How many 3 dB couplers are needed to construct a 16 way fiber optic splitter?

Question

Wikipedia says we need 31 couplers. Can't we do it with 8 couplers?

Based on the math in the wiki, (2^4)-1=15.
– Ron Maupin ♦
Commented Oct 1, 2015 at 3:35 — Ron Maupin, Commented Oct 1, 2015 at 3:35

Ron Maupin · Accepted Answer · 2015-10-01 04:08:33Z

3

Follow the math in the wiki article: (2^4)-1=15.

answered Oct 1, 2015 at 4:08

Ron Maupin♦

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2

Bottom-up - 8 to provide 16 end-points. 4 to provide connections to the 8, 2 to provide connections to the 4, 1 to provide connections to the 2. Not shockingly, still 15....
– Ecnerwal
Commented Oct 5, 2015 at 14:26

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