Talking about Silicon Photonics 05: Optical Switch
Author: Ma Dekun
With the rapid development of optical communications, optical interconnection and optical switching as optical network nodes are becoming more and more important, and the application of optical switches is becoming more and more widespread. For example, optical switches help data centers achieve higher performance and reliability by providing high-speed, low-latency, and low-power data transmission; the fast routing and low loss of optical switches will make optical computing more efficient.
As far as the testing field is concerned, optical switches are generally used for automatic switching of optical signals in optoelectronic device testing to test transceivers, amplifiers, passive components, etc. Optical switches improve repeatability and throughput and enable parallel measurements of multiple ports and multiple devices, optimizing investments in automated test equipment.
N773XC Series Optical Switch
Keysight N773XC series single-mode fiber optic switches are indispensable equipment for automating optical device test solutions. It is based on optical MEMS technology and uses tiny mirrors to guide light to the desired output, giving it excellent durability, repeatability and fast switching times. In addition, the new generation of optical switches adopts a built-in graphical user interface, which makes it easy to control the instrument without installing software, and the device can be accessed through LAN and USB interface connections.
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Main specifications of N773-C series optical switch |
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N7731C Two-channel, 1x4 optical switch |
N7733C Single channel, 1x16 optical switch |
N7736C Quad Channel, 2x2 Optical Switch |
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switch topology |
2*(1x4) |
1x16 |
4*(2x2) |
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Fiber type |
9/125 µm SMF |
9/125 µm SMF |
9/125 µm SMF |
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Connector |
FC/APC |
FC/APC |
FC/APC |
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Wavelength range |
1250nm-1650nm |
1250nm-1650nm |
1250nm-1650nm |
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Repeatability |
<±0.007dB |
<±0.01dB |
<±0.004dB |
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Insertion loss |
< 2.0 dB |
< 2.2 dB |
< 1.8 dB |
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Polarization dependent loss |
< 0.07 dB, peak to peak |
< 0.12 dB, peak to peak |
< 0.07 dB, peak to peak |
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crosstalk |
< -70 dB, typical |
< -50 dB, typical |
< -60 dB, typical |
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Return loss |
> 50 dB, typical |
> 50 dB, typical |
> 50 dB, typical |
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Maximum input power |
+23 dBm |
+23 dBm |
+23 dBm |
According to the characteristics of the N773XC series optical switch,
Its application in the test system is mainly divided into the following aspects:
· Parallel testing to improve test throughput and instrument usage efficiency
In many cases, parallel test configurations can make more efficient use of signal sources and analysis instruments. For example, multiple DUTs can be tested simultaneously during temperature cycling. On the other hand, in 400/800Gbs high-speed SerDes interconnects, the increasing use of parallel technology requires the same testing in multiple paths. These tests are well supported by the 1x16 optical switch, which can test devices with up to 16 ports or 15 devices, with the 16th path used as the reference path.
1x16 optical switch parallel test
· Bypass the device under test and perform reference path measurements
In most stimulus-response tests (such as insertion loss measurements), the signal at the output of the device under test needs to be compared to the signal at its input. The 2x2 switch allows reference measurements to be made bypassing the device under test, reducing the number of manual reconnections, improving repeatability and reducing uncertainty.
2x2 optical switch reference path measurement
· Reverse signal direction
Most passive optical components are bidirectional, but some exhibit different signal conditioning behavior depending on the direction of the optical signal. Optoisolators and circulators block or select signals based on their direction. The 2x2 switch can reverse the direction of the signal, so that, for example, the insertion loss of an opto-isolator can be measured in the forward direction and the isolation of the opto-isolator can be measured in the reverse direction.
2x2 optical switch reverses signal path
Keysight FlexOTO Optical Production Test Solution
As 400G Ethernet continues to be commercialized and deployed in data center networks, customer demand for 800G optical networks is also growing, and 1.6T technology is about to be released. The rapid development of technology has brought challenges to optical transmitter testing. For customers, it is necessary to reduce test costs, increase test throughput, test more optical channels simultaneously, and ensure compliance with standard specification test requirements.
FlexOTO application software is designed for test system design engineers creating design verification and high-volume optical device test systems. FlexOTO software automatically controls Keysight DCA-M instruments, FlexDCA software and optical switching hardware, reducing test costs while maintaining the highest measurement integrity.
Optimize test efficiency and maximize test hardware utilization
Features: FlexOTO is a powerful software that optimizes configuration and test execution;
Advantages: FlexOTO software enables test system design engineers to create high channel count test systems up to 128 ports using a variety of optical switches and easily trade-off throughput and test system expenditure to achieve the lowest test cost;
Maximize ROI for 800G/1.6T and CPO/NPO testing
Features:
Make full use of existing DCA-M equipment to maximize capacity;
Advantages: FlexOTO software supports a variety of switches, can leverage existing DCA-M assets and a simple SCPI interface to create high-volume test systems, and easily integrate into the entire manufacturing test process;
800G production test solution
The above is an introduction to Keysight’s optical switch series products and their applications. It should be noted that as of December 2023, the discrete optical switch module (81595B) and independent optical switch (N7731A/N7734A) have been discontinued. The new generation of N7731C/N7733C/N7736C series optical switches will better support related tests. Non-stop support after production is discontinued. Keysight will still support after-sales support services for related equipment within five years after the product is discontinued. If your equipment needs related support, you can call the service hotline: 400-810-0005 for consultation!
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Keysight Technologies (NYSE: KEYS) inspires and empowers innovators, helping them bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we provide advanced design, simulation and test solutions designed to help engineers develop and deploy faster while controlling risk throughout the product lifecycle. Our customers span the global communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor and general electronics markets. We work with our customers to accelerate innovation and create a secure and connected world. For more information, please visit Keysight’s official website at www.keysight.com.cn .
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