The Patton Model WDP16-L is a rack-mountable passive 16-channel coarse wavelength division multiplexer. Unlike the similar products in the WDM series, this unit is passive, and all connected fiber optic modules must be externally selected to specific wavelengths. Being a passive unit, the WDP16 requires no external power and occupies a smaller 1U rack space. Fiber optic inputs and outputs are connected via singlemode duplex LC/PC mating sleeves in the rear of the unit.
There are several advantages of the WDP16 passive CWDM versus FiberPlex’ active WDM16 system depending on application. The WDM16 will only accept digital signals via externally installed SFP modules. While this works for many applications, signals such as RF optical are analog in nature and cannot be used with SFP modules. These analog signals will work perfectly with the WDP16. In addition, since the WDP16 are passive, there is no power consumption or heat issues. Since the WDP16 has no power supplies, they are inherently more reliable.
