Fiber Optics - Switches, Multiplexers, Demultiplexers

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
OISSG1550L01111 Woodhead - Molex	SINGLE MODE SINGLE STAGE FIBER O	0
PMBC1450P001211 Woodhead - Molex	SINGLE MODE POLARIZATION MAINTAI	0
OISA155000D3111 Woodhead - Molex	MINIATURE SINGLE MODE, SINGLE ST	0
ITMA0805ECMD111 Woodhead - Molex	8-CH 5% TAP MONITOR ARRAY WITH I	8
TCIHG1550S11111 Woodhead - Molex	C BAND TAP COUPLER AND ISOLATOR	0
DWFC0150P001111 Woodhead - Molex	1X2, 1310/1550 DUAL WINDOW, SING	0
SWDM541SP001111 Woodhead - Molex	1480/1550 FUSED SINGLE MODE FIBE	0
OFMS22DUES15111 Woodhead - Molex	DUAL 2X2ADD/DROP OPTICAL SWITCH,	0
WDIH15140SF3111 Woodhead - Molex	MINIATURE1480/1550 WDM, ISOLATOR	0
ITMSE05ECO81111G Woodhead - Molex	5% SINGLE CHANNEL TAP MONITOR, C	22
OFMS06400002315 Woodhead - Molex	1X64 SWITCH CHASSIS, DC POWER SU	0
OISS1550PS03111 Woodhead - Molex	MINIATURE SINGLE MODE, SINGLE ST	0
OFMS22MIE02111 Woodhead - Molex	ULTRA-MINI 2X2ADD/DROP OPTICAL S	0
MIOCG5ECO041111 Woodhead - Molex	C BAND, 4-PORT, SINGLE MODE FIBE	0
PIPD15502001111 Woodhead - Molex	FIBER PIGTAILED PD 1310+1550 DU	19
PMTC155010P1211 Woodhead - Molex	SINGLE MODE POLARIZATION MAINTAI	0
OFMS22DU8M15211 Woodhead - Molex	DUAL 2X2ADD/DROP OPTICAL SWITCH,	0
WDIH15980SF1111 Woodhead - Molex	980/1550 WDM, ISOLATOR HYBRID DE	0
OFMS2200ES05111 Woodhead - Molex	FULL2X2 OPTICAL SWITCH, C+L BAND	0
SWDM531SP001111 Woodhead - Molex	1310/1550 FUSED SINGLE MODE FIBE	0

Fiber Optics - Switches, Multiplexers, Demultiplexers

1. Overview

Fiber optic switches, multiplexers, and demultiplexers are critical components in optical communication systems. These devices enable signal routing, wavelength management, and network reconfiguration. Switches direct optical signals between different fiber paths, while multiplexers combine multiple signals into a single channel and demultiplexers separate them. Their integration has revolutionized telecommunications, data centers, and sensing systems by enabling high-speed, scalable, and reliable optical networks.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Optical Switches	Mechanical, MEMS, or electro-optic devices for routing signals	Network redundancy systems, optical cross-connects
WDM Multiplexers	Combine wavelengths using thin-film filters or arrayed waveguides	Telecom backbone networks (1310/1550 nm systems)
DWDM Demultiplexers	High-resolution wavelength separation (0.8 nm spacing)	Long-haul fiber optic transmission systems
OTDM Devices	Time-domain signal aggregation/distribution	Ultra-high-speed data transmission (100Gbps+)

3. Structure and Components

Typical structures include: - Optical Switches: Input/output ports, actuation mechanism (piezoelectric, thermal, or magnetic), and control circuitry - Multiplexers: Wavelength-selective filters (dielectric coatings, fiber Bragg gratings), fused biconical taper couplers - Demultiplexers: Arrayed waveguide gratings (AWG), diffraction gratings, or prisms for spectral separation All devices use precision fiber alignment structures and often incorporate thermoelectric stabilization for wavelength accuracy.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Importance
Insertion Loss (0.2-3.0 dB)	Directly affects signal strength and system SNR
Wavelength Accuracy ( 0.1 nm)	Ensures proper channel alignment in WDM systems
Switching Speed (ms to s range)	Critical for network protection and dynamic reconfiguration
Port Count (1x2 to 1x20+)	Determines system scalability and complexity
Return Loss (>45 dB)	Minimizes backreflection-induced signal distortion

5. Application Fields

Telecommunications (DWDM networks, optical add-drop multiplexers)
Data Centers (high-density optical interconnects)
Medical Imaging (OCT systems using swept-source multiplexing)
Industrial Sensing (distributed fiber optic sensors)
Broadcast Systems (video signal aggregation)

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product
Finisar (II-VI)	WSS-1x20 wavelength selective switch
Lumentum	DWDM Mux/DeMux with 50 GHz spacing
Huawei	OptiX OSN optical cross-connect system
Thorlabs	MEMS-based optical switch matrix
NeoPhotonics	High-speed OTDM modulator modules

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations: - Match wavelength range (1310/1550 nm standard vs. CWDM/DWDM systems) - Evaluate port configuration and scalability requirements - Consider environmental stability (temperature, vibration tolerance) - Balance insertion loss vs. switching speed trade-offs - Verify compatibility with existing fiber types (SMF, MMF, PMF) - Assess long-term reliability (MTBF >100,000 hours typical)

8. Industry Trends

Future developments include: - Miniaturization through silicon photonics integration - AI-driven dynamic wavelength management systems - Increased port counts (>1000 ports) for hyperscale data centers - Enhanced thermal stability for 5G transport networks - Convergence of switching and multiplexing functions in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) - Adoption of quantum dot-based wavelength filters for improved spectral efficiency