Abstract: The present invention provides a cross-connect switching device and a method of cross-connect switching of Nf * N1 channels to one of a plurality of output lines of the switching device, Nf * N1 being equal or greater than four. The device and method includes three basic elements:
1) a partial demultiplexer for partially demultiplexing the channels on its input lines into groups of channels and individual channels;
2) a space switch for switching groups of channels en bloc; and
3) a combiner unit for combining individual channels onto one of the output lines of the cross-connect switching device.
The cross-connect switching device according to the present invention may be combined with similar or dissimilar switching devices to form a larger switching device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 15, 1999
Date of Patent:
January 13, 2004
Assignees:
Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum (IMEC), RIJSUniversiteit Gent