Matrix switch

US6256429A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Institut für Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Wolfgang Ehrfeld · Karlsruhe, DE
• Heinz Lehr · Mainz, DE
• Antoni Picard · Eltville am Rhein, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 29, 1999
• Grant date: Jul 3, 2001
• Expiry date: Sep 29, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/358
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention relates to a matrix switch for optical fibers, exhibiting slides (S1(n)) arranged in lines, to each of which an input optical fiber (LWL1(n)) is fixed, and slides (S2(m)) arranged in columns to each of which an output optical fiber (LWL2(m)) is fixed. The slides with the optical fibers are arranged on two planes in such a way that the input optical fibers can be optically coupled to the output optical fibers by displacing the output and input slides. A device (1) with stops (2) arranged in lines and columns is provided to position the slides (S1(n)), (S21(m)) to which the input or output optical fibers (LWL1(n)), (LWL1(n)) are fixed. The positioning device (1) enables the advancement of the output slides (S2(m)) to be limited in such a way that the output slides are secured in an exact position in which the input optical fibers can be coupled to the output optical fibers. The input and/or output slides are fitted with stops which are arranged in such a way that the input or output slides are secured in a position in which the input are exactly aligned with the output optical fibers. The matrix switch for optical fibers has a simple, compact design. It enables high-pre…