Fiber Optics - Switches, Multiplexers, Demultiplexers

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
OFMS12MIE02111 Woodhead - Molex	ULTRA-MINI 1X2 OPTICAL SWITCH, C	0
ITMA080520E2111G Woodhead - Molex	8-CH 5% TAP MONITOR ARRAY, C+L B	0
OIDS15500003111 Woodhead - Molex	MINIATURE SINGLE MODE, DUAL STAG	0
WTIH1598S012111 Woodhead - Molex	980/1550 WDM, 1550 TAP COUPLER,	0
PMIH14400001211 Woodhead - Molex	SINGLE MODE POLARIZATION MAINTAI	0
UTMA080520E2111G Woodhead - Molex	8-CH 5% UNI-DIRECTIONAL TAP MONI	0
WDIH15980SF3011 Woodhead - Molex	MINIATURE 980/1550 WDM, ISOLATOR	0
PIPDD20ECO51111G Woodhead - Molex	FIBER PIGTAILED PD, 1310+1550 DU	0
OIDSG1550S01111 Woodhead - Molex	SINGLE MODE, DUAL STAGE FIBER OP	0
WTIH1514S012111 Woodhead - Molex	1480/1550 WDM, 1550 TAP COUPLER,	0
SWDM591SP001611 Woodhead - Molex	980/1550 FUSED SINGLE MODE FIBER	0
WDIH15140SF1111 Woodhead - Molex	1480/1550 WDM, ISOLATOR HYBRID D	0
PIPA08E20200111G Woodhead - Molex	8-CH FIBER PIGTAILED PD ARRAY, C	6
SWFC5150P001111 Woodhead - Molex	C BAND (OTHER BANDS AVAILABLE UP	0
OFMS1200ES05111 Woodhead - Molex	1X2 OPTICAL SWITCH, C+L BAND, LA	0
UTMSE05ECO11111G Woodhead - Molex	5% SINGLE CHANNEL UNI-DIRECTINAL	0
MIOCG5ECO031111 Woodhead - Molex	C BAND, 3-PORT, SINGLE MODE FIBE	0
MMFC8150P001211 Woodhead - Molex	1X2, 50/125UM MULTIMODE FIBER, F	0
PIPDD20ECO61111G Woodhead - Molex	FIBER PIGTAILED PD, 1310+1550 DU	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