Agiltron MEMS 32 x 32 Fiber Optical Switch
(Non-Blocking, Bidirectional, Passive, 70dB on/off)
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 manufacturer 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. 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Center Wavelength | 750 | 1270~1630 | 2400 | nm |
Wavelength Bandwidth | ± 30 | nm | ||
Insertion Loss [1] (SM) | 1.5 | 2.4 | 2.8 | dB |
Crosstalk, On/Off Ratio | 45 | 70 | dB | |
Extinction Ratio (PM Fiber) | 18 | 23 | dB | |
Switch Speed (Rise, Fall) [2] | 10 | 20 | ms | |
Durability | 109 | cycle | ||
Polarization Dependent Loss | 0.04 | 0.2 | dB | |
Wavelength Dependence Loss [3] | 0.1 | 0.3 | dB | |
Return Loss | 50 [7] | dB | ||
Repeatability | 0.05 | 0.1 | dB | |
Operating Temperature [4] | -5 | 65 | °C | |
Port to Port Time Delay Difference | 0.2 | ns | ||
Optical Power Handling (CW) [5] | 300 | 500 | mW | |
Storage Temperature | -40 | 85 | °C | |
Electrical Power Consumption | 10 [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 click the link provided in the original document.
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 1x2 component, not the full 32x32 system. The MEMS 1x2 switch was tested at a resonant frequency of ~300Hz for over 40 days, accumulating over 109 switching cycles. The measurements showed minimal changes in Insertion Loss, Cross Talk, and Return Loss, indicating all parameters remained 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.
Typical Insertion Loss vs Wavelength
A graph shows typical insertion loss versus wavelength for the 1240-1630nm range. The insertion loss is generally below 0.5 dB across this spectrum, with slight variations.
Ordering Information
The ordering information is presented in a table format, allowing users to configure their specific switch by selecting various parameters such as Prefix, Configuration, Channel, Wavelength, Control Interface, Package, Fiber Type, Power Supply, Connector, On/Off, PER, and Monitor. Each parameter has a corresponding code for selection.
[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
The document includes examples of both RS232 and Ethernet Remote Control GUIs. The RS232 example demonstrates creating a running sequence with options to pause and repeat loops. The Ethernet GUI shows system monitoring and card basic information, including type, slot, software/hardware versions, and manufacturing date.
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 flightpath.
- 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 also 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.