Switch for optical signals
US6606427B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2201/804
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A cross-connect switch for switching optical signals, in particular, Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexed (DWDM) signals is disclosed. The switch includes a switching matrix for each of the predetermined wavelengths of the DWDM signals. The switching matrices include Micro-Electro-Mechanical (MEM) systems which have optically reflective elements, typically mirrors, arranged in rows and columns for switching an incoming optical signal travelling along a row of such elements to an output port aligned with a column of the elements. The switch has input demultiplexers to split an incoming DWDM signal into its component channel wavelengths, each of which is directed to a switching matrix where it is switched to an output port and recombined into an outgoing DWDM signal by a multiplexer before being transmitted out of the switch. A wavelength-converting switch, connected across the switching matrices, is also included for switching channels between wavelengths.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.