Flexible, modular, compact fiber optic switch
US6445844B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B2006/12104
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fiber optic switch includes a fiber optic switching module that receives and fixes ends of optical fibers. The module includes numerous reflective light beam deflectors which may be selected as pairs for coupling a beam of light between a pair of optical fibers. The module also produces orientation signals from each deflector which indicate its orientation. A portcard included in the switch supplies drive signals to the module for orienting at least one deflector. The portcard also receives the orientation signals produced by that deflector together with coordinates that specify an orientation for the deflector. The portcard compares the received coordinates with the orientation signals received from the deflector and adjusts the drive signals supplied to the module to reduce any difference between the received coordinates and the orientation signals. The switch also employs optical alignment to precisely orient pairs of deflectors coupling a beam of light between optical fibers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.