At+t Corp.

Leda Maria Lunardi

Lih-Yuan Lin

Evan Lee Goldstein

The present invention provides a variety of methods and apparatus for monitoring signal quality and switch operation for optical switches in an optical cross connect. The signal quality can be checked by using a beamsplitter to reflect a portion of the light beam carrying the signal onto a photodetector which is connected to a device which can monitor loss of signal, loss of frame, and other transmission characteristics. The position of a switch or waveguide can be monitored by circuits which detect variable levels of resistance and capacitance based on the switch's position or by reflecting probe light beams off the back of the switching mirror. The present invention also provides a method for determining if the signal quality photodetector is functioning correctly.

Method and apparatus for signal and switch monitoring in an optical cross connect

Integrated connection-verification system for use in a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) crossconnect device. The system uses application of a dithering signal such as a sinusoidal bias to an electrode plate associated with a micro-mirror switching element to dither the micro-mirror. The optical signal from the dithering micro-mirror is fed through a beam splitter, a portion of the optical signal thus being directed to a photodetector. If intensity modulation in the optical signal corresponding to the frequency of the dithering signal is detected by the photodetector associated with the micro-mirror, the connection path between the desired input and output ports is verified.

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Marlboro, NJ, United States of America

Leda Maria Lunardi