MEMS optical switches with guaranteed switching status
First Claim
1. A method for controlling an optical switch, the method comprising:
- applying an AC signal to an actuator of the optical switch being driven by a control signal from a power source, as a result, the actuator outputting an output signal including an AC component and a DC component;
rectifying the AC component to produce a rectified AC component;
determining an AC impedance and a DC impedance of the actuator;
reporting a failure of the optical switch if the determining of the DC impedance exceeds a first threshold; and
reporting a success of the optical switch if the determining of the AC impedance exceeds or is equal to a second threshold.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Techniques for controlling and monitoring MEMS optical switches are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electronic feedback loop is employed to determine a control signal to a MEMS switch actuator in accordance with an instruction. The control signal is so determined in such a way that the switching statuses are maximally guaranteed. To generate an appropriate control signal, AC or DC impedances of the MEMS switch are detected and used to configure the control signal to drive the switch. When it is detected that the impedance changes do not meet respective thresholds, the control signal is adjusted. In the case that the stiction happens, the switch actuator is overcharged, discharged and repeatedly applied for a limited time to overcome the stiction.
20 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for controlling an optical switch, the method comprising:
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applying an AC signal to an actuator of the optical switch being driven by a control signal from a power source, as a result, the actuator outputting an output signal including an AC component and a DC component; rectifying the AC component to produce a rectified AC component; determining an AC impedance and a DC impedance of the actuator; reporting a failure of the optical switch if the determining of the DC impedance exceeds a first threshold; and reporting a success of the optical switch if the determining of the AC impedance exceeds or is equal to a second threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An optical switch system comprising:
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at least an optical switch including an actuator, and a mirror; a power source to produce a control signal to drive the actuator; a microprocessor unit (MPU) configured to generate an initial signal to control the power source; and a circuit coupled to the actuator to receive an output signal therefrom, the output signal including an AC component and a DC component that are coupled to the MPU for determining an AC impedance and a DC impedance of the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification