10 July 2003 Tokyo Lightwave -- Omron Corp. will begin making shipments for samples of the following optical communications devices:
• P1S22A Singlemode-type 2 x 2 optical switch (available from July 14)
• P1L12A Multimode-type micro lens array (available from July 14)
• P1X4A 4-channel CWDM multiplexer/demultiplexer (available from August)
• P1S18A Singlemode-type 1 x 8 optical switch (available from August)
Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology is eagerly anticipated, but a tremendous cost reduction in network devices is necessary to realize affordable service, say Omron representatives. The company has responded to this need with a product group that integrates proprietary micro lens array (MLA) and actuator technologies and is designed specifically for access networks, metro networks, and interconnection.
Until now, optical communications devices required expensive high-precision parts and a large number of assembly parts/number of alignments, so there was no way to avoid high costs. At Omron, lenses and other optical elements are manufactured through replication; utilizing arrayed parts reduces the number of assembly parts, and total auto-alignment is possible by arraying parts together.
Specifically, the micro lenses, arrayed in a line the distance of 250-um, are inserted into a concentrated/parallel-type coaxial series aspheric configuration. Replicable processing of a coaxial symmetric free form lenses is also possible and the expansion of various applications is possible. Moreover, fine level optics design becomes attainable and significant miniaturization is realized, contends the company.
By bringing cost reduction to this device group, network technologies that could only be used until now in backbone networks will expand into access domains.
P1S22A Singlemode-type 2 x 2 optical switch
Characteristics:
• Range of 1525 - 1565 nm. Self-maintaining functionality.
• Magnetic drive system along with a reduction of assembly parts to the utmost limit, including the miniaturization of a MEMS system
• Targets replacement of electric switches for redundancy switching in access networks and installation into optical transmission systems and transmission devices.
Specifications:
• Insertion loss: 2.5 dB or lower (Typical 1.7 dB)
• Crosstalk: 55 dB or higher
• Return loss: 35 dB or higher
• Drive pressure when switching: 5 VDC
• Dimensions: 12 (W) x 27 (L) x 8 (H) mm
• Sample price: 24,000 yen (connector not included)
P1L12A Multimode-type micro lens array
Characteristics:
Injected molding formation of 12 lenses in a 250-um pitch utilizes commercially available MT connector and positioning pin, making possible the world's first non-alignment assembly.
Specifications:
• Lens arrangement: 1 x 12
• Insertion loss: 2 dB or lower (Typical 1.5 dB)
• Crosstalk: 50 dB or higher
• Dimensions: 2.5 (W) x 6.4 (L) x 0.55 (H) mm
Sample price: 2,400 yen
P1X 4A 4-channel CWDM multiplexer/demultiplexer
Characteristics:
Constructed of an MLA and a subminiature dielectric multi-layer filter realizes world's smallest size--7.2 (W) x 14.5 (L) x 4.7 (H) mm--say company representatives.
Specifications:
• Insertion loss: 2.5 dB or lower (Typical 2 dB)
• Crosstalk: 30 dB or higher
• Main channel wavelengths: 1510, 1530, 1550, 1570 nm
• Effective wavelength interval: 13 nm
Sample price: 35,000 yen (not including connector)
Omron is also currently developing a structurally identical multiplexer/demultiplexer compliant with differing wavelength bands and number of wavelengths.
P1S18A Singlemode-type 1 x 8 optical switch
Characteristics:
Constructed of a linear actuator and MLA, realizes the world's smallest size among mechanical designs, says the company.
Specifications:
• Insertion loss: 3 dB or lower (Typically 2 dB)
• Crosstalk: 55 dB or higher
• Return loss: 35 dB or higher
• Switching time of 15 seconds; equipped with self-maintaining functionality
• Wavelength range: 1290 - 1580 nm
• Drive pressure: 5 VDC
• Power consumption: 800 mW (when switching)
• Dimensions: 16 (W) x 44 (L) x 8.5 (H) mm
Sample price: 35,000 yen (not including connector)