Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) Splitters Market Forecast


Fiber Optic Market Research by ElectroniCast                   

ElectroniCast Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) Splitters
Global Market Forecast & Analysis (2016-2016)



Published:                  May 23, 2012
Pages:                        428 pages (main report)
Also Includes:            Excel worksheets and PowerPoint Slides
Fee:                            $4,800

Web: www.electronicast.com

Contact: Stephen Montgomery



This is the ElectroniCast analysis and forecast of global market consumption of planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitters used in optical communication applications.  For the purposes of this study, ElectroniCast specifically addresses the PLC splitter, using waveguide circuits and aligned fiber optic pigtails, integrated inside a package.

This report also quantifies the PLC splitter chip used in PLC splitter devices, as well as integrated with other PLC chips/functions to fabricate other devices or modules.

The 2011-2016 quantitative market forecast data presented in this study 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)

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 Splitter Applications analysis covered in this report:

·        Passive Optical Network (PON) / FTTX / Telecommunication Networks
      ·        Cable TV (CATV)
·        Fiber Optic Test/Measurement
·        Private Enterprise/Data Centers/Local Area Networks (LANs)
·        Harsh Environment (Military, Industrial, Other)

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 fusion splicing.

This report provides a detailed market and technology analysis of PLC splitters, which are largely driven by Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and are trending towards commodity manufacturing processes.  The ElectroniCast market forecast is segmented by the following product categories and split configurations:

Hierarchy of Selected PLC Splitters, by Fabrication-Level

                                    Chip
                                    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.

Next generation networks will combine voice, audio, data at high and low speeds, video, television (including interactive 3-dimensional high resolution television), and other specialized transmission into a single integrated infrastructure.
Included within the infrastructure will be business Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, unified messaging, web-assisted call centers, and a variety of small-business infrastructures. Residential use will include video on demand, 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.

The planar waveguide technology approach in PONs can win market share against the traditional fiber optic discrete devices because the parts are smaller and less expensive.  Planar waveguide technology aims to do for photonics what integrated circuits (ICs) did for electronics: take the market away from the bulky groups of circuitry and replace-it with products that are easy to replicate in mass quantities. The fact that PLCs can be inexpensive is particularly important given that cost has been a roadblock to past PON deployments.

About ElectroniCast          ElectroniCast Consultants specializes in forecasting trends in communication networks and in the products used in those networks.  This includes technology forecasting, markets and applications forecasting, strategic planning and consulting.

ElectroniCast Consultants, as a technology-based independent forecasting firm, serves industrial companies, trade associations, government agencies, communication and data network companies and the financial community.  Reduction of the risk of major investment decisions is the main benefit provided.  ElectroniCast's goal is to understand the challenges and opportunities facing clients and to provide timely, accurate information for strategic planning.

Project Director      Stephen Montgomery, MBA/Technology Management, President – International Business Expansion at ElectroniCast Consultants. 

Mr. Montgomery has specialized in photonics and fiber optic components market & technology forecasting at ElectroniCast for over 20-years.  In addition to serving as President for International Business Expansion at ElectroniCast Consultants, Mr. Montgomery is the Director of the Fiber Optics Components group. He has given numerous presentations and published a number of articles on optical communication markets, technology, applications and installations. He is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of LIGHTWAVE magazine (PennWell Publishing) and writes a monthly article covering the optical communication industry for OPTCOM Magazine in Japan (Kogyo Tsushin Co., Ltd.). 

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