Ribbon array optical switch and optical switch architecture utilizing same

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A ribbon array switch in which an input ribbon array comprising a plurality of input optical fibers can be selectively switched to any one of a plurality of output ribbon arrays mounted on an outer periphery of a switch housing. Preferably a stepper motor is used to rotate the input ribbon array along the outer periphery of the switch housing, the result being that the input optical fibers will be optically connected to corresponding output optical fibers that make up the output ribbon arrays. In another aspect, the invention features an optical switch architecture including a first stage comprising a fiber switch element and second stage comprising a ribbon array switch element described …