Maintaining path integrity in an optical switch
US6587611B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0043
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for ensuring path integrity in an optical switch is provided that essentially eliminates any occurrences of misconnected paths and enables new signal paths to be easily generated and existing paths to be switched. The method is suitable for use in optical switching devices that enable selective connection of optical signals received on a plurality of input fibers to respective output fibers, wherein the optical switching device includes a first array of mirrors disposed in a first mirror plane and a second array of mirrors disposed in a second mirror plane. In accordance with the method, all mirrors are maintained in signal paths so that undesired light is prevented from reaching any of the output fibers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.