Customized 40G/100G Optical Transceiver MUX/DEMUX Assemblies from China Suppliers and Factory
Product Introduction
AWG MUX/DEMUX (Arrayed Waveguide Grating Multiplexer/Demultiplexer) is a core passive photonic component that integrates wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) functionality on a planar lightwave circuit, enabling simultaneous transmission/reception of multiple optical signals over a single fiber.
It is a planar lightwave circuit (PLC)-based device that leverages the diffraction and interference of light in an array of optical waveguides.
MUX (Multiplexer) Function
Combines multiple optical signals of different wavelengths into one single fiber for efficient transmission.
DEMUX (Demultiplexer) Function
Splits a combined multi-wavelength signal back into individual wavelength channels for separate processing.
Key Design & Core Components
Critical Performance Traits
Operates in standard WDM bands (C-band: 1530–1565 nm; L-band: 1565–1625 nm) with channel spacing as tight as 0.8 nm (100 GHz) or 0.4 nm (50 GHz) for DWDM.
Typical insertion loss of 3–6 dB (C-band) with low polarization-dependent loss (PDL < 0.3 dB) and channel-to-channel uniformity (< 1 dB).
Channel isolation > 25 dB (typically 30–40 dB), preventing crosstalk between adjacent wavelength channels.
Maintains performance over a temperature range of -40℃ to +85℃, with low wavelength drift (< 0.05 nm/℃).
Small form factor (similar to PLC splitters) with support for high channel counts, ideal for space-constrained optical modules.
Typical Applications
Enables DWDM systems to multiply fiber capacity, supporting high-speed (10G/100G/400G) data transmission over hundreds of kilometers.
Used in data center interconnects (DCIs) and campus networks to consolidate fiber links, reducing cable complexity and cost.
Integrated into WDM transceivers (e.g., QSFP-DD, OSFP) for multi-wavelength parallel transmission, enhancing bandwidth per port.
Supports WDM-PON systems, enabling multiple users to share a single fiber with dedicated wavelengths.
Used to generate or analyze multi-wavelength optical signals for network validation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary function of an AWG MUX/DEMUX?
AWG MUX/DEMUX functions as a multiplexer (MUX) to combine multiple optical signals of different wavelengths into a single fiber, and as a demultiplexer (DEMUX) to split the combined multi-wavelength signal back into individual channels for processing.
What are the core components inside an AWG PLC chip?
The core components include Input/Output Waveguides to carry signals, Arrayed Waveguides with controlled length differences to create phase shifts, Slab Waveguides to distribute and collect light, and a PLC Chip Substrate (silica glass or InP base) to host the waveguides.
What typical insertion loss and isolation values does the device offer?
It typically features an insertion loss of 3–6 dB in the C-band, a polarization-dependent loss (PDL) of less than 0.3 dB, and high channel isolation of greater than 25 dB (typically 30–40 dB) to prevent channel crosstalk.
How does environmental temperature affect AWG performance?
The device is designed for high environmental stability, maintaining its optical performance over a wide temperature range of -40℃ to +85℃ with a very low wavelength drift of less than 0.05 nm/℃.
In which applications are AWG MUX/DEMUX modules most commonly used?
They are widely used in Long-Haul & Metro Networks (DWDM), Data Center Interconnects (DCIs), high-speed Optical Transceivers (e.g., QSFP-DD, OSFP), Passive Optical Networks (WDM-PON), and optical test and measurement equipment.