Patent ID: 6016211
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: G02B,G06E,H04Q

Abstract:
A packaged opto-electronic data switching means comprisinga plurality of optical channel input means, each comprising an optical-to-electronic signal converter for conversion of optical signals received at said optical channel input means to corresponding electrical signals;a plurality of optical channel output means, each comprising an electrical-to-optical signal converter for conversion of electrical signals received at said optical channel output means into corresponding optical signals;an electrical injector channel input means;an electrical extractor channel output means;control input means for inputting control signals;an extractor-selector data switching means operably connected to said optical channel input means and said electrical extractor channel output means, said extractor-selector data switching means to receive electrical signals from said optical channel input means and switch a subset of said received electrical signals to said electrical extractor channel output means responsive to control signals;an injector-selector data switching means operably connected to said electrical injector channel input means, and said optical channel output means, for switching electrical signals from said optical channel input means and said electrical channel input means, to said optical channel output means in response to control signals;a mechanical substrate comprising a plurality of electrical conductors, wherein said extractor-selector data switching means is interconnected to said optical channel input means and said electrical extractor channel output means by way of electrical conductors on said substrate, and said injector-selector data switching means is connected to said electrical injector channel input means, and said optical channel output means by way electrical conductors on said substrate;and a packaging means suitable for mounting said opto-electronic data switching means onto a substantially larger processing module, said packaging means packaging said optical channel input means, said output channel output means, said control input means, said electrical injector-channel input means, said electrical extractor-channel output means, said injector-selector data switching means, said extractor-selector data switching means and said substrate,thereby providing a packaged opto-electronic data switching means which supports controllable switching of data received on incoming electronic injector channel at said electronic injector channel input means onto outgoing optical channels at said plurality of optical channel output means and controllable switching of data received on incoming optical channels at said plurality of optical channel input means onto outgoing electrical extractor channel at said electrical extractor channel output means.