Patent ID: 6141126
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: H04Q

Abstract:
An optical switching matrix apparatus having N input ports and N output ports, comprising:N tunable transmitters adapted to convert an electrical input signal into an optical output signal;an N to 1 star coupler adapted to receive the N optical outputs of said tunable transmitters, said star coupled operative to generate a single optical output incorporating the N signals input thereto;a 1 to N demultiplexor adapted to receive said single optical output of said star coupler, said demultiplexor operative to generate N outputs each output having a unique fixed wavelength associated therewith;N receivers adapted to receive the N output signals from said demultiplexor, each receiver comprising a wideband receiver and operative to convert an optical input signal to an electrical output signal;a controller adapted to configure said N tunable transmitters such that each transmitter is tuned to a wavelength corresponding to one of the wavelength outputs of said demultiplexor associated with a destination output port; andwherein N is a positive integer.