May 27 2010
DiCon Fiberoptics, a leading specialist in optical communications equipment, has introduced a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) optical switch that is manufactured from multimode 62.5 µm or 50 µm core fiber.
The 1x16 multi-mode optical switch
The optical switch has a port count of about 1x16 in a compact unit. This feature allows optical switches that need higher port counts to be decreased in power, size and weight requirements. Optical switches with higher port counts are mainly utilized for defense and military purposes.
The fiber optical switch incorporates the MEMS technology and has been based on a platform that qualifies to Telcordia GR-1221, similar to certain techniques from MIL-STD-883. The optical switches have passed numerous toggling cycles and can withstand extreme levels of temperature cycling, dry heat, damp heat, vibrations, shocks and other unfavorable conditions. These capabilities make fiber optical switches suitable for avionics and military applications. The fiber optical switch can be used in video distribution and secure switching applications.
The optical switch is available in a compact package and measures 90x55x12.5 mm in size. It requires 1.5 W of power when controlled through transistor–transistor logic (TTL), or less than 700 mW of power when controlled through RS-232 or I2C232. The port count of the optical switch can be specified from 1x2 to 1x16. Apart from the standard switch configurations, special fiber types and other configurations are also offered.
DiCon Fiberoptics’ Vice President of Product Development, Robert Schleicher, informed that the company’s optical switch is a commercial off-the-shelf product and comes in customized configurations, which provide defense and military clients more flexibility to optimize their systems. He further stated that the company’s expertise in module design enables them to provide comprehensive military solutions.
DiCon Fiberoptics, established in 1986, designs and manufactures quality optical products, test equipment and integrated modules. The company offers a wide range of leading-edge components that combine, split, switch, filter, attenuate and monitor light. DiCon Fiberoptics specifically deals in advanced packaging, MEMS, optical coatings and micro-optic designs and has shipped a number of MEMS equipment. The company’s equipment is utilized in a variety of applications such as biomedical, industrial manufacturing, aerospace and defense sectors.