OptoTest says it can now offer custom versions of its OP720-Matrix MEMS 3D Optical Switches for manufacturers, test laboratories, and network designers. The custom instruments are available in configurations of up to 96x96 channels when configured for Any Input to Any Output and up to 48 ports when configured for Any Port to Any Port.
Regardless of configuration, the OP720-Matrix switches leverage 3D Tilting MEMS Mirror Matrix Technology that will maintain the bidirectional connectivity of active channels while others are being connected and routed. This capability enables high speed and reliability, says the company, as well as long life due to the lack of large moving parts that can wear out over time.
The fully non-blocking design of the Any Input to Any Output switch enables up to 96 channels to be active at the same time. The insertion loss of this version is less than 1.4 dB with a switching time of less than 25 ms, according to OptoTest. The Any Port to Any Port switch configuration enables the switch to be changed from 1x47 to 24x24 channels on the fly, which eliminates requirements for multiple dedicated single-use switches and provides maximum flexibility. The typical insertion loss of the Any Port to Any Port version is 1.0 dB, with a maximum loss of 2.0 dB, says the company. Switching time is 25 ms with repeatability of 0.1 dB, OptoTest adds.
OP720-Matrix switches based on either configuration are available in a rack-mountable 2U enclosure for versions with up to 48 ports and a 4U enclosure for more than 48 ports; the switches also can be used as benchtop instruments. All configurations can incorporate ST, FC, SC, LC, or other optical interfaces as specified by the customer. Users can integrate the OP720-Matrix switches with their applications using the OPL-SDK development kit.
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