CN108604940A

CN108604940A - Optoelectronic switches

Info

Publication number: CN108604940A
Application number: CN201680077887.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A.里克曼; N.法林顿; A.S.纳格拉
Original assignee: Rockley Photonics Ltd
Current assignee: Rockley Photonics Ltd
Priority date: 2015-11-05
Filing date: 2016-11-04
Publication date: 2018-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2036-11-04
Also published as: WO2017077093A2; CN108604940B; WO2017077093A3; WO2017077094A1; CN108476080B; CN108476080A

Abstract

The present invention provides a kind of switch module in optoelectronic switches, and the switch module has：Client part, the client part is for being connected to input unit or output device；First group of structure part (fabric portion) and second group of structure part are communicated respectively for processing signal and with other switch modules, and there is transmission equipment side and receiving side, the transmission equipment side to have for first group of structure part：Transmission equipment side input terminal, the transmission equipment side input terminal is used to receive the first electronic signal for carrying information, described information includes the information about the destination switch module of first electronic signal, and first electronic signal is received from the output end or input unit of second group of structure part via the client part；Transmission equipment side translation building block, first electronic signal for being converted into more than first a optical signals containing identical information by the transmission equipment side translation building block；Transmission equipment side multiplexer, the transmission equipment side multiplexer is used to more than described first a optical signals being converted into multiplexing group structure output signal for being transferred to active interchanger, and the receiving side has：Receiving side demultiplexer, the receiving side demultiplexer is for receiving the multiplexing group structure input signal from active interchanger and the multiplexing group structure input signal being separated into a optical signal more than second；Receiving side translation building block, the receiving side translation building block are used to more than described second a optical signals being converted into the second electronic signal；And receiving side output end, the receiving side output end are used to be sent to second electronic signal via the client part transmission equipment side input terminal or output device of second group of structure part.

Description

Optoelectronic switches

The cross reference of related application

This application claims the U.S.s of entitled " the Optical Switch Architectures " that submits on November 5th, 2015 The full content of the priority and right of state's Provisional Application No. 62/251,572, the provisional application is herein incorporated by reference this Wen Zhong.

Technical field

The one or more aspects of each embodiment according to the present invention are related to can be used for the exchange in optoelectronic switches Machine module, and further relate to incorporate the optoelectronic switches of the switch module.

Background of invention

Data traffic current and continue to increase requirement with data center to the energy expenditure of exchange velocity and reduction It already leads to largely innovate recently.In particular, it is recognized that light, which exchanges (optical switching), provides many Desired properties, but Optical devices needs controlled by the electronic device including conditional electronic data server and with the electricity Sub-device matches.

Optical devices itself may not be such that the size of interchanger or complexity reduces.List is exchanged in order to improve assembly and application light Flexibility when first, it is expected that improving the scalability (scalability) of optical switch.A kind of improved method is related to interchanger net The topology of component in network.It is expected that generating the light crosspoint of telescopic in height.Therefore, it is still necessary to optimally benefit from optics device The speed of part and be suitble to huge scalability framework assembly CMOS electronic devices flexibility packet switching exchange.

In order to which network topology, such as computer network or optical switching network, such as implementation in the present invention is most explicitly described In scheme, following term and mark can be used：

Figure G is the set of the set and side E of vertex V, while the vertex being connected into pairs.Figure representation is G=(V, E).Therefore, Network can be modeled as figure, and interior joint (i.e. individual exchange components) is indicated by vertex, and the link between pairs of node It is figure side.

The physical topology of network is the position in node and the real 3d space of link.The logical topology of network is in mathematics On be represented as the figure G=(V, E) of network.

The radix R of single exchange component is the number of the port on the exchange component.Switch port can be client Port (external client for being connected to such as host or server) or group structure port (being connected to other exchange components) are held, or not Connection.Number=C of the client port of each crosspoint, and number=F of the group structure interface of each exchange component.

Path is the sequence for the link that source node is connected to destination node, and the length in path is the chain in sequence The number connect.Minimal path between two nodes is the shortest path of length, and the diameter of network is any two node Between longest minimal path.Exchange component in interchanger may be disposed to N number of dimension (also referred herein as layer (tier))。

Known name network topology is collapsible Crouse's network.This is currently used for data center network and multi-chip Common topological in interchanger.The topology is also referred to as k member n trees (k-ary n-tree).Can network only be described with R and N：

C_AlwaysThe sum of=client port, you can interconnection

Diameter, D=2 (N-1)

Table 1 below illustrates the values of N, for the number of the client port of the various different values of parameter, as described above, Described value instruction uses the number of the attachable external client of this network with given parameters.

Table 1：For the value of the N of collapsible Crouse's network of the changing value with R and N.

Figure 15 A to C show the example and its C of collapsible Crouse's network arrangement of the different value with N and R_Always、P With the respective value of D.It is apparent that when in for actual exchange network, the number of used exchange component is than institute in these figures The number shown is much greater.In these examples, client port is used in the bottom line of exchange component not in either case Connection chain fetches expression.Herein, term " leaf " can be used for being connected to the exchange member of both client and other exchange components Part, and " backbone " can be used for being connected only to those of other leaves interchanger.In this application, term " backbone " and " active Interchanger " can also be used interchangeably.

Brief summary of the invention

Most typically, embodiment of the present invention provides a kind of optoelectronic switches, and the optoelectronic switches have and make With multiple exchange components of (physics) network topology tissue after the great improved improvement of scalability of generation.It is used to realize The optoelectronic switches of physical topology after improvement, the exchange component for forming the optoelectronic switches must have special characteristic, With specific concatenation ability.Particularly, the exchange component of leaf is served as, referred to herein as " switch module ", in order to optimally Execution may require that specific internal part.Therefore, the first aspect of embodiment of the present invention provides a kind of for photoelectron friendship Switch module in changing planes, the switch module have：

Client part, the client part is for being connected to input unit or output device；

First group of structure part and second group of structure part, it is respectively for processing signal and logical with other switch modules Letter, first group of structure part have transmission equipment side and receiving side,

The transmission equipment side has：

Transmission equipment side input terminal, the transmission equipment side input terminal are used to receive the first electronic signal for carrying information, described information Include the information about the destination switch module of first electronic signal, first electronic signal is via the visitor Family end part is received from the following terms：

The output end of second group of structure part, or

Input unit；

Transmission equipment side translation building block, the transmission equipment side translation building block is for being converted into first electronic signal containing identical A optical signal more than the first of information；

Transmission equipment side multiplexer, the transmission equipment side multiplexer are used to more than described first a optical signals being converted into multiplexing group structure defeated Go out signal for being transferred to active interchanger, and

The receiving side has：

Receiving side demultiplexer, the receiving side demultiplexer are defeated for receiving the multiplexing group structure from active interchanger Enter signal and the multiplexing group structure input signal is separated into a optical signal more than second；

Receiving side translation building block, the receiving side translation building block are used to more than described second a optical signals being converted into the second electricity Subsignal, and

Receiving side output end, the receiving side output end are used for second electronic signal via the client part It is sent to：

The transmission equipment side input terminal of second group of structure part, or

Output device.

In order to avoid obscuring, it should be noted that hereinafter, term " group structure part " is used for description group structure port itself, that is, hands over It is all associated in interface (linking between switch module) and the switch module changed planes between module and network fabric Component.Similarly, " client part " for describing client port itself, i.e., with the interface of external client and interchanger All associated parts in module.Input unit and/or output device can refer to the external client of such as server or host.

Preferably, second group of structure part is configured to execute optics identical with first group of structure part and electronics Processing so that for example when second electronic signal is sent to described second group from the output end of first group of structure part When the input terminal of structure part, same treatment can occur in the electronic signal, so that the electronic signal transmission arrives Other places.In this way, the switch module may act as intermediary switch module (or backbone), wherein the data received are not direct It is forwarded to output device, but is forwarded to another switch module, for being subsequently further transferred to another switch module, or It is transferred to output device.Therefore, second group of structure part may include：

Transmission equipment side input terminal, the transmission equipment side input terminal are used to receive the second electronic signal for carrying information, described information Include the information of the destination switch module about the electronic signal, second electronic signal is via the client Part is received from the following terms：

The output end of first group of structure part, or

Input unit；

Transmission equipment side translation building block, the transmission equipment side translation building block is for being converted into second electronic signal containing identical The multiple optical signals of third of information；

Transmission equipment side multiplexer, the transmission equipment side multiplexer are used to the multiple optical signals of the third being converted into multiplexing group structure defeated Go out signal for being transferred to active interchanger；

Receiving side demultiplexer, the receiving side demultiplexer are defeated for receiving the multiplexing group structure from active interchanger Enter signal and the multiplexing group structure input signal is separated into a optical signal more than the 4th；

Receiving side translation building block, the receiving side translation building block are used to a optical signal more than the described 4th being converted into third electricity Subsignal, and

Receiving side output end, the receiving side output end are used for the third electronic signal via the client part It is sent to：

The transmission equipment side input terminal of first group of structure part, or

Output device.

The switch module may also comprise more than one client part, and preferably include two client ends Point.There is the client part for increasing number to make on each switch module when during switch module is for optoelectronic switches The number for being connectable to the external device (ED) of each switch module increases.

Switch module may include that more than first and second groups of structure parts, this depends on wherein using switch module The dimension (dimensionality) of optoelectronic switches.Thus, the output end of second group of structure part is alternatively It is configured to transmit a signal to third group structure part, rather than first group of structure part.

Switch module according to the first aspect of the invention provides construction telescopic multidimensional (i.e. N>1, use the application Background of invention chapters and sections in introduced term) functionality needed for optoelectronic switches, the optoelectronic switches can will The optical signal received at the client part of a switch module is transmitted to the client part of another switch module. Associated with the transmission equipment side/receiving side translation building block conversion allow most data transmission in the optical domain rather than electronics It is carried out in domain.Therefore, it is possible to lower-wattage with high data rate transmission data over long distances, and power attenuation than It is low in electron region.In addition, making it possible for wavelength-division multiplex using area of light.The other weight of area of light is used during active exchange It is bit rate independence to want advantage, and wherein interchanger panel data is with packet rate rather than bit rate operates.

As this section when starting mentioned by, (second aspect) optoelectronic switches of the invention use new topology, institute It states new topology and provides and change with other the several of topology become known in optical switching network relative to aforementioned folding Crouse's technology Into aspect.In general, the second aspect of the present invention provides a kind of optoelectronic switches, and the optoelectronic switches include to change The array of the switch module and active interchanger arranged into rear physical topology.The switch module is according to the present invention Those of first aspect module, the switch module include client port (" client part ") and group structure port (" group structure Part ") both and be therefore all connected to optics group structure and any external client.

Therefore, correspondingly, switch module according to the first aspect of the invention can be interconnected to according to the present invention second The optoelectronic switches of aspect, wherein the N-dimensional optoelectronic switches for optical signal to be transmitted to output device from input unit Switch module according to the first aspect of the invention including multiple interconnection, wherein：

The switch module is arranged to N-dimensional array, and i-th dimension degree has size R_i(i=1,2...N), each interchanger Module, which has, provides its associated coordinate collection relative to the position of each in N number of dimension；

Each switch module is N number of subarray S_iMember, each subarray S_iInclude only about in the i-th dimension degree The different R of coordinate of position_iA switch module, and each in N number of subarray is associated with different dimensions；

Each in the switch module is configured to generate multiplexing group structure output signal,

Each subarray S_iFurther include with R_iA input terminal and R_iThe active interchanger of a output end,

Each input terminal of each active interchanger is configured to receive the R in the subarray_iA interchanger The mould multiplexing group structure output signal of each in the block,

The active interchanger is configured to based on the transmission equipment side input end reception in the switch module The destination information contained in first electronic signal arrived, by multiplexing group structure output signal from its R_iIn a input terminal Either one or two of be directed to its R_iAny of a output end, the active interchanger is from described in switch module reception Multiplexing group structure output signal.

From the R_iEach signal sent in a output end can be formed can be by the R in the subarray_iA friendship Mould of the changing planes multiplexing group structure input signal in the block that another is received.

Here, by 120 switch modules for considering for example to be organized into 6 arrays of 4x 5x, it is most easily understood by i-th dimension degree " size " R_i.Thus, R₁=4, R₂=5, R₃=6.In other words, the size of i-th dimension degree can also be considered as array with institute State the length on the associated direction of dimension.It must be stressed that this is not meant to that the module is to be physically arranged in example Such as 3D arrays, this only indicates the connection between switch module, as described in more detail below.This will can from switch module Such as to be arranged in real space apparent irrealizable 5D arrays apparent.In arrangement as described above, it should be understood that The size R of i-th dimension degree_iBe associated in subarray S_iActive interchanger input terminal/output end number it is identical, wherein Coordinate in the dimension changes.In such manner, it is possible to ensure that active interchanger is connected to all interchangers in the subarray Module.

It is formed between the group structure part of all switch modules and includes that total interconnection network of active interchanger can It is referred to as " optics group structure " or " group of switches structure " and includes the light link for connecting various parts.Preferably, light link is light It is fine.Moreover, light links preferably bi-directional, this can be real by the way that the link of two or more light to be bundled in single cable It is existing.Alternatively, light link can be in optical polymer waveguide in embedded such as PCB be formed on substrate or in silicon waveguide Form.Similarly, " active interchanger " refers to actively control the interchanger in the path that signal passes through wherein Type.Therefore, active interchanger is capable of providing whole mesh connection, the whole mesh without providing interconnection fabric, or similar group Structure.In addition, if active interchanger receives its R simultaneously_iThe respectively R with heterogeneous expectations destination of a input terminal_iIt is a not Same multiplexed signals, then the active interchanger can send all signals simultaneously.Active interchanger is preferably with non-resistance Plug mode operates, and is more preferably operated with stringent non-blocking fashion rather than rearrangeable non-blocking fashion.It is described herein Active interchanger execute the function of above-mentioned " backbone " because the active interchanger is connected only to switch module, Without connected to external client's end device.

In illustrated examples, wherein each active interchanger radix R having the same (i.e. entire battle arrays in entire array Each active interchanger in row has R input terminal/output end, no matter dimension/submatrix associated with active interchanger How is row).These are the radix R of each switch module and the number N of dimension.Thus, using as made in background of invention chapters and sections Mark, following relationship are applicable in：

Leaf, the i.e. sum of switch module, P₁=R^N

Backbone, i.e., the sum of active interchanger,

D=2N

Table 2 below shows the C about R and the example values of N_AlwaysValue, and show photoelectricity according to the present invention The number of clients that sub- interchanger can be supported is greatly improved relative to collapsible Crouse's network.It should be noted that this change Into the interchanger in different arrays radix it is not exactly the same in the case of be still apparent.However, due to manufacture, it is excellent It selects, all active interchangers used in optoelectronic switches of the invention are identical or substantially the same.

Table 2：For the changing value of R and N, the C of the optoelectronic switches for the present invention_AlwaysValue

The present invention 2D embodiments in, optoelectronic switches include be arranged to X x Y arrays interconnection according to this The array of the switch module of the first aspect of invention, the array have X interchanger of Y switch module of X row and Y rows Module.Therefore, each in Y row is with associated active interchanger (with X input terminal/output end), and X is arranged In each with associated active interchanger (with Y input terminal/output end).Each active interchanger provides its phase The connection being associated between all active interchangers in row or column.In this case, it can be seen that, each switch module connects Two different active interchangers are connected to, i.e., arrange associated active interchanger and associated with its row active with it Interchanger.

Therefore, the switch module being used in such optoelectronic switches respectively needs two group structure parts.

Similarly, in the 3D embodiments of the present invention, optoelectronic switches include be arranged to X x Y x Z arrays mutual The array of switch module according to the first aspect of the invention even, the array have：

X row (each row are made of Y x Z arrays),

Y row (each row is made of X x Z arrays) and

X layer (each layer is made of X x Y arrays).

Thus, the associated active interchanger of each subarray of switch module, in the switch module Each is located in for example same column/row, but layer is different.Therefore, X x Y active interchangers are differed with containing only layer Z switch module subarray it is associated, each active interchanger has Z input terminal/output end.Moreover, there is X x Z A active interchanger is associated with containing the only capable different subarray of Y switch module, each active exchange equipment There is Y input terminal/output end.Different X switch module is only arranged moreover, there are Y x Z active interchangers and containing Subarray it is associated, each active interchanger has X input terminal/output end.2D situations more than being similar to, each interchanger Module is connected to three different active interchangers, i.e., associated compared with each in subarray described in morning with paragraph Active interchanger.Therefore, in the 3D embodiments of optoelectronic switches according to the present invention, each switch module needs Three group structure parts.

From above it can be seen that, it is preferred that each switch module have at least N number of group of structure part, the N number of group of structure portion Each in point is associated from different subarrays, and the switch module is the member of the subarray.Therefore, via with In the dedicated set structure part of the subarray, the switch module can be via active friendship associated with the subarray It changes planes any other switch module transferred data in the subarray.After light jump has occurred and that, signal arrives Up to the different switch modules of the member as the subarray set different from the first subarray, and it is then able to execute identical Processing has another switch module of shared subarray to transmit data to.In this way, from a switch module to another All data transmissions of one switch module can jump in a series of light and be carried out in Spectrametry of Electron Exchange.

In this arrangement, it is possible to which by most N number of light jump, (wherein light jump is to be related to signal via active friendship Change planes the jump by optics group structure) data of any switch module in array are sent to appointing in the array What its switch module.Such case is possible, because individual switch modules potentially act as intermediary switch module, i.e., Because electronic signal (such as data packet) can be sent to another on same switch module by the output end of first group of structure part The input terminal of one group of structure part, and accordingly, the input terminal of first group of structure part on switch module, which can receive, to be come from The data of the output end of second switch module.Electronic signal can be passed using integrated switch between two group structure parts It send, the integrated switch such as electronic crossover switch exchange machine, or provides between two group structure parts, two client parts Connection or a group structure part and a client part between the electronics shared-memory switch machine that connect.Therefore, exist During data transfer operation, data be able to carry out another group of structure part in same subarray light jump, this via With described from the associated active interchanger of subarray.Then, data be able to carry out by switch module itself arrive with not With the Spectrametry of Electron Exchange of associated group of structure part of subarray, then, the jump of the second light can occur-and the process is repeated up to n times, Until data packet reaches its final destination, i.e., with data (such as in packet form) be transmitted to output device via client The switch module of end part.

In the case where having on each interchanger more than N number of group of structure part, provide for expanding to optoelectronic switches Flexibility in more high-dimensional.For example, consider that there is the M for being organized into quadrate array²The 2D photoelectrons of a module exchange The case where machine.It is each with same column with mutually going together in each (newly defining) layer by being connected via new active interchanger To define new subarray and be associated active interchanger, this situation can expand idle group of structure part on switch module It transforms into have and is organized into cubic array (i.e. N layers of N²A interchanger) M³The 3D optoelectronic switches of a switch module.It is extra Group structure port can also be by providing more than one group structure part to be connected to a switch module separately in same subarray One switch module utilizes.

The transmission equipment side translation building block of each switch module preferably further includes transmission equipment side packet handler, at the transmission equipment side packet Reason device is configured to receive first electronic signal, and first electronic signal is in the packet containing the destination information The form of the packet of header, preferably original packet.Other than data itself.Information in being included in may include and the packet Destination, such as the client part that should be finally sent to is wrapped, related information.The package header may also include various information Section, described information section includes source and destination address, packet length, protocol version, serial number, payload type, hop count, Service Quality Measure indicator and other information.

The transmission equipment side packet handler can be configured to execute packet fragmentation, wherein with identical destination switch module Data packet is arranged in the frame with predefined size, and the wherein described data packet may be partitioned into and be arranged in corresponding multiple frames Multiple packet fragments, and wherein optionally, a frame contains the data from one or more data packets.Each packet fragment is excellent It includes the letter of at least initial affiliated packet of identification packet fragment that selection of land, which has the packet fragment header of their own, the packet fragment header, Breath so that the packet can be rebuild after subsequent processing and transmission.For example, consider to configure the packet handler so that frame Payload size is 1000B, and three packets of 400B, 800B and 800B are input to the situation in switch module.If this Each in a little packets can be sent to one packet of each frame in individual frames, then this may indicate that (400+800+800)/3000= 67% efficiency.However, by using packet fragmentation, first frame may include the 200B of 400B packets and the first 800B packets, then, the Two frames may include the remaining 200B of the 2nd 800B packets and the first 800B packets.100% efficiency is generated in this way.It is built by this process The frame of structure indicates data packet by self-ability, and therefore, is jumped when packet undergoes more than one light to arrive at the destination When switch module, further fragment can carry out at intermediary switch module.

In order to make efficiency reach maximum, (such as the frame is forwarded to be converted into more than described first to the subsequent processing of frame A optical signal) can be without, until the filling proportion of frame reaches predetermined threshold, preferably more than 80%, more preferably larger than 90%, and most preferably 100%.After the past of predetermined time amount, packet can alternately be sent for subsequent processing.This Sample, it is still transmittable to be still below threshold value filling proportion if the data packet of given switch module stops reaching packet handler Frame for subsequent processing, rather than packet handler is made to stagnate.The predetermined time amount can between 50ns and 1000ns, But it is preferably ranges between 50ns and 200ns.Most preferably, time interval is about approximation 100ns.Therefore, the transmission equipment side Packet handler may include or be associated in transmission equipment side memory, and the transmission equipment side memory during frame construction for temporarily depositing Store up incomplete frame.Past time face-to-face communication demand and change；In general, the rate of communication flows is higher, the past time Can be shorter, and the relatively low rate of communication flows can lead to increased time interval.

When the packet handler is configured to execute packet fragmentation, the receiving side translation building block preferably further includes receiving Side packet handler, the receiving side packet handler are configured to when the original packet is dispersed in more than one frame from the packet Fragment rebuilds the original packet.This operation can refer to above-mentioned packet fragment header and carry out.When packet is in its trip from source to destination When undergoing the independent fragment several times carried out by continuous intermediary switch module in journey, the receiving side packet handler is to the final of packet Re-assemblying can be delayed by, until all composition parts of the original packet have arrived at destination switch module.Therefore, institute It states receiving side packet handler and may include or be associated in receiving side memory, temporarily to store the composition part.

The transmission equipment side translation building block may include the modulator for being configured to receive the light from light source, and it is highly preferred that Including multiple modulators, preferably optical modulator.Optical modulator can be phase or intensity modulator, such as electroabsorption modulator (EAM), Fu Langzi-Kai Erdishi (Franz-Keldysh) modulator, the modulator based on quantum confined stark effect, horse Conspicuous-Zeng Deer (Mach-Zehnder) modulator, and the multiple modulator preferably includes 8 modulators.Each modulator It can be only associated with single source or can be illuminated by less light source, wherein the light source is shared between modulator.Each modulator It can be configured to receive the electronic signal from the input terminal or the transmission equipment side packet handler, and from the unmodulated of light source Light.By combining electronic signal and unmodulated light, modulator generates modulated optical signal, the modulated optical signal have with from light The identical wavelength of unmodulated light in source, and carry the information carried by original electron signal.This modulated optical signal then can quilt It is transferred to the transmission equipment side multiplexer.Light source is limited to the substantially single of narrow wavelength band preferably in the form of laser, to generate The light beam of color.In order to make loss reduction, modulator be preferably configured to receive wavelength in the C bands or L bands of electromagnetic spectrum, i.e., The light of 1530nm to 1625nm.It is highly preferred that light has the wavelength in C bands or " erbium window ", with 1530nm to 1565nm Wavelength.

Laser can be fixed wave length laser or adjustable laser.It is associated with each modulator in the array of modulator Light source should have different wave length, and bandwidth is not overlapped, to make the crosstalk in multiplexer minimize.When light source is laser When, modulator can be the form of electroabsorption modulator (EAM), and EAM modulates the intensity of laser using the voltage of variation, to take Charge information contained in subsignal.Mean only to change the intensity of laser, and non-frequency using EAM, and therefore prevents from modulating Any variation of the wavelength of optical signal.

When there are multiple modulators, the transmission equipment side packet handler is also configured to execute packet slice, wherein frame (such as Pass through above-mentioned packet fragmentation process construction) or data packet be sliced into a electronic signal more than first.A e-mail more than described first Each in number is subsequently transmitted to the different modulating device in the multiple modulator, and the electronic signal is converted into whereby A optical signal more than one.The receiving side translation building block may include photodetector, such as being converted into more than second a optical signals The optical diode of a electronic signal more than second.It is highly preferred that the receiving side translation building block may include multiple photodetectors.It is described Receiving side packet handler can be configured to indicate that more than described second a electronic signals of packet slice reassemble into second electronics Signal.By the way that packet or frame are divided into multiple slices before being sent to another switch module, it can be used and be multiplexed by multiplexer Many different wave lengths in being linked to single light carry out transmission data.In this way, several message segments can parallelly be sent, and cause to increase Big bandwidth and more efficient data transmission.

In the case where transmission equipment side packet handler is configured to execute both packet slice and packet fragmentation, packet fragmentation step is (i.e. Form the frame of data) it carries out first, then frame is sliced.Correspondingly, in destination (or intermediate) the interchanger mould for receiving signal On block, more than described second a electronic signals (i.e. packet is sliced) are reassembled into single second electronic signal by the packet handler, later The original packet is rebuild from the frame.

After fragment, construction respectively contains the frame for the data for being only single destination switch module preparation.Hereafter, number A optical signal more than described first different according to wavelength is converted into, transmission equipment side multiplexer described in data carry out wavelength multiplexing to be formed The multiplexing group structure output signal.Preferably, switch module is configured to operate in burst mode, wherein the interchanger Module is configured to send the multiplexing group structure output signal in a succession of continuous burst, and each burst includes from single number According to the packet and/or packet fragment of frame, so that each burst only includes the packet and/or packet fragment with identical destination module.Respectively Continuous burst may include the data frame with different destination switch modules.Pairs of sequential bursts can be spaced on schedule It separates, the predetermined time interval can be between 50ns and 1000ns, it is preferred that between 50ns and 200ns. Most preferably, the time interval is about approximation 100ns.Preferably, it is connected to the active interchanger of single subarray All groups of structure parts are configured to synchronously operate, i.e., each group structure part sends input of the burst to active interchanger simultaneously End.In this way, each signal can be routed to next switch module by active interchanger in a switching motion.

Transmission equipment side packet handler is also configured to carry out error correction to incoming data packet.This operation can by such as error correction and again The method of transmission or forward error correction (FEC) carries out.In addition, the switch module may also include administrative section, the management department Divide and be configured to execution group structure management process, described group of structure management process includes initialization, program routing/forwarding table, failure report It accuses, diagnosis, statistical information is reported and metering.

In order to control exchange of the active interchanger to data, each subarray of switch module may include moderator, institute Moderator is stated to be configured to be included in the subarray based on the destination information being stored in data packet to be exchanged to control In active interchanger operation.This, which allows to provide, ensures that all data reach the route of its destination with non-blocking fashion, And by minimizing for bottleneck.The moderator may be connected to the interchanger driver of the operation of control interchanger.Institute State the transmission equipment side packet handler that moderator may be connected in each switch module of the subarray including it.Alternatively, each to exchange The each group structure part of machine module may also include controller, and the moderator can be connected to the transmission equipment side packet via the controller Processor.When receiving data packet at the transmission equipment side packet handler, the transmission equipment side packet handler is configured to send The moderator, the request is asked preferably to identify the destination switch module of data packet.The transmission equipment side packet processing Which for the active interchanger that the transmission equipment side packet handler is connected to device can search in a lookup table or in other ways A output end corresponds to the destination switch module of the theme as the request.More specifically, being connected to the mesh Ground switch module or the output end of intermediary switch module that should occur of next light jump then to the moderator Ask described output end itself.

Therefore, one in the transmission equipment side packet handler and the moderator or both may include look-up table, described Look-up table contains the R of switch module and active interchanger in subarray_iA associated information of output end.It is asked when making When asking, the moderator is then set up in the possible side for ensuring each packet to the full extent and being able to carry out its light jump next time Case.More specifically, the moderator can be configured to execute to calculate the R of active interchanger_iA input terminal and R_iA output The bipartite graph matching algorithm of pairing between end so that each input terminal is matched with an at most output end, and vice versa.It is natural Ground, in some cases, such as several groups of structure parts send all active interchangers the same output end prepare In the case of mass data, the request cannot be satisfied.Therefore, the moderator can be configured to by with the request that cannot be satisfied Related information storage is in request queue.Then, until these requests are satisfied, on switch module, such as described In transmission equipment side packet handler or in independent transmission equipment side memory, associated data is buffered.In this way, for example when local bottleneck is in master When occurring at dynamic formula interchanger, the request that can not be satisfied is delayed by, rather than is dropped.In other words, the moderator dimension The state of the buffer storage or virtual output queue (VOQ) on switch module is held, this state can be counter (to example As each VOQ packet or byte number count) form, or storage packet descriptor first in first out (FIFO) form.So And practical packet itself remains stored on switch module, rather than at moderator.

When it is necessary to implement more than one jumps to reach its destination switch module for packet, route Comparison that can be completely between source switch module and the coordinate of destination switch module is inferred.For example, it is being referred to as Dimension sorting path is during, and the first jump can match the first coordinate of source and destination switch module, and the second jump can The second coordinate of source and destination switch module is matched, it is such, it is until all coordinate matchings, i.e., communicated until wrapping To destination switch module.For example, in four-dimensional network, if source switch module can have coordinate (a, b, c, d) And destination switch module can have coordinate (w, x, y, z), then dimension sequence route can be：(a,b,c,d)→(w, b,c,d)→(w,x,c,d)→(w,x,y,d)→(w,x,y,z).At any point along route, packet handler may compare source The coordinate of the coordinate and destination switch module of switch module, and determine which coordinate also mismatches.Then, packet is handled Device will determine to route along the non-matching direction for example with minimum index or highest index.

The active interchanger of the present invention can be the form of the active interchanger of optics.Such active interchanger of optics It can be based on the arrangement of Mach-Zender interferometer (MZI), and can be the form of MZI cascaded switches more specifically. MZI cascaded switches include multiple MZI, are respectively had：Two separated arms at input coupler, and two arms will divide The path opened is fed in the output coupler for recombinating the path；And two output par, cs.The multiple MZI is preferred Ground is arranged to offer from each input terminal of the MZI cascaded switches to the access of each output end.It is possible utmostly On, the arm has equal length.Alternatively, in the case where being preferably provided with acquiescence output end, the arm may be uneven.Respectively MZI can include electric light region at one or two arm, and wherein refractive index depends on being applied to institute via one or more electrodes State the voltage in region.It travels across the phase difference of the light in the electric light region therefore can be controlled by being biased via electrode System.By adjusting phase difference and therefore the gained interference at output coupling, light can exchange to another from an output end of MZI Output end.Preferably, the MZI cascaded switches have R_iA input terminal and R_iA output end, and these can be by for example multiple 1x 2 and 2x 1MZI compositions, the multiple MZI are arranged to offer from each input terminal to the access of each output end.Work as R_iFor 5 or When bigger, MZI cascaded switches or example so any other active interchanger are for connecting R_iA interconnection switch mould It is beneficial in the whole mesh of block, this is because whole mesh needs¹/₂·R_i(R_i- 1) a optical fiber connects all groups of structure parts, And active interchanger only needs 2R_iA optical fiber.Possibly through building R_iA " 1xR_iDemultiplexing tree " and R_iA " R_iX 1 is multiplexed Tree " is formed with R_i=2ⁿThe MZI cascaded switches of a input terminal and output end (demultiplex wherein each tree includes n tool 1x 2 With) or 2 x 1 (multiplexing) interchangers grade, kth grade have 2^kA switch.R is built by being bounded on each side_i+ 1 tree and in ignoring Portion connects, and additional port can be supported in each cascaded switches so that input terminal, which is not connected to, is connected to interchanger itself Output end.Example so MZI cascaded switches are largely that wavelength is unknowable, and therefore can not need input terminal and Entire multiplexing group structure output signal is exchanged into output end from input terminal in the case of any demultiplexing/multiplexing of output.

Alternatively, active interchanger can be the form of the active interchanger of electronics, such as electronic crossover switch exchange Machine.It is highly preferred that the active interchanger of electronics can be electronics shared-memory switch machine.Electronics shared-memory switch machine is It further include the electronic crossover switch exchange machine of memory.Switch memory is advantageous in memory, as it means that exchanging Machine can not only execute exchange, and be able to carry out buffering, i.e., deposited when bottleneck is at electronics shared-memory switch machine The queue of packet is stored up, as described above.This means that the electronic device on packet handler can be simplified.

In order to the present invention framework in using electronics rather than the active interchanger of optics, it is necessary to multiplexing group structure is defeated Go out signal to be converted into capableing of the signal of power mode exchange.Therefore, the active interchanger of electronics may include the light of each input end Electric transducer, the photoelectric converter, which is used to multiplexing group structure output signal being converted to the active exchange of electronics from optical signal, to be believed Number；And the electrical to optical converter of each output, the electrical to optical converter are in for being converted to the active exchange signal of electronics The optical signal of multiplexing group structure input signal form, the wherein active interchanger of electronics are configured to the active exchange signal of electronics From its R_iAny of a input terminal exchanges to its R_iAny of a output end.In addition, in order to handle the durability of signal Matter, the photoelectric converter may include demultiplexer, and the demultiplexer is used to multiplexing group structure output signal demultiplexing into the A intermediate optical signal more than one, each in the intermediate optical signal preferably are converted into being used for by corresponding multiple photodetectors Exchange to the active exchange signal of central electron of wanted output end, and can be configured to will be described more for the electrical to optical converter The active exchange signal of central electron is converted into a intermediate optical signal more than second after a exchange, and further includes described for being multiplexed A intermediate optical signal more than second is to form the multiplexer of multiplexing group structure input signal.In preferred embodiments, electronics is active Interchanger can be configured to, when request related with the packet or frame is unable to get and meets, temporarily store the packet or frame of data Queue.

In multiplexer, transmission equipment side multiplexer, demultiplexer and receiving side demultiplexer any or all preferably In the form of array waveguide grating (AWG), AWG is passive device.Along the river single optical fiber carries the multiple of different wave length for AWG permissions Optical signal.Because the wavelength of the multiple modulated optical signals generated by modulator is all different, so the multiplexing group structure generated by AWG Output signal is by seldom no crosstalk is crosstalked into, because the light of different wave length is only linearly interfered.Alternatively, AWG, multiplexing are substituted Signal can be broadcast to many wavelength selective filters, respectively be tuned to receive one of wanted heading signal of a wavelength.

Important consideration in exchange system, such as interchanger of the invention, are its bandwidth.In the following discussion, " bandwidth " Maximum rate for referring to the data transmission that specific part can be realized, and usually press kilomegabit per second (contracting herein Write as " Gbps ") it measures.Specifically, it is important that ensure to retain bandwidth by both part and global scale.In order to ensure than The data more than data that can be conveyed out simultaneously from given interchanger module can not possibly enter the interchanger in given time Module (generates the bottleneck being localized on switch module), and the total bandwidth of the client part on switch module is preferably No more than the total bandwidth of the group structure part on same switch module.It is highly preferred that organizing the total of structure part on switch module Bandwidth is more than the total bandwidth of the client part on same switch module, and most preferably, each group on switch module Total bandwidth of the bandwidth of structure part than or equal to all clients part on the switch module.In such manner, it is possible to avoid Same group be all directed to by unexpected a large amount of incoming datas from multiple client device on same switch module Local bottleneck caused by structure part.Particularly, this allows all signals to be multiplexed the subsequent transmission for non-blocking fashion together.

In a preferred embodiment, active interchanger be located on light back board or in, and be preferably connected to light the back of the body Plate.Preferably, the backboard contains the light link for being useful for that switch module is connected to active interchanger, therefore provides each friendship Connection between module of changing planes and each active interchanger, each in the switch module are shared with active interchanger Subarray.More specifically, each in light link can provide on switch module transmission equipment side multiplexer with The connection of multiplexing group structure output signal is conveyed between the input terminal of active interchanger.When backboard and the active friendship of above-mentioned optics It changes planes or the like when being used in combination, active light back board module (AOBM) can be used.Switch module can be detached with backboard Or it can be dismantled from backboard so that the switch module can be rearranged depending on external demand.Therefore, the switch module It may also comprise the connecting elements for being connected to light back board.The connecting elements may include the array of single mode optical fiber, the single mode Optical fiber is linked using MPO connector or similar device.

According to the third aspect of the invention we, a kind of light back board in N-dimensional optoelectronic switches, the light back board are provided The connection being arranged between the switch module for providing the N-dimensional array for being arranged to N-dimensional array, i-th dimension degree have radix R_i(i =1,2...N), wherein each switch module, which has, provides its correlation relative to the position of each in N number of dimension Join coordinate set, and each switch module is N number of subarray S_iMember, each subarray S_iIncluding only about in the i-th dimension degree In position the different R of coordinate_iA switch module, and each in N number of subarray and different dimensions phase Association, the light back board include：

The array of active interchanger, the active interchanger respectively have R_iA input terminal and I_iA output end, actively Each subarray S of formula interchanger and switch module_iAssociated, the array of switches is configured such that when the interchanger When module array is connected to light back board：

Each input terminal of each active interchanger is connected to the associated sub-arrays S via light link_iIn the R_iIt is a Each in switch module,

The active interchanger is configured to will be from the signal that the light receives from its R_iIn a input terminal Any one is directed to its R_iAny of a output end.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, it provides a kind of for using N-dimensional photoelectron according to the second aspect of the invention The method that data packet is exchanged to second switch module by interchanger from the first switch module.It should be noted that above-mentioned optics is special Any of sign is answered in combination with the method for the fourth aspect of the present invention and the hardware of first, second, and third aspect With.It the described method comprises the following steps：

(a) input end in the group structure part of the first switch module, which receives, carries identification intended destination interchanger mould The data packet of the information of block；

(b) packet is converted into more than first a optical signals containing identical information；

(c) more than described first a optical signals are multiplexed into multiplexing group structure output signal；

(d) the multiplexing group structure output signal is transferred to the input terminal of active interchanger, the active interchanger It is located at same subarray S with both first and second switch modules_iIn；

(e) the multiplexing group structure output signal is exchanged to the active friendship corresponding to the second switch module The output end changed planes, to generate multiplexing group structure input signal；

(f) the multiplexing group structure input signal is demultiplexed at first group of structure port of the second switch module A optical signal more than second；

(g) more than described second a optical signals are converted back into the original datagram；And

(h) data are forwarded a packet into the client part of the second switch module or the second switch mould The input terminal of second group of structure part of block.

Such method is suitble to for example hand over signal from source when source and destination switch module is located in same subarray Module of changing planes exchanges to destination switch module.Alternatively, the method can be suitble to exchange to centre from source switch module Switch module.By adding following steps, the method may be adapted to transfer signals to 3rd switch module, such as purpose Ground switch module：

(i) it is received in the input end of second group of structure port of the second switch module and carries identification institute State the data packet of the information of destination switch module；

(j) packet is converted into the multiple optical signals of the third containing identical information；

(k) the multiple optical signals of the third are multiplexed into multiplexing group structure output signal；

(l) the multiplexing group structure output signal is transferred to and is located at same subarray S with described second and 3rd switch_i In active interchanger input terminal；

(m) the multiplexing group structure output signal is exchanged to the active friendship corresponding to the 3rd switch module The output end changed planes, to generate multiplexing group structure input signal；

(n) the multiplexing group structure input signal is demultiplexed at first group of structure port of the 3rd switch module A optical signal more than second；

(o) more than described second a optical signals are converted back into the raw data packets.

Since optoelectronic switches are suitable for optical signal being transmitted to output device from input unit, in step (a) Before, optical signal can be received from input unit, and after step (h) or step (o), whether foundation needs intermediate light to jump Data can be forwarded a packet to output device by jump.

In some embodiments, not each subarray includes single active interchanger, and the subarray can wrap Multiple or one group of active interchanger is included, therefore, another aspect of the present invention can be provided for passing optical signal from input unit The N-dimensional optoelectronic switches of output device are sent to, the optoelectronic switches include multiple interchangers as described in claim 1 Module, the switch module are interconnection, wherein：

Each in the switch module is configured to generate multiplexing group structure output signal；

Each subarray S_iFurther include that the connection provided between all switch modules in the subarray is provided One or more active interchangers；

The input terminal of each active interchanger is configured to receive the R in the subarray_iA interchanger mould The multiplexing group structure output of one or more switch module in the block；And

Each in one or more of active interchangers is configured to based on the institute in the switch module The destination information contained in first electronic signal that transmission equipment side input end receives is stated, multiplexing group structure is exported Signal is directed to any other switch module in the subarray from any switch module in the subarray, described Active interchanger receives the multiplexing group structure output signal from the switch module.

Particularly, in some embodiments of the above of the present invention, R_iOne subarray of a switch module Only include that there is R_iA input terminal and R_iThe single active interchanger of a output end, and：

Each input terminal of the active interchanger is configured to receive the R in the subarray_iA exchange The machine mould multiplexing group structure output signal of each in the block,

Each in the switch module is configured to receive the R from the active interchanger_iIt is a defeated One multiplexing group structure output signal in outlet, and

In other embodiments, subarray S_iAt least one of may include P_subIt is a to be preferably arranged to form net The active interchanger of network, each die sinking block in subarray described in the network connection other are exchanged with each in the subarray Machine module.P_subCan be identical for all subarrays, and can be equal to the number of the switch module in stator array, or Alternatively, P_subIt can be more than or less than to the number of the switch module in stator array.In some embodiments, P_subFor Can be identical with the associated all subarrays of given dimension, but P_subIt can be different from dimension to dimension.In some embodiment party In case, for subarray associated with some dimensions, may only have single active interchanger and interconnect in those subarrays Switch module, and multiple or one group of P_subA active interchanger is present in subarray associated with other dimensions.This So that optoelectronic switches can adapt to the needs of client.It is eliminated to big using multiple active interchangers in subarray The needs of the active interchanger of radix, to replace the large cardinal actively with the active interchanger of small radix with several Formula interchanger.In preferred embodiments, P_subThe number of the client port on each switch module can be equal to.

In some embodiments of the present invention, in stator array, switch module is active with one or more The interchanger of additional " layer " may be present between interchanger.The interchanger of the additional layer is referred to herein as " centre exchange Machine ".In other words：It is the master being connected to via intermediary switch in the subarray to each switch module in stator array Dynamic formula interchanger.The intermediary switch can be the active interchanger of optics or the active interchanger of electronics, such as pocket of electrons Interchanger.The property of exchange component (i.e. switch module, intermediary switch and active interchanger) will in this application more in detail Carefully discuss.For clarity, in the following paragraphs, using term " leaf and backbone ", following term is used whereby：Interchanger mould Block is referred to as " leaf interchanger " and active interchanger is referred to as " backbone switch ".

In one or more preferred embodiments, intermediary switch is two-way, i.e., intermediary switch is in both direction Upper conveying signal.The example of dual direction exchanger is the electronics packet switching exchange that will be described in detail later.Including two-way intermediate friendship In the embodiment changed planes, same " layer " intermediary switch when signal can be jumped by signal is sent to bone from source leaf interchanger Dry interchanger, and in signal route destination leaf interchanger is sent to from backbone switch.In such embodiment, son The structure of array can allow optoelectronic switches to scale by collapsible Crouse's network representation, collapsible Crouse's network, to The heavy and possible high-cost active interchanger of large cardinal (i.e. large cardinal backbone switch) need not be used, that is, allows that The number of this attachable external client greatly increases.

In the embodiment using unidirectional intermediary switch, it may need to include for handing over from source leaf in said case It changes planes to the first layer intermediary switch of the jump of backbone switch, and for from backbone switch to destination leaf interchanger Second layer intermediary switch.Such interconnection is preferred expansion Crouse network (or " partially folded " Crouse network) and carrys out table Show, but not in the range of claims of the present invention.

The use of collapsible/expansion/partially folded formula Crouse network or any class Crouse network ensures photoelectricity The advantageous non-blocking operation of sub- interchanger.In fact, to leaf interchanger, intermediary switch and backbone switch in stator array It can be interconnected with any other network configuration of range that non-blocking operation is ensured or improved with suitable path redundancy.

Using term leaf described above and backbone, embodiment can be defined for passing optical signal from input unit The N-dimensional optoelectronic switches of output device are sent to, the optoelectronic switches include：

Multiple leaf interchangers respectively have radix R and are arranged to N-dimensional array, wherein each dimension i has accordingly greatly Small R_i(i=1,2 ..., N), each leaf interchanger, which has, provides its phase relative to the position of each in N number of dimension Associated coordinates N tuples (x₁,...,x_N)；

Wherein each leaf interchanger is the member of N number of subarray, each in N number of subarray and N number of dimension In different dimensions it is associated, and include：

Multiple R_iThe coordinate of leaf interchanger, the leaf interchanger is differed only about i-th dimension degree, and each leaf interchanger has C Group structure portion of a client part and F for being connected to input unit or output device for being connected to backbone switch Point；

Multiple S_iBackbone switch, described group of structure part for being respectively used to be connected to the leaf interchanger with R Group structure part, and

Wherein in stator array, each leaf interchanger in the subarray is to be connected to each bone via intermediary switch Dry interchanger.

In order to solve the advantageous of the embodiment including being connected to the intermediary switch between leaf interchanger and backbone switch Effect considers that the subarray that backbone switch is only connected via single backbone switch or one group of parallel backbone switch is (" flat Row " means that backbone switch is respectively connected only to leaf interchanger, without connected to other backbone switch).These backbone are handed over Each changed planes has each leaf interchanger in the subarray for comparing and being connected in considering, and each leaf interchanger must connect It is connected to each backbone switch, is otherwise possible to that each leaf interchanger and all other leaf interchanger in subarray cannot be provided Between connection.

Therefore, as described previously for large-scale subarray, a large amount of large cardinal backbone switch is needed.Each leaf interchanger There is still a need for the connection to each backbone switch, but in the embodiment that this place discusses, leaf interchanger be through Backbone switch is connected to by intermediary switch.Each intermediary switch can have multiple input end and multiple output ends, input terminal Number it is identical as the number of output end." radix " of intermediary switch refers to the number of input terminal or the number of output end, Sum without referring to input terminal and output end.Therefore, the output end of given intermediary switch may be connected to more in subarray A or one group of backbone switch.Given leaf interchanger may be connected to the cluster of intermediary switch, and each intermediary switch is connected to one Group backbone switch.More specifically, each in the intermediary switch for the cluster that given leaf interchanger is connected to can Being connected to the different disjoint sets of backbone switch, (" non-intersecting " means that there are two intermediary switch to connect in given cluster It is connected to the same backbone switch, i.e. the set of backbone switch is non-overlapping).

In this way, the leaf interchanger in considering may be connected to all backbone switch in subarray, but it is via smaller The intermediary switch of radix.Because also there is intermediary switch multiple input end, these input terminals can be handed in multiple leaves It is shared between changing planes.In other words, for the given cluster of intermediary switch, (output end of intermediary switch is provided to subarray In all backbone switch connection), each input terminal of each intermediary switch in the cluster may be connected to it is corresponding (i.e. not Leaf interchanger together).Therefore, leaf interchanger can be divided into multiple clusters, and specifically：In to stator array, leaf interchanger Multiple clusters can be divided into, the cluster respectively contains multiple leaf interchangers.Each cluster can have the associated centre of its own Switch cluster, the intermediary switch via the cluster of intermediary switch come provide each leaf switch cluster in array with it is each Connection between backbone switch, in other words, each leaf switch cluster can be with the collection faciations of one or more intermediary switch To form line card component, each leaf interchanger in cluster may be connected to each intermediary switch in line card component for association, and in Between interchanger can be arranged as so that signal passes through intermediary switch during being transmitted to backbone switch from leaf interchanger.

Optionally, in stator array, each backbone switch may be connected to the line card component in the subarray In intermediary switch, and entering intermediary switch no more than a group structure and be connected to given backbone in the line card component Interchanger.In line card component, can there are M different intermediary switch set, each set to be configured to containing the line card Signal is transmitted in the corresponding subarray of component, each in those subarrays is related to the respective dimensions in the M dimension Connection.

In order to which topological regularity is maximized, it is preferable that all used in embodiment of the present invention or substantially All intermediary switch radixes having the same, or more specifically, same number input terminal and output end.Particularly, when to When all intermediary switch in stator array have given radix, it is possible to support same number backbone switch, without Damage is to dividing bandwidth, the number of leaf interchanger to increase by multiple of the radix.For example, if using radix 3 centre Interchanger, then the size of subarray can be changed to three times.In other words, the chance for amplifying array greatly increases, and is but not necessarily to increase The size of used backbone switch.

Above-mentioned connection is related with signal to be transferred to the input terminal of backbone switch from the output end of leaf interchanger.In order to complete At signal from the transmission of another leaf interchanger in a leaf interchanger to subarray in subarray, signal must be handed over from backbone The output end changed planes is sent to the group structure part on destination (or intermediate) leaf interchanger.This transmission is also via intermediary switch It carrying out, the intermediary switch is preferably different from signal and enters intermediary switch used in backbone switch, it is possible that , the intermediary switch is the member of same cluster.

When leaf interchanger, intermediary switch and backbone switch as described above, in stator array, leaf interchanger is Effectively connected via Pyatyi Crouse network, i.e., leaf interchanger → intermediary switch → backbone switch → intermediary switch → Leaf interchanger.As discussed, mean to have can for use example Crouse's network so (or partially folded formula Crouse network) Adapt to the R in the subarray of non-blocking fashion_iAny combinations of one-to-one pairing between a leaf interchanger.

Arrangement described in previous paragraph is not necessarily used for the exchange in all N number of dimensions.In some implementations of the present invention In scheme, it can be exchanged via only about the intermediate of subarray associated with M dimension to each leaf interchanger in stator array Machine is connected to each backbone switch, wherein M<N.Other optional features proposed above can be applied to the exchange between leaf interchanger It is any or all dimension carried out via intermediary switch.

Any or all leaf interchanger, backbone switch and intermediary switch may be arranged on light back board.Therefore, leaf exchanges Machine, intermediary switch and backbone switch can be located on card.Card can form such as electronic unit, light component and control above The printed circuit board of component (i.e. moderator) processed.Card can also accommodate light component and electronic unit therebetween.Particularly, of the invention Embodiment may include two kinds of card：Line card and group structure card.More specifically, component can be located on line card or group structure card. Line card is the card at " curstomer-oriented end ", and organizes the card that structure card is " towards a group structure ".

Leaf interchanger and intermediary switch, i.e., line card component as described above can be located on corresponding line card.More specifically, Single line card includes at least one leaf interchanger and at least one intermediary switch.In some embodiments, single line card can Including multiple leaf interchangers and/or multiple intermediary switch.There are leaf switch clusters and associated intermediary switch collection In the embodiment of group, leaf switch cluster and its associated intermediary switch cluster are preferably mounted in the same line card On.In the N-dimensional embodiment of the present invention, each leaf interchanger is the member of N number of subarray, as being previously discussed as in the application 's.

There are in the embodiment of leaf switch cluster and intermediary switch cluster, each leaf switch cluster and its correlation The intermediary switch cluster of connection can be located on the line card of its own.In to stator array, the backbone switch can be located at group On structure card.Described group of structure card may also comprise passes through the path of the backbone switch on described group of structure card for controlling signal Moderator.Described group of structure card may also comprise multiple moderators, is respectively configured to control signal and passes through on described group of structure card The path of corresponding backbone switch.All backbone switch are not needed all on same group of structure card, but more than one bone Dry interchanger can be located on given group structure card.There are two controlling elements in the current embodiment of the present invention：Routing/load is flat Weighing apparatus, and arbitration.

Packet handler can be based on packet destination-address and current location make routing decision.In the path from leaf to backbone On, the routing decision selection backbone to be routed to (generally attempts to the load in balance available backbone), and backbone determines local leaf again Specific output port on both interchanger and intermediary switch.The output identifier of intermediary switch is passed to moderator, So that moderator can determine which input terminal of intermediary switch requires connect to its which output end.From the backbone to leaf On path, routing decision selects leaf appropriate, the leaf to determine backbone again and be located at backbone and purpose according to the destination of packet The local output port in appropriate intermediary switch between ground leaf interchanger.

Arbitration is executed by moderator, and is that moderator is used for determining the path that signal should be chosen by intermediary switch The process of (i.e. from which input terminal to which output end), to ensure that all signals of incident intermediary switch are directed towards correctly Next exchange component (exchange component can be backbone switch or leaf interchanger, which this is in depending on signal " grade ") guiding.Therefore, in some embodiments, may be present associated secondary with to each intermediary switch in stator array Device is cut out, in other words, line card may include passing through intermediate friendship included in the line card component on line card for controlling signal The moderator in the path changed planes, or can have multiple moderators, it is respectively configured to control signal and passes through corresponding intermediary switch Path.Alternatively, since intermediary switch can have small radix (such as 2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8), arbitrated procedure is opposite Simply (such as compared with exchange component of radix 24), and therefore multiple moderators are combined into single arbitration component, it is described secondary It can be ASIC to cut out component.In some embodiments, single moderator may be present on each line card, or as described above single Arbitrate component.In this paragraph in described embodiment, the restrained line card under consideration of control that is executed by moderator In boundary.This minimizes latent time associated with control plane and stationary problem：Distance/flight time on card can quilt Control the more close tolerance in the physical dimension individually blocked, the physical dimension is across can relatively large distance positioning apart Card.It is respectively associated with (such as one) intermediary switch on a small quantity in addition, by with several moderators, and it must be opposite The problem for slowly concentrating final result more complicated is compared, and can solve a large amount of minor issue rapidly and parallelly.

In general, intermediary switch is controlled by moderator, and the moderator is configured to be exchanged based on being stored in Data packet in destination information, control to the intermediary switch and at least one of backbone switch in stator array Action.This thus allows to provide route, and the route ensures that all data reach leaf interchanger appropriate with non-blocking fashion, and And being minimized bottleneck.Packet handler in leaf interchanger can be connected respectively to moderator.When in the transmission equipment side When receiving data packet at packet handler, the moderator that the transmittable request of the packet handler is connected to the packet handler, The request preferably identifying purpose ground leaf interchanger, or alternatively identify that next leaf that the data packet should be sent to exchanges Machine (it can be destination leaf interchanger).Moderator be then able to generate ensure it is possible to the full extent, each packet can Execute its scheme jumped next time.The structure of leaf interchanger will be described in greater detail below.

Dedicated control channel can be used to be connected to other components, such as packet handler and intermediary switch for moderator.Institute It states moderator and can be connected to driver chip, the driver chip is configured to the action of control intermediary switch.

For ease of manufacturing the optoelectronic switches of embodiment according to the present invention, it is preferred that in leaf interchanger Each contains and each identical component in backbone switch.In addition, in other embodiments, intermediary switch In each contain and each identical component in leaf interchanger and/or backbone switch.Effectively, all exchanges Element (i.e. switch module, active interchanger, leaf interchanger, intermediary switch and backbone switch, depending on being used Term) can be identical or substantially the same.In this way, then optoelectronic switches, can be handed over by assembling these elements come construction The different functionalities (such as different function of leaf interchanger as described above, intermediary switch and backbone switch) for changing element can It is controlled using such as software.Intermediary switch and backbone switch may differ in leaf interchanger, and centre exchanges Machine and backbone switch do not have client part, this is because intermediary switch and backbone switch are connected only to photoelectron friendship Other exchange components in changing planes, without connected to client (i.e. external) device.Although further, it is necessary to, it is emphasized that exchange Element can have same parts, or can be identical or substantially the same in structure, but the work(of different types of exchange component Energy property is changeable.It should be noted that being to illustrate that the exchange component of three types can phase using the reason of term leaf/backbone/centre With/substantially the same, rather than use " switch module " and " active interchanger " that may such as appear to be different components Term.

In order to use, used term " leaf and backbone ", three kinds of different types of interchangers can so be determined a little earlier in description Justice：

■ leaf interchangers are the exchange components for having the following terms：

First group of structure part and second group of structure part are communicated respectively for processing signal and with other exchange components, First group of structure part has transmission equipment side and receiving side,

The transmission equipment side has：

The output end of second group of structure part, or

Input unit；

Transmission equipment side multiplexer, the transmission equipment side multiplexer are used to more than described first a optical signals being converted into multiplexing group structure defeated Go out signal for being transferred to intermediary switch or backbone switch, and

The receiving side has：

Receiving side multiplexer, the receiving side multiplexer is for receiving the multiplexing from intermediary switch or backbone switch Group structure input signal, and the multiplexing group structure input signal is separated into a optical signal more than second；

Output device.

■ backbone switch is the exchange component for having the following terms：

The transmission equipment side has：

Transmission equipment side input terminal, the transmission equipment side input terminal are used to receive the first electronic signal for carrying information, described information Include the information about the destination switch module of first electronic signal, first electronic signal is from described second The output end of group structure part receives

Transmission equipment side multiplexer, the transmission equipment side multiplexer are used to more than described first a optical signals being converted into multiplexing group structure defeated Go out signal for being transferred to intermediary switch or leaf interchanger, and

The receiving side has：

Receiving side multiplexer, the receiving side multiplexer is for receiving the multiplexing group from intermediary switch or leaf interchanger Structure input signal, and the multiplexing group structure input signal is separated into a optical signal more than second；

Receiving side output end, the receiving side output end are used to second electronic signal being sent to second group of structure Partial transmission equipment side input terminal.

■ intermediary switch is the exchange component for having the following terms：

The transmission equipment side has：

Transmission equipment side multiplexer, the transmission equipment side multiplexer are used to more than described first a optical signals being converted into multiplexing group structure defeated Go out signal for being transferred to backbone switch or leaf interchanger, and

The receiving side has：

Receiving side multiplexer, the receiving side multiplexer is for receiving the multiplexing group from backbone switch or leaf interchanger Structure input signal, and the multiplexing group structure input signal is separated into a optical signal more than second；

The exchange component that signal encounters in its from source to destination route of leaf interchanger is can be seen that from this part Order can be：

■ is in the embodiment including intermediary switch：Source leaf interchanger → intermediary switch → backbone switch → in Between interchanger → destination leaf interchanger.

■ is not in including the embodiment of intermediary switch, i.e., there are the flat of single backbone switch or single group In the case of row backbone switch：Source leaf interchanger → backbone switch → destination leaf interchanger.

From the discussion above it is clear that only leaf interchanger includes client part, this is because leaf interchanger in this way is only " curstomer-oriented end " exchange component having.Intermediary switch and backbone switch are defined as all leaf interchangers being connected to one The interconnected set structure risen, and therefore only include group structure part.It will be noted that in the above content, all friendships in optoelectronic switches Changing element can be identical or substantially the same.Although backbone switch and intermediary switch do not have client part, this is still It is possible, this is because term " client part " is the work(for describing the fact that external device (ED) may be connected to these parts It can term.In exchange component each can physical arrangement having the same, but a variety of different purposes may be different.It is similar Different numbers can be used when exchange component serves as leaf/backbone/intermediary switch depending on the specific implementation of the present invention in ground A client/group structure part.It is further noted that illustrated above with reference to the switch module of the first aspect of the present invention Optical signature is equally applicable to leaf interchanger, backbone switch and intermediary switch as defined here.

Imagining similar advantage can be by providing the photoelectron for optical signal to be transmitted to output device from input unit Interchanger realizes that the optoelectronic switches include the switch module according to the first aspect of the invention of multiple interconnection, Wherein：

The switch module is arranged to N-dimensional array, and i-th dimension degree has radix R_i(i=1,2 ... N), and respectively hand over Module of changing planes, which has, provides its associated coordinate collection relative to the position of each in N number of dimension；

Each switch module is the member of at most N number of subarray, the seat of N number of subarray and relevant switch module Mark collection is associated；

The switch module be by respectively have input terminal connected with the array of the active interchanger of output end, wherein The one of each active interchanger and the switch module array to stator array or several associated to stator array,

Also, in use：

Each input terminal of each active interchanger is configured to receive the multiplexing group from its switch module being connected to Structure output signal,

Each active interchanger is configured to receive based on the transmission equipment side input end in the switch module First electronic signal contained in the destination information, it is defeated that signal from any of its input terminal is directed to its Any of outlet, the active interchanger receive multiplexing group structure output signal from the switch module, and

The signal sent from the output end of the active interchanger forms multiplexing group structure input signal, can be by the master Another switch module that dynamic formula interchanger is connected to receives.

Schema explanation

Reference explanation book, claims and attached drawing are understood and are managed by these and other features of the invention and advantage Solution, wherein：

Fig. 1 is the signal that can be used to connect the mode of two switch modules shown in the embodiment of the present invention Figure.

Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram of switch module, identifies different function part.

Fig. 3 is the group structure part shown inside the switch module of an embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention Component schematic diagram.

Fig. 4 is the signal for the component for showing two different group structure parts according to the switch module of an alternate configuration Figure.

Fig. 5 is the signal of the one-dimensional interchanger for the switch module construction that an embodiment according to the present invention can be used Figure.

Fig. 6 is the schematic diagram of the two-dimentional interchanger of an embodiment according to the second aspect of the invention, and described two Tie up the switch module construction for the embodiment that interchanger can be used according to the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 7 is the signal of the alternative layout of the two-dimentional interchanger of another embodiment according to the second aspect of the invention Figure, and the switch module construction of an embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention can be used in the two-dimentional interchanger.

Fig. 8 is the schematic diagram of the three-dimensional interchanger of another embodiment according to the second aspect of the invention, and described The switch module construction of an embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention can be used in three-dimensional interchanger.

Fig. 9 A, B and C are the other exemplary schematic diagrames for showing exchange board structure according to the second aspect of the invention, In all active interchangers have equal number of input terminal/output end.

Figure 10 is the side that shows moderator and may be connected to used in the switch module arranged according to the second aspect of the invention The schematic diagram of formula.

Figure 11 is to show that is connect between the moderator of an embodiment according to the present invention and space optical switch shows It is intended to.

Figure 12 shows that the exemplary setting of Mach-Zehnder interchanger, the interchanger are useful as according to this hair The space optical switch of the part of the exchanger array of one embodiment of bright second aspect；

Figure 13 A, B and C respectively show the example of embodiment of the present invention, which use the active interchanger of electronics or Multiple active interchangers of electronics, rather than the active interchanger of optics.

Figure 14 A, B and C show the expression of 2D optoelectronic switches.Figure 14 A and B are folding；Only 14C is expansion 's.

Figure 15 A, B and C show the schematic diagram of known collapsible Crouse's network.

Specific implementation mode

The detailed description stated below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings be intended to as to according to switch module provided by the present invention and The description of the exemplary implementation scheme of optoelectronic switches, and be not intended to indicate can be used to construction or only having using the present invention Form.The description set forth the feature of the present invention in conjunction with illustrated embodiment.It will be appreciated, however, that identical or equivalent Function and structure can be realized by being intended to cover different embodiments within the spirit and scope of the present invention.As herein Specified by middle other places, similar reference numbers are intended to indicate similar components or feature.

Fig. 1 is that the typical case between two switch modules of the exchange board structure for describing embodiment according to the present invention connects The schematic illustration connect.In this drawing, two photodetector P and two modulator M are illustrated only on each switch module, with Just illustrate the connection between switch module.

Switch module 1 have for other switch modules for being present in optoelectronic switches (in the schematic diagram In, only switch module 2) connection group structure side F1, and the client-side C1 for being connected to external equipment.In switch module On 1 group structure side F1, there are two electroabsorption modulators M1, M2, and the output of the modulator is incident on multiplexer MUX1, at this In the case of kind, multiplexer MUX1 is AWG.MUX1 combinations exit the signal of M1 and M2 and are transferred to the signal (dotted arrow) R_i x R_iThe active interchanger of optics (herein, " the active interchanger of optics ", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise) 4, The active interchanger of optics has R_iA input terminal and R_iA output end.The characteristic of this interchanger can will more fully hereinafter Description.

The signal of the input terminal reached from multiplexed signals is transmitted to output end by the active interchanger of optics 4 from MUX1, This depends on the expectation destination switch module of signal, is switch module 2 in the case.For determining that destination exchanges The control program of machine module will be more fully described later.Signal is transferred to from the output end of the active interchanger of optics 4 Destination switch module 2 (dotted arrow).Signal is incident on the demultiplexer DEMUX2 of switch module 2.Here, multiplexing letter It number is demultiplexed back into its and constitutes individual signal, each in signal is incident on single photodetector P3, P4.Signal can be from light Detector P3, P4 are further transferred to the client part on the client-side C2 of switch module 2, or (are exchanged in photoelectron In the case of machine multidimensional), signal can be transferred back into group structure side F2 for further transmitting.Solid arrow in Fig. 1 show signal from Switch module 2 arrives the alternative transmission of switch module 1.Arrow (both solid arrow and dotted arrow) in schema indicates WDM Optics connects.

Fig. 2 shows the schematic diagrames of the typical exchange machine module used in embodiment of the present invention.Each switch module Include the integrated switch section with client-side and group structure side, as shown in earlier figures.Client port and group structure end The number of mouth depends on the demand and bandwidth constraint of product.In switch module shown in Fig. 2, also administrative section is described Administrative section is configured to execution group structure management process, such as initialization, program routing/forwarding table, Trouble Report, diagnosis, system Count information report, metering and similar operations.

Fig. 3 shows that the group structure side F1's of the typical exchange machine module 1 in the framework for embodiment of the present invention is more detailed Thin view.First, the structure of switch module 1, followed by the description in the path to signal in switch module 1 will be described. Group structure side F1 is divided into two parts, transmission equipment side Tx and receiving side Rx.Transmission equipment side Tx includes packet handler PP-Tx, EAM MOD1, MOD2 ..., the array of MODQ, each in EAM receive from light source LS1, LS2 ..., in the array of LSQ One input.Each in the EAM of the array is connected to signal multiplexer WDM-MUX, and the signal multiplexer is then Its WDM signal is exported to the active interchanger of optics, the active interchanger of optics can be considered as realizing the implementation of the present invention " the group structure " of interconnection between the switch module 1 of the optoelectronic switches of scheme.Receiving side Rx has similar structure.More Body, receiving side Rx includes packet handler PP-Rx, the packet handler receive from photodetector PD1, PD2 ..., PDQ The input of array, the photodetector respectively receive the input from single demultiplexer WDM-DEMUX.The demultiplexer connects Receive the input from the active interchanger of optics (being not shown in Fig. 3).Controller CTRL is also included in switch module 1, and And be not tied to transmission equipment side Tx or receiving side Rx any one.Controller CTRL be bi-directionally connected to two packet handler PP-Tx, PP-Rx and by AR label arrow shown in moderator.

In more high-level, it should be noted that all data transmissions occurred on the left side of schema occur in the electrical domain, and All data transmissions occurred on the right side of schema occur in the optical domain, i.e., all data transmissions are in multiplexer WDM-MUX and solution It is carried out between multiplexer WDM-DEMUX.

Now, the course for description packet being passed through into the various parts of switch module 1.Include that will be passed from source switch module The defeated information to destination switch module.Specifically, described includes information related with intended destination switch module. In being described below of course to the packet experience, it is assumed that all data associated with that packet are with the same expected mesh Ground switch module.

Following procedure carries out in the electrical domain.Packet can for example be incident on the transmission equipment side Tx of switch module 1 from client part On, the client part is connected to the client-side of switch module 1.Alternatively, packet can be via for example shown in Fig. 2 integrated Interchanger is received from the receiving side Rx of switch module 1 (the i.e. same switch module) so that the packet can be forwarded to separately One switch module (not shown), for being transmitted to different dimensions.More depth is explained to this packet between dimension passes later It send.The packet being incident on transmission equipment side Tx enters packet handler PP-Tx, and the packet is sliced into more than first in packet handler and is in The Q electronic signals of packet sliced form respectively have the same destination switch module.In electric signal each then by Be transferred to Q EAM MOD1, MOD2 ..., one in MODQ.At this point, each in electric signal, which contains, corresponds to packet The information of data in slice and information related with the destination switch module of packet.

The packet slice being incident on MOD1 is considered now.There are two inputs for MOD1 tools：(a) electricity packet slice, and (b) come from light The tool setted wavelength λ of source LS1₁Light.Optical channel is chosen to minimize crosstalk and relatively easily be manufactured with good yield Waveguide.Optical channel spacing between 0.4nm and 2nm is preferred.Laser can have narrow line as particular for the application Width and preferably no less than 1KHz.In other configurations, frequency resolution and spacing by depending on the tractability of device and Therefore passive component is depended on.If there is such as 8 wavelength, then device can quite " simple and crude ", but if will use more Wavelength, then higher specification will be needed.

MOD1 then modulate the light from light source LS1 with carrying package be sliced contained in information, to generate have it is given Wavelength X₁Optical signal.From that point on, data transmission is in the optical domain.Each modulator is similarly operated to generate more than first a Q light Signal.From EAM MOD1, MOD2 ..., the Q optics packet of each slice in MODQ be incident on multiplexer MUX, In the multiplexer, wavelength-division multiplex occurs so that Q optical signal (coming from each EAM) to be combined in single output optical fibre.Q light letter Each in number is with different wave length, therefore the crosstalk between signal reaches minimum.Form answering for multiplexing group structure output signal It is then transferred to the active interchanger of optics (being described in more detail later) with signal.Generated in switch module 1 Optical signal is then transferred to its destination switch module by the active interchanger of optics or is routed to destination switch module Intermediary switch module.Will be described in further detail later ensures that each signal eventually arrives at the control flow and phase of correct destination Associated hardware structure.

For purposes of this description, we will be with continued reference to Fig. 3, but general in use, source and destination interchanger Module will not be the same switch module.However, source and destination module can be the same module, such as testing mesh 's.However, source and destination switch module should be substantially identical so that the description based on Fig. 3 still equally adapts to.Come It is incident on the solution on the receiving side Rx of switch module 1 from the optical multiplexer group structure input signal of the active interchanger of optics On multiplexer DEMUX.Multiplexing group structure input signal demultiplexes into a Q optical signals more than second by demultiplexer DEMUX, and described second Multiple Q optical signals are equivalent to those of combination optical signal at the multiplexer MUX on source switch module 1.The Q demultiplexing Signal then incident on photodetector PD1, PD2 ..., in each in the array of PDQ.In photodetector, the solution Multiplexed signals is converted back into a Q electric signals more than second, contains information contained in original packet slice again.The electric signal connects It and is transferred to packet handler PP-Rx, in the packet handler, information contained in the header using packet slice, the electricity Signal is rearranged into the original packet on the packet handler PP-Tx for being incident on source switch module 1.

In some embodiments, each group structure part given on switch module 1 has the associated multiplexing of its own Device and demultiplexer.

However, in an alternate configuration, as shown in figure 4, it can be seen that not being such situation.In this case, EAM MOD1, MOD2 ..., MODQ (and its associated light source), photodetector PD1, PD2 ..., PDQ, multiplexer WDM- MUX and demultiplexer WDM-DEMUX shares between N number of group of structure port.The schema is divided into two sections to show Which flow occurs in the optical domain and which flow occurs in the electrical domain.In this embodiment, there are multiplexer and demultiplex With the additional arrays of device, shown on the left side of dotted line.With positioned at for EAM MOD1 of wavelength-division multiplex, MOD2 ..., MODQ The multiplexer MUX of output is compared, and the multiplexer on the dotted line left side is configured in the electrical domain rather than by signal in area of light It is multiplexed together.This is equally applicable to demultiplexer DEMUX.In another embodiment, multiplexer and demultiplexer can be in integrated To the form of the CMOS combinational logic circuits in switch module.Referring now to Fig. 4 description packets from source switch module to mesh Ground switch module course.In the case that flow or component in Fig. 3 flow or component it is identical, will not repeat herein Description.Into the packet of first group of structure part and as before by packet handler PP-Tx, wherein in that case, the packet Three packet fragments are divided into, respectively in the form of electric signal.Similarly, at the same time, the packet of arrival group structure part F2 into Enter the packet handler PP-Tx on second group of structure part, and be also partitioned into three packet fragments, equally all in the shape of electric signal Formula.The three optics packet fragments generated by the packet handler PP-Tx of each in first and second groups of structure parts are then sent out Go out to three different multiplexer MUX.In other words, each in multiplexer MUX receives two electric signals, respectively corresponding In the packet fragment from different packets, an electric signal is incident on the PP-Tx on first group of structure part, and an electric signal enters It penetrates on the PP-Tx on second group of structure part.The two signals are then multiplexed into single multiplexing electronic signal, are then passed It is defeated to EAM MOD1, MOD2 ..., one in MODQ.As in figure 3, EAM modulation from light source LS1, LS2 ..., LSQ Signal so that generate carry previously by electric signal carry information optical signal, each EAM MOD1, MOD2 ..., MODQ production The raw signal with different wave length.Thus, such as in figure 3, from EAM MOD1, MOD2 ..., the optical signals that export of MODQ it is multiple With in device WDM-MUX wavelength-division multiplex to single optical fiber.For for sending each time slot of signal, arbitration step is necessary, Group structure part is qualified so which determines uses optical transmission path.Only one input to each multiplexer MUX can be any Given time reaches, to avoid loss of data.Equally, on reverse path, demultiplexer DEMUX must be by similar control Incoming packet is sent to correct reception group structure part etc. by system.

Other than the active interchanger of NxN optics, it is also necessary to which 1xK extra optical multiplexer/demultiplexer, this is Because in this configuration, only there are one optical transmitter and receivers for each switch module, K must be optically coupled to not Same optical fiber (in two directions) is for different dimensions, and therefore, these multiplexers are also needed to by suitable control, correctly to draw Lead signal.For demultiplexer DEMUX, it means that selection transmission will along dimension.For multiplexer WDM-MUX, this Imply that all switch modules for being connected to this module are needed so that in any given time slot, only there are one take in incoming optical fiber Mode with useful signal is coordinated.In order to realize that this purpose, configuration shown in Fig. 4 need moderator to connect along all dimensions It connects.

In addition, as above, the signal is received by the switch module of the switch module different from sending signal, still For convenience, for purpose of brevity, receiving side Rx processes will be described with reference to the same schema herein.Demultiplexer WDM-DEMUX will The optical signal received from 1xK demultiplexers demultiplexes into the same Q signal into multiplexer WDM-MUX.Described demultiplex is used up One in signal then incident on photodetector PD1, PD2 ..., in each in PDQ, the photodetector believes light Number convert back into corresponding electric signal.Photodetector PD1, PD2 ..., each in PDQ is by the electric signal output to three One in a electrical domain demultiplexer DEMUX, electric signal is constituted to demultiplex into two, i.e. an electric signal comes from originally (in Fig. 4) first group of structure part, and an electric signal comes from second group of structure part originally.Three electrical domain demultiplexers Each in DEMUX exports two signals, the packet fragment of the packet handler PP-Tx in each in group structure part. The packet fragment of three of each group structure part receptions then combines on the packet handler PP-Rx on each group structure part, to reproduce most The original packet being just incident on the switch module of source.Hereafter, it is another for being transferred to can be transmitted another group of structure part for the packet In dimension, or client part is transferred to for being sent to the external device (ED) for being connected to optoelectronic switches.

Configuration as shown in Figure 4 needs time division multiplexing and wavelength-division multiplex, to be granted to institute to the access of each dimension State a group structure part.This can use stringent time division multiplexing rule, i.e., sequentially carried out by continuous group structure part.Alternatively, As long as it is qualified in given time slot transmission signal that time division multiplexing can execute-only individually organize structure part in a more flexible way.One In alternative and more advanced configuration, it is possible to divide wavelength available, then makes multiple groups of structure partial concurrences, but with difference Wavelength is transmitted.Then, by the way that circulation A WG is used for multiplexer WDM-MUX and demultiplexer WDM-DEMUX, by using The disjoint subset of wavelength available, more than one group of structure part can be sent along different dimensions simultaneously.

Fig. 5 shows the example of 1D optoelectronic switches.This example shows that the photoelectron of embodiment of the present invention exchanges The basic connectivity of rack structure, and can be used to advantageously describe the mark of more complicated multidimensional optoelectronic switches.

Each in small square in the center row of schema indicates the single switch mould as shown in such as Fig. 3 and 4 Block.Ellipse below these squares indicates that client port, the client port may be connected to external device (ED).As for right Internuncial description of switch module, organizes structure part and client part is largely independently of each other, therefore in the following description It will not discussion group's structure part and client part.Switch module indicates the minimum structure of the optoelectronic switches of some embodiments Build matrix, and referred to herein as 0 interchanger of layer.In the following description, layer i interchangers, wherein i>0, it is to provide exchange The active interchanger of connection between machine module (i.e. 0 interchanger of layer), the connection is along i-th dimension degree, i.e., with identical Between the switch module of coordinate (except the coordinate on the i-th direction).Each in 0 interchanger of layer (being marked with S1) is connected to The active interchanger of optics (being marked with S2) indicated by long rectangle.This interchanger is referred to as 1 interchanger of layer in detail in this figure, and And there are 8 two directions' inputing end/output ends.

Following mark is by the array of 0 interchanger of layer in various configuration/frameworks to describe embodiment of the present invention. Integrally mark (N, R) can be used to describe for group of switches structure, and wherein N is the number of layers of the optical switch in exchange board structure, Equal to the number of dimension, and R is form { R₁,R₂...R_NVector, give the radix of each layer, the radix with such as " hair " size " of dimension defined in bright summary " chapters and sections is identical, and wherein radix provides each active (i.e. layer i, wherein i in layer i> 0) number for 0 interchanger of layer that interchanger is connected to.More specifically, layer is the battle array of active interchanger or switch module Row.In the following description, 0 interchanger of layer indicates switch module (for example, as shown in Figure 3), and layer i interchangers (wherein i> 0) active interchanger is indicated.Layer includes all interchangers associated with optical signal is exchanged in given dimension, and therefore, N There is N number of layer in dimension interchanger.In this mark, optoelectronic switches shown in fig. 5 can be described as (N=1, R={ 8 }) friendship It changes planes, because highest layer switch is 1 interchanger of layer, and highest layer switch is connected to 0 interchanger of all eight layers.I-th Number of switches t in layer_iEqual to each dimension radix until i-th dimension degree product, i.e.,In other words, t_iEqual to the product of the item for not being related to i-th dimension degree in vectorial R.

Each individual optical switch can mark as follows：S(i；C), wherein i indicates the layer that interchanger is located at, such as layer 0, layer 1 It is the vector with (N-1) a element Deng, C, corresponds to position of the layer i interchangers in its layer, in the coordinate system of the radix of layer In, except the layer corresponding to interchanger.For example, in 3 network of layer, the interchanger in layer 2 has C=(c₁,c₃), wherein c₁And c₃Indicate the label for the interchanger about layer.

Fig. 6 shows the schematic example that the 2D optoelectronic switches of (N=2, R={ 8,4 }) are classified as according to the above mark. In this particular embodiment, there are a 0 interchangers of layer of 32 (i.e. 8x4) to link together.Each in 32 0 interchangers of layer Tool is there are two group structure port, the interchanger that a group structure port is used to be connected in layer 1, and a group structure port is for being connected to Interchanger in layer 2.Because 32 0 interchangers of layer are organized into 4 groups of 8 interchangers, there are 41 interchangers of layer and 8 layers 2 interchangers.This schema clearly illustrates the critical nature of the optoelectronic switches of embodiment according to the present invention, i.e., from one The maximum number of optics jump needed for 0 interchanger of a layer to 0 interchanger of any other layer is the number of layers in exchange board structure (i.e. N).For example, data are considered from the interchanger that S1 is marked to the transmission of the S2 interchangers marked, wherein jump use is thicker Line show.First, data are transmitted to interchanger S3 via interchanger S4 from interchanger S1.Then, in second is jumped, number According to via interchanger S5 S2 is transmitted to from interchanger S3.It can therefore be seen that in the interchanger of embodiment according to the present invention In, data can transmit in a series of jump of optics, every time via the layer i interchangers in different layers.

More specifically, at places at different levels, packet is transmitted to another 0 interchanger of layer from 0 interchanger of layer, such as reference chart above Described by 3, then before the jump of optics next time can occur, it may be desired to which packet is jumped via the electronics in 0 interchanger of layer itself It jumps to transmit；However, Spectrametry of Electron Exchange will not be such that operation obviously slows down, because electronic data transmission has lower latent time, Integrated switch has lower associated radix, and without the concern for the flight time.In addition, because transmission is simply to exist From a group structure part to another group of structure part in 0 interchanger of the same layer, so not needing any external arbitration or control yet.

Fig. 7 shows the alternative schematic diagram of the 2D optoelectronic switches with (N=2, R={ 8,8 }) at this time.This is exchanged Machine has property identical with interchanger shown in fig. 6.This interchanger also clearly shows that layer i interchangers are handed over layer 0 Correlation between changing planes.Particularly, it can be seen that, 0 interchanger of layer is arranged to 8 arrays of 8x, 1 interchanger of middle level with Each row is associated, and layer 2 switch is associated with each row.More specifically, due to 0 interchanger of each layer have in the layer Each associated group of structure part, thus, it can be seen that layer i (i ≠ 0) interchanger is supplied to 0 interchanger of given layer and each its Route between its 0 interchanger of layer (its coordinate having the same in all layers in addition to layer i).(coordinate in the i of its middle level is Range arrives t 0_i- 1 value, t_iIt is the number of the active interchanger in layer i).This point can also see that Fig. 8 is shown from Fig. 8 3D optoelectronic switches with (N=3, R={ 8,4,2 }).Herein, it is possible to be handed over from any layer 0 with the jump of most 3 optics It changes planes and reaches any other 0 interchanger of layer, each optics jump is via different layer i (i ≠ 0) interchangers.It can be seen that Fig. 8 3D optoelectronic switches be by two 2D interchangers shown in fig. 6 are abreast placed and are introduced the array of 32 layers 3 with Interconnection needed for providing is gone to be formed.Need 32 3 interchangers of layer because 3 interchanger of layer be each group have layer 1 and layer 2 in phase Needed for 0 interchanger of layer with coordinate.Due to effectively exist in 40 group of switches of layer of each free 8x at 2 groups, so It can be seen that 32 3 interchangers of layer are required, each interchanger is connected to 0 interchanger of layer and second group in first group In 0 interchanger of layer.Therefore, 3 interchanger of layer shown in Fig. 8 respectively have there are two connection.More simply, each layer i (i ≠ 0) number of the interchanger in is equal to the product of the radix of each in other layers of i (i ≠ 0).

Fig. 9 A to C show the other arrangement of the optoelectronic switches of embodiment according to the present invention.In these examples, All active interchanger radixes having the same, are referred to herein as R.In mark above, this is expressed as R={ R, R, R } ={ 4,4,4 }.

It is exchanged to make a layer i (i ≠ 0) interchanger correctly operate and transmit optical signals into correct purpose stratum 0 Machine, the interchanger must be controlled by moderator.Figure 11 shows how moderator is connected to the active exchange of a layer i (i ≠ 0) optics The schematic diagram of machine.For example, it is connected to controller CTRL as shown in Figures 3 and 4 to the input of moderator.These controllers CTRL receive come from packet handler, such as with the intended destination relevant PP-Tx and PP-Rx for being packed in and being mapped to, input. This information is then forwarded to moderator, and the moderator is calculated for the best of the active interchanger of layer i (i ≠ 0) optics Operation scheme provides data transmission route so that all signals reach correct 0 interchanger of purpose stratum, so that group structure Partial each transmission equipment side is properly received side pairing with group structure part, to provide non-blocking operation.This calculated operation Scheme is then transferred to the interchanger driver of driving and the operation of the active interchanger of control layer i (i ≠ 0) optics, with Just the efficient exchange of the optical signal received in its input end is realized.

Figure 10 shows 0 interchanger of layer in 3 optoelectronic switches of exemplary 3x and the connection between moderator.With layer i (i ≠ 0) the active interchanger of optics like, exist in all layers in addition to a layer with same coordinate 0 interchanger of layer The associated moderator of each subarray.In 2D situations, i.e. only there are two in the case of layer, it means that each row is arbitrated with row Device RA is associated, and respectively arranges associated with row moderator CA.Therefore, with the data transmission between 0 interchanger of layer in a line It can be controlled by relevant row moderator RA, the subsequent optical between then going is jumped (via the active friendship of layer i (i ≠ 0) optics Change planes) it can be controlled by relevant row moderator CA.As explained elsewhere in the application, optics or electronics can be used in interchanger Interchanger connects.Using the electron exchanger of such as shared memory, it may be unnecessary to shown in such Figure 10 The independent moderator gone out.

Figure 12 shows that the example of the setting of the MZI inside optics MZI cascaded switches, optics MZI cascaded switches are available Make the active interchanger of optics in embodiment of the present invention.Real rectangle shows individual MZI." brief summary of the invention " system of use Mark, it can be seen that, in this is specifically configured, MZI cascaded switches have R_i=4=2²(i.e. n=2) a input terminal and defeated Outlet.Input side can be made of (tree is highlighted with empty square) four 1x4 " tree ", and each tree includes the 1x 2MZI of two-stage. Outlet side has mirror-image arrangement.Two layers internal of 1x 2MZI is through connection so that can simultaneously be provided from all defeated with non-blocking fashion Enter the route that all output ends are arrived at end.In other words, possible input terminal-output end between input terminal and output end at four 4！Thus each in=24 combinations MZI cascaded switches will accommodate.Such as interchanger driver as shown in figure 11 It is configured to choose in 24 combinations to control by controlling the voltage being applied on the electric light region of each 1x 2MZI Which.

Figure 13 A are shown using the active interchanger of electronics rather than when the active interchanger of optics as shown in figure 12 By the arrangement of the component used.For simplicity, only one switch module is shown.Shown in two-way link towards (electricity Son) shared-memory switch machine SMS conveying multiplexing group structure output signals.At SMS, signal is incident on demultiplexer DEMUX, The demultiplexer is configured to multiplexed signals being divided into multiple optical signals.The DEMUX has with MUX (in enlarged view In show) substantially the same structure, be only opposite.Label on DEMUX is the equivalent of the module of Rx " or " Tx " Serve as converting optical signals into the optics of multiple electronic signals to electronics (O/E) converter, the electronic signal then by SMS exchanges to correct output end.Then, module " Rx " or " Tx " serve as electronics to optics (E/O) converter with by interchanger Electronic signal is converted to optical signal, and the optical signal is then re-used to form multiplexing group structure input signal.This signal is then Correct switch module is transported to by optics (WDM) fiber.

Figure 13 C show the setting similar to the setting in Figure 13 A and 13B, wherein are not active using Single Electron Interchanger connects the switch module in each subarray of switch module, but uses multiple or one group of electronics actively Formula interchanger.It should be noted that, it is also possible to use the active interchanger of optics of the type described in one group of such as previous paragraph. In topology, both methods is identical, and for sake of simplicity, only detailed description uses the implementation of the active interchanger of electronics Scheme.Interconnected using multiple switch the switch module in each subarray cause it is larger to a point bandwidth.This situation will It is best understood by from the comparison between Figure 13 B and 13C, the figure is drawn using similar layout.In these examples, there is R tool R The set of a switch module, the set can for example be considered as the quadrate array with R row and R rows, (switch module It is marked as 1 and arrives R²).Under this particular case, subarray is：

Dimension 1：R set in each, containing R switch module, and

Dimension 2：Position gather at described R in each in identical switch module set.

In being arranged shown in Figure 13 B, the active interchanger of Single Electron is used to connect to all in stator array Switch module, as such as Fig. 9 B also shown in.It is not to use as shown in fig. 13 c however, in an alternate embodiment The active interchanger of Single Electron interconnects subarray, but alternatively uses the array of the active interchanger of S electronics.Institute It is in gram labor to the connection via the active interchanger of electronics between the switch module in stator array in the embodiment shown The form of this network and more specifically collapsible Crouse's network, this is because link is two-way.However, other network topologies It can be used to interconnect each subarray.In this embodiment, there is the active interchanger of S electronics in each group.Preferably, S is chosen Equal to switch module each on client port number.

Figure 14 A show the company in the optoelectronic switches such as the embodiment according to the present invention being described in more detail above The two-dimensional example connect, wherein the backbone of second (blue) dimension is not shown.In Figure 14 A, in folded configuration, leaf interchanger is only It depicts primary.Similarly, Figure 14 B show that the folding of the sub- interchanger of 2 D photoelectric according to the present invention indicates.Figure 14 C show 2 The alternative expansion for tieing up optoelectronic switches indicates that the 2 dimension optoelectronic switches are included in the 64 of the edge of schema The array of a leaf interchanger, and center two of 16 backbone switch set (respectively with each of dimension Exchange correlation joins).Red line indicates the connection in a dimension, and blue line indicates the connection in another dimension.

Although being specifically described and having illustrated herein the exemplary implementation of switch module and optoelectronic switches Scheme, but many modifications and variations are obvious to those skilled in the art.It will thus be appreciated that according to The switch module or optoelectronic switches of the principle of the present invention construction may differ from specifically describing and realizing herein.This hair It is bright also to be defined in claims and its equivalent.

Claims

1. a kind of switch module in optoelectronic switches, the switch module has：

First group of structure part and second group of structure part are communicated respectively for processing signal and with other switch modules, institute Stating first group of structure part has transmission equipment side and receiving side,

The transmission equipment side has：

Transmission equipment side input terminal, the transmission equipment side input terminal are used to receive the first electronic signal for carrying information, and described information includes The information of destination switch module about first electronic signal, first electronic signal are via the client Part is received from the following terms：

The output end of second group of structure part, or

Input unit；

Transmission equipment side translation building block, the transmission equipment side translation building block is for being converted into first electronic signal containing identical information More than first a optical signals；

Transmission equipment side multiplexer, the transmission equipment side multiplexer are used to more than described first a optical signals being converted into multiplexing group structure output letter Number for being transferred to active interchanger, and

The receiving side has：

Receiving side demultiplexer, the receiving side demultiplexer are used to receive the multiplexing group structure input letter from active interchanger Number and the multiplexing group structure input signal is separated into a optical signal more than second；

Receiving side translation building block, the receiving side translation building block are used to more than described second a optical signals being converted into the second e-mail Number, and

Receiving side output end, the receiving side output end is for sending second electronic signal via the client part It arrives：

Output device.

2. switch module as described in claim 1, wherein the transmission equipment side translation building block includes transmission equipment side packet handler, institute It states transmission equipment side packet handler to be configured to receive first electronic signal in original packet form, the original packet, which has, to be contained The package header of destination information.

3. switch module as claimed in claim 2, wherein the transmission equipment side packet handler is configured to execute packet fragmentation, In：

Data packet with identical destination module is arranged in the frame with predefined size；And

Data packet is divided into the multiple packet fragments being arranged in corresponding multiple frames；

The wherein described receiving side translation building block includes receiving side packet handler, and the receiving side packet handler is configured to described When original packet is dispersed in more than one frame the packet is rebuild from the packet fragment.

4. switch module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the switch module is configured in a succession of continuous burst Middle to send the multiplexing group structure output signal, each burst includes packet and/or packet fragment from single frame, so that each prominent Hair only includes having the packet and/or packet fragment of identical destination module, and pairs of sequential bursts separate at timed intervals.

5. switch module as claimed in claim 2, wherein：

The transmission equipment side translation building block includes multiple modulators；

The transmission equipment side packet handler is configured to execute packet slice, and wherein frame or coating is sliced into a electronic signal more than first； And

The transmission equipment side packet handler is configured to each in more than described first a electronic signals being sent to the multiple Different modulating device in modulator, a electronic signal more than described first are converted into a optical signal more than described first whereby.

6. switch module as claimed in claim 5, wherein the receiving side translation building block includes multiple photodetectors, it is described Multiple photodetectors are configured to more than described second a optical signals being converted into a electronic signal more than second, and the receiving side Translation building block further includes receiving side packet handler, and the receiving side packet handler is configured to more than described second a electronic signals Reassemble into second electronic signal.

7. switch module as claimed in claim 2, wherein the transmission equipment side packet handler and/or receiving side packet processing Device is connected to controller, for being connected to moderator.

8. switch module as claimed in claim 7, wherein the transmission equipment side packet handler is configured to transmit a request to institute State moderator, the destination switch module of the request identification packet.

9. switch module as claimed in claim 8, wherein the transmission equipment side packet handler be configured to using look-up table or Correspond to conduct in other ways to search which output end of the active interchanger that the transmission equipment side packet handler is connected to The destination switch module of the theme of the request.

10. switch module as described in claim 1, wherein in the transmission equipment side multiplexer and the receiving side demultiplexer Either one or two of or both be array waveguide grating (AWG).

11. switch module as described in claim 1, wherein the interchanger includes the component for being connected to light back board.

12. a kind of N-dimensional optoelectronic switches for optical signal to be transmitted to output device from input unit, the photoelectron is handed over It changes planes including multiple switch modules as described in claim 1, the switch module is interconnection, wherein：

The switch module is arranged to N-dimensional array, and i-th dimension degree has size R_i(i=1,2...N), each switch module tool Have and provides its associated coordinate collection relative to the position of each in N number of dimension；

Each switch module is N number of subarray S_iMember, each subarray S_iInclude only about the position in the i-th dimension degree The different R of coordinate_iA switch module, and each in N number of subarray is associated with different dimensions；

Each subarray S_iFurther include with R_iA input terminal and R_iThe active interchanger of a output end；

Each input terminal of each active interchanger is configured to receive the R in the subarray_iIn a switch module The multiplexing group structure output signal of each；And

The active interchanger is configured to based on receiving in the transmission equipment side input end of the switch module The destination information contained in first electronic signal, by multiplexing group structure output signal from its R_iAppointing in a input terminal One is directed to the R_iAny of output end, the active interchanger receive the multiplexing from the switch module Group structure output signal.

13. optoelectronic switches as claimed in claim 12, wherein each switch module has at least N number of group of structure part, institute State each in N number of group of structure part and different subarray S_iAssociated, the switch module is the subarray S_iAt Member.

14. optoelectronic switches as claimed in claim 12, wherein the active interchanger is located on light back board and connects It is connected to the light back board, the light back board further includes for providing the connection between each switch module and each active interchanger The link of multiple light, the switch module and each active interchanger share subarray S_i。

15. optoelectronic switches as claimed in claim 12, wherein the active interchanger of institute be the active interchanger of optics or The active interchanger of electronics.

16. optoelectronic switches as claimed in claim 15, wherein the active interchanger is Mach-Zender interferometer (MZI) cascaded switches, the MZI cascaded switches include multiple MZI, and each MZI has：Separated two at input coupler A arm, and separated path is fed in the output coupler for recombinating the path by two arms；And two outputs Part, the multiple MZI are arranged to offer from each input terminal of the MZI cascaded switches to the access of each output end.

17. optoelectronic switches as claimed in claim 15, wherein the active interchanger of each electronics further includes：

The photoelectric converter of each input end, the photoelectric converter are used to turn the multiplexing group structure output signal from optical signal It is changed to the active exchange signal of electronics；And

The electrical to optical converter of each output, the electrical to optical converter are in for being converted to the active exchange signal of the electronics The optical signal of the multiplexing group structure input signal form；

The wherein described active interchanger of electronics is configured to the active exchange signal of the electronics from its R_iIn a input terminal Any one exchanges to its R_iAny of a output end, and

Wherein：

The photoelectric converter includes：Demultiplexer, the demultiplexer are used to demultiplex the multiplexing group structure output signal At more than first a intermediate optical signals and corresponding multiple photodetectors, the multiple photodetector is used for the intermediate light Each in signal is converted into the active exchange signal of central electron for exchanging to wanted output end, and

The electrical to optical converter is configured to the active exchange signal of the central electron after the multiple exchange being converted into second Multiple intermediate optical signals, and further include being inputted for being multiplexed a intermediate optical signal more than described second with forming the multiplexing group structure The multiplexer of signal.

18. optoelectronic switches as claimed in claim 12, wherein each subarray S of switch module_iFurther include moderator, The moderator is configured to control the subarray S based on the destination information being stored in data packet to be exchanged_iIn The operation of the included active interchanger.

19. optoelectronic switches as claimed in claim 18, wherein the moderator is connected to the subarray S_iEach of At least one of transmission equipment side packet handler and receiving side packet handler on switch module, and be configured to receive and come from The request of each in the transmission equipment side packet handler that the moderator is connected to.

20. a kind of N-dimensional optoelectronic switches for optical signal to be transmitted to output device from input unit, the photoelectron is handed over It changes planes including multiple switch modules as described in claim 1, the switch module is interconnection, wherein：

Each subarray S_iFurther include being arranged to the connection between all switch modules in the subarray is provided one A or multiple active interchangers；

The input terminal of each active interchanger is configured to receive the R in the subarray_iIn a switch module The multiplexing group structure of one or more switch modules exports；And

Each in one or more of active interchangers is configured to based on the biography in the switch module The destination information contained in first electronic signal that defeated side input end receives, by multiplexing group structure output signal It is directed to any other switch module in the subarray, the active from any switch module in the subarray Formula interchanger receives the multiplexing group structure output signal from the switch module.

21. optoelectronic switches as claimed in claim 20, wherein R_iThe subarray of a switch module only includes having R_iIt is a Input terminal and R_iThe single active interchanger of a output end, and：

Each input terminal of the active interchanger is configured to receive the R in the subarray_iA switch module In the multiplexing group structure output signal of each,

Each in the switch module is configured to receive the R from the active interchanger_iIn a output end One multiplexing group structure output signal, and

The active interchanger is configured to based on receiving in the transmission equipment side input end of the switch module The destination information contained in first electronic signal, by multiplexing group structure output signal from its R_iAppointing in a input terminal One is directed to its R_iAny of a output end, the active interchanger receive the multiplexing from the switch module Group structure output signal.

22. optoelectronic switches as claimed in claim 20, wherein R_iAt least one subarray of a switch module includes more A P_subActive interchanger, the multiple P_subActive interchanger is arranged to each exchange to be formed and be connected in the subarray The network of machine module and each other switch modules in the subarray.

23. optoelectronic switches as claimed in claim 22, wherein：

P_subValue be identical and/or R for all subarrays including multiple active interchangers_iThe institute of a switch module All switch modules for stating at least one subarray have same number client port, and P_subDescribed value Equal to the switch module each on client port number.

24. the optoelectronic switches as described in claim 22 or claim 23, wherein to each interchanger in stator array Module is connected to active interchanger via intermediary switch.

25. optoelectronic switches as claimed in claim 24, wherein the intermediary switch is that the active exchange of optics is mechanical, electrical One kind in the active interchanger of son and electronics packet switching exchange.

26. according to the optoelectronic switches described in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the intermediary switch is two-way 's.

27. the optoelectronic switches as described in any one of claim 24 to 26, wherein the switch module, intermediate exchange Machine and active interchanger are arranged to one of the following terms：Collapsible Crouse's network, expansion Crouse network, portion Divide collapsible Crouse's network or class Crouse's network.

28. a kind of N-dimensional optoelectronic switches for optical signal to be transmitted to output device from input unit, the photoelectron is handed over Change planes including：

Multiple leaf interchangers respectively have radix R and are arranged to N-dimensional array, wherein each dimension i has correspondingly sized R_i (i=1,2 ..., N), each leaf interchanger, which has, provides it relative to the associated of the position of each in N number of dimension Coordinate L tuples (x₁,...,x_N)；

Wherein each leaf interchanger is the member of N number of subarray, each in N number of subarray in N number of dimension Different dimensions are associated, and include：

Multiple R_iThe coordinate of leaf interchanger, the leaf interchanger is differed only about i-th dimension degree, and there are each leaf interchanger C to be used for It is connected to client part and a group structure parts for being connected to backbone switch F of input unit or output device；

Multiple S_iBackbone switch, the group structure portion for described group of structure part for being respectively used to be connected to the leaf interchanger with R Point, and

Wherein in stator array, each leaf interchanger in the subarray is connected to each backbone via intermediary switch and hands over It changes planes.

29. optoelectronic switches according to claim 28, wherein in stator array, the number of leaf interchanger is more than The number of backbone switch.

30. according to the optoelectronic switches described in claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the leaf interchanger is divided into Multiple clusters, each cluster contain multiple leaf interchangers.

31. optoelectronic switches according to claim 30, wherein：

Each leaf switch cluster and one or more clusters of intermediary switch are associated to form line card component,

Each leaf interchanger in the cluster is connected to each intermediary switch in the line card component, and

The intermediary switch is arranged such that signal during being transmitted to backbone switch from leaf interchanger by described Between interchanger.

32. optoelectronic switches according to claim 31, wherein in stator array：

Each backbone switch is connected to the intermediary switch in the line card component in the subarray, and

In the line card component given backbone switch is connected to no more than an intermediary switch.

33. optoelectronic switches according to claim 32 have N number of different intermediate exchange wherein in line card component Machine set, each set is configured to transmit signal in the corresponding subarray containing the line card component, in those subarrays Each is associated with the respective dimensions in N number of dimension.

34. the optoelectronic switches according to any one of claim 31 to 33, wherein each line card component is located at corresponding line On card.

35. optoelectronic switches according to claim 34, wherein the line card includes for controlling signal by including The moderator in the path of the intermediary switch in the line card component on the line card.

36. optoelectronic switches according to claim 35, wherein the line card includes multiple moderators, each moderator quilt It is configured to path of the control signal by corresponding intermediary switch.

37. the optoelectronic switches according to any one of claim 28 to 36, wherein in stator array, the bone Dry interchanger is located on group structure card.

38. according to the optoelectronic switches described in claim 37, wherein described group of structure card includes passing through position for controlling signal Moderator in the path of the backbone switch on described group of structure card.

39. according to the optoelectronic switches described in claim 38, wherein described group of structure card includes multiple moderators, each moderator It is configured to path of the control signal by the corresponding backbone switch on described group of structure card.

40. the optoelectronic switches according to any one of claim 28 to 39, wherein in stator array, the leaf Interchanger, backbone switch and intermediary switch are arranged to Pyatyi Crouse's network, wherein：

The first order by the leaf group of switches at；

The second level is made of intermediary switch；

The third level is made of the backbone switch；

The fourth stage is made of intermediary switch；

Level V by the leaf group of switches at.

41. the optoelectronic switches according to any one of claim 28 to 40, wherein the input in each intermediary switch The number at end is identical as the number of output end.

42. the optoelectronic switches according to any one of claim 28 to 41, wherein each in the leaf interchanger It is a to contain and each identical component in the backbone switch.

43. optoelectronic switches according to claim 42, wherein the leaf interchanger, backbone switch and intermediate exchange Each in machine contains mutually identical component each other.

44. the optoelectronic switches according to any one of claim 28 to 43, wherein each leaf interchanger has：

First group of structure part and second group of structure part are communicated respectively for processing signal and with other exchange components, described First group of structure part has transmission equipment side and receiving side,

The transmission equipment side has：

The output end of second group of structure part, or

Input unit；

Transmission equipment side multiplexer, the transmission equipment side multiplexer are used to more than described first a optical signals being converted into multiplexing group structure output letter Number for being transferred to intermediary switch or backbone switch, and

The receiving side has：

Receiving side multiplexer, the receiving side multiplexer is for receiving the multiplexing group structure from intermediary switch or backbone switch Input signal, and the multiplexing group structure input signal is separated into a optical signal more than second；

Output device.

45. the optoelectronic switches according to any one of claim 28 to 44, wherein each backbone switch has：

The transmission equipment side has：

Transmission equipment side input terminal, the transmission equipment side input terminal are used to receive the first electronic signal for carrying information, and described information includes The information of destination switch module about first electronic signal, first electronic signal are from second group of structure Partial output end receives

Transmission equipment side multiplexer, the transmission equipment side multiplexer are used to more than described first a optical signals being converted into multiplexing group structure output letter Number for being transferred to intermediary switch or leaf interchanger, and

The receiving side has：

Receiving side multiplexer, the receiving side multiplexer are defeated for receiving the multiplexing group structure from intermediary switch or leaf interchanger Enter signal, and the multiplexing group structure input signal is separated into a optical signal more than second；

Receiving side output end, the receiving side output end are used to second electronic signal being sent to second group of structure part Transmission equipment side input terminal.

46. the optoelectronic switches according to any one of claim 28 to 45, wherein each intermediary switch has：

The transmission equipment side has：

Transmission equipment side multiplexer, the transmission equipment side multiplexer are used to more than described first a optical signals being converted into multiplexing group structure output letter Number for being transferred to backbone switch or leaf interchanger, and

The receiving side has：

Receiving side multiplexer, the receiving side multiplexer are defeated for receiving the multiplexing group structure from backbone switch or leaf interchanger Enter signal, and the multiplexing group structure input signal is separated into a optical signal more than second；