JPH02124512A - Optical path switching circuit - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an optical signal returning function for a light signal in addition to an optical path switching function and to improve the economy and reliability by arranging optical path switching elements which switch the directions of light beams between straight travel directions and right-angle directions at the intersections of mutually orthogonal optical paths. CONSTITUTION:The optical paths of 1st optical path groups 1a and 1b, and 2a and 2b and the optical paths of 2nd optical path groups 3a and 3b cross each other at right angles. The optical path switching elements 21a - 21d are arranged at the respective intersections. The optical path switching elements 21a - 21d switch the directions of light beams guided through the optical paths selectively between the straight travel directions and right-angle directions. Therefore, light which enters the optical path of the optical switching circuit 20 from an optional signal processing part can be switched to the optical path connected to another optional signal processing part. Further, this circuit is provided with the light signal returning function which guides a light signal sent out of the optical signal processing part to the optical path switching circuit 20 through one optical path to its signal processing part through another optical path in the same optical path group. Consequently, the economy and reliability are improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an optical path switching circuit that is incorporated into, for example, an optical signal processing device and selectively switches the traveling direction of light to a straight direction or a right angle direction.

[Background Art] In recent years, optical communication systems that use optical signals in addition to conventional electrical signals as information transmission media have been put into practical use. An optical path switching circuit having the same function as a signal switching circuit in a normal electric circuit is required in an optical signal processing device incorporated in such an optical communication system.

The basic switching function required of such an optical path switching circuit 5 is as shown in FIGS. 5(a), (b), (C), and (d). In order to smoothly transmit and receive optical signals in each signal processing section 1-2.
Optical paths 1a, lb, 2a, 2b freely between 1-3.2-1
, 3a, and 3b must be able to be switched and connected.

In addition to the function of the optical path switching circuit 5, in addition to the connection switching function between each signal processing section 1, 2.3 shown in FIG.
), (b), and (c), there is an optical signal return function in which each optical signal output from each signal processing section 1, 2.3 is returned as is by the optical path switching circuit 5. This function is used when some kind of abnormality occurs in each optical fiber that connects each signal processing unit 1, 2, and 3 phase tiles via the optical path switching device 4, and the optical signals are not transferred smoothly between each signal processing unit. If the test is not carried out, each signal processing section 1, 2.3 sends a test optical signal to the optical path switching circuit 5, and depending on whether or not the test optical signal is returned, the range of the optical fiber where the abnormality has occurred can be determined. It is something that specifies.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Generally, the optical path switching circuit 5 that switches the optical path is configured using a plurality of optical path switching elements.
The optical path switching circuit 5 may be manufactured according to the form of each individual optical path switching circuit 5, such as the optical path path and the number of signal processing units connected, but in that case, a large variety of products will be produced in small quantities, ensuring reliability, economical efficiency, expandability of functions, etc. This is unfavorable from the viewpoint of repair and maintainability. Therefore,
It is most desirable if basic optical path switching elements can be determined in advance, and these basic optical path switching elements can be appropriately combined and incorporated into the optical path switching circuit 5 so as to meet the purpose and specifications.

Here, if the basic optical path switching element is a very small functional unit, it will be used in complex combinations, which will not only increase the size of the entire optical path switching circuit 5 but also increase the number of assembly steps, making it less economical. is damaged. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, if one optical path switching element is formed by a changeover switch 11a having a 1×2 configuration, optical signals between each signal processing section 1, 2, and 3 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, as many as 12 changeover switches lla are required for the optical path switching circuit 5 that realizes the transmission and reception of the data. Moreover, this configuration does not have the above-mentioned optical signal return function.

Furthermore, when a changeover switch 11b having a 4×4 configuration in which four optical paths are connected to each signal processing unit 1°2.3 as shown in FIG. 8 is used as an optical path switching element, the optical path switching circuit 5 The entire circuit can be realized with one switch element, and the entire circuit 5 can be miniaturized. However, with such a configuration, in each signal processing unit 1, 2.3, which optical path group 1c, ld, 2c, 2d, 3c is selected among the four optical paths.

3d can be easily selected, so that the portion of the optical path switching circuit 5 incorporated in the optical path switching device that switches between the optical path groups c and d described above becomes redundant.

In this way, it is extremely important to appropriately select the scale of the optical path switching element that forms the basis of the optical path switching circuit 5, and one optical path switching circuit satisfies the minimum functionality required for switching each optical path. At the same time, it must be possible to expand the switching function by combining a plurality of optical path switching circuits 5.

Therefore, there is a strong need for the development of an appropriately sized optical path switching circuit that can efficiently implement these functions.

The present invention was made in view of these circumstances, and
An optical path switching function that arbitrarily switches the optical path between each signal processing unit with a simple configuration by arranging an optical path switching element that switches the direction of light to a straight direction or a right angle direction at each intersection of each optical path that is orthogonal to each other. Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical path switching circuit which also has an optical signal return function for optical signals and has the most appropriate scale and function from the viewpoint of economy and reliability.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems, the optical path switching circuit of the present invention includes a first optical path group consisting of a plurality of optical paths arranged on an arbitrary plane and parallel to each other; a second optical path group consisting of a plurality of optical paths arranged and perpendicular to each optical path of the first optical path group and parallel to each other; each optical path of the first optical path group and each optical path of the second optical path group; A plurality of optical path switching elements are disposed at each intersection of the two optical paths and selectively switch the direction of light guided through each optical path to a straight direction or a right angle direction.

[Operation] In the optical path switching circuit configured in this manner, each optical path of the first optical path group and each optical path of the second optical path group intersect with each other at right angles. An optical path switching element is provided at each intersection. This optical path switching element selectively switches the direction of the light guided through each of the optical paths to a straight direction or a right angle direction.

Therefore, for example, it is possible to switch the light input from any signal processing section to the optical path of this optical path switching circuit to the optical path connected to any other signal processing section. Furthermore, since each optical path group is composed of multiple optical paths, by controlling the optical path switching elements disposed at each intersection, signals can be sent from any signal processing unit to this optical path switching circuit via one optical path. It becomes possible to have an optical signal return function that guides the optical signal to its own signal processing unit via another optical path of the same optical path group.

[Example] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an optical path switching circuit according to an embodiment. The same parts as in FIG. 5 are given the same reference numerals.

The optical path switching circuit 20 of the embodiment is an optical path switching circuit that arbitrarily switches the optical signal path composed of optical fibers and optical paths between the three signal processing units 1, 2, and 3.

The optical signal outputted from the signal processing section 1 is inputted to the optical path 1a in the optical path switching circuit 20 via the optical fiber, and the optical signal outputted from the optical path 1b in the optical path switching circuit 20 is inputted to the optical path 1a in the optical path switching circuit 20 via the optical fiber. signal processing unit]. Also,
The optical signal outputted from the signal processing unit 2 is inputted to the optical path 2a in the optical path switching circuit 20 via the optical fiber, and the optical signal outputted from the optical path 2b in the optical path switching circuit 20 is inputted to the optical path 2a in the optical path switching circuit 20 via the optical fiber. The signal is input to the signal processing section 2.

Further, the optical signal output from the signal processing section 3 is inputted to the optical path 3a in the optical path switching circuit 2o via the optical fiber,
The optical signal output from the optical path 3b in the optical path switching circuit 2o is input to the signal processing section 3 via an optical fiber.

In the optical path switching circuit 20, the optical paths 1a and 2b are arranged in the same plane and on one straight line. Similarly, the optical paths 2a and lb are arranged in the same plane and on one straight line. The optical paths la, lb and 2a, 2b are arranged parallel to each other. However, the optical paths 1a, l
b, 2a.

2b constitutes the first optical path group. The optical paths 3a, 3b are the optical paths 1a, lb, 2a, 2. It is disposed in the same plane and perpendicular to b. Therefore, the optical paths 3a and 3b constitute a second optical path group.

Further, each optical path 1a, lb, 2a of the first optical path group.

Optical path switching elements 21 a, 2 l b, 21 are located at the intersections of 2 b and each optical path 3 a, 3 b of the second optical path group.
c.

21d is provided. Each optical path switching element 21a~
21d is composed of, for example, a prism or mirror whose reflective surface has an inclination angle of 45° with respect to the optical path, and each of the optical path switching elements 21a to 21d is inserted and removed from each of the above intersection points by a drive mechanism (not shown). By letting
The direction of light guided through each optical path is selectively switched to a straight direction or a right angle direction. That is, one optical path switching element 21a
21d is inserted into the corresponding intersection, the light guided to the corresponding intersection is bent in the right angle direction by the reflective surface of the optical path switching element. Furthermore, when the optical path switching element is moved out of the corresponding intersection, the light guided to the corresponding intersection does not hit the reflective surface and travels straight.

The operation of the optical path switching circuit 20 configured in this way will be explained using FIG. 2.

First, when the optical path switching elements 21a to 12d are not inserted at any intersection, a pair of optical paths (la-2b), (2a-1
b) is formed.

Furthermore, when the optical path switching elements 21a and 21d are inserted at the intersection, a pair of optical paths (2a-3b) connecting the signal processing units 2.3 is formed, as shown in FIG.

(3a-2b) is formed. Furthermore, the optical path switching element 2
1b and 21c at the intersection, a pair of optical paths (la-3
b), (3a-1b) are formed.

In this way, by inserting and withdrawing each of the optical path switching elements 21a to 21d with respect to each corresponding intersection, optical signals can be exchanged arbitrarily between each signal processing section 1.2.3.

Further, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the optical signal return function of the optical path switching circuit 20. That is, the optical path switching element 21
When only a and 21b are inserted at the corresponding intersection, as shown in FIG. Optical signal return optical path (3a, 3b
) is formed. Moreover, the optical path switching element 21b.

When only 21d is inserted at the corresponding intersection, the optical test signal output from the signal processing section 1 is reflected by the reflective surface of each optical path switching element 21d and 21b, and the same signal processing section Optical signal return optical path (1a, 1
b) is formed. Furthermore, optical path switching elements 21a, 21
When only c is inserted at the corresponding intersection, as shown in FIG. An optical path (2a, 2b) is formed for returning the optical signal to 2. In this way, by inserting and withdrawing each of the optical path switching elements 21a to 21d with respect to each intersection, it is possible to provide an optical signal return function for each signal processing section 1, 2.3.

FIG. 4 shows each signal processing section 1.1 using two optical path switching circuits 20. ．． 2.3 This is an example in which a pair of independent optical paths are formed between each other. That is, Fig. 2(a)
In the example, a pair of optical paths (la-2b
), (2a-1b), the optical paths 3a and 3b from the signal processing section 3 have no connection destination. Therefore, if these optical path switching circuits 20 were used individually, a total of three optical path switching circuits 20 would be required, one between each of the signal processing sections 1, 2, and 3, and in addition, each optical fiber 6
You will need a book. However, as shown in FIG. 4, two optical path switching circuits 20 are used, and the optical path switching elements 21c and 21d of both optical path switching circuits 20 are inserted at each intersection, and the directions of the signals are set opposite to each other. Then, three optical paths connecting the signal processing sections 1, 2, and 3 are formed for each optical path switching circuit 20. The two optical path switching circuits 20 form three optical path groups each consisting of two optical paths connecting the signal processing sections 1, 2, and 3.

Therefore, according to the present invention, one optical path is not wasted, and a group of three optical paths connecting the signal processing units 1, 2, and 3 alternately can be realized using two optical path switching circuits.

In this way, by using the optical path switching circuit 20, which is formed by organically combining the optical path switching elements 21a to 21d, as a basic unit, either singly or in combination, all optical path combinations can be efficiently realized.

In addition, compared to individually designed, small-lot, high-mix designs, the combination of multiple optical path switching circuits 20 with predetermined specifications not only improves economy and reliability, but also makes it easier to obtain replacement parts. Therefore, it is possible to improve the maintainability of the entire optical path switching device, which is a great advantage in terms of the configuration of the optical signal system.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Each optical path switching element 21a to 21 in the optical path switching circuit 20
The arrangement of d, the orientation of each reflective surface, the setting of the lead-in position of each optical fiber, etc. can be changed in various ways as necessary.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the optical path switching circuit of the present invention, by disposing an optical path switching element that switches the direction of light to a straight direction or a right angle direction at each intersection of mutually orthogonal optical paths,
In addition to the optical path switching function that arbitrarily switches the optical path between each signal processing unit with a simple configuration, it also has an optical signal looping function for optical signals, allowing for the most appropriate scale and switching from the viewpoint of economy and reliability. It becomes possible to realize the minimum necessary functions such as optical signal return function and the like with one circuit.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an optical path switching circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing optical path switching for explaining the operation of the circuit of the embodiment, and FIG. The figure is a schematic configuration diagram showing an optical path switching device using two example circuits, FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams showing the optical path switching function required of a general optical path switching circuit, and FIGS. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional optical path switching circuit. 1.2.3... Signal processing unit, 1 a + 1 b
, 2 a. 2b, 3a, 3b... optical path, 20... optical path switching circuit, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d-... optical path switching element. Applicant's representative Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue Figure (a) (a) Figure (a) (C) Figure (b) (d) (a) (c) (b) Figure

Claims (1)

[Claims] A first optical path group (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) consisting of a plurality of optical paths arranged on an arbitrary plane and parallel to each other; and a first optical path group (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) arranged on the plane and orthogonal to each optical path of the first optical path group. death,
and a second optical path group (3a
, 3b), and are disposed at each intersection of each optical path of the first optical path group and each optical path of the second optical path group, and select the direction of the light guided through each optical path to be a straight direction or a right angle direction. A plurality of optical path switching elements (21a, 21b, 2c, 21d)
).