Abstract: Control signal systems for use in configuring an optical switch such that a communication signal transmittable from a first fiber end may be transmitted along a desired pathway between the first fiber end and a second fiber end are disclosed. The systems include transmitting a control signal, either on-path or, if the switch is mirror based, off-path with a communication signal pathway over which the communication signal is transmittable in the optical switch. The transmitted control signal is received by a control signal detector that is maintained in a known spatial relation relative to the desired pathway. A feedback signal relating to the spatial relationship between the communication signal pathway and the desired pathway is output by the detector. The feedback signal may be utilized in configuring the optical switch in order to make the communication signal pathway coincident with the desired pathway and thereby achieve transmission of the communication signal over the desired pathway.

Abstract: Loss equalization is provided in an optical communications network. Included in a optical communications network are a number of optical switches which include various elements for the routing of optical signals. The optical paths through the switches may introduce loss into the signals which causes the strengths of the various signals transmitted over the plurality of lines to be different. Measurements of the optical signals may be taken at both the entry and the exit of the optical switch. Through this measurement, losses through the paths are measured. This information may then be used to adjust the routing devices within the optical switch to equalize the losses occurring along the paths. Measurements may also be taken at various points in the optical network to determine losses introduced by components such as splices or amplifiers. Equalization for these losses can also be made through the routing devices of the optical switch.

Abstract: A fiber optical control system for use in an optical switch generally includes, in one embodiment, a fiber assembly (86), a signal separator (88), a sensor unit (90), a lens assembly (92), stationary mirror (94), targeting RED (96), moveable mirror assembly (98) with mounted alignment REDs (100), window (102) and a processor (104). The separator (88) separates the control signals from the communication signals so that the control signals are received by the sensor unit (90) and the communication signals are received by fiber (106). The control signals received by the sensor unit (90) provide target identification and alignment information for connecting target fibers. In particular, the targeting RED (96), or in alternative embodiments the alignment REDs, associated with a signal fiber can be pulsed or otherwise operated to convey target identification information, thereby avoiding the need for a long series of column and row signaling for targeting.

Abstract: A fiber optical control system for use in an optical switch generally includes, in one embodiment, a fiber assembly (86), a signal separator (88), a sensor unit (90), a lens assembly (92), stationary mirror (94), targeting RED (96), moveable mirror assembly (98) with mounted alignment REDs (100), window (102) and a processor (104). The separator (88) separates the control signals from the communication signals so that the control signals are received by the sensor unit (90) and the communication signals are received by fiber (106). The control signals received by the sensor unit (90) provide target identification and alignment information for connecting target fibers. The moveable mirror assembly (98) includes moveable mirror surfaces (132) with related control elements and REDs (100) mounted on a housing (134). The assembly (98) is used to actuate both targeting and alignment adjustments.

Abstract: A fiber optical control system for use in an optical switch generally includes, in one embodiment, a fiber assembly (86), a signal separator (88), a sensor unit (90), a lens assembly (92), stationary mirror (94), targeting RED (96), moveable mirror assembly (98) with mounted alignment REDs (100), window (102) and a processor (104). The separator (88) separates the control signals from the communication signals so that the control signals are received by the sensor unit (90) and the communication signals are received by fiber (106). The control signals received by the sensor unit (90) provide target identification and alignment information for connecting target fibers. The moveable mirror assembly (98) includes moveable mirror surfaces (132) with related control elements and REDs (100) mounted on a housing (134). The assembly (98) is used to actuate both targeting and alignment adjustments.

Abstract: An optical fiber switching system is provided which includes two optically opposed groups of optical fiber switching units. The system is capable of rapidly aligning any one of the optical fibers in any one of the switching units in one group with any one of the optical fibers in any one of the switching units in the other group in response to a command from an exterior source. In one aspect of the invention, each optical fiber switching unit includes, on a single support chassis, one or more data carrying optical fibers and all associated circuitry for directing each fiber toward a predetermined target in response to an alignment signal and the timing portion of a pulsing signal. In another aspect of the invention, a novel alignment algorithm is implemented which provides for the alignment of two fibers in much less time than past switches.