MEMS ATTENUATOR / ON-OFF SWITCH
DiCon’s Attenuator/On-Off Switch is based on a micro-electro-
mechanical system (MEMS) chip. The MEMS chip consists of an
electrically movable mirror on a silicon support. A voltage applied
to the MEMS chip causes the mirror to rotate, which changes the
coupling of light between the input and output fibers of Attenuator/
On-Off Switch.
FEATURES
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Small attenuator package
Based on DiCon’s proven MEMS platform
Available in opaque or transparent versions
Qualified to GR-1221
Combines Variable Optical Attenuator and On-Off Switch
APPLICATIONS
Attenuator/On-Off Switches are used as safety shutters during laser
transmitter power up as well as for channel equalization once the
laser has stabilized. In its highest loss position, the Attenuator/
On-Off Switch provides greater than 45 dB of power isolation.
Used as an Attenuator, it allows the output power of the laser to
be continuously adjusted over a 40 dB range. Attenuator/On-Off
Switches are ideally suited for use within line cards or transponders.
Specifications subject to change. Copyright © 2010 DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc. All rights reserved.
MEMS ATTENUATOR / ON-OFF SWITCH
O PTI CAL SPECI FI CATI O NS
PARAMETER
Excess Loss
Off State Isolation
WDL
Broad Band
Application
Narrow Band
Application
4
0 to 15 dB
15 to 20 dB
1
O RD ERI N G I N FO R M ATI O N
MSA C
9
Housing Type
C
Cylindrical
Attenuator Type
T
Transparent
1
O
Opaque
2
Operating Wavelength Range
13
1290 - 1330 nm
15
1528 - 1563 nm
16
1570 - 1610 nm
Attenuator Range
20
20 dB min.
X
Specify X dB min. (X <= 40)
Ripple Type
S
Slow ripple (broad band)
F
Fast ripple (narrow band)
Fiber Type
9
9/125 μm Singlemode
Jacket Type
2B
250 μm barefiber
9L
900 μm loosetube
Connector Type
FC
FC/SPC
FC/APC FC/APC
X
specify connector type
3
N
None
Pigtail Length
1
1 meter
X
Specify X meters
Pin Bending
S
Straight Pins
B
Bent Pins
1. Minimum insertion loss at 0 V.
2. Minimum insertion loss at 6 - 7 V (high isolation at 0 V).
3. Connector Types: FC/UPC, SC, SC/APC, SC/UPC, LC, LC/UPC, MU/UPC.
RATING
0.8 dB max
45 dB min
0 to 15 dB
2
0 to 20 dB
3
0.15 dB max.
0.2 dB max.
20 dB/V max.
0.05 ps max.
-50 dB max.
500 mW max.
2 ms max.
0.1 dB max.
1 x 10
9
cycles min.
9/125 single mode fiber
-5°C to +70°C
-40°C to +85°C
0.4 dB max.
0.2 dB max.
15 to 20 dB
3
0.7 dB max.
PDL
5
Attenuation Slope
Polarization Mode Dispersion
Back Reflection
Optical Power
Response Time
Repeatability
6
Durability
Fiber Type
Operating Temperature
Storage
Temperature
1. All Specifications at room temperature, without connectors
2. Operation from 1290 - 1330nm adds 0.4dB
3. Operation from 1290 - 1330nm adds 0.3dB
4. Maximum change of each 2 nm segment within the operating range
5. Operation from 1290 - 1330nm adds 0.1dB
6. Repeatability is defined after 100 cycles
PARAMETER
Actuation type
DC Drive Voltage
Voltage Damage Threshold
Resistance
Power Consumption
RATING
Non-latching
0-5 VDC (7 V for opaque)
10 VDC max.
2 MΩ min.
20 uWatt max.
M ECHAN I CAL D I M ENSI O NS
Straight Pins
O PTI CAL PERFO R M AN CE
Transparent
0
10
Attenuation (dB)
Attenuation (dB)
20
30
40
50
60
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Opaque
Bent Pins
Control Voltage (V)
Control Voltage (V)
DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc. 1689 Regatta Blvd. Richmond, CA 94804 Tel. (510) 620-5000 Fax. (510) 620-4100 www.diconfiberoptics.com
MEMS ATTENUATOR / ON-OFF SWITCH
0055F
ELEC TRI CAL SPECI FI CATI O NS
SPECIFICATIONS
/ORDERING INFORMATION