MEMS 4x4 PM Optical Switch

The MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) PM (Polarisation Maintain) 4×4 Optical Switch is a micro-electromechanical technology based optical switching device designed for polarisation preserving optical fibres, which is capable of dynamically switching the optical signal paths between 4 input ports and 4 output ports whilst maintaining the polarisation of the light。

Specification

Resources

Future

Optical Path Switching

Arbitrary connection between 4 input ports and 4 output ports is achieved through micromirror arrays or moving fibre structures, with switching times typically on the order of milliseconds or even microseconds.

Polarisation Maintain (PM) feature: Maintains the polarisation state of the optical signal (e.g. line polarisation) and avoids polarisation dependent loss (PDL), suitable for polarisation sensitive systems.

Low insertion loss and high isolation

Typical insertion loss <1 dB and inter-channel isolation >50 dB ensure signal transmission quality.

Fast Response and High Reliability

The MEMS driver structure has no mechanical wear and tear, and has a long life (up to a million switching cycles), making it suitable for high-frequency operation.

Compatibility and Control

Supports electrical control (e.g., TTL, RS-232, etc. interfaces) and can be integrated into automatic optical network management systems.

Application

Optical Fibre Communication and Networking

Optical Cross Connect (OXC): Dynamically reconfigure optical paths in backbone networks or data centres to enhance network flexibility.

Protection switching: When the primary link fails, quickly switch to the backup path to guarantee communication continuity.

Quantum Communication and Sensing

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems need to maintain photon polarisation states, and PM optical switches can route quantum signals without destroying the polarisation coding.

Test and Measurement

Automated test systems switch between different devices to be tested (e.g. fibre optic devices, lasers) to improve test efficiency.

Military & Aerospace

Radar, laser communication and other systems require highly stable polarisation control, and MEMS PM optical switches are suitable for harsh environments.

Research & Labs

Building experimental platforms for reconfigurable optical paths (e.g. interferometers, optical computing), especially for polarisation-sensitive experiments.

Internal Optical Path Diagram

Performance indicators

Model	MEMS-4X4-PM1550-M5-9-09-05-FA
Fiber type	PM1550
Operating wavelength	1550±40nm
Test wavelength	1550nm
Insertion loss	≤2.0dB
Extinction ratio	＞17dB
Return loss	≥45 dB
Isolation	≥50 dB
Repeatability	≤±0.1dB
Switching time	≤20ms
Number of switches	≥ 10 ⁹times
Optical interface type	FC/APC (slow axis alignment, KEY and cat's eye in a straight line)
Fiber length	0.5m (0.9 mm casing)
Input optical power	≤500 mW
Operating voltage/current	DC5V±10% / ≤500mA
Operating temperature	-5 ~ 70 °C
Storage temperature	-40 ~ 85 °C
Module size	110(L) x 141(W) x 12(H) ±0.2mm

Note: All parameters are tested at room temperature.

Module Dimension (mm)

Pin definition

Pin number	Pin definition	Direction and type of signal	Functional description
1	NC		Hanging in the air
2	NC		Hanging in the air
3	VCC	Power	Operating power supply, DC 5V, 0.5A
4	NC		Hanging in the air
5	NC		Hanging in the air
6	GND	Power	GND
7	NC		Hanging in the air
8	NC		Hanging in the air
9	TXD	Output	Serial port data sending end (RS232 level serial port)
10	RXD	Input	Serial port data receiving end (RS232 level serial port)
11	NC		Hanging in the air
12	NC		Hanging in the air
13	NC		Hanging in the air
14	NC		Hanging in the air
15	NC		Hanging in the air
16	NC		Hanging in the air

Note: 1. MOLEX 87833 -1620 is used for the electrical interface of the module, and MOLEX 87568 -1694 is recommended for the customer connector.

2. The module is equipped with MOLEX 87568 -1694 connector and BOOMELE PHB-2 * 6a connector.

3. Definition of PHB-2 * 6a pin of patch cord:

Fiber length definition

Including Boot and connector length

If you need more support , Please contact us.

Resources

MEMS 4x4 PM Optical Switch