Marconi Communications Gmbh

Ericsson Ab

Ugo Cerato

A modular cross connect system for optical telecommunication networks has the optical unit divided in at least two main bodies with one section for connection comprising the collimators and a main commutation section with MEMS devices. The first section is a fixed part while the second section is a readily removable section. The two sections face each other through a window and, in the first section, optics are provided for steering all or part of the optical signals from and to the main MEMS unit to a MEMS standby or protection plane to allow replacement of the main MEMS unit without interrupting service.

Modular cross connect system with 3D-MEMS for optical telecommunication networks

An optical switching device for use in a wavelength division multiplex (WDM) telecommunication network for optically switching wavelength carriers from a plurality of input DWDM radiation to a selected output includes a plurality of optical input paths and a plurality of optical output paths; a first array of individually selectably tiltable MEMS mirrors in which each mirror is for receiving optical radiation from a respective input path; and a second array of individually selectably tiltable MEMS mirrors in which each mirror is for deflecting optical radiation incident thereon along a respective output path. The first and second arrays of mirrors are arranged on a common plane and are selectably tiltable about a single axis, and a fixed reflector is arranged above the two arrays of mirrors. In operation, optical radiation received along each input path is deflected by its respective mirror of the first array via the fixed reflector to a selected mirror of the second array for reflection therefrom to its respective output path.

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Chiavari, Italy

Ugo Cerato