LC Attenuator
LC Fixed Attenuator, Male to Female Buildout Attenuator, Plug-in Type, 0dB to 30dB in Increments of 1dB, Single Mode.
Product Categories
- WDM OTN
- Optical Transceivers
- Fiber Optic Cable Assemblies
- Cassettes and Enclosures
- Fiber Components
- Copper Cabling System
Description
Fiber optic attenuators are passive devices used to reduce the strength of fiber optic signals within a fiber optic network and come in various styles with fixed or variable attenuation levels. Generally, optical fiber attenuators are installed at the end of the optical signal transmission system, or in locations where the intensity of the optical signal needs to be reduced, such as near the optical receiver or optical transmitter. Its major application scenarios can be divided into the following two types:
Reduce Receiver Power
When the signal reaching the receiver is too strong, it may be caused by a transmitter/receiver mismatch or by using a converter designed for long distances. At this point, fiber optic attenuators are permanently installed in the fiber optic link to correctly match the signal power.
Link Level Margin Testing
When testing the optical power level, the optical fiber attenuator can be used with an optical fiber power meter to temporarily add a calibrated signal loss to test the power level margin in the network link.
LC Male to Female Attenuator Fixed Type
This is an ion doped fiber male to female attenuator of LC connector dual latch design, MSA Duplex spacing compliant, smaller housing for SFP transceivers. Fixed attenuation values of 0dB to 30dB, available with singlemode and multimode, UPC or APC polishing.
LC Loopback Attenuator Single Mode or Multimode
Attenuated LC fiber loopback module has an attenuation level ranging from 1dB to 30dB used for testing and provisioning fiber optic data links. It allows a looping back connection between the transmitter and receiver ports without the need for additional fiber optic cables or in-line attenuators.
LC Female to Female Attenuator Bulkhead Type
LC bulkhead attenuator is a fixed attenuator adopting a filter to achieve attenuation. This female to female type of attenuator enables it to accept a male fiber optic connector on each side of the bulkhead, which is ideal for use in fiber optic patch panels. Bulkhead attenuator is perfect solution for attenuating single mode fiber connectors for both lab and commercial applications.
LC In-Line Cable Attenuator 1dB to 30dB
LC in-line cable attenuator is an attenuator patchcord built to meet low reflection attenuation requirements. Each cord is custom built to accommodate your choice of cable length, mode style and connector type.
LC Variable Attenuator Air Gap Type
LC air gap attenuator has a ceramic alignment sleeve and can be used on both singlemode and multimode applications. This type of variable attenuator can be installed at the distribution panels or connecting two patch cords to become in-line attenuator application. Lengthen or shorten the air gap width, the user can easily adjust the attenuation value when using in conjunction with power meter.
LC Variable Optical Attenuator Collimator Type
LC variable fiber optic attenuator is a collimator-based manually variable attenuator enabling the user to change attenuation through the top thumb screw twist. Use this variable attenuator can simulate the loss in a fiber system or testing your system’s dynamic range. A power meter and light source can be used to determine the fixed attenuation value your system requires.
Specifications
| LC Optical Attenuator | ![]() LC Loopback | ![]() LC Male-Female | ![]() LC Bulkhead | ![]() LC In-line | ![]() LC Adjustable | ![]() LC In-Line OVA |
| Optical Attenuator | Loopback Attenuator | Male-Female Attenuator | Bulkhead Attenuator | Cable Attenuator | Adjustable Attenuator | VOA |
| Fiber Type | SM or MM | |||||
| Test Wavelength | SM:1310&1550nm; MM:850/1300nm | |||||
| Attenuation Level | 0-30dB in increments of 1dB | 0-30dB in increments of 1dB | 2/3/5/7/10/15/20dB | 0-30dB in increments of 1dB | 1-30dB | 0-60dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy | ±0.5dB (1-10dB) ±10%(11-30dB) | ±0.5dB (1-10dB) ±10%(11-30dB) | ±0.5dB (2/3/5dB) ±10%(7/10/15/20dB) | ±0.5dB (0-5dB) ±10%(6-30dB) | ±0.8dB | ±0.8dB |
| Return Loss | SMF: UPC≥50dB; APC≥60dB MMF: UPC≥25dB | |||||
| Durability | 50 matings, IL<0.2dB | |||||
| Optical Input Power | ≤ 1W | ≤ 1W | ≤ 300mW | ≤ 300mW | ≤ 1W | ≤ 300mW |
| Humidity | 95%RH | |||||
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C | |||||
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +85°C | |||||
Download
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is the purpose of an attenuator?
An attenuator of optical fiber reduces the intensity of the light signal power to avoid receiver saturation.
2. Why are RF attenuators so expensive?
As RF attenuators have precise construction, stability at frequency, robustness of materials, and effective control of their signals in certain applications, RF attenuators are highly costly.
3. Is LC better than SC?
The SC connector is bigger compared to the LC and is used in telecom networks, while the latter is smaller and is perfect for dense fiber connections within data centers.
4. Can you convert LC to SC?
Yes. Adapters and fiber cable patches that are used to connect two devices that have different connectors are available.
5. What is the lifespan of an SC to LC adapter?
With proper handling and maintenance by cleaning it regularly with an efficient SC to LC adapter, it will last for a very long time.
6. Do attenuators damage tube amps?
No. An attenuator is not meant to damage equipment if properly used.
7. What is the difference between multimode attenuators, LC attenuators, and LC loopback attenuators?
Multimode attenuators ensure a better dynamic range in multimode fiber systems, LC attenuators are used in optical systems that utilize LC connectors to control signal power, and LC loopback attenuators have both the attenuation and loopback functions built into the same component to diagnose network faults and test transceivers.
Related Products:










