MEMS Crosspoint Switch for Optical Fiber Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crosspoint switches, particularly optical ones, face challenges with high costs, complexity, and switching delays due to the need for precise positioning of mirrors for routing optical signals, and packet switching routers experience routing latency from examining data formats and contents.
Innovation Solution
The use of a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) crosspoint switch with an electrical switch array that converts optical signals to electrical signals for routing, employing MEMS electrical switches instead of optical mirrors, and utilizing circuit switching techniques to route signals without examining data formats, thereby reducing costs and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical mirrors are used to route optical signals in optical crosspoint switches, then optical signal routing is achieved, but the cost and complexity increase due to the need for precise positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical mirror positioning system with an electrical MEMS switch system. Instead of using mechanical actuators to precisely position optical mirrors, the invention converts optical signals to electrical signals and uses MEMS-based electrical switches to route them, thereby eliminating the complex mechanical positioning mechanisms while maintaining routing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical-to-electrical conversion intermediary layer. Optical signals are converted to electrical signals by photodetectors, then routed through MEMS electrical switches, and finally converted back to optical signals by lasers. This intermediary conversion allows the use of simpler electrical switching mechanisms instead of complex optical mechanical positioning systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If packet switching methodology is used to determine output ports, then routing decisions are made based on data content, but routing latency increases due to examination of data formats and contents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the software-based packet switching decision process with a hardware-based circuit switching mechanism. Instead of examining data packets and making routing decisions through software processing, the system uses MEMS electrical switches controlled by control signals to establish direct physical connections, eliminating the time-consuming data examination process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements circuit switching where routing paths are established beforehand based on control signals. The MEMS switches are actated in advance to set up dedicated physical pathways for data transmission, eliminating the need for real-time packet examination and dynamic routing decisions during data transmission
3Reliability
If electrical switches such as transistors are used in crosspoint switches, then electrical signal routing is achieved, but high-frequency signal handling capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electronic transistor switches with MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) switches. The MEMS switches use mechanical movement of micro-scale components to create or break electrical contacts, providing lower insertion loss and better high-frequency performance compared to solid-state transistors while maintaining electrical signal routing capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the costs and complexity associated with optical switches and minimizes routing latency by using MEMS electrical switches, enabling efficient high-frequency signal handling and compatibility with various network infrastructure components.
Implementation Method 1
The MEMS switch can include a diaphragm that is actuated by an electrostatic force between two electrodes
Implementation Method 2
converts optical signals to electrical signals for routing
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a crosspoint switch used in an optical fiber data network. The crosspoint switch can switch optical signals received from any of a plurality of input optical fibers to any one of a plurality of output optical fibers. The crosspoint switch converts the optical signals received from the input optical fibers into electrical signals, switches the electrical signals, and converts the switched electrical signals back into optical signals before transmitting them over the output optical fibers. A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) electrical switch array is utilized to switch the electrical signals. The MEMS electrical switch array includes MEMS switching elements that allow for high frequency and high bandwidth operation of the crosspoint switch. The crosspoint switch can utilize circuit switching methodology for switching decisions.