Overview
MEMS Series Fiber Optical Switches are plug-and-play, all-in-one units that provide direct, non-blocking optical signal routing between any input ports to any output ports with millisecond switching speeds. These passive devices preserve signal integrity, supporting all data rates and waveforms. Engineered for long-term reliability, they are rated for continuous operation and backed by a five-year warranty.
The standard version is optimized for lasers with linewidths greater than 1 GHz; optional specialized coatings are available to mitigate etalon effects for narrow-linewidth lasers. Each switch is housed in a rack-mounted enclosure, with height determined by the selected front panel connectors. A web-based GUI is included, compatible with standard network management protocols. For developers, a complete command set is provided, and code-writing services are available upon request. The GUI supports time-based step scripts, enabling pre-stored switching sequences to eliminate execution latency, particularly useful in automated test setups. To further minimize control delays caused by non-real-time systems, a dedicated computer running a real-time OS (e.g., Linux on a single-board computer) is recommended. A multicast version is also available for applications requiring simultaneous distribution from one input to multiple outputs.
Features
- Low Cost
- High Reliability
- Low Insertion Loss
- Broad Band
- Compact Design
- Low Voltage
Applications
- Optical Signal Routing
- Network Protection
- Wavelength Management
- Signal Monitoring
- Instrumentation
Specifications
5-year manufacturer warranty
| Parameters | Min | Typical | Max | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operation Wavelength | 750 | 2400 | nm | |
| Insertion Loss [1] (SM) | 2.5 | 3.1 | dB | |
| Crosstalk, On/Off Ratio | 45 | 70 | dB | |
| Extinction Ratio (PM Fiber) | 18 | 23 | dB | |
| Switching Speed (Rise, Fall) [2] | 10 | 35 | ms | |
| Durability | 109 | cycle | ||
| Polarization Dependent Loss | 0.3 | 0.5 | dB | |
| Wavelength Dependence Loss [3] | 0.6 | 0.8 | dB | |
| Return Loss | 45 [7] | 50 | 55 | dB |
| Repeatability | 0.05 | 0.1 | dB | |
| Operating Temperature [4] | -5 | 55 | °C | |
| Port to Port Time Delay Difference | 0.2 | ns | ||
| Optical Power Handling (CW) [5] | 300 | 400 | mW | |
| Storage Temperature | -40 | 85 | °C | |
| Electrical Power Consumption | 30 [6] | W | ||
| Package Dimension | 2RU/4RU |
Notes:
- [1]. Measured at 1550nm without connectors; each connector adds 0.2-0.3dB. Shorter or longer wavelength loss increases. Minimum loss version is available as special order.
- [2]. This is intrinsic switch component performance. The remote control adds delay (Ethernet is the longest).
- [3]. Within 50nm bandwidth.
- [4]. -25°C~75°C version is also available.
- [5]. High power version available.
- [6]. For the non-latching version.
- [7]. For SM fiber, MM fiber is 35dB.
Note: The specifications provided are for general applications with a cost-effective approach. If you need to narrow or expand the tolerance, coverage, limit, or qualifications, please contact Agiltron.
Mechanical Dimension
19-inch rack with 2U or 4U depending on the connector type.
*Product dimensions may change without notice. This is sometimes required for non-standard specifications.
Switching Cycle Test
A test was performed on a MEMS 1x2 switch at its resonant frequency (~300Hz) for over 40 days, accumulating more than 109 switching cycles. The measurements showed minimal changes in Insertion loss, Cross Talk, and Return loss, with all parameters remaining within specifications.
Control & Electric Interface
The switch default control is Ethernet with a Graphical User Interface (GUI).
- Physical Layer: 10/100Base-T
- Data Link Layer: Ethernet Protocol per IEEE 802.3
- Network Layer: IPv4
- Transport Layer: UDP
- Application Protocol: SNMP
- Connector Type: RJ-45
- Power Input: Dual 48V / 110-220V
Agiltron provides a command list for customers to write their control code, such as Python scripts.
Typical Insertion Loss vs Wavelength
The graph displays the typical insertion loss in dB versus wavelength in nm for the range of 1240-1630nm. The curve shows that the insertion loss generally stays within acceptable limits across this spectrum, typically between -2.5 dB and 0.5 dB.
Ordering Information
| Prefix | Configuration | Channel | Wavelength [1] | Control Interface | Package [2] | Fiber Type | Power Supply | Connector | On/Off | PER | Monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEMS- 64x64 = 6464 | Single = 1 Duplex = 2 | 1240-1640nm = 1 1060 = 6 1310 = 3 1410 = 4 1550 = 5 1310/1550 = 2 850 = 8 Special = 0 | Ethernet = 2 RS232 = 3 Special = 0 | 2RU = 2 4RU = 4 Special = 0 | SMF-28 = 1 MM 50/125 = 2 PM1550 = 5 62.5/125 = 6 105/125 = E Hi1060 = 3 Hi780 = 8 PM980 = 9 SM800 = A PM850 = B PM780 = C Special = 0 | 110-220V = 4 48V = 5 | None = 1 FC/PC = 2 FC/APC = 3 SC/PC = 4 SC/APC = 5 ST/PC = 6 LC/PC = 7 Duplex LC/PC = 8 LC/APC = A LC/UPC = U E2000/APC = E MPO = Y Special = 0 | Regular = 1 SM70dB = 2 MM50dB = 3 PM70dB = 5 | Non = N >18 = 1 23 = 2 29 = 3 | Non = 1 Output = 2 Input Output = 3 Input = 4 |
[1]. Measured wavelength. The device has a wider wavelength coverage. Customer can request to measure at several wavelengths.
[2]. Rack Mount Depth ~ 430mm.
Control GUI Examples
RS232 Control GUI Example
This example demonstrates the RS232 control interface, allowing users to create running sequences, pause operations, and repeat loops. The interface includes a "Switch Operation Program" window with controls for running status, step duration, loop count, action buttons (Run, Pause), and a programmable running sheet that defines light paths for each step.
Ethernet Remote Control GUI Example
This example shows the Ethernet Remote Control GUI, part of the Optical Communication Management System. It provides a dashboard view for managing the switch, including system navigation, monitoring information for the OXC8 module, and basic card information such as type, version, and serial number.
Questions and Answers
- Q: If the device were to fail, would the switch continue to pass the fiber light through the switch as configured before failure?
- A: This depends; if one mirror fails, it only affects the light going through that mirror.
- Q: When power is restored, does the IN/OUT configuration before failure remain in place?
- A: Yes, when power is restored, it will revert to the previous configuration.
- Q: If the power to the device were shut off, would the device continue to pass the fiber light as configured before failure?
- A: This function is called latching. Agiltron offers MEMS latching switches, which are available at a higher cost.
- Q: With the Ethernet Control Option, does the switch support SNMPv3?
- A: Yes. This internet standard protocol allows users to write their own control code.
- Q: With the Ethernet Control Option, what type of encryption does the SNMPv3 use?
- A: MD5/DES.
- Q: With the Ethernet Control Option, could this device be controlled by multiple users at different locations, and will all users see the configuration updates?
- A: Yes.
- Q: With the Ethernet Control Option, does the user need to install any software on their computer other than a web browser?
- A: No.
