Non-blocking multi-cast WDM coupling arrangement

Details Non-blocking multi-cast WDM coupling arrangement Non-blocking multi-cast WDM coupling arrangement

1997-11-13

1999-12-21

Negash, Kinfe-Michael

Optical: systems and elements

Deflection using a moving element

Using a periodically moving element

385 17, H04J 1400

Patent

active

060056983

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

So called optical cross-connects make it possible to switch through optical WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplex) signals in a freely selectable, semipermanent fashion.
The subject matter of the application relates to a switching matrix for freely selectively switching through optical signals which are received on waveguides, which in each case have a given wavelength, onto output waveguides in which through in the direction of a desired output waveguide by means of a multistage space division multiplex switching element, output stage, and switched through in the direction of the output waveguide can be converted in a signal-specific waveguide converter into optical signals with fixed wavelengths which are different from one another.
An arrangement which has the abovementioned features is known from the International Conference on Communications (ICC) 1993, Geneva, `Optical Path Layer Technologies to enhance B-ISDN Integrity`. In this arrangement, which is formed exclusively with space division multiplex switches, due to the design only one selecting through-connection, but not a multiple of a single optical signal, is possible in the input stage.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the invention to develop a switching arrangement outlined at the beginning in such a way that, in addition to the switching-through capability of an incoming optical signal with the given wavelength onto any desired output waveguide as an optical signal with any desired wavelength, any desired optical signal can be provided of any desired wavelength which is capable of being switched through onto a plurality of output waveguides as a plurality of optical signals with the same, or different, wavelengths, or onto an output waveguide as a plurality of optical signals with different wavelengths.
According to the invention the input stage is formed with 1-x-m switching elements whose outputs can be switched independently of one another, and an incoming optical signal with precisely one wavelength is fed to the terminal, designated by "1", of an 1-x-m switching matrix.
The subject matter of the application, the 1-x-m switching have, in principle, reduced cross-talk and of which reduced attenuation by virtue of avoiding combiners necessary case of space division multiplex switches, provides a possibility of multi-casting an optical signal, fed in on a waveguide, over a plurality of output waveguides, freedom from blocking being provided for as long as there is a sufficient number of channels provided by wavelengths on the output waveguides.
In accordance with one particular development of the subject matter of the application, a 1-x-m switching matrix and/or a space division multiplex switch of the central stage is/are formed with a plurality of semiconductor amplifier switches which can be driven independently of one another. This measure provides, for example in multi-cast mode, the possibility of activating a plurality of outputs of a 1-x-m switching matrix and/or of a space division multiplex switch with a power level at the individual output switches that is independent of the distribution ratio, by mean which the power differences between the optical signals at the outputs of the space division multiplex switching arrangement are reduced.
The subject matter of the application will now be described in more detail as an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing figures wherein, like acting components are provided with identical designations.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an illustration of the principle of a first embodiment of the switching arrangement according to the invention;
FIG. 2 shows an illustration of the principle of a second embodiment of the switching arrangement according to the application,
FIG. 3 shows a view of a switching arrangement which is known from the prior art;
FIG. 4 shows an illustration of the principle of a 1-x-m switching element which is formed with optical semiconductor amplifiers;
FIG. 5 shows an illustration of the principle of a

REFERENCES:
patent: 5303077 (1994-04-01), Bottle et al.
patent: 5369514 (1994-11-01), Eilenberger et al.

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