Analog Devices, Onix Microsystems team for MEMS switching

The week just wouldn't be complete without a MEMS story. Analog Devices Inc. (Norwood, Masschusetts) and Onix Microsystems (Richmond, CA) have signed a strategic partnership and co-development agreement to begin pre-production of Onix's all-optical micro electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) switching engines. Applications include optical switching including: optical cross connect, automated optical patch panels, fiber protection restoration, and optical add/drop multiplexing (OADM) in core, metro and access networks.

Onix's MEMS technology uses moveable micro-mirrors that are fabricated onto the surface of silicon chips to direct incoming beams of light from optical fibers onto selected outgoing optical fibers. The initial effort will optimize existing Onix designs for manufactuability and reliability.

ADI recently signed an agreement with Nortel Networks to develop optical MEMS switching elements for Nortel's Xros X-1000 high port-count fiber optic cross connect switches for long haul network needs (See Nortel, Analog Devices ink deal for MEMS switching).

Edited by Kristin Lewotsky
Managing Editor, Photonics Online