Breaking the mould for fibre optic switching

Omron has launched the first four in a new family of optical switching components targeting fibre access networks offering exceptionally compact size and performance at a competitive price.

Omron has launched the first four in a new family of optical switching components targeting fibre access networks offering exceptionally compact size and outstanding performance at a competitive price.

The new devices are the P1L12A free shape collimating and focusing Micro Lens Arrays, the P1S22A 1 x 2 and 2 x 2 optical switches with innovative magnetic mechanism, the P1S18B true "plug and play" 1 x 8 optical switch and the P1X4A, the worlds smallest 4 and 8 Channel CWDM Mux/ Demux.

All use a Micro Lens Array (MLA) based on a Precision Arrayed and Combined Solutions (PACS) structure enabling replicable microelectronic designs to be mass produced, cost effectively.

The MLA type P1L12A is a Micro Lens Array based on a high precision injection moulding process and is designed primarily for the accurate coupling between MMF fibres and other optical sub components.

Up to a maximum of 2 x 12 lenses with 250µm pitch is achievable in a single plate package size of 6.4 (L) x 2.5 (W) x 0.55 (T) mm.

Technically, any combination of different individual lenses can be fine replicated to achieve, collimation, focusing, diverging and even light bending capability, making them very useful for all kinds of coupling requirements found in industry standard footprint products.

Bending light type lenses are particularly useful for applications requiring to monitor channel state for channel management and redundancy functions.

Applications include single in-line Light Couplers, Optical Switches, Variable Optical Attenuators (VOAs), and Parallel Optical Link products such as Transceiver Modules.

A right angle type MLA with integral mirror is also included in the range for Chip On Board (COB) coupling to embedded Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) and other light sources in back panel interconnect assemblies.

Omrons P1L12 is directly compatible with commercially available MT connectors and positioning pins, avoiding the need for precise dynamic adjustment helping to save cost and speed up time to market.

A 1 x 12 Plate type (collimating) sample is available to order at ?18, and 1 x 12 Right-angle type (focusing) sample for ? 28.

Designed for the replacement of electric switches for redundancy switching in access networks, for Optical Add and Drop Multiplex circuits (OADM) and installation into optical transmission systems and transmission devices for fault response and maintenance, the P1S12 and 22A Single-mode type 1 x 2 and 2 x 2 optical switches support wavelengths of 1290 ? 1360, 1530 ? 1565 and 1565 ? 1625 nm, and offer self-maintaining (latching) functionality (non latching option available).

Use of replicated parts and precision arrayed technology in the form of an innovative magnetic mechanism including a "VW" mirror (prism) system has allowed Omron to realise an optical switch in a package size just 27 (L) x 12 (W) x 8 (H) mm.

Despite their small size, the P1S12 and 22As optical characteristics are extremely competitive with low insertion loss of typically 1.2dB and 1.5dB respectively.

A P1S22A working sample is available at ?180.

Omron believes that its P1S18B single-mode type 1 x 8 optical switch is one of the smallest of its type, based on a construction utilising a purpose-made linear actuator coupled to a precisely aligned prism it achieves a typical insertion loss of 1.5dB.

Dimensions are 63.5 (L) x 16 (W) x 8.5 (H) mm.

Despite its compact dimensions which include the driver circuit for guaranteed "plug and play" usability (option: driver circuit available separately), this switch exhibits very favourable optical characteristics ideal for use in OADM, Optical Cross Connect (OXC) and the checking of network lines using an OTDRs and similar test equipment.

P1S18B is specified for wavelengths between 1290 - 1360, 1530 - 1565, and 1625 ? 1675 nm.

Like its 1 x 2 and 2 x 2 sister products it is equipped with self-maintaining functionality for very low power consumption.

A bi-directional type is also available to special order.

Working samples and pricing available on application.

The P1X4A 4 and 8 Channel CWDM Mux/Demux is the worlds smallest Coarse Wave Division Multiplex (CWDM) multiplexer/ demultiplexer that may be used for a variety of single and multi-mode applications including the fast developing markets of LX4 and Broadband, Gigabit Ethernet and Wavelength Division Mutiplex - Passive Optical Networks (B-PON, GE-PON, WDM-PON) and Transponders.

Using only 7 parts, compared with legacy products containing an average of 29 parts, Omron has achieved insertion losses specified typically as 1.7dB for 4 channel and 2.5dB for 8 channel models and an ultra small size of 14.5 (L) x 7.2 (W) x 4.7 (H) mm.

This makes these devices ideal for use in a host of Transceiver products in packages including GBIC, and Small Form Factor and pluggables (SFF/ SFP) and the solution of choice for XENPAK, XPAC, X2 and XFP.

The use of a special thin-film filter precisely sandwiched between two glass layers, working in conjunction with an integral mirror, ensures low cross talk performance in standard ITU channel wavelengths: 1311, 1471, 1491, 1511, 1531, 1551, 1571, 1591, 1611 nm.

Other wavelengths (e.g LX4) are available to special order.

Further exciting product releases are planned.

P1X4 channel standard model Mux/ Demux working samples are available at ? 289 each.

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