High-Reliability Optical Path Protection Switching Tool: In-Depth Analysis of the HI780 1×2 Mechanical Optical Switch

I. Overview

The HI780 is a single-mode fiber, 1×2 (one input, two outputs) mechanical optical switch. Its core function is to move optical components (such as prisms or mirrors) through a precise internal mechanical structure (usually using a micro-motor or electromagnetic drive) to switch the optical signal from one path to another.
It is an optical path selector and one of the key passive components for building flexible and reliable optical networks.

II. Features

1. High Reliability and Long Lifespan:
  • The switching action of mechanical optical switches is based on physical movement, a mature technology with high stability.
  • Typically has an extremely long mechanical lifespan (e.g., up to 10 million or even more switching cycles).
  • Maintains its current state after power failure (“locking” or “latching” type), preventing optical path interruption due to power loss.

2. Excellent Performance Indicators:
  • Low insertion loss: Typical value is around 0.5 dB, and excellent products can be below 0.3 dB, ensuring minimal signal attenuation after switching.
  • High return loss: Usually > 50 dB, effectively reducing the impact of reflected light on the light source and system.
  • High isolation: Usually > 60 dB, ensuring that the signal at the unselected port is effectively isolated, avoiding crosstalk.

3. Fast Switching Speed:
  • The switching speed of mechanical switches is in the millisecond range (e.g., 5ms to 20ms). Although not as fast as micro-electromechanical systems or thermo-optic switches, it is sufficient for most protection switching and testing applications.

4. Good Environmental Adaptability:
  • Wide operating temperature range (e.g., -5°C to +70°C or wider).
  • Certain resistance to vibration and shock (depending on product specifications).
  • Low power consumption and low heat generation.

5. Low Polarization-Dependent Loss:
  • Mechanical designs are usually insensitive to the polarization state of the optical signal, resulting in very low PDL values ​​(< 0.1 dB), suitable for transmitting polarization-sensitive signals.

6. Easy Integration and Control:
  • Typically provides standard electrical interfaces (such as TTL levels, RS-232, or relay contacts) for easy connection to external control systems.
  • Common drive voltages +5V DC .

III. Application Areas

1. Fiber Optic Communication Network Protection and Switching:
  • Optical Line Protection: When the primary fiber optic link is interrupted due to construction, natural disasters, or other reasons, the signal is automatically or manually switched to the backup fiber optic link to ensure uninterrupted service. This is one of its most core applications.

2. Fiber Optic Testing and Measurement Systems:
  • Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR): Used for automatic switching between multiple fiber optic cables under test, enabling automated testing and monitoring of multiple optical paths with a single OTDR.
  • Laboratory Test Platform: In R&D or production testing, it allows for rapid switching between different devices under test or test paths, building flexible test solutions.

3. Sensing Networks:
  • Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing Systems: Such as DTS and DAS systems, using optical switches to sequentially access different sensing fibers, enabling multi-point and multi-area monitoring.
  • Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Sensing Networks: Switching between different FBG sensor arrays for signal acquisition.

4. Internal Routing of Instruments and Equipment:
  • Integrated into large optical communication equipment or test instruments for signal routing, redundancy backup, or switching between functional modules.

5. Cable Television Networks:
  • Used for signal backup and routing selection in CATV optical nodes to improve network reliability.

IV. Summary

The XiongHua photoelectric  HI780 1×2 mechanical fiber optic switch is an optical switch device that combines high performance, high reliability, and wide applicability. Through low insertion loss, high switching speed, and excellent isolation, it has become an important component in optical communication, fiber optic sensing, laser equipment, and scientific research fields. With the development of fiber optic technology, the HI780 will play an indispensable role in more industries, promoting the continuous innovation and application expansion of optical technology.