1X4 Fiber Optic Switch: The Difference Between Locking and Non-locking

Fiber optic switches are an indispensable component in optical communications and optical testing, used to control the transmission path of optical signals. 1X4 fiber optic switches refer to switch devices that can distribute optical signals from one input port to four output ports. According to their control methods and structures, 1X4 fiber optic switches can be divided into two types: “locking type” and “non-locking type”. This article will discuss the differences and applications of these two types in detail.

1. Locking fiber optic switch
The locking fiber optic switch, also known as the “holding type” optical switch, refers to the switching position of the optical switch, which will be “locked” in a certain position after being switched until an external signal or control command switches it back. This type of switch is common in application scenarios where the current state needs to be maintained to reduce unnecessary operational interference.

Features:

Position lock: Once the switch is switched to a port, it will remain in that state until it is switched back manually or by an external signal.

Strong anti-interference ability: Since the optical switch is in a “locked” state after switching, external environmental interference or vibration will not affect its operation, which is suitable for use in scenarios with high stability requirements.

Low power consumption: Since there is no continuous current driving the switch position, the power consumption is low.

Application scenarios:

Optical communication network: During long-term operation, the locking switch can maintain a stable optical signal transmission path and reduce the maintenance requirements of the system.

Optical test system: Used in experiments that require a fixed switching state to ensure stability and accuracy during the test process.

Data center: In the optical fiber routing of the data center, the locking optical switch is often used to configure the optical fiber link and maintain a long-term connection.

2. Non-locking fiber optical switch
Non-locking fiber optical switch is different. It will not automatically remain in a certain position after switching, but requires a continuous control signal to maintain its switching state. In other words, the non-locking optical switch is “dynamic” and requires an external electrical signal or control signal to continuously act on the switch position in order for the optical signal to pass through the corresponding port.

Features:

Dynamic control: A continuous control signal is required to keep the switch in a certain position, and the switch position can be switched frequently.

Fast response speed: Since it does not need to maintain the state, the response speed when switching is faster than that of the locking switch.

High control complexity: In order to achieve the switching of optical signals, frequent instructions from the external control system are required, which is suitable for use in frequently changing application environments.

Application scenarios:

Fiber optic network protection: In some network protection systems that require real-time switching of optical signal paths, non-locking optical switches are more common.

Laboratory test equipment: Used in testing, non-locking optical switches can quickly switch different optical paths to meet the needs of rapid configuration and adjustment in experiments.

Dynamic optical path adjustment: In some scenarios with high requirements for optical path adjustment, non-locking optical switches are used due to their fast response characteristics.

The choice of locking or non-locking fiber optic switches mainly depends on the needs of the actual application. If the signal path needs to be kept stable for a long time and there are high requirements for anti-interference ability, the locking optical switch is more suitable. On the contrary, in optical path adjustment and protection systems that require fast switching and frequent changes, non-locking optical switches are more efficient.