Photonic inter-module connector using silica-based optical switches

A photonic intermodule connector (PIMC) for emerging electronic switching systems is demonstrated, using silica-based 8*8 optical switches. A small-scale switch matrix is sufficient because these systems will consist of a limited number of modules. If an active module fails due to a fault or accident, a stand-by module must quickly take its place. The experimental PIMC can switch 156-Mb/s photonic interconnections between seven subscriber-line-concentrator modules and eight circuit-switching modules.<
>