Adjustable fiber optic attenuators from non-manufacturer suppliers

Adjustable fiber optic attenuators are widely available from distributors and resellers, offering variable attenuation for single-mode, multimode, and polarization-maintaining fibers with multiple connector options.

Key Suppliers and Options

FS offers both fixed and variable fiber optic attenuators with attenuation ranges from 0 to 60 dB, suitable for WDM transmission systems. Their variable attenuators provide stable and consistent optical loss without degrading signal integrity . RP Photonics provides a comprehensive buyer's guide listing over 40 suppliers, including non-manufacturer distributors. Their guide helps define selection criteria, compare product types, and evaluate suppliers for adjustable attenuators, ensuring informed purchasing decisions . Fibertronics, Inc. supplies adjustable attenuators using an air gap mechanism to regulate attenuation. These are available for single-mode 9/125, multimode 50/125, and 62.5/125 fibers, with ST or FC connector configurations. They also offer in-line and variable attenuators tailored to customer specifications . Thorlabs carries manual and electronic variable optical attenuators (VOAs) for single-mode, multimode, and polarization-maintaining fibers. Their VOAs are available with FC/PC or FC/APC connectors and can be unterminated or pre-terminated, providing flexibility for lab or field applications . AMS Technologies / OZ Optics offers pigtail-style inline variable attenuators and expanded beam designs with removable filters. These attenuators support single-mode, multimode, and polarization-maintaining fibers, with attenuation levels up to 80 dB. They are suitable for CATV, LAN, telecommunications, and test applications, and can be customized for connector type, fiber length, and wavelength range .

Selection Considerations

When choosing an adjustable fiber optic attenuator from a non-manufacturer supplier, consider:

• Fiber type: Single-mode (SM), multimode (MM), or polarization-maintaining (PM)
• Connector type: FC, SC, LC, ST, or APC variants
• Attenuation range: Ensure the device covers the required dB range for your application
• Insertion loss and back reflection: Low insertion loss and high return loss are critical for sensitive systems
• Form factor: Inline, pigtail, or benchtop depending on deployment
• Wavelength compatibility: Match the attenuator to your operating wavelength (e.g., 1300/1550 nm for SM fibers)

Applications

Adjustable attenuators are used for:

• Receiver protection by reducing optical power to prevent photodiode damage
• Power equalization in WDM systems
• Margin and linearity testing in optical networks
• Research and development experiments requiring variable optical loss By sourcing from distributors like FS, Fibertronics, Thorlabs, and AMS Technologies, you can access adjustable fiber optic attenuators without going directly through the original manufacturers, while still obtaining technical support and customization options.