NanoSpeed™ 27dB Extinction, Low Drift 1x2 Fiber Optical Switch
1dB Loss, SMF, PMF, High Power, Bidirectional
(Protected by U.S. patent 7,403,677B1 and pending patents)
Applications
The NSSI series of NanoSpeed electro-optical switches uniquely feature low optical loss and high on-off extinction of 30dB, little drift, fast response, and high optical power handling. This is achieved using drift-compensating electro-optical control technology that significantly reduces drift to achieve a high on/off ratio at high speed.
The switch cascades several units on a PCB board with a cover. Control is 5V TTL via an SMA signal input port, and power is 12V DC (a wall pluggable power supply is included). The NS fiber-optic switch meets demanding reliability requirements for undersea, space, and continuous switching applications, offering a longevity of over 25 years.
The switch is intrinsically bidirectional and selectable for polarization-independent or polarization-maintain operation based on the fiber type. No optical signal loss occurs during switching, as optical power is transferred continuously from one port to another. (Visual description: A graph illustrates continuous optical power transfer during switching.)
The Low-Drift series of Nanospeed devices are intended for operation at a repetition rate greater than 1Hz. The NS series switches respond to a control signal with any arbitrary timing, from DC up to MHz frequencies. The switch is typically mounted on a tuned driver before shipping. Electrical power consumption is related to the repetition rate.
The device may exhibit some drift over time when operated at a zero switching rate. A dual-stage configuration enhances the extinction ratio or cross-talk performance.
Key Application Areas:
- Laser Systems
- Sensor Systems
- Instruments
- Quantum Systems
Specifications
| Parameter | Min | Typical | Max | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center Wavelength [1] | 650 - 2300 | nm | ||
| Insertion Loss [2] (1900 – 2300nm) | 0.8 | 1.2 | dB | |
| Insertion Loss [2] (1700 – 2300nm) | 0.8 | 1.8 | dB | |
| Insertion Loss [2] (1700 – 1900nm) | 0.5 | 1 | dB | |
| Insertion Loss [2] (1260 – 1650nm) | 1 | 1.8 | dB | |
| Insertion Loss [2] (960 – 1100nm) | 0.8 | 1.2 | dB | |
| Insertion Loss [2] (650 – 950nm) | 1 | 2 | dB | |
| On/Off Ratio, Cross Talk [3] | 22 | 27 | 35 | dB |
| Durability | 1014 | cycle | ||
| PDL (SMF) | 0.15 | 0.3 | dB | |
| PMD (SMF) | 0.1 | 0.3 | ps | |
| ER (PMF) | 18 | 25 | dB | |
| Insertion Loss Temperature Dependence | 0.25 | 0.5 | dB | |
| Return Loss | 45 | 50 | 60 | dB |
| Response Time (Rise or Fall) | 50 | 100 | ns | |
| Electrical-Optical Delay | 0.3 | 250 | ns | |
| Optical Power Handling [4] | 20 | W | ||
| Repetition Rate [5] | 0.0001 | 20 | kHz | |
| Operating Temperature | -10 | 50 | °C | |
| Storage Temperature | -40 | 80 | °C | |
| Power Consumption | 2 | W |
Notes:
- [1]. Operation bandwidth is ±25nm, approximately at 1550nm.
- [2]. Measured without connectors. Each connector adds approximately 0.25dB loss.
- [3]. Measured at ±25nm, 100kHz. The time gap between switching should be <10ms to avoid charge build-up at wavelengths shorter than 800nm that may degrade the on/off value.
- [4]. Defined at 1310nm/1550nm. For shorter wavelengths, optical power handling may be reduced.
- [5]. Currently, DC-100 kHz is available. Higher frequencies are under development.
Note: The specifications provided are for general applications with a cost-effective approach. For narrowed or expanded tolerances, coverage, limits, or qualifications, please contact Agiltron.
Features
- 30dB High on/off Ratio
- Solid State High Reliability
- High Speed Operation
- Very Low Optical Loss
- High Optical Power Handling
- Minimal Transit Echoes
- Wide Operation Temperature Range
- Vibration Insensitive
Mechanical Dimensions
Visual description: Diagram showing the physical dimensions of the product package in millimeters.
Visual description: Diagram showing the physical dimensions of the PCB package in millimeters.
Visual description: Diagram showing the mechanical dimensions of the benchtop box.
*Product dimensions may change without notice, sometimes required for non-standard specifications.
Switching Performance Visualizations
Visual description: A graph illustrating the typical response during 20kHz switching between two ports.
Visual description: A graph showing the intensity exchange between output ports during switching.
Optical Performance Visualizations
Visual description: A graph plotting optical power handling against wavelength for single-mode fibers.
Visual description: A graph showing the typical on/off ratio in dB versus wavelength.
Ordering Information
The ordering code for the NanoSpeed switch is structured as follows:
Prefix - Type - Wavelength [1] - Optical Power [2] - Configuration - Max Frequency - Fiber Type - Fiber Cover - Fiber Length - Connector - Package
Type: NSSI-1x2 (1x2 Switch)
Wavelength [1]:
- 1060nm = 1
- L Band = 2
- 1310nm = 3
- 1410nm = 4
- 1550nm = 5
- 1750nm = A
- 2000nm = B
- 980nm = 9
- 850nm = 8
- 780nm = 7
- Special = 0
Optical Power [2]:
- Standard = 1
- 5W = 2
- 10W = A
- 15W = C
- 20W = D
- Special = 0
Configuration: 27dB = 3
Max Frequency:
- 20kHz = 2
- 50kHz = 5
- Special = 0
Fiber Type:
- SMF-28 = 1
- HI1060 = 2
- HI780 = 3
- PM1550 = 5
- PM980 = 9
- PM850 = 8
- Special = 0
Fiber Cover:
- Bare fiber = 1
- 0.9mm tube = 3
- Special = 0
Fiber Length:
- 0.25m = 1
- 0.5m = 2
- 1.0 m = 3
- Special = 0
Connector:
- None = 1
- Box = 1
- FC/PC = 2
- PCB = P
- FC/APC = 3
- Benchtop = B
- SC/PC = 4
- SC/APC = 5
- ST/PC = 6
- LC/PC = 7
- Duplex LC/PC = 8
- LC/APC = 9
- LC/UPC = U
- E2000 APC = A
- Special = 0
Package:
- PCB = P
- Benchtop = B
- Special = 0
Notes:
- [1]. Center wavelength. High power switches are not available for wavelengths shorter than 960nm.
- [2]. Regular connectors cannot handle high power. Please contact Agiltron for their unique high-power connectors.
* This unit comes with an integrated driver, and a power supply is included. Red color indicates a special order.
Application Notes
Fiber Core Alignment
Note that the minimum attenuation for these devices depends on excellent core-to-core alignment when connectors are mated. This is crucial for shorter wavelengths with smaller fiber core diameters, which can increase loss by many decibels above specification if not perfectly aligned. Different vendors' connectors may not mate well, especially for angled APC connectors.
Fiber Cleanliness
Fibers with smaller core diameters (<5 µm) must be kept extremely clean. Contamination at fiber-fiber interfaces, combined with high optical power density, can lead to significant optical damage. This type of damage usually requires re-polishing or replacement of the connector.
Maximum Optical Input Power
Due to their small fiber core diameters for short wavelengths and high photon energies, the damage thresholds for these devices are substantially reduced compared to common 1550nm fiber. To avoid damage to exposed fiber end faces and internal components, optical input power should never exceed 20 mW for wavelengths shorter than 650nm. Agiltron produces a special version to increase power handling by expanding the core side at the fiber ends.
Important Warnings and Legal Notices
Warning: This is an OEM module designed for system integration. Do not touch the PCB by hand. Electrical static can damage chips even without a power plug-in. Unpleasant electrical shock may also be felt. For laboratory use, please purchase a Turnkey system.
Legal Notices: All product information is believed to be accurate and is subject to change without notice. Information contained herein shall legally bind Agiltron only if it is specifically incorporated into the terms and conditions of a sales agreement. Agiltron is a registered trademark of Photonwares Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. The user assumes all risks and liability whatsoever in connection with the use of a product or its application.
