JP2622172B2 - Optical switch array and optical signal transmission system - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical switch array and an optical communication transmission system used for interconnecting a communication network and a parallel computer.

[Conventional technology]

Switch arrays are indispensable devices in the fields of communications and computers, but it is not easy to produce large-scale devices using current semiconductor technology. In particular, crossbar switches are very desirable in terms of characteristics, but because of the large number of switches, only those connecting a small number of terminals have been realized.

On the other hand, recent attempts have been made to manufacture large-scale crossbar switches by introducing optical technology. This is for example Trudy
From E.Bell, IEEE SPECTRUM, August 1986, first column, page 34
It is stated in an article on page 57. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional optical crossbar switch. Four light sources 1 ₁ to 1 ₄ are intended to be driven by a not shown terminal provided separately, Part 2 is the outgoing beam becomes transmitted light beam 4 passes through the shutter array 3. Four optical detectors 5 ₁ to 5 ₄ receives the transmitted light beam 4, and sends a signal indicating the light receiving state to the not shown terminal provided separately.

This embodiment is limited to showing optical crossbar switch 4 × 4, the signal from the terminal provided in each sent to the light source 1 ₁ to 1 _4. Outgoing beam 2 of light source 1 ₁ to 1 ₄ are incident on the shutter array 3 is spread vertically. Transmitted light beam 4 passing through the transparent portion shown by oblique lines of the shutter array 3 is collected in a horizontal direction, and enters the optical detector 5 ₁ to 5 _4. Signal indicating the light receiving state from the photodetector 5 ₁ to 5 ₄ are sent to each terminal provided for each. Which terminals are connected to each other is determined by which of the shutters of the shutter array 3 is set to the transmission state. For example the light beam from the light source 1 ₁ is incident on the first column of the shutter array 3, but the transmitted light beam when the third line the first column of the shutter as shown in Figure 15 is in a transmissive state photodetector determined 5 ₃ Is detected by Therefore this case is that the terminal connected to the terminal and the optical detector 5 ₃ connected to the light source 1 ₁ lead. The same is true for other terminals.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a network using the one-way switch array shown in FIG. The network four transmission side terminal 11 ₁ to 11 _4, and a receiving side terminal _131-134 unidirectional switch array 12,4. The signal is sent to the transmitting terminal 11 as indicated by the arrow.
It is sent to the receiving side terminal _131-134 from ₁ to 11 ₄ via the unidirectional switch array 12. But the receiving terminal
A signal confirming that data was also received from 13 _{1 to} 13 ₄ ,
Terminals 11 _{1 to} 11 ₄ on the transmitting side to send signals requesting data
You may want to send to

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a parallel computer using a one-way switch array. 4 processors
21 _{1 to} 21 ₄ are interconnected with the one-way switch array 22, and the transmitting terminal and the receiving terminal are coincident here. The signals from the processors 21 _{1 to} 21 ₄ are switched by the one-way switch array 22 and the processor 21 ₁
To 21 toward the _4. In such a configuration, processor 2
1 ₁ to 21, but between ₄ it is possible to send a mutual signal drops capability of the interconnect. For example to set the interior of the shutter unidirectional switch array 22 to send an input from the processor 21 ₁ in the unidirectional switch array 22 given that signaling from the processor 21 ₁ to 21 ₄ to the processor 21 _4. Meanwhile processor 21 the response signal in order to return a response signal such as an input data reception confirmation signal from the ₄ to the processor 21 ₁ is required to reset the aforementioned shutter so as to be output to the processor 21 _1. This forces the switches to switch so that the two processors can signal each other. Therefore it is not possible, such as sending a signal from the processor 21 ₄ to the processor 21 ₃ at this time. The fact that the letter is shifted from the processor 21 ₄ switched in time a response signal to the processor 21 ₁ in the data reception after the switch can.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a shared memory type parallel computer using a bidirectional switch array. The computer processor 31 of 4 _{1-31 4} is constructed from a 32,4 or bidirectional switch array memory 33 _to 333 _4. Processors 31 _{1 to} 3
Any of the 1 ₄ can be accessed even with any of the memory 33 _to 333 ₄ via a bidirectional switch array 32. Conventionally, a small bidirectional switch array 32 is made of semiconductor elements. The signals sent from the processors 31 _{1 to} 31 ₄ are typically address signals,
Memory 33 _to 333 ₄ attributed data signal to the processor 31 ₁ to 31 ₄ receives the address signals. In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 18, a bidirectional switch array is required and cannot be realized by the conventional optical crossbar switch. Further, a switch array using semiconductor elements cannot be used because a large-scale switch array cannot be used.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

The conventional switch array described above is shown in FIGS.
In the case shown in the figure, since the signal flows in one direction, there is a disadvantage that the terminal on the transmitting side and the terminal on the receiving side must be fixed and used. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 17, when the connection of the processor is changed in accordance with the type of signal, it is necessary to switch the switch. In this case, it is difficult to switch the switches, and there is a disadvantage that the circuit becomes complicated. In FIG. 18, a bidirectional crossbar switch is shown, but this cannot be configured with a conventional optical crossbar switch. However, there is a disadvantage that a large-scale device cannot be configured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to realize a large-scale optical switch array and an optical signal transmission system that perform bidirectional switching quickly using light.

[Means for solving the problem]

An optical switch array according to the present invention includes a first terminal group including M terminals capable of transmitting and receiving signals, and a second terminal including N terminals, where M and N are integers of 2 or more. An optical switch array for connecting the first terminal group to a first group of first light emitting means, the first light emitting means comprising M light sources arranged in a predetermined direction and driven in accordance with a signal input from each terminal of the first terminal group; A first light emitting means comprising N light sources arranged in series with one light emitting means in a predetermined direction and driven in accordance with a signal input from each terminal of the second terminal group; A first photodetector array of M photodetectors arranged in a direction to output respective terminal signals of the first terminal group.
And a second light receiving means arranged in series with the first light receiving means in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined direction and outputting a signal to each terminal of the second terminal group. And M × N openable / closable shutters provided in an optical path from the first light emitting means to the second light receiving means and arranged in a matrix of M rows × N columns.
And N × M openable / closable shutters arranged in a matrix of N rows × M columns provided in an optical path from the second light emitting means to the first light receiving means. And a shutter array.

In this case, the first and second light emitting means and the first and second shutter arrays are kept in a conjugate relationship in the predetermined direction, and the first and second light emitting means are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. An anamorphic optical system provided to be disposed at the front focal position may be provided.

Further, the first and second light receiving means and the first and second shutter arrays are kept in a conjugate relationship in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and the first and second light receiving means are arranged in a rear side in the predetermined direction. An anamorphic optical system provided to be disposed at the focal position may be provided.

Further, the first and second light emitting means have the same length as the first and second shutter arrays in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and the first and second light emitting means are provided with these shutters. It may be provided in close contact with the array.

Further, the first and second light receiving means have a length equal to the first and second shutter arrays in the predetermined direction, and the first and second light emitting means are in close contact with these shutter arrays. May be provided.

An optical signal transmission system according to the present invention outputs an optical switch array configured as described above and a signal to each of the light sources of the first light emitting unit, and each of the light detectors of the first light receiving unit. A first terminal group consisting of M terminals for inputting the signals output from the first and second terminals, respectively;
A second terminal group consisting of N terminals that respectively output signals to the respective light sources of the light emitting means and input the signals output from the respective photodetectors of the second light receiving means. It is characterized by having.

(Operation)

When the transmission portion of the shutter array is switched, the transmission state of the light emitted from the light source changes, and the light detector to which the light emitted from the light source is incident is selectively switched. Since these light sources and photodetectors are provided for specific terminals, the connection destination of each terminal is also switched, and bidirectional transmission is performed. Since these light sources and photodetectors are arranged on both sides of the shutter array, even if a conventional optical switch array as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is used, a bidirectional optical switch array can be formed. It can be easily realized.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment, in which the four terminals 41 ₁ to 41 ₄ of the first group and four terminals 51 ₁ to 51 ₄ of the second group indicating the state of being connected by a bidirectional optical switch array is there.

Eight light sources 43 ₁ to 43 ₈ provided in series is installed horizontally, the eight light detectors 49 ₁ to 49 ₈ provided in series is installed vertically. Hereinafter simply referred to as "light source 43 ₁ to 43 _8", "photodetector 49 _{1-49 8".} Light sources 43 ₁ to 43 ₈ and photo detector 49
₁ between the to 49 _8, similarly to the conventional example shown in FIG. 15 source
43 _{1-43 8} optics shutter array 45 and not shown to the transmitted light beam 48 limit and shaping to the emitted beam 44 is provided. Each of the first group of terminals 41 ₁ to 41 _4, four light sources 43 ₁ to 43 ₄ in the output signal 42 ₁ to 42 ₄ respectively output,
Controls the light emission of the light sources 43 ₁ to 43 _4, the output signal 53 ₁ to 53 ₄ which shows a light receiving state of the photodetector 49 _{5-49 8} 4 outputs
Are entered. Terminal 2 of the second group 51 _{1 to} 51 ₄
Each of the four light sources 43 _{5-43 8} on the output signal 52 ₁ to 52 ₄ outputs respectively, to control the light emission of the light sources 43 ₁ to 43 _4, four optical detectors 49 ₁ to 49 ₄ are respectively input the output signal 50 ₁ to 51 ₄ which shows a light receiving state where the output.

Light source 43 ₁ to 43 ₈ in the case of this embodiment, the terminal
41 ₁ are arranged from to 41 ₄ in the order from left to right when viewed shutter array 45, the photodetector 49 _{1-49 8} are arranged in order from top to bottom.

The shutter array 45 in the present embodiment has eight light sources.
43 _1-43 4 outgoing light beam 44 from ₈ to distribute the eight photodetectors 47 ₁ to 47 ₈ × 4 first shutter array 46 and the second shutter array 47 is combined. First
Shutter array 46 is provided to distribute the emitted light beam of the light source 43 ₁ to 43 ₄ to the photodetector 49 _{1-49 4,} a second shutter array 47 is a light detecting outgoing light beam of the light source 43 _{5-43 8} vessel
It is provided to distribute the 49 _{5-49 8.} Outgoing beam 44 as shown is spread vertically, since Toruhikarikotaba 48 is focused in the horizontal direction, when viewed shutter array 45 from a terminal 41 ₁ to 41 _4, a first shutter array
46 is arranged at the upper left, and the second shutter array 47 is arranged at the lower right. The first shutter array 46 and the second shutter array 47 of the shutter array 45 have liquid crystal and PLZT.
Alternatively, a spatial light modulator using an electro-optical material such as LiNbO _3, a spatial light modulator using a magneto-optical material such as Bi-substituted YIG, and a spatial light modulator using a semiconductor material such as GaAs can be used. Further, a display of a type that controls transmittance, for example, electrochromy or the like can also be used. Further, as the light source 43 ₁ to 43 ₈ can be used a light emitting diode (LED) or a semiconductor laser.

 Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

Light source according to signals 42 _{1 to} 42 ₄ from terminals 41 _{1 to} 41 ₄
43 _{1-43 4} are driven respectively. The emitted light beam 44 is the light source 43 ₁
The light emitted from to 43 ₈ is obtained by expanding only in the vertical direction. The emitted light beam 44 enters the shutter array 45 and passes through the shutters in the transmission state of the first shutter array 46 and the second shutter array 47. The transmission part of the shutter array 45 is indicated by oblique lines. The light beam from the light source 43 ₁ to 43 ₄ is incident on the first shutter array 46. Transmitted light beam transmitted through the shutter array 45 48 entering the photodetector 49 _{1-49 8} by focusing light only in the horizontal direction.

The light beam detected by the photodetector 49 _{1-49 4} is a light beam transmitted through the first shutter array 46. The first shown in FIG.
In the state of the transmission part of the shutter array 46, the light sources 43 ₁ to 43 ₄
The light beams emitted from the light detectors are 49 ₃ , 49 ₁ , 49 ₄ , 49 _{2, respectively.}
Is detected by For example the light beam emitted from the light source 43 ₁ is condensed in the horizontal direction transmitted through the transmitting portion of the third row first column of the first shutter array 46 is spread vertically photodetector 49
_It is incident on ₃ . The same applies to other light sources and photodetectors. Since sent to a photodetector 49 _1-49 of output signals 50 ₁ to 50 ₄ and the second group respectively from ₄ Terminal 51 _{1-51 4,} the terminal 41 ₁ to 41 ₄ of the first group of the second group, respectively Terminal 51
_3, 51 _1, becomes 51 _4, 51 ₂ that signals the. At this time, as described above, the second group of terminals needs to send a data reception confirmation signal or the like to each of the first group of terminals that sent the signal. The output signal 52 ₁ to 52 ₄ from the second terminal enters the light source 43 _{5-43 8} respectively driven.
Light beam emitted from the light source 43 _{5-43 8} is incident towards the second shutter array 47 in the shutter array 45 is spread only in the vertical direction. The transmission section of the second shutter array 47 is obtained by exchanging the rows and columns of the transmission section of the first shutter array 46. That is, when the third row and the first column of the first shutter array 46 are the transmitting portions, the first shutter array 46
If the third row and the third column are transmission parts, and if the i-th row and the j-th column of the first shutter array 46 are transmission parts, control is performed so that the j-th row and the i-th column of the second shutter array 47 are the transmission parts. Keep it. The light beam from the light source 43 _{5-43 8} in Figure 1 this time is detected by the respective photodetectors 49 _{6-49 8,} 49 _5, 49 _7. For example, since the light beam from the light source 43 ₅ is condensed in the horizontal direction passes through the second row and first column of the second shutter array 47 photodetector
49 is detected by the _6. Others are the same. Photo detector 49 ₅ to 49 ₈
Output signals 53 _{1 to} 53 ₄ are terminals of the first group, respectively.
41 _1-41 since ₄ is sent to the second group of terminals 51 _1, 51 _2, 51
_3, 51 of the signal first group eventually from Terminal ₄ 41 _2, 41 _4, 4
1 _1, the 41 to ₃ be sent respectively. Accordingly, regarding the terminals of the first and second groups, (41 ₁ , 51 ₃ ), (41 ₂ , 5
1 _1), (41 _3, 51 _4), which enables two-way transmission with a set of (41 _4, 51 _2). When the transmission group is changed, the transmitting portions of the first shutter array 46 and the second shutter array 47 may be changed. First and second
Since the shutter arrays 46 and 47 are shifted vertically and horizontally from each other in the shutter array 45, the bidirectional transmission signals are not confused.

The light source 43 ₁ to 43 _8, the order of arrangement of the photodetector 49 _{1-49 8} is freedom. In short, an adjustment may be made in accordance with the transmission portion of the shutter array 45 so that bidirectional transmission can be performed for a desired set of terminals.

In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the optical system for actually connecting the members has not been described.
These will be specifically described below. FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of the first and second anamorphic optical systems. 61 is a first cylindrical lens, and 62 is a first spherical lens. 63 is the second spherical lens, 64 is the second spherical lens
Is a cylindrical lens. The first anamorphic optical system composed of the first cylindrical lens 61 and the first spherical lens 62 has a function of forming an image in a horizontal direction and expanding a light beam in a vertical direction. Conversely, the second spherical lens
A second anamorphic optical system composed of 63 and a second cylindrical lens 64 has a function of expanding a light beam in the horizontal direction and forming an image in the vertical direction. Thus the first anamorphic optical system is inserted between the light source 43 ₁ to 43 ₈ and the shutter array 45 in FIG. 1, a second Anamoru between the shutter array 45 and the photodetector 49 _{1-49 8} A desired operation can be obtained by inserting a fixed optical system. Of course the light source 43 ₁ to 43 ₈ and the shutter array 45 is such that a conjugate relationship in the horizontal direction and comes to approximately the front focal plane of the light source 43 ₁ to 43 ₈ are first anamorphic optical system in the vertical direction So that
Similarly, the shutter array 45 and the photodetectors 49 ₁ to 49 ₈ have a conjugate relationship in the vertical direction, and the shutter array 45 in the horizontal direction is almost at the front focal plane of the second anamorphic optical system. To place. Here in the imaging utilizing changes shall such position where the light beam 44 emitted from the light source 43 ₁ to 43 ₈ is incident on the shutter array 45 since it is inverted image is described above, but not an essential problem, the signal line May be changed, or the drive signal for the shutter array 45 may be changed. This is the same for the second anamorphic optical system, so that the connection relationship of the signal lines may be considered in total.

In the second anamorphic optical system, a shutter array
45 does not perform a focusing in the horizontal direction for the transmitted light beam 48 transmitted through but go spread the light beam in the horizontal direction, a first shutter array 46 a light detector 49 _{1-49 8} in the row to each position Alternatively, since the light beams from all the transmitting portions of the second shutter array 47 can be received, the above-described desired operation can be obtained.

Also, a fiber may be used instead of using a lens.
For example the light beam emitted from the light source 43 ₁ is previously formed as the emission end of the fiber bundle is incident in the immediate fiber bundle to irradiate the first column of the first shutter array 46 of the shutter array 45. The same applies to the other light sources 43 _{2-43 8.}
Shutter the array 45 behind to toward the outgoing end of the fibers arranged along a first line to an optical detector 49 _1.
Photodetector 49 _2-49 similarly with respect ₈ shutter array 45
The fibers are arranged in the second and subsequent rows, and the emission ends are guided toward the respective photodetectors for each row.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a second embodiment of the present invention. Reference numerals 71a and 71b to 78c and 78d denote surface light sources. Reference numeral 79 denotes a shutter array, which is divided into two shutter arrays at the center line. The left shutter array is exactly the same as the first shutter array 46 in FIG. 1, and the right shutter array is the same as the second shutter array 47 in FIG. The pattern of the transmission part is the same as above. Reference numeral 80 denotes a mask having a large number of openings on the entire surface. It can be manufactured by mechanically working a metal to make a hole, or by depositing Al or Cr on a glass substrate and forming an opening pattern by photolithography. A hatched portion in the mask 80 indicates that a light beam is transmitted.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the mask 80. One shutter of the shutter array 79 includes 4 × 4 segments of the mask 80, of which four diagonal portions are open. This pattern of 4 × 4 segments is repeated over the entire surface.

In FIG. 4, 81 is the first photodetector array, and 82 is the second photodetector array.
Is a photodetector array.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the photodetector array. 91a, 91b〜9
8c and 98d are photodetectors. The first photodetector array 81 includes photodetectors 91a to 94d, and the second photodetector array 82 includes photodetectors 95a to 98d.

The second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is an optical switch array for connecting a total of eight terminals, not shown, to four terminals. One terminal has four lines for input and four lines for output. Surface light source,
In the photodetector, the same numbers indicate that they are connected to lines for input or output from the same terminal. The planar light sources 71a to 74d are respectively connected to output lines from the first group of four terminals, and the planar light sources 75a to 78d are respectively connected to output lines from the second group of four terminals. I have. The photodetectors 91a to 94d are respectively connected to input lines to four terminals of the second group, and the photodetectors 95a to 98d are respectively connected to input lines to four terminals of the first group. . In the same group, the surface light sources 71a to 71d and the light detectors 95a to 95d belong to the same terminal, and the surface light sources and the light detectors are connected to the same terminal in pairs in ascending order of numbers such as belonging to the same terminal. .

In the present embodiment, the light beam from the light source does not need to be spread by an optical system or the like, but a light source having a spread is originally used. The same applies to the side of the photodetector, in which the optical system for collecting the light beam is omitted, and a surface type photodetector is used instead.

The surface light sources 71a to 71d are driven and emit light by output signals from one terminal of the first group. Shutter array
Assuming that 79 has the same transmission pattern as the first shutter array 46 and the second shutter array 47 of FIG. 1, the emitted light beam passes through the third row and first column of the shutter array 79 and enters the mask 80. I do. The mask 80 is provided so that an output line from each terminal is connected to a predetermined input line of a terminal to which a signal is to be sent, and since there is a diagonal opening, the surface light sources 71a to 71d are provided. Are detected by the photodetectors 93a to 93d, respectively.
A planar light source and a photodetector having a combination of a, b, c, and d coincide with each other to transmit and receive signals. This is because a signal representing a certain bit in the exchange of an address signal, a data signal, or the like does not need to be connected to a signal of another bit, and a signal of a fixed bit need only be connected. This mask
By installing 80, the number of shutters in the shutter array 79 can be reduced. Such a system has been devised by the inventor, and is disclosed in detail in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-191165.

The outputs from the photodetectors 93a-93d are sent to one of the second group of terminals, meaning that a signal has been sent from the first group of terminals to the second group of terminals. The same applies to the transmission of signals from the other terminals of the first group to the terminals of the second group. The surface light sources 71a to 74d, the left half of the shutter array 79, the left half of the mask 80, and the first shutter array 81 It is performed using.

On the other hand, the transmission of signals from the second group of terminals to the first group of terminals is performed using the remaining part. The output signals from the terminals of the twenty-first group to which the outputs from the photodetectors 93a to 93d described above are sent are sent to the surface light sources 77a to 77d. Since the shutter in the first row and seventh column of the shutter array 79 is in a transmitting state, the light flux from the surface light sources 77a to 77d passes through the shutter
Are received by the photodetectors 95a to 95d in the photodetector array 82 of FIG.

The light detectors 95a to 95d are the surface light sources 71a to 71d described above.
Since the connection is made to the first group of terminals to which the connection is made, bidirectional transmission is performed. The same applies to other terminals.

In this embodiment, the lens is unnecessary, and the light sources 71a to 71a
8d, the shutter array 79, the mask 80, and the first and second photodetector arrays 81 and 82 can be integrated to provide an extremely compact device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a third embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 101 denotes a light source array for individually emitting light in a region indicated by a broken line, 102 denotes a shutter array, and 103 denotes a photodetector array.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the light source array 101. FIG. 111 is a light source,
112a to 115b are input lines from the first group of terminals, 116a to
119b is an input line from the terminal of the second group.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the photodetector array 103. 121 is a photodetector, 122a to 125b are output lines to terminals of the second group,
126a-129b are output lines to the first group of terminals.

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 show an optical switch array used for connecting eight terminals in total to four terminals. Each terminal has two lines for input and output.

In the light source array 101, the light sources 111 are arranged diagonally.

8 and 9, the input lines 112a to 115b from the first group of terminals are arranged vertically, and four light sources 111 are connected to each other. Also, the input lines 116a to 119b from the terminals of the second group are arranged in a horizontal direction,
Similarly, each of the four light sources 111 is connected. The shutter array 102 includes 4 × 4 shutters,
The size of one shutter of a shutter array 102 which is the same as the first shutter array 46 of FIG.
It is the same as one area separated by the dotted line in the figure, and four light sources 111 enter therein.

In the photodetector array 103, one-to-one photodetectors 121 are placed at the positions of the light sources 111 of the light source array 101. The output lines 122a to 125b to the terminals of the second group are placed horizontally, and four photodetectors 121 are connected to each of them.

The relation between the terminals of the first group and the second group and the input lines and output lines is the same as in the second embodiment. In the same group, pairs of input lines and output lines are paired in ascending order. Connected to the same terminal. For example, output lines 112a, 112b from the first group of terminals and input lines 126a, 126b to the first group of terminals belong to the same terminal in the first group.

Output signals 112a, 112b from one terminal of the first group
Thus, eight light sources 111 connected to the output signals 112a and 112b in the light source array 101 are driven to emit light. Shatter Array 1
Assuming that 02 has the same transmissive pattern as the first shutter array 46 of FIG. 1, the shutter in the third row and first column is in the passing state, so that two light sources corresponding to that position are provided.
Three lines in a dotted line of a total of eight light beams from 111 passing through and connected to input lines 124a and 124b to the second group of terminals in the photodetector array 103 The light is received by the two photodetectors 121 in the first column. The received signals are sent to one terminal of the second group through input lines 124a, 124b. Signal transmission in the reverse direction from this terminal is performed through output signal lines 118a, 118b from the second group of terminals. Of the eight light sources 111 connected to these signal lines, the light source 111 located at a position corresponding to the shutter in the third row and the first column in the shutter array 102 transmits through the shutter array 102 and is detected by the photodetector. The array 103 is reached.
This light beam is received by two of the eight photodetectors 121 connected to the input lines 126a, 126b to the first group of terminals. Terminals to which signals are sent by the input lines 126a and 126b to the first group of terminals are terminals to which the output lines 112a and 112b from the first group of terminals are connected. become.

The same applies to other terminals. Switching of the connection is freely performed by switching of the shutter of the shutter array 102. This embodiment has the advantage that the number of shutters in the shutter array is reduced by half compared to the previous two embodiments. Also in this embodiment, integration is possible and a compact and stable optical switch array can be obtained.

Also, in this embodiment, a plurality of input or signal lines are connected to the same terminal. This has the same function as that of the mask 80 in the second embodiment, except that each light source 111 and each photodetector 121 are connected diagonally. It depends on the arrangement.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 141 _{1-141 4} is driven by a first group of four terminals (not shown) respectively are four light sources of the first group. 142 is a light beam emitted from the light source 141 _{1-141 4} of the first group. 143 is a first beam splitter, and 144 is a second beam splitter. 145 is a shutter array. 146 _{1-146 4} sends the second group of four terminals (not shown) the signal received respectively a four photodetectors of the first group.

147 _{1 to} 147 ₄ are the second group of four light sources,
Driven by signals from group terminals. 148 is a light beam emitted from the light source 147 _{1-147 4} of the second group. 149 ₁ 〜
149 ₄ sends the signal received respectively a four photodetectors of the second group to the first group of terminals.

The nth terminal of the first group transmits signals to the first group of light sources.
Sent to 141 _n, also receives a signal from the 149 _n photodetectors of the second group. Similarly, the k-th terminal of the second group sends signals to 147 _k of the second group of light sources and receives signals from 146 _{k of} the first group of photodetectors.

The light beam emitted 142 from the light source 141 _{1-141 4} of the first group is incident on the shutter array 145 is transmitted through the first beam splitter 143. The propagation of the outgoing light flux 142 is shown by a solid line. The outgoing light flux 142 passes through the shutter array 145 and then also passes through the second beam splitter 144, and the first group of photodetector arrays 146 ₁
It has been received by the to 146 _4. In the but is depicted schematically in fact Figure 10 during a first anamorphic optical system and the first group of light sources 141 _{1 to 141 4} first beam splitter 143 shown in FIG. 2 The second anamorphic optical system shown in FIG. 3 includes the second beam splitter 144 and the first anamorphic optical system.
It falls between the photodetector 146 _{1-146 4} groups. That first group of light sources 141 _{1 to 141 4,} the shutter array 145, a first photodetector 146 _{1-146 4} groups constitute a crossbar switch.
In FIG. 10, since the terminals of the first group and the second group are each four terminals, the shutter array 145 is 4 × 4.
It is.

On the other hand, the outgoing light beam 148 from the second group of light sources 147 _{1 to} 147 ₄ is reflected by the first beam splitter 143, enters the shutter array 145, is reflected again by the second beam splitter 144, and is returned by the second group of light. received at the detector 149 _{1-149 4.} The propagation of the light flux 148 is shown by the dotted line. Second group of light sources 147 _{1 -1}
47 ₄ are perpendicular to the light source 141 _{1-141 4} of the first group, the photodetector 149 _{1-149 4} of the second group first group of photodetector 146 _1-14
It is apparent that the light beam indicated by a solid line, except that it is perpendicular to 6 ₄ has the same configuration as the first crossbar switch involved. That is, the first anamorphic optical system shown in FIG. 2 and the second anamorphic optical system shown in FIG. 3 which are rotated by 90 ° about the optical axis respectively correspond to the light sources 147 _{1 to} 147 of the second group. _A crossbar switch is also formed for the light flux indicated by the dotted line by inserting the light beam between the photodetector ₄ and the first beam splitter 143 and between the photodetectors of the second group and the second beam splitter 144.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing a part of the shutter array 145 related to the first crossbar switch, and FIG. 12 is a front view showing a part of the shutter array 145 related to the second crossbar switch.

151 is a part of the shutter array 145 used in the first crossbar switch, longitudinal region is emitted beam 142 from the light source 141 _{1-141 4} of the first group shutter array 145
It indicates an area which illuminates a region of the lateral direction indicates the portion of the shutter array 145 optical detectors 146 ₁ to 146 ₄ of the first group to receive the transmitted light beam. Similarly, reference numeral 152 denotes a portion of the shutter array 145 used in the second crossbar switch, and a region in the lateral direction is a light beam 14 emitted from the second group of light sources 147 _{1 to} 147 _4.
Region 8 illuminates the shutter array 145, a vertical direction of a region is a region Shatter array 145 optical detectors 149 ₁ to 149 ₄ of the second group receives the transmitted light beam. A shutter 153 indicates a specific shutter in the first row and second column.

In FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, the shutter array 14 is used.
The hatched portion 5 is a transparent portion. As for Shatter 153 in the first crossbar switch by transmitting the light beam from the light source 141 ₂ of the first group, the light detector of the first group 146 ₁
, And has a function of sending a signal from the second terminal of the first group to the first terminal of the second group. Meanwhile the shutter 153 is an optical detector 149 ₂ light flux of the second group from the light source 147 ₁ of the second group in the second crossbar switch
, So that signals from the first terminal of the second group are sent to the second terminal of the first group. That is, the first group 2 through the shutter 153
The second terminal and the first terminal of the second group are performing bidirectional communication. Shutter array
The same applies to the other shutters 145. By setting the shutter at the i-th row and the j-th column of the shutter array 145 as a transmission portion, the j-th terminal of the first group and the i-th terminal of the second group can be bidirectional. Communication can be performed.

When there are multiple signal lines from one terminal, the fifth
The mask 80 shown in the figure may be used together with the shutter array 145.

The first and second crossbar switches are shown in FIGS.
As shown in the figure, the light beams are spatially separated, but if the separation is not sufficient, crosstalk occurs. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a mask in the shutter portion or to shape the shutter into a desired shape. When the necessary transmitting portion of the shutter 153 is divided into four parts, up, down, left, and right, only the upper left and lower right portions are transmitted.

Line further reduce the crosstalk, the increase use efficiency of light is perpendicular to the outgoing light beam 148 from the light source 147 _{1-147 4} emitted light beam 142 and the second group from the light source 141 _{1-141 4} of the first group from each other Polarization and the first and second beam splitters 143,
It is effective to use 144 as a polarizing beam splitter. In this case, as the shutter array 145, an absorption-type switch or the like whose characteristics do not change much with respect to the polarization direction of the incident light is preferable.

Alternatively, the first and second beam splitters 143 and 144 may be used as spectral beam splitters by changing the wavelengths of the outgoing light beams 142 and 148. At this time, the characteristics of the shutter array 145 are required to perform a desired operation at both wavelengths.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the first group of four terminals and the second group
A 4x4 crossbar switch connecting the four terminals of the group is shown.

161 _{1-161 4} is a signal line from the first group of terminals. The signal line 161 _k is connected to the k-th terminal of the first group. Similarly, 161 ₁ to 161 ₄ are signal lines 162 ₁ from the second group of terminals are connected to the l-th terminal of the second group. Reference numeral 163 denotes a mask, and a hatched portion is an opening or a transmission portion. 171 _{1-171 16} is a signal line to the second group of terminals, is 171 _{1-171 16} is a signal line to the first group of terminals.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a shutter array used in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 175 denotes a shutter array, which is exactly the same as that described in the other embodiments. However, here, it is a one-dimensional shutter array. The hatched portion indicates that the shutter is in a transmission state.

The shutter array 175 is used so as to overlap the mask 163. Therefore, one opening of the mask 163 or two transmitting portions is included in one shutter of the shutter array 175.

Signal of the signal line 162 _{from 1} to 162 ₄ from the first group of signal lines 161 ₁ to 161 ₄ from the terminal or the second group of terminals, is spread in the longitudinal direction by performing electro-optical conversion. This light beam passes through the shutter array 175 and the mask 163. Sent to the transmission light beam next to the converged in the lateral direction and the signal line to the second group of signal lines 171 _{1 to 171 16} or the first group of terminals to a terminal 172 _{1 to 172 16.} As means for expanding the light beam in the vertical direction or condensing the light beam in the horizontal direction, a lens or a fiber may be used as described in the other embodiments. There is also a certain degree of freedom in the location where the electrical / optical conversion / optical / electrical conversion of the signal is performed. The conversion may be performed immediately before or immediately after the shutter 175 and the mask 163, or may be performed at a terminal using a fiber.

It is now assumed that bidirectional communication is performed between the k-th terminal of the first group and the l-th terminal of the second group. At this time, 4 (k-1) from the top of the shutter array 175
Make the + l-th shutter transparent. Signal lines 171 ₁ to 171 ₁₆ and 1 to terminals of the second or first group
Connections to terminals 72 _{1 to} 17 ₁₆ are as follows. The signal line 171 having a subscript of 4 (m-1) + i (m = 1, 2,...) Is connected to the i-th terminal of the second group, and a signal is sent to the j-th terminal of the first group. The line 172 whose subscript is 4 (j-1) + n (n = 1, 2,...) Is connected. Although a plurality of signal lines are connected to one terminal, the signals of the plurality of signal lines may be combined at the stage of an optical signal or at the stage of an electric signal.

Taking bidirectional communication of the first terminal of the first group and the third terminal of the second group as an example, it suffices that light passes through the third shutter from above the shutter 175. Signal from the first terminal of the first group are sent by signal line 161 _1, the mask 163 passes through the third shutter from the top of the light beam emitted shutter array 175 toward the transmission after the signal line 171 ₃ This . Signal destination 17 as shown above
1 ₃ is connected to the third terminal of the second group. On the other hand, the signal from the third terminal of the second group is signal line 162 ₃
Sent by The light beam which is caused to emit light by signal again toward the mask 163 through the third shutter from the top of the shutter array 175 and the transmission signal after line 172 _3. Signal line 172 ₃ This seen that enabled for two-way communication is connected to the first terminal of the first group. The same applies to other terminals, and the opening and closing of one shutter controls a bidirectional communication channel.

Since a portion of the mask 163 for transmitting a signal from the second group of terminals to the first group of terminals is arranged for each terminal of the first group, four portions of the transmitted light are obliquely provided along the opening or the transmitting portion. Light may be collected.

Further, when there are a plurality of signals from one terminal, it can be handled by making the configuration of the opening or the transmitting portion of the mask 163 diagonal like the mask 80.

This embodiment has the advantage that the shutter arrays are arranged in one row.

In the embodiment, the shutter array is of a transmission type. However, a reflection type shutter array that selectively reflects light from a light source toward a photodetector provided in a specific direction may be used. Such a reflective shutter array is formed by a known method using liquid crystal or GaAs.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, in the present invention, a bidirectional transmission can be made possible by transmitting an optical signal in one direction to a shutter array, and a rapid and large-scale optical switching array can be realized. There is. In addition, since bidirectional transmission is performed by one-way optical signals, it is possible to easily configure the optical switch array using a conventionally used optical switch array.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of first and second optical systems used in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of a mask 80 in FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a front view of photodetector arrays 81 and 82 in FIG. 4, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a main part of a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a light source array shown in FIG.
9 is a front view of the photodetector array 103 in FIG. 7, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a view in FIG. Shutter array 145 is the first
12 is a front view showing a portion used as a crossbar switch of FIG. 12, FIG. 12 is a front view showing a portion where the shutter array 145 in FIG. 10 is used as a second crossbar switch,
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a shutter array used in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an optical crossbar switch, and FIGS. 16 to 18 are diagrams showing a conventional switch network. 41 _{1-41 4} 51 _{1-51 4} ...... terminals 43 ₁ to 43 _8, 141 _{1 to 141 4,} 147 _{1 to 147 4} ...... source, 45,79,102,145,175 ...... shutter array, 46 ...... first Shutter array, 47 Second shutter array, 49 ₁ to 49 ₈ , 146 _{1 to} 146 ₄ , 149 _{1 to} 149 ₄ Photodetector 61 First cylindrical lens 62 First spherical surface Lens 63 second spherical lens 64 second cylindrical lens 71a-78d surface light source 80,163 mask 81 first photodetector array 82 second The photodetector array 101, the light source array 103, the photodetector array 143, the first beam splitter 144, the second beam splitter 153, the shutter.

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] When M and N are integers of 2 or more, a first terminal group consisting of M terminals capable of transmitting and receiving signals and a second terminal group consisting of N terminals are provided. In the optical switch array to be connected, first light emitting means comprising M light sources arranged in a predetermined direction and driven in accordance with a signal inputted from each terminal of the first terminal group; Second light emitting means comprising N light sources arranged in series with the means in a predetermined direction and driven in accordance with a signal inputted from each terminal of the second terminal group, in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. A first light receiving means comprising M light detectors arranged and outputting each terminal signal of the first terminal group; and the first light receiving means being arranged in series with the first light receiving means in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined direction. Two ta A second light receiving means comprising N photodetectors for outputting a signal to each terminal of the terminal group; and M rows × N columns provided in an optical path from the first light emitting means to the second light receiving means. A first shutter array comprising M × N openable / closable shutters arranged in a matrix, and a matrix of N rows × M columns provided in an optical path from the second light emitting means to the first light receiving means A second shutter array comprising N × M openable and closable shutters arranged in a matrix. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first and second light emitting means are connected to a first light emitting means.
And an anamorphic optical system provided so that the first and second light emitting means are arranged at the front focal position in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The optical switch array according to claim 1, comprising: 3. The first and second light receiving means and a first light receiving means.
And an anamorphic arrangement in which the second shutter array and the second shutter array are maintained in a conjugate relationship in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and the first and second light receiving means are disposed at the rear focal position in the predetermined direction. The optical switch array according to claim 1, further comprising an optical system. 4. The first and second light emitting means have the same length as the first and second shutter arrays in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. 2. The optical switch array according to claim 1, wherein said optical switch array is provided in close contact with said shutter array. 5. The first and second light receiving means have the same length in the predetermined direction as the first and second shutter arrays, and the first and second light receiving means are provided with these shutter arrays. 2. The optical switch array according to claim 1, wherein said optical switch array is provided in close contact with said optical switch. 6. An optical switch array according to claim 1, wherein a signal is output to each light source of said first light emitting means, and a signal is output from each light detector of said first light receiving means. A first terminal group consisting of M terminals for inputting the respective signals, and a signal to each light source of the second light emitting means, and outputting a signal from each detector of the second light receiving means. An optical signal transmission system comprising: a second terminal group including N terminals for inputting the respective signals.