Blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention is a blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system, comprising a multi-path light source output end, a light-blocking device and an optical detector, wherein the light-blocking device is a multi-input and multi-output fiber device and is arranged between the multi-path light source output end and the optical detector; and the light-blocking device only allows passage of light in any one path and blocks other optical paths. In the present invention, the light-blocking device is provided, and an optical fiber collimator assembly is arranged on a collimator alignment base, so as to reduce the overall size such that a portable instrument can be manufactured, and mechanical movements of an optical link and the optical fiber collimator assembly are prevented, the consistency of position accuracy when the optical path is switched is guaranteed, and the test system is less likely to be affected by vibrations, has low requirements for usage environment, has a fast switching speed, a simple structure and low manufacturing costs.

Description

A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of optical communications, and in particular to a blocking multi-fiber insertion loss testing system. Background Art

[0002] With the development and application of optical technology, multi-channel optical communication devices have been widely used. In order to ensure the normal operation of multi-channel optical communication devices, it is particularly important to measure the optical fiber insertion loss of multi-channel optical communication devices. Therefore, a multi-channel optical fiber insertion loss test system was developed.

[0003] In a multi-channel fiber insertion loss test system, wavelength and channel switching is achieved by switching optical switches, which in turn are achieved by reconstructing the optical path. Traditional mechanical optical switches, the primary type of practical optical switch, direct light from an input fiber to a specified output fiber, often achieving switching by changing the position of the input port. However, these switching operations often suffer from the following deficiencies:

[0004] 1. There is mechanical movement between the optical path and the collimator components. It is difficult to ensure the consistency of the optical path during each switching, which is prone to deviation, resulting in poor optical path repeatability and large measurement errors.

[0005] 2. When switching optical paths, the optical fiber is prone to jitter and twisting. To ensure proper alignment of the optical paths, the switching speed is relatively slow. Testing 12 channels takes more than 10 seconds.

[0006] 3. When the input collimator switches, it is easy to pull or twist the optical fiber, causing slight changes in the optical fiber signal, especially changes in the polarization state, resulting in changes in the test value;

[0007] 4. To ensure the stability of the optical path, the operating environment is required to be high and easily affected by vibration;

[0008] 5. The size is too large to be impacted and cannot be used as a portable instrument;

[0009] 6. To ensure the accuracy during switching, the collimator fixing components and circuit control system have high requirements, high processing accuracy requirements, and high production costs. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of this, the present invention addresses the deficiencies in the prior art, and its main purpose is to provide a blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system, which solves the technical problems that the optical link and collimator components undergo mechanical movement during optical path switching, making it difficult to ensure the position accuracy of the switched optical path, and the optical fiber is easily pulled and twisted, resulting in large errors in the measured values. The switching speed is low, and the requirements for the use environment are high. The system is large in size, cannot be made into a portable instrument, requires high manufacturing precision, and has high costs.

[0011] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0012] A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system of the present invention comprises a multi-path light source output end, a light blocking device and a light detector. The light blocking device is a multi-path input and multi-path output optical fiber device, which is arranged between the multi-path light source output end and the light detector. The light blocking device allows light to pass through only any one path and blocks the remaining light paths.

[0013] As a preferred solution, the light blocking device includes but is not limited to a PLC blocking chip.

[0014] As a preferred solution, the light blocking device includes a multi-channel optical fiber collimator assembly, a light blocking component, a driving device and a collimator alignment base;

[0015] The multiple fiber collimator assemblies are arranged on the collimator alignment base, and the multiple fiber collimator assemblies each include a precisely aligned input fiber collimator and a corresponding output fiber collimator;

[0016] The light blocking component is movably arranged between the input fiber collimator and the output fiber collimator, and a light through hole is opened on the light blocking component, and the light through hole only allows light to pass through one fiber collimator component and blocks light from other fiber collimator components;

[0017] The driving end of the driving device is connected to the light blocking component, and the driving device causes the light through holes of the light blocking component to move sequentially along the arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly.

[0018] As a preferred solution, the driving device includes but is not limited to a stepper motor and a servo motor.

[0019] As a preferred solution, the arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly is circular or linear.

[0020] As a preferred solution, the arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly is circular, the light blocking device is circular, and the driving device drives the light blocking component to rotate along the center of the circle.

[0021] As a preferred solution, the light blocking component is made of a soft light-absorbing material and is annular. The light blocking component is provided with only one light hole corresponding to the optical fiber collimator assembly.

[0022] As a preferred solution, the light blocking component may be in a columnar shape, and a plurality of light through holes are formed on the light blocking component, and the plurality of light through holes are distributed in a spiral shape along the length direction of the light blocking component.

[0023] As a preferred solution, the PLC blocking chip includes a chip body, multiple input ports and output ports, and the multiple input ports and output ports are arranged on both sides of the chip body in a one-to-one correspondence. The chip body includes a shell and an integrated component arranged in the shell. The integrated component includes an electrode layer, a liquid crystal layer, a reflection grating, a waveguide layer and a substrate. The waveguide layer is arranged on the substrate, the reflection grating is arranged between the waveguide layer and the liquid crystal layer, and the electrode layer is arranged on one end of the liquid crystal layer away from the reflection grating. The refractive index of the liquid crystal layer is changed by adjusting the voltage of the electrode layer to block the waveguide layer, so that only any one of the input ports and output ports is allowed to pass light, and all other ports are blocked.

[0024] As a preferred solution, the multi-path light source output end is composed of multiple wavelength light sources, multiple blocking optical switch components, optical fiber wavelength combiners and splitters connected in sequence, which divides any one of the wavelength light sources into multiple light sources and outputs them from the multi-path light source output end.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has obvious advantages and beneficial effects. Specifically, it can be seen from the above technical solution that:

[0026] 1. The optical path switching speed is fast, making the test time less than 1 second.

[0027] 2. By setting up a light-blocking device for selectively blocking multiple light sources and installing the fiber collimator assembly on the collimator alignment base, there is no mechanical movement between the optical link and the fiber collimator assembly. The light path does not change at all during operation, solving the problems of unstable light path and poor repeatability.

[0028] 3. The fixed installation of the fiber collimator assembly and the collimator alignment base makes the overall structure small in size, highly integrated, and has low requirements on the use environment, so it can be used as a portable device;

[0029] 4. The coordinated use of the drive device and the light-blocking component means that after the channel is switched, there is no need to add power to maintain the optical path, no heat is generated, the optical path is more stable, and energy-saving and environmentally friendly;

[0030] 5. The installation position of the input collimator, output collimator and light hole is determined to meet the accurate switching of the optical path. It does not require high processing precision or complex circuit control system, and has fast test speed and low production cost.

[0031] 6. The error of the entire test system is greatly reduced and tends to zero, and can be used as a calibration device for other equipment;

[0032] 7. When the optical link is switched, it is not easily affected by jitter.

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the structural features and effects of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical path of a conventional multi-fiber insertion loss test system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a typical commonly used design of a conventional multi-channel optical switch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG3 is a functional block diagram of a blocking multi-fiber insertion loss tester according to embodiments 1-5 of the present invention;

[0037] FIG4 is a functional block diagram of a blocking multi-fiber insertion loss tester with an optical splitter added according to Embodiments 1-5 of the present invention;

[0038] 5 is a schematic diagram of a single-channel light-blocking device and a light path principle diagram of Example 1 of the present invention;

[0039] FIG6 is a physical diagram of a 12-way single-channel mechanical optical switch array according to Example 1 of the present invention;

[0040] 7 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the light blocking device of Example 2 of the present invention;

[0041] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the light blocking device of Example 2 of the present invention;

[0042] 9 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the light blocking device of Example 3 of the present invention;

[0043] 10 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the light blocking device of Example 4 of the present invention;

[0044] 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the light blocking device of Example 4 of the present invention;

[0045] 12 is a schematic diagram of a light blocking device according to Example 4 of the present invention;

[0046] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a testing instrument according to Example 4 of the present invention;

[0047] 14 is a schematic diagram of test data of the test instrument of Example 4 of the present invention;

[0048] 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a light-blocking device based on a PLC chip according to Example 5 of the present invention;

[0049] FIG16 is a cross-sectional view of a light-blocking device based on a PLC blocking chip according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Description of reference numerals:

[0051] 10. Light blocking component; 11. Light hole;

[0052] 20. Collimator alignment base; 21. First mounting plate; 22. Second mounting plate; 221. Horizontal plate; 222. Vertical plate; 223. Second avoidance through hole;

[0053] 30. Driving device; 31. Transmission arm;

[0054] 40. Mounting block; 41. Mounting through hole; 42. First avoidance through hole; 43. Accommodating groove;

[0055] 50. Fiber collimator assembly; 51. Input fiber collimator; 52. Output fiber collimator;

[0056] 60. Input port; 61. Output port; 62. Chip body; 621. Housing; 622. Integrated components; 6221. Electrode layer; 6222. Liquid crystal layer; 6223. Reflection grating; 6224. Waveguide layer; 6225. Substrate;

[0057] 70. Multi-channel light source output terminal; 71. Wavelength light source; 72. Fiber wavelength combiner; 73. Splitter; 74. Traditional 1×4 optical switch; 75. Traditional multi-channel optical switch; 76. Blocking optical switch component;

[0058] 80. Light blocking device; 81. MPO connector;

[0059] 90. Photodetector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and implementation examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0061] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0062] First, the application scenarios to which this application can be applied are introduced.

[0063] This application can be applied to the field of optical communication technology. With the development and application of optical technology, the structure of multi-channel optical communication devices tends to be complicated. In order to ensure the normal operation of multi-channel optical communication devices, it is particularly important to measure the optical fiber insertion loss of multi-channel optical communication devices. Therefore, a multi-channel optical fiber insertion loss test system was created.

[0064] Please refer to FIG1 , which is a schematic diagram of the optical path of a conventional multi-fiber insertion-return loss test system.

[0065] The test system consists of a wavelength light source 71, a traditional 1×4 optical switch 74, a 50:50 optical splitter 73, a traditional multi-channel optical switch 75, a multi-channel fiber optic test busbar (with MPO connectors 81), a multi-channel fiber optic test line (with MPO connectors 81), and a large-area optical detector 90. During operation, wavelength and channel switching are achieved by switching the optical switch, which is accomplished by reconstructing the optical path. This test system can simultaneously measure the insertion loss and return loss of optical connectors.

[0066] The function of an optical switch is to ensure that only one optical fiber is transmitting light at any given time. This is a time-sharing detection method that requires equal response efficiency across all channels. An optical power meter is a large-area detector or integrating sphere detector that can detect signals from all channels. In the test system shown in Figure 1, each channel is tested by switching the optical switch.

[0067] Referring again to FIG. 2 , FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a typical commonly used design of a conventional multi-channel optical switch. The input fiber collimator 51 is driven to rotate by the drive device 30 and the transmission arm 31 , and is aligned with a corresponding output fiber collimator 52 , and the optical path is switched to the corresponding optical fiber.

[0068] During the switching process of a multi-channel optical switch, the following problems may occur:

[0069] 1. There is mechanical movement between the optical path and the collimator components. It is difficult to ensure the consistency of the position of the optical path during each switch, which is prone to deviation, resulting in poor optical path repeatability and large measurement errors.

[0070] 2. The optical path cannot guarantee the alignment position is completely consistent each time it is switched, resulting in poor optical path repeatability and large measurement errors;

[0071] 3. When the input collimator switches, the switching speed cannot be too fast due to the pulling of the input optical fiber, otherwise the test data will be affected;

[0072] 4. To ensure the stability of the optical path, the operating environment must be high and cannot be affected by vibration;

[0073] 5. Large size, cannot be used to make portable instruments;

[0074] 6. To ensure accuracy during switching, high requirements are placed on the collimator fixing components and circuit control system, and high processing accuracy is required, resulting in high production costs.

[0075] Among the above problems, slow test speed is a prominent problem. When testing a 12-channel MPO connector 81 in an existing multi-channel insertion loss test system, the test time generally ranges from 10 seconds to several tens of seconds.

[0076] Based on this, embodiments 1-5 of the present invention provide a blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system based on a "blocking" operating principle, rather than an optical switch. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the present invention's blocking multi-fiber insertion loss tester, which consists of a multi-path light source output terminal 70, a light blocking device 80, and a large-area light detector 90, connected in sequence.

[0077] The light-blocking device 80 is a key component of the present invention. It is a multi-path fiber optic device. The light-blocking device 80 allows only one path of light to pass through, while blocking the remaining light paths. At the input end of the light-blocking device 80, all channels have continuous light. The detector is a shared large-area light detector 90, and the receiving range covers all light paths. The light-blocking device 80 selects one of the paths to be received. When the light path is switched, the light-blocking device 80 is used to replace the switching coupling of the collimator, eliminating the change in optical power caused by the re-coupling of the collimator. Since there is no mechanical movement in the optical fiber, the test data is strictly repeated.

[0078] The multiple light sources may be N independent light sources, or one light source may be divided into N light sources through a 1-to-N light splitter 73 , thereby saving the cost of the multiple light sources.

[0079] Figure 4 shows the functional block diagram of a blocking multi-fiber insertion loss tester with the addition of an optical splitter 73. The optical path includes, in order: a wavelength light source 71, a blocking optical switch 76, a fiber wavelength combiner 72, a 1-to-N optical splitter 73, a light blocking device 80, and a large-area light detector 90. The wavelength light source 71 is a multi-path light source.

[0080] The wavelength light sources 71 in Figure 4 include, but are not limited to, a 1310nm wavelength light source and a 1550nm wavelength light source, both of which are temperature-controlled lasers. The two light sources of the temperature-controlled lasers are selectively switched on, combined by a fiber wavelength combiner 72, and then split into multiple light sources by a splitter 73. The light sources are output from the multiple light source output terminal 70, passing through a light blocking device 80 and output to a light detector 90. Multiple MPO connectors 81 are also connected between the light blocking device 80 and the light detector 90 in Figure 4. MPO connectors 81 are the most common type of multi-fiber connector.

[0081] The temperature-controlled wavelength light source 71 can maintain the stability and consistency of the light source and improve the accuracy of the test results. The wavelength light source 71 includes but is not limited to 1310 LD, 1550 LD, DFB laser, DBR laser, VCSEL laser, and Tunable Laser laser.

[0082] The light blocking device 80 of the present invention includes but is not limited to a PLC blocking chip. The light blocking device 80 is arranged between the multi-path light source output end 70 and the light detector 90. The light blocking device 80 only allows any one path to pass light and blocks the remaining light paths. That is, the light blocking device 80 can realize a single light path blocking solution and be applied to a single-channel blocking optical switch.

[0083] In Example 1, the light-blocking device 80 can be composed of N single-channel mechanical optical switches; Figure 5 (A) is a schematic diagram of the appearance of a single-channel mechanical optical switch, which has two optical fibers, one input and one output; Figure 5 (B) is a schematic diagram of the optical path of the single-channel mechanical optical switch, in which a light-blocking component 10 is inserted between two precisely aligned optical fiber collimators to control the on and off of the optical path; each single-channel mechanical optical switch can independently switch and control an optical path, and maintain the on and off state of the optical path when no power is applied.

[0084] The first solution employed was to use single-channel mechanical optical switches to form a multi-channel single-channel mechanical optical switch array. Single-channel mechanical optical switches are commercially available and mature. Figure 6 shows a 12-channel single-channel mechanical optical switch array, with six channels on each of the upper and lower layers. This solution requires no additional power consumption, meeting environmental requirements; the optical switches generate no heat, resulting in low circuit thermal drift; and the optical path is highly stable. However, this solution has drawbacks: slow optical switching speed, large optical switch array size, complex circuit drive, high cost, and low reliability due to the large number of discrete components.

[0085] In Examples 2-4, the light blocking device 80 includes a multi-channel optical fiber collimator assembly 50, a light blocking component 10, a driving device 30 and a collimator alignment base 20; the multi-channel optical fiber collimator assembly 50 is arranged on the collimator alignment base 20, and the multi-channel optical fiber collimator assembly 50 includes a precisely aligned input optical fiber collimator 51 and a corresponding output optical fiber collimator 52, ensuring a one-to-one correspondence between the optical paths and reducing measurement errors; the light blocking component 10 is movably arranged between the input optical fiber collimator 51 and the output optical fiber collimator 52, and a light hole 11 is opened on the light blocking component 10, and the light hole 11 only allows light to pass through one optical fiber collimator assembly 50 , and blocks other fiber collimator components 50; the transmission end of the driving device 30 is connected to the light blocking component 10, and the driving device 30 causes the light hole 11 of the light blocking component 10 to move in sequence along the arrangement route of the fiber collimator component 50, so as to realize accurate switching and reconstruction of the optical path, avoid mechanical movement between the optical link and the fiber collimator component 50, damage the optical fiber, and at the same time ensure the consistency of position when switching the optical link, improve the stability and accuracy of the optical path, and be not easily affected by vibration; the driving device 30 includes but is not limited to a stepper motor and a servo motor to realize precise control of rotation; the arrangement route of the fiber collimator component 50 is circular or linear.

[0086] In view of the shortcomings of Example 1, a solution of Example 2 of the present invention is provided. Please refer to Figures 7 to 8 for details. Figures 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams of the assembly structure and structural decomposition of the light blocking device 80 of Example 2.

[0087] N fiber optic collimator assemblies 50 are linearly arranged on the collimator alignment base 20 . Each fiber optic collimator assembly 50 includes a precisely aligned input fiber optic collimator 51 and a corresponding output fiber optic collimator 52 , forming N fiber optic pathways.

[0088] In the free space between the opposing fiber optic collimators, a light blocking component 10 is movably disposed between the input fiber optic collimator 51 and the output fiber optic collimator 52. A light hole 11 is provided on the light blocking component 10, which allows light to pass through only one fiber optic collimator assembly 50 and blocks all other fiber optic collimator assemblies 50.

[0089] The light shielding component 10 can be annular and made of soft light-absorbing material. A light hole 11 corresponding to the collimator assembly is opened on the light shielding component 10. A transmission member is provided on the light shielding component 10 and connected to the transmission end of the driving device 30.

[0090] The drive device 30 includes, but is not limited to, a stepper motor and a servo motor. When the drive device 30 rotates, it drives the transmission member to operate, causing the light-blocking component 10 to reciprocate along the length of the accommodating groove 43, independently controlling the opening and closing of a light path, and maintaining the open or closed state when no power is applied.

[0091] The light blocking member 10 may also be configured as a linear blocking plate.

[0092] Embodiment 2 overcomes the shortcomings of the 12-way optical switch array of embodiment 1, such as slow speed, complex driving, high cost, and low reliability. However, the size is still relatively large, which is not conducive to miniaturization of the test system.

[0093] In the third embodiment of the present invention, please refer to FIG. 9 for details. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the light blocking device 80 .

[0094] N fiber optic collimator assemblies 50 are linearly arranged on the collimator alignment base 20 . Each fiber optic collimator assembly 50 includes a precisely aligned input fiber optic collimator 51 and a corresponding output fiber optic collimator 52 , forming N fiber optic pathways.

[0095] The light-blocking component 10, which is movably positioned between the input fiber collimator 51 and the output fiber collimator 52, is a cylindrical structure with N light-through holes 11 formed therein, distributed equidistantly along its length in a spiral pattern. A transmission element is provided at one end of the cylinder, connected to the drive unit 30 via a coupling, enabling the cylinder to rotate about its axis.

[0096] When the cylinder rotates along its axis, only one pair of optical fiber collimators is always connected to the light hole 11, and the other pairs of optical fiber collimators are blocked by the wall of the light hole 11. When no power is applied, the light hole 11 can remain in an open or closed state.

[0097] The light-blocking device 80 shown in Figure 9 is very compact and easy to operate, making it a highly optimized design. However, due to the limited working distance of the fiber collimator, the diameter of the cylinder cannot be too large, which limits the number of light-through holes 11. This design is suitable for a limited number of channels, such as 12.

[0098] In Example 4, please refer to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 for details. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are a schematic diagram of the assembly structure and a schematic diagram of the decomposition structure of the light blocking device 80 of Example 4.

[0099] The light blocking device 80 includes an N-channel optical fiber collimator assembly 50 , a light blocking component 10 , a driving device 30 and a collimator alignment base 20 .

[0100] On the collimator alignment base 20 , N optical fiber collimator assemblies 50 are distributed along the circumference. Each optical fiber collimator assembly 50 includes a precisely aligned input optical fiber collimator 51 and a corresponding output optical fiber collimator 52 , forming N optical fiber paths.

[0101] The light blocking component 10 movably disposed between the input fiber collimator 51 and the output fiber collimator 52 is circular in shape and is provided with a light hole 11 corresponding to the collimator assembly.

[0102] The driving end of the driving device 30 is connected to the light blocking component 10. The driving device 30 rotates, driving the circular light blocking component 10 to rotate around the center of the circle, blocking the N optical fiber collimator assemblies 50 arranged in a circle, allowing only one optical fiber collimator assembly 50 to pass light and blocking all other optical fiber collimator assemblies 50.

[0103] The driving device 30 includes but is not limited to a stepping motor and a servo driver to achieve precise control of the rotation.

[0104] FIG12 is a product photo of the light blocking device 80 of this embodiment 4, in which the N-way optical fiber collimator assembly 50, the stepper motor and the motor coupling are clearly visible.

[0105] The light-blocking device 80 of Example 4 has been successfully used in a "blocking" multi-fiber insertion loss test system. Figure 13 shows a photograph of this test instrument. The light source signal is output through an MPO connector 81, and to the right is the MPO interface of the large-area light detector 90.

[0106] Actual tests have shown that this test instrument has the following characteristics:

[0107] 1) Fast testing speed:

[0108] Because the optical path remains unchanged, there's no need to wait for the optical path to return to steady state after movement, significantly accelerating testing speed. Insertion loss for a 12-channel MPO line is completed and displayed on the computer screen in less than one second. This is even without optimizing test parameters. All existing multi-fiber testers take at least 10 seconds to measure insertion loss for a 12-channel MPO line. The blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system is over 10 times faster than existing multi-fiber insertion loss test systems based on optical switches.

[0109] 2) Test repeatability error is almost zero:

[0110] Because the optical path remains unchanged, the optical signal repeatability is excellent, ensuring absolute repeatability and near-zero error during repeated testing. Figure 14 shows a screenshot of product test data from this test instrument. As can be seen, the error is within 0.01dB. This minor error is likely due to random variations in the light source and rounding errors. This device can be used as a calibration tool for other multi-fiber insertion loss test systems.

[0111] 3) Energy saving:

[0112] No need to continuously power on to maintain the optical path, reducing energy consumption and being environmentally friendly.

[0113] 4) Strong structure:

[0114] Since there are no precision moving parts, the test instrument has a strong structure and can be made into a portable instrument for use in test sites.

[0115] 5) Low cost:

[0116] Since it does not require high processing precision and does not have a complicated circuit system, the manufacturing cost of this test instrument is low and cheap.

[0117] Furthermore, the aforementioned collimator alignment base 20 includes a fixed seat and two mounting blocks 40 mounted on the fixed seat. The two mounting blocks 40 are arranged in parallel on both sides of the light blocking component 10. The mounting blocks 40 are provided with mounting through holes 41 corresponding to multiple optical fiber collimator assemblies 50, which are convenient for production and assembly. The two mounting blocks 40 are provided with accommodating grooves 43 corresponding to the light blocking component 10 on the side close to the light blocking component 10, ensuring that the light blocking component 10 can work normally under the drive of the driving device 30; the mounting blocks 40 are also provided with a first avoidance through hole 42 corresponding to the transmission end of the driving device 30, and the two mounting blocks 40 are connected to the collimator alignment base 20 through the first mounting plate 21.

[0118] Furthermore, the driving device 30 is fixed to the collimator alignment base 20 through a second mounting plate 22. The second mounting plate 22 is "L-shaped". The second mounting plate 22 includes a horizontal plate 221 and a vertical plate 222. The horizontal plate 221 is vertically connected to the vertical plate 222. The horizontal plate 221 is also connected to the collimator alignment base 20. A second avoidance through hole 223 corresponding to the transmission end of the driving device 30 is provided on the vertical plate 222. While improving the overall structural stability, it ensures the connection between the transmission end of the driving device 30 and the light blocking device 80, thereby realizing the connection and blocking of the optical link.

[0119] The four aforementioned embodiments are all based on mechanical motion. The light blocking device 80 can also be based on chip technology. Without moving parts, it is ultra-miniaturized, has lower costs, and is easier to manufacture into a portable device.

[0120] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a PLC chip-based light blocking device 80. A PLC blocking chip is coupled and permanently fixed by two one-dimensional optical fiber arrays and packaged in a suitable device housing.

[0121] FIG16 is a cross-sectional view of a light blocking device 80 based on a PLC blocking chip.

[0122] In Example 5, referring to Figures 15 and 16, the light blocking device 80 is a PLC blocking chip, which includes a chip body 62, a multi-way input port 60 and an output port 61. The multi-way input port and the output port are arranged on both sides of the chip body 62 in a one-to-one correspondence. The chip body 62 includes a shell 621 and an integrated component 622 arranged in the shell 621. The integrated component 622 includes an electrode layer 6221, a liquid crystal layer 6222, a reflective grid, a waveguide layer 6224 and a substrate 6225. The waveguide layer 6224 is arranged on the substrate 6225, and the reflective grid is arranged on the waveguide layer 6224. Between the guide layer 6224 and the liquid crystal layer 6222, the electrode layer 6221 is arranged on the end surface of the liquid crystal layer 6222 away from the reflective grid. The reflective grating 6223 is covered by the liquid crystal layer 6222. The refractive index of the liquid crystal layer 6222 can be adjusted by voltage, and the reflectivity of the reflective grating 6223 changes with the change of voltage. When the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer 6222 and the reflectivity of the reflective grating 6223 are equal, light is allowed to pass through, realizing the connection of the optical link; when the refractive index and the emissivity of the reflective grating 6223 differ greatly, a large amount of light is reflected, the transmittance is close to zero, and the optical link is blocked.

[0123] There is no relative mechanical movement in the entire process, the structure is compact and can be miniaturized; a waveguide corresponding to the reflection grating 6223 is also provided on the shell 621 to facilitate switching and reconstruction of the optical link.

[0124] Working principle: There is continuous light in all channels. The light detector 90 is a shared large-area detector that can receive all light paths. The PLC blocking chip selects one path to replace the switching coupling of the collimator, so that only one optical fiber passes light at any time, eliminating the change in optical power caused by the re-coupling of the collimator when the light path is switched.

[0125] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements and improvements made within the principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a multi-path light source output end (70), a light blocking device (80) and a light detector (90); the light blocking device (80) is a multi-path input and multi-path output optical fiber device, which is arranged between the multi-path light source output end (70) and the light detector (90); the light blocking device (80) allows only one path of light to pass through and blocks the remaining light paths.

2. A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light blocking device (80) includes but is not limited to a PLC blocking chip.

3. The blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light blocking device (80) comprises a multi-channel optical fiber collimator assembly (50), a light blocking component (10), a driving device (30) and a collimator alignment base (20); The multiple fiber collimator assemblies (50) are arranged on the collimator alignment base (20), and the multiple fiber collimator assemblies (50) each comprise a precisely aligned input fiber collimator (51) and a corresponding output fiber collimator (52); The light blocking component (10) is movably arranged between the input optical fiber collimator (51) and the output optical fiber collimator (52), and a light through hole (11) is provided on the light blocking component (10), and the light through hole (11) allows only one optical fiber collimator assembly (50) to pass light, and blocks the other optical fiber collimator assemblies (50); The driving end of the driving device (30) is connected to the light shielding component (10), and the driving device (30) causes the light through hole (11) of the light shielding component (10) to move sequentially along the arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly (50).

4. A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The driving device (30) includes but is not limited to a stepping motor and a servo motor.

5. The blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly (50) is circular or linear.

6. A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly (50) is circular, the light blocking device (80) is circular, and the driving device (30) drives the light blocking component (10) to rotate along the center of the circle.

7. The blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The light blocking component (10) is made of a soft light-absorbing material and is ring-shaped. The light blocking component (10) is provided with only one light-through hole (11) corresponding to the optical fiber collimator assembly (50).

8. The blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The light shielding component (10) may be in the shape of a bar column, and a plurality of light through holes (11) are provided on the light shielding component (10), and the plurality of light through holes (11) are distributed in a spiral shape along the length direction of the light shielding component (10).

9. A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The PLC barrier chip comprises a chip body (62), a plurality of input ports (60) and an output port (61), wherein the plurality of input ports (60) and the output ports (61) are arranged on both sides of the chip body (62) in a one-to-one correspondence, and the chip body (62) comprises a housing (621) and an integrated component (622) arranged in the housing (621), wherein the integrated component (622) comprises an electrode layer (6221), a liquid crystal layer (6222), a reflection grating (6223), a waveguide layer (6224) and a substrate (6225), wherein The waveguide layer (6224) is arranged on the substrate (6225), the reflection grating (6223) is arranged between the waveguide layer (6224) and the liquid crystal layer (6222), the electrode layer (6221) is arranged on one end of the liquid crystal layer (6222) away from the reflection grating (6223), and the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer (6222) is changed by adjusting the voltage of the electrode layer (6221) to block the waveguide layer (6224), so that only any one of the input port (60) and the output port (61) is allowed to pass light, and all other paths are blocked from passing light.

10. The blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-path light source output end (70) is composed of a plurality of wavelength light sources (71), a plurality of blocking optical switch components (76), an optical fiber wavelength combiner (72) and a splitter (73) connected in sequence, and any one of the wavelength light sources (71) is divided into a plurality of light sources, which are output from the multi-path light source output end (70).

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