Specications subject to change. Copyright © 2010 DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc. All rights reserved.
MEMS ATTENUATOR / ON-OFF SWITCH
DiCon’s Attenuator/On-Off Switch is based on a micro-electro-
mechanical system (MEMS) chip. The MEMS chip consists of an
electrically movable mirror on a silicon support. A voltage applied
to the MEMS chip causes the mirror to rotate, which changes the
coupling of light between the input and output bers of Attenuator/
On-Off Switch.
FEATURES
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Small attenuator package
Based on DiCon’s proven MEMS platform
Available in opaque or transparent versions
Qualied to GR-1221
Combines Variable Optical Attenuator and On-Off Switch
APPLICATIONS
Attenuator/On-Off Switches are used as safety shutters during laser
transmitter power up as well as for channel equalization once the
laser has stabilized. In its highest loss position, the Attenuator/
On-Off Switch provides greater than 45 dB of power isolation.
Used as an Attenuator, it allows the output power of the laser to
be continuously adjusted over a 40 dB range. Attenuator/On-Off
Switches are ideally suited for use within line cards or transponders.
OPTICAL SPECIFI CATI O NS 1
MEMS ATTENUATOR / ON-OFF SWITCH SPECIFICATIONS /ORDERING INFORMATION
DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc. 1689 Regatta Blvd. Richmond, CA 94804 Tel. (510) 620-5000 Fax. (510) 620-4100 www.diconberoptics.com
MEMS ATTENUATOR / ON-OFF SWITCH
0055F
ORDERI NG I N FO R M ATION
M E CHAN I CAL D I M ENSI O NS
MSA C
Housing Type
C Cylindrical
Attenuator Type
T
O
Transparent1
Opaque2
Operating Wavelength Range
13
15
16
1290 - 1330 nm
1528 - 1563 nm
1570 - 1610 nm
Attenuator Range
20
X
20 dB min.
Specify X dB min. (X <= 40)
Ripple Type
S
F
Slow ripple (broad band)
Fast ripple (narrow band)
9
Jacket Type
2B
9L
250 μm barefiber
900 μm loosetube
Connector Type
FC
FC/APC
X
N
FC/SPC
FC/APC
specify connector type3
None
Pigtail Length
1
X
1 meter
Specify X meters
1. Minimum insertion loss at 0 V.
2. Minimum insertion loss at 6 - 7 V (high isolation at 0 V).
3. Connector Types: FC/UPC, SC, SC/APC, SC/UPC, LC, LC/UPC, MU/UPC.
PARAMETER RATING
Excess Loss 0.8 dB max
Off State Isolation 45 dB min
WDL
Broad Band
Application
0 to 15 dB20.4 dB max.
15 to 20 dB30.7 dB max.
Narrow Band
Application40 to 20 dB30.2 dB max.
PDL50 to 15 dB 0.15 dB max.
15 to 20 dB 0.2 dB max.
Attenuation Slope 20 dB/V max.
Polarization Mode Dispersion 0.05 ps max.
Back Reection -50 dB max.
Optical Power 500 mW max.
Response Time 2 ms max.
Repeatability60.1 dB max.
Durability 1 x 109 cycles min.
Fiber Type 9/125 single mode ber
Operating Temperature -5°C to +70°C
Storage Temperature -40°C to +85°C
Pin Bending
S
B
Straight Pins
Bent Pins
Straight Pins
Bent Pins
Fiber Type
9 9/125 μm Singlemode
1. All Specications at room temperature, without connectors
2. Operation from 1290 - 1330nm adds 0.4dB
3. Operation from 1290 - 1330nm adds 0.3dB
4. Maximum change of each 2 nm segment within the operating range
5. Operation from 1290 - 1330nm adds 0.1dB
6. Repeatability is dened after 100 cycles
OPTICAL PERFO R M A N CE
ELECTRICAL SPE CIFI C ATI O NS
PARAMETER RATING
Actuation type Non-latching
DC Drive Voltage 0-5 VDC (7 V for opaque)
Voltage Damage Threshold 10 VDC max.
Resistance 2 MΩ min.
Power Consumption 20 uWatt max.
Opaque
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Attenuation (dB)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Control Voltage (V)
Transparent
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Attenuation (dB)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Control Voltage (V)
