Integrated optical line card protection module
US6718084B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0083
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An integrated optical line card protection module uses free-space optical links to thereby increase the level of integration while decreasing footprint. The module comprises a bench, a user-side interface to an array of user fibers and a device-side interface to an array of device fibers. The device fibers connect the module to a primary device and a redundant device. A monitoring signal generator is provided on the bench that provides monitoring signals. A monitoring signal detector is also on the bench that detects the monitoring signals. Finally, a beam switching system is provided that selectively connects the user fibers to the device fibers of the primary device or the device fibers of the redundant device. The preferred configuration is in-line with the user-side interface on an opposed side of the module relative to the device side interface. This is accomplished with translating switching system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.