Abstract: A device, according to one embodiment, includes a fuse, and a resistor electrically coupled directly to the fuse in series therewith. A hybrid device, according to another embodiment, includes a fuse, and a resistor electrically coupled directly to the fuse in series therewith in a single package. A resistance of the resistor is 1 ohm or less, and is substantially temperature insensitive.

Abstract: A device, according to one embodiment, includes a fuse, and a resistor electrically coupled directly to the fuse in series therewith. A hybrid device, according to another embodiment, includes a fuse, and a resistor electrically coupled directly to the fuse in series therewith in a single package. A resistance of the resistor is 1 ohm or less, and is substantially temperature insensitive.

Abstract: A multilayer midplane board has a front side and a back side and includes a first partially plated through-hole; a second partially plated through-hole spaced away from the first partially plated through-hole, and a first conductive signal track that electrically couples a selected plated section of the first partially plated through-hole directly adjacent the front side to a selected plated section of the second partially plated through-hole adjacent the back side.

Abstract: In an effort to greatly decrease the insertion losses inherent in larger sized M×N optical switches, the present invention deals with minimizing the variation in the optical path lengths of optical beams passing through the switch. To accomplish this goal, the present invention relates to a segmented optical switch comprising four segments, two segments having input ports and two segments having output ports. The segments having output ports are separated from each other, and positioned on adjacent sides of the segments with input ports. Accordingly, the very short optical paths as well as the very long optical paths in the switch are eliminated, thereby minimizing the variation in the optical path lengths. Preferably, the switch is comprised of four identical segments, making manufacturing and supply costs less.

Abstract: In an effort to greatly decrease the insertion losses inherent in larger sized M×N optical switches, the present invention deals with minimizing the variation in the optical path lengths of optical beams passing through the switch. To accomplish this goal, the present invention relates to a segmented optical switch comprising four segments, two segments having input ports and two segments having output ports. The segments having output ports are separated from each other, and positioned on adjacent sides of the segments with input ports. Accordingly, the very short optical paths as well as the very long optical paths in the switch are eliminated, thereby minimizing the variation in the optical path lengths. Preferably, the switch is comprised of four identical segments, making manufacturing and supply costs less.

Abstract: An M×N optical switch in which the focal lengths of the collimating lenses are adjusted so that the waists of the Gaussian beams exiting the collimating lenses are focused on reflecting elements, which are positioned along a diagonal of the array of reflecting elements. This arrangement increases the number of beams that are symmetrical about the waist position, which increases the coupling efficiency. The best possible arrangement occurs when all of the waists are equal in diameter, thereby ensuring that for every output port the distances from the waists to the focusing lens are identical.