Abstract: An arrangement and a method for monitoring and controlling an optical mechanical switch, which may include one or more microelectromechanical switches. In communication using the arrangement or the method, independently of any customer signal, a modulated optical signal is generated at wavelengths, both modulation and optical, that are out-of-band with respect the wavelengths of any transmission signals that may appear. The modulated optical signal is directed toward the optical mechanical switch, and system control parameters are changed to maximize a detected signal after passage through the optical mechanical switch. Any remnants of the modulated optical signal may be removed before arriving at any customer-related terminal. Optical cross-connect switching circuits are exemplary circuits in which the invention may be applied. The modulated optical signal is inserted before or during the transmission of any transmission signal.

Abstract: An optical beam switch is designed for improved serviceability by mounting two fiber optic beam deflection arrays to face the front of a rack assembly. Inside the optical beam switch, a reflecting device is located behind each of the two fiber optic beam deflection arrays and used to reflect the light beams between the two fiber optic beam deflection arrays. Front access to the two fiber optic beam deflection arrays is then readily available whether the optical beam switch is mounted horizontally or vertically in the rack assembly.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system in which, operationally independent of the movable element and the component for moving it, a microelectromechanical sensor senses the position of the movable element. The microelectromechanical sensor adjoins the movable element, at least in part, and may be a strain gage, or a gage of a capacitive, piezoelectric, piezoresistive, or pressure type, among others. The resulting signal is fed back to control the component for moving the movable element. In an array of movable elements and sensors, the signal of each sensor is specific to one movable element.

Abstract: A packaged microelectromechanical device having a housing with a plurality of ports. A bundle of a plurality of optical fibers is mounted in one of the plurality of ports by a welded or brazed flange. An array-type microelectromechanical device is mounted in another port of the housing by a welded or brazed flange and includes a plurality of elements adapted for interacting with the plurality of optical fibers, whereby information may be transmitted into the housing via one of the optical fibers and may be transferred out of the housing via another of the optical fibers. The array-type microelectromechanical device has a plurality of electrical control pins protruding outside the housing. A pair of windows in the housing provides ports for optical sensory signals for the array-type microelectromechanical device. Two conduits for providing pressurized inert gas are mounted in the housing by welded or brazed flanges.