Agiltron MEMS 16 x 16 Fiber Optical Switch
(Non-Blocking, Bidirectional, Passive, 70dB on/off)
The 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. 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.
Each switch driver includes a GUI for programming and a command set (API) so customers can develop their own control software. Python and LabVIEW interface libraries; integration support is available for a fee.
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
| Parameters | Min | Typical | Max | Unit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operation Wavelength | 750 | 2400 | nm | ||
| Wavelength Bandwidth | ± 30 | nm | |||
| Insertion Loss [1] (SM) | 1.2 | 1.8 | 2 | dB | |
| Insertion Loss [1] (MM) | 1.8 | 2.5 | 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 | ||
| Transit Time Delay | 0.2 | ms | |||
| Port to Port Time Delay Difference | 0.5 | ns | |||
| Optical Power Handling (CW) [5] | 300 | 500 | mW | ||
| Storage Temperature | -40 | 85 | °C | ||
| Electrical Power Consumption | 50 [6] | W | |||
| Package Dimension | 1RU/2RU |
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.
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 visit Agiltron.com.
Warranty: 5-year manufacturer warranty.
Mechanical Dimension
19-inch rack with 1U, 1.5U or 2U depending on the connector type.
*Product dimensions may change without notice. This is sometimes required for non-standard specifications.
109 Switching Cycle Test
(This was performed on 1x2 component, not the switch system)
Agiltron has tested the MEMS 1x2 switch at the resonant frequency ~300Hz for more than 40 days, corresponding to over 109 switching cycles. The measurements show little changes in Insertion loss, Cross Talk, Return loss, etc., with all parameters remaining within specifications.
[Oscilloscope trace description: The trace shows two channels, CH1 and CH2, with CH1 displaying a square wave representing the switch state and CH2 showing a sinusoidal wave likely representing the drive signal. The time base is 1.00ms. The data indicates a switching frequency of 323.971Hz.]
Control & Electric Interface
The switch default control is Ethernet with a 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
- Dual 48V/110-220V Power Input
A command list is provided for customers to write their control code, such as Python.
Typical Insertion Loss vs Wavelength (1240-1630nm)
[Graph description: A line graph showing insertion loss in dB on the y-axis against wavelength in nm on the x-axis, for the range 1240-1630nm. The graph shows a relatively flat line with minor fluctuations, indicating low and stable insertion loss across the specified wavelength range.]
Ordering Information
| Prefix | Configuration | Channel Wavelength [1] | Control Interface | Package [2] | Fiber Type | Power Supply | Connector [3] | On/Off | PER | Monitor | Interface Code [4] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEMS- | 16x16 = 1616 2x16 = 0216 4x16 = 0416 Nx16 = 0N16 Special = 0000 | 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 USB = 4 Special = 0 | 1RU = 1 1.5U = 5 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 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 | Non = N Python = P LabVIEW = L |
Notes:
- [1]. Measured wavelength. The device has a wider wavelength coverage. Customer can request to measure at several wavelengths.
- [2]. Rack Mount Depth ~ 430mm.
- [3]. Regular fiber connector has PER ~22dB. Connector with PER >27 dB is available using special process.
- [4]. GUI and a command set (API) are included. Python $560. LabVIEW interface libraries $750.
Example of RS232 Control GUI
The RS232 Control GUI allows users to create running sequences, pause, and repeat loops. It features a 'Switch Operation Program' window with controls for running status, step duration, loop count, and action buttons (Run, Pause). A 'Programmable Running Sheet' lists steps, durations, and light path configurations (e.g., 11-01 12-02 13-03 14-04). Light Path Status indicators show input-to-output mapping.
Example of Ethernet Remote Control GUI
The Ethernet Remote Control GUI, part of the Optical Communication Management System, provides monitoring and configuration capabilities. The 'OXC8 Monitor Info' section displays input (IN1-IN8) and output (OUT) status for each channel. The 'Card Basic Info' table details card type, slot, software/hardware versions, manufacturing date, device type, sequence number, and user notes for the OXC8 card.
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 go 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 may cost more.
- 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.
Photonwares Corporation
Phone: +1 781-935-1200
Email: sales@photonwares.com
Website: www.agiltron.com
Information contained herein is deemed to be reliable and accurate as of the issue date. Photonwares reserves the right to change the design or specifications at any time without notice. Agiltron is a registered trademark of Photonwares Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
