Wideband, high speed optical signal switching system - uses matrix controlled by secondary light emitters and receivers

摘要

The high speed optical switching system couples an incoming group of signal lines to a similar output set. The signals may have a very wide band spread as with animated image transmission. Switching is via a light emitting source associated with each incoming line which reproduces the line signal modulation. Each outgoing line has a light receiving element which converts the signal back into its electrical form and is coupled into the incoming line transducers. The coupling system is in the form of a switching matrix. Incoming and outgoing groups have an associated secondary emitter and receiver respectively providing regulation and/or switching control.