, by Application ($Million)
3.1.4 PLC Splitter Module Global Forecast, by Application (Quantity/Units)
3.2.1 PLC Splitter Device in FTTx/Telecom/CATV Global Forecast, by Configuration ($Million)
3.2.2 PLC Splitter Device in FTTx/Telecom/CATV Global Forecast, by Configuration (Quantity)
3.2.3 PLC Splitter Device in FTTx/Telecom/CATV Global Forecast, by Configuration (Price, $)
3.2.4 PLC Splitter Module in FTTx/Telecom/CATV Global Forecast, by Configuration ($Million)
3.2.5 PLC Splitter Module in FTTx/Telecom/CATV Global Forecast, by Configuration (Quantity)
3.2.6 PLC Splitter Module in FTTx/Telecom/CATV Global Forecast, by Configuration (Price, $)
3.3.1 PLC Splitter Device in Test/Measurement Global Forecast, by Configuration ($Million)
3.3.2 PLC Splitter Device in Test/Measurement Global Forecast, by Configuration (Quantity)
3.3.3 PLC Splitter Device in Test/Measurement Global Forecast, by Configuration (Price, $)
3.3.4 PLC Splitter Module in Test/Measurement Global Forecast, by Configuration ($Million)
3.3.5 PLC Splitter Module in Test/Measurement Global Forecast, by Configuration (Quantity)
3.3.6 PLC Splitter Module in Test/Measurement Global Forecast, by Configuration (Price, $)
3.4.1 PLC Splitter Device in Private Enterprise Global Forecast, by Configuration ($Million)
3.4.2 PLC Splitter Device in Private Enterprise Global Forecast, by Configuration (Quantity)
3.4.3 PLC Splitter Device in Private Enterprise Global Forecast, by Configuration (Price, $)
3.4.4 PLC Splitter Module in Private Enterprise Global Forecast, by Configuration ($Million)
3.4.5 PLC Splitter Module in Private Enterprise Global Forecast, by Configuration (Quantity)
3.4.6 PLC Splitter Module in Private Enterprise Global Forecast, by Configuration (Price, $)
3.5.1 PLC Splitter Device in Harsh Environment Global Forecast, by Configuration ($Million)
3.5.2 PLC Splitter Device in Harsh Environment Global Forecast, by Configuration (Quantity)
3.5.3 PLC Splitter Device in Harsh Environment Global Forecast, by Configuration (Price, $)
3.5.4 PLC Splitter Module in Harsh Environment Global Forecast, by Configuration ($Million)
3.5.5 PLC Splitter Module in Harsh Environment Global Forecast, by Configuration (Quantity)
3.5.6 PLC Splitter Module in Harsh Environment Global Forecast, by Configuration (Price, $)
5.1 PLC Splitter Manufacturing Product-Line / Features

List of Figures
1.1.1 PLC Splitter Chips
1.1.2 Schematic Drawing - PLC Splitter Chip and Other Parts
1.1.3 Illustration - PLC Splitter Wafer
1.1.4 Illustration - PLC Splitter Wafer
1.1.5 PLC Splitter Wafer
1.1.6 Wafer Process - PLC Splitters
1.1.7 1xN Splitter Photolithography Mask
1.1.8 PLC Splitter Chip (Planar Lightwave Circuit Splitter Chip)
1.1.9 PLC Splitter Chip
1.1.10 Illustration and Image of PLC Splitter Optical Fiber Interface Assembly
1.1.11 PLC Splitter Chips Global Consumption Market Forecast, by Region ($Million)
1.1.12 1x8 Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) Splitter Compact Device
1.1.13 1x32 and 1x8 PLC Splitter Compact Devices
1.1.14 Stainless Steel Packaged PLC Splitter Compact Devices
1.1.15 PLC Splitter Component-Level Compact Devices Global Forecast, by Region ($Million)
1.1.16 Value-Added PLC Splitter Modules
1.1.17 PLC Splitter Modules with Connectors
1.1.18 PLC Splitter Modules with Connectors
1.1.19 PLC Splitter Modules Global Forecast, by Region ($Million)
1.2.1 FTTP PON Architecture
1.2.2 Basic Data Center Topology
1.2.3 Multi-Tier Data Center Architecture
1.2.4 HFC Distribution System
1.2.5 Types of Metro Networks
1.2.6 Map - Global Southeast Asia-Japan 2 consortium (SJC2)
1.2.7 64 Gbaud LN modulator
1.2.8 64 Gbaud integrated coherent receiver
1.2.9 Map - Juniper submarine cable connecting Japan and the United States
1.2.10 Optical Fiber in an Aircraft
1.2.11 Optical Fiber Sensor Locations in an Aircraft
2.1.1 MxN Passive Optical Multiplexer
2.1.2 Waveguide Array Grating Filter
2.1.3 Waveguide Array Grating
2.1.4 Planar Waveguide Switch and Optical Cross-Connect
2.1.5 AWG DWDM Filter
2.1.6 PLC-Based Compact Integrated DQPSK Receiver
2.1.7 Integration vs. Discrete PLC Solutions
2.2.1 Mechanical Drawing: 1x2 and 1x64 PLC Compact Splitter Devices
2.2.2 Component-Level Compact PLC Splitter Devices
2.3.1 1x16 PLC Splitter Module
2.3.2 1x32 PLC Splitter Module with SC Connectors
2.3.3 Mechanical Drawing: 1x32 PLC Splitter Module
3.2.1 FTTH PON: Passive Optical Network
3.2.2 Radio Frequency over Glass: HFC
3.4.1 Typical Gigabit Product Deployment
4.1.1 Silica Micro-channels on a Chip
4.2.1 Single-mode PLC Splitter Compact Device
4.2.2 Single-mode PLC Splitter Compact Device
4.3.1 PLC Splitter Module
4.3.2 Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) splitter modules
5.1 5.7-inch PLC Splitter Wafer
5.2 1XN PLC Optical Splitter Chips
5.3 Small Footprint Optical Component
5.4 Small Footprint Optical Component (1x2 TFF MUX/DEMUX)
5.5 High-Density Combined Splice/Patchbox
5.6 2 x16 PLC Splitter Module
5.7 PLC Splitter Chip Features/Chips
5.8 Compact Drop Closure for FTTH Premise
5.9 ABS Box PLC Splitter
5.10 Assorted PLC Splitter Products
5.11 PLC Splitter Compact Devices
5.12 1x8 and 1x16 PLC Splitter Compact Devices
5.13 1x128 PLC Splitter
5.14 PLC Splitters
6.1.1 CFP2 ACO Transceiver for Beyond 100G Optical Networks
6.2.2.1 OTDR-SFP Optical Transceiver Block Diagram
6.2.2.2 Transceiver with Built-In Micro OTDR
6.2.2.3 Monitoring Optical Fiber Faults With SFP Transceiver Micro-OTDR
6.3.3.1 CWDM SFP 1G 80km Transceiver
6.3.3.2 VITA 66 Fiber Optic Backplane Connector Module
6.3.3.3 VPX Board Utilizes VITA 66.4 Optical Backplane
6.3.3.4 Diagram Illustration: Optical Transceivers Cabling with VITA 66.4
6.3.3.5 Typical Intra-Office Interconnections
6.3.3.6 1-Port OC-768c/STM-256c Tunable WDMPOS Interface Module
6.3.4.1 Monolithic Indium Phosphide Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC)
6.3.4.2 Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC)
6.3.5.1 400 Gbit/sec Dual Polarisation IQ Modulator
6.3.5.2 40 to 60Gbps Silicon-Based Optical Modulator
6.3.5.3 Integrated silicon optical transceiver for large-volume data transmission
6.3.6.1 Rad-Hard ASIC applications to a 150nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) process
7.1.1 Market Research & Forecasting Methodology

Executive Summary

According to the market review and forecast report, the worldwide consumption volume (quantity) of PLC component-level (bare-fiber) splitters reached an estimated 32.796 million units in 2017. PLC component splitters will continue to contribute an important role in deploying optical fiber closer to the subscriber (Fiber-to-the-Home/Building/Premises), by allowing a single passive optical network (PON) interface to be shared among many subscribers. PLC splitters distribute optical signals from an input optical fiber port to multiple optical fibers output port.

This report quantifies PLC splitter compact devices (bare fiber PLC components) and in-turn; PLC splitter devices used in factory-installed/fabricated PLC splitter modules (such as ABS Box modules and other types).

There are several piece-parts that are needed to produce a typical PLC splitter, such as 1 or 2 input optical fibers with an input fiber containment unit, a planar (splitter) chip, a fiber array containment unit, and several output optical fibers, as well as the housing/exterior package. PLC splitters are available in several configurations; the report provides market data on 11-separate configuration (port-count) for the years 2017-2027.

PLC splitter compact devices used in FTTx, Passive Optical Networks (PONs) and other Telecom (and CATV) service provider network applications led in global consumption volume (quantity) with 97.2 percent in relative market share or 31.878 million units in 2017. PLC splitter compact devices used with testing and monitoring applications are forecast to reach 1.24 million units in 2027, up from 841-thousand units last year. Market forecast data in this study report refers to consumption (use) for a particular calendar year; therefore, this data is not cumulative data.

Companies Mentioned

  • AFL
  • Amphenol Fiber Optic Products
  • Century Fiber Optics (Century Manufacturing Co., Inc.)
  • Channell Commercial Corporation (FiberX™)
  • Clearfield, Inc. CommScope Inc. (TE Connectivity - Raychem)
  • Corning Incorporated (Corning Cable Systems) / Samsung Fiber Optics
  • Cozlink (Anxun International Co., Ltd)
  • Fiber Instruments Sales Inc. (FIS)
  • FirstFiber.cn. Furukawa/Fitel/OFS
  • ILSINTECH (America Ilsintech, LLC)
  • Leviton Manufacturing Co., Incorporated
  • Multilink Inc.
  • Netsys Group USA
  • Pacific Interconnections LLC (PI) - Pacific Interconnections Group
  • PPC Worldwide (Belden)
  • Preformed Line Products (PLP)
  • 3M Interconnect Solutions
  • Sopto Technologies Co., Ltd (Hongan Group)