Other

Xros, Inc.

John S Forker

Armand P Neukermans

Rajiv R Ramaswami

Timothy G Slater

Steven M Clark

Marc R Schuman

Jack D Foster

Sam Calmes

James P Downing

Tyler L Baughman

Gregory A Reznick

A fiber optic switch ( ) includes a fiber optic switching module ( ) that receives and fixes ends ( ) of optical fibers ( ). The module ( ) includes numerous reflective light beam deflectors ( ) which may be selected as pairs for coupling a beam of light ( ) between a pair of optical fibers ( ). The module ( ) also produces orientation signals from each deflector ( ) which indicate its orientation. A portcard ( ) included in the switch ( ) supplies drive signals to the module ( ) for orienting at least one deflector ( ). The portcard ( ) also receives the orientation signals produced by that deflector ( ) together with coordinates that specify an orientation for the deflector ( ). The portcard ( ) compares the received coordinates with the orientation signals received from the deflector ( ) and adjusts the drive signals supplied to the module ( ) to reduce any difference between the received coordinates and the orientation signals. The switch ( ) also employs optical alignment to precisely orient pairs deflectors ( ) coupling a beam of light ( ) between optical fibers ( ).

Flexible, modular, compact fiber optic switch

A fiber optic switch includes a fiber optic switching module that receives and fixes ends of optical fibers. The module includes numerous reflective light beam deflectors which may be selected as pairs for coupling a beam of light between a pair of optical fibers. The module also produces orientation signals from each deflector which indicate its orientation. A portcard included in the switch supplies drive signals to the module for orienting at least one deflector. The portcard also receives the orientation signals produced by that deflector together with coordinates that specify an orientation for the deflector. The portcard compares the received coordinates with the orientation signals received from the deflector and adjusts the drive signals supplied to the module to reduce any difference between the received coordinates and the orientation signals. The switch also employs optical alignment to precisely orient pairs of deflectors coupling a beam of light between optical fibers.

Growing community of inventors

Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

John S Forker