Axial overpackaging and routing apparatus for optical fiber power splitter devices

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus for overpackaging and routing of optical fiber power splitting devices, such as planar lightwave circuit (PLC) devices. The apparatus includes an axial overpackage housing with a first end configured as an optical fiber for coupling to the input port of a planar waveguide element positioned within the overpackage housing, and a second end configured for coupling to a plurality of output ports of the planar lightwave element. The apparatus includes one or more transition blocks coupled to the second end of the overpackage housing. The transition block can be integral with or coupled to the second end of the overpackage housing directly, or via one or more fibers or multi-fiber groups. The transition block transitions the second end of the overpackage housing to individual fibers. The transition block also can pre-arrange the fibers to bend or route within a fiber management system.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.