THORLABS OSW12 E Series User manual

MEMS Fiber Optic Switch Kits
OSW12(22)-xxxE
Operation Manual
2018

Version:
Date:
Copyright © 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
3.5
12-Jul-2018

Foreword
Contents 2
1General Information 3
31.1 Safety
41.2 Ordering Codes
41.3 Requirements
41.3.1 Hardware Requirements
41.3.2 Software Requirements
2Getting Started 5
52.1 Parts List
62.2 Operating Elements
72.3 First Steps
3Operating Instruction 8
83.1 Operating the OSW12-yyyyE
83.2 Operating the OSW22-yyyyE
93.3 Operating the OSW14-yyyyE (Option)
93.4 Operating the OSW18-yyyyE (Option)
4Computer Interface 10
104.1 Interface Setup
104.2 Message Exchange
104.3 Command Description
114.4 Error Codes
5Maintenance and Service 12
6 Appendix 13
136.1 Technical Data
156.2 Pin Assignment CON4
166.3 Switch States
176.4 Switch Outline Drawings
196.5 Warranty
206.6 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability
206.7 Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy
226.8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application
in the field of optical measurement technique. To help us to live up to
your expectations and constantly improve our products we need
your ideas and suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about
possible criticism or ideas. We and our international partners are
looking forward to hearing from you.
Thorlabs GmbH
Warning
Sections marked by this symbol explain dangers that might result in
personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully, before performing the indicated procedure.
Please read this advice carefully!
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Attention
Paragraphs preceded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.
Note
2

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
1 General Information
3
1 General Information
The OSW12(22)-xxxE Series of Switch Kits include a MEMS optical switch with an integrated
control circuit that includes an USB 2.0 interface for easy integration into your optical system. It
is available as 1x2 or 2x2 (1x4 and 1x8 on request) MEMS modules with operating wavelengths
of 488, 633, 780, 830, 980, or 1310 and 1550 nm. These bi-directional switches have low inser-
tion loss and excellent repeatability. The switching mechanism is based on silicon MEMS tech-
nology, which ensures high reliability, provides exceptionally low crosstalk between channels,
and is inherently very fast (switching time <1ms).
The OSW12(22)-xxxE switches are designed for the distribution and routing of signals at the in-
dicated visible or near infrared wavelengths. The switches can be controlled via USB2.0 by the
included GUI and driver package, via an on-board toggle switch, or via BNC input (TTL signal).
A seven segment LED display indicates the active channel.
By default, all switches are shipped without fiber connectors. Termination of the fibers is avail-
able upon request; please contact your local Thorlabs office or distributor for pricing. Addition-
ally, 1x4 and 1x8 MEMS switch modules are available on request.
The OSW12(22)-xxxE Series Switch Kits can be powered via the USB port or the onboard DC
power connector.
A universal 9 V wall power supply is included with these Switch Kits.
1.1 Safety
Attention
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual
will only apply when the unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.
The OSW12(22)-xxxE must not be operated in explosion endangered environments!
Only with written consent from Thorlabs GmbH may changes to single components be
made or components not supplied by Thorlabs GmbH be used.
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the complete original
packaging. If necessary, ask for a replacement package prior to return.
Warning
When operating this unit with a laser be sure to pay strict attention to the safety recom-
mendations of the appropriate laser safety class of the used laser!
When operated incorrectly, this can cause severe damage to your eyes and health!
Do not look directly into any of the optical fiber terminations.
Cover any unused fiber termination.
Attention
The OSW12(22)-xxxE module is electrostatic discharge sensitive.
Observe the precautions for handling ESD sensitive modules.
Attention
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are not to be used within
the range of three meters of this unit since the electromagnetic field intensity may then
exceed the maximum allowed disturbance values according to IEC 61326-1.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to
IEC 61326-1 for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH4
OSW12(22)-xxxE
1.2 Ordering Codes
Ordering code
Short descrition
OSWxx-yyyyE:
xx = 12
SN1x2 switch with electronic board
xx = 22
SN2x2 switch with electronic board
xx = 14 1)
SN1x4 switch with electronic board
xx = 18 1,2)
SW1x8 switch with electronic board
yyyy = 488
Operating Wavelength Range 480 to 650 nm
yyyy = 633
Operating Wavelength Range 600 to 800 nm
yyyy = 780
Operating Wavelength Range 750 to 950 nm
yyyy = 830
Operating Wavelength Range 800 to 1000 nm
yyyy = 980
Operating Wavelength Range 970 to 1170 nm
yyyy = 1310
Operating Wavelength Range 1280 to 1625 nm
1) On request.
2) Available for 1280 to 1625 nm only.
1.3 Requirements
These are the requirements to the PC intended to be used for remote operation of the
OSW12(22)-xxxE.
1.3.1 Hardware Requirements
CPU: 1 GHz or higher
RAM: 256 MB
Graphic card Min. 32 MB memory
Hard disc Min 100 MB free storage space
Interface free USB2.0 port, USB cable according the USB 2.0 specification
alternatively one free RS232 (COM) port
1.3.2 Software Requirements
The OSW12(22)-xxxE software is compatible with the following operating systems:
· Windows®2000 SP3
· Windows®XP (32-bit) SP3
· Windows®Vista (32-bit, 64-bit)
· Windows®7 (32-bit, 64-bit)
· Windows®8 (32-bit, 64-bit)
For operation of the OSW12(22)-xxxE, also an NI-VISA (version 3.4 or higher) is required. This
NI-VISA engines comes with the Thorlabs GmbH OSW12(22)-xxxE installation CD, but can be
downloaded also from National Instruments' website www.ni.com.

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
2 Getting Started
5
2 Getting Started
2.1 Parts List
Inspect the shipping container for damage.
If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until you have inspected the contents
and you have inspected the OSW12(22)-xxxE mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
1. OSW12-yyyyE or OSW22-yyyyE Optical Switch with electronic board
2. Wall Power Supply 90 - 264 V AC / 9 V DC 1.1 A with adapters for Europe, USA, UK,
Australia
3. USB cable A-B, 2 m
4. Operation Manual for OSW12E/OSW22E Series
5. Distribution CD for OSW12-E/OSW22-E Series (containing manuals, drivers and soft-
ware)

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH6
OSW12(22)-xxxE
2.2 Operating Elements
1
CON5 - DC Power Jack (2.1 mm DC plug, center pin "+")
2
MO1 - Status Indicator
For OSW12 switches:
1 = bar state (2 1 4)
2 = cross state (2 1 3)
For OSW22 switches:
1 = bar state (2 1 4; 1 1 3)
2 = cross state (2 1 3; 1 1 4)
3
S1 - Manual Toggle Switch
4
Jumpers JP5A ... JP5D (see section Interface Setup )
5
CON8 - USB Connector (see section Interface Setup )
6
CON6 - BNC TTL Input for toggle signal (falling edge triggered)
7
LED1 - Power-On Indicator
8
CON4 - 64 pin Connector
10
10
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© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
2 Getting Started
7
2.3 First Steps
Note
We recommend operating the OSW12(22)-xxxE in a shielded housing connected to protective
ground and / or the optical table.
Connecting the Power Supply
You have 4 possibilities to connect a DC power supply to your OSW12(22)-xxxE:
· Use the provided Thorlabs power supply and insert the 2.1 mm DC plug into the corre-
sponding DC power jack.
· Connect a high quality regulated power supply with 6V…15V DC output capable of deliver-
ing a current of min. 300mA to the coaxial DC power jack CON5. Use a standard 2.1 mm
coaxial DC plug for connection (Center pin +).
· Connect a high quality regulated power supply with 6V…15V DC output capable of deliv-
ering a current of min. 300mA to the 64-pin connector CON4 on pins A30/C30 (+) and
pins A28/A29/A31/C28/C29/C31 (–).
· Use the USB cable to connect a PC or Hub to the USB jack CON8. The unit will be
powered by the USB interface.
15

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH8
OSW12(22)-xxxE
3 Operating Instruction
3.1 Operating the OSW12-yyyyE
Once the power supply is connected, the 7 Segment display shows “1” and the optical switch is
set to bar state: I/O 2 is connected to I/O 4.
The switch status can be changed by two methods:
· Push the toggle button to change between bar state (2 1 4) and cross state (2 1 3) and vice
versa. On cross state, “2” is shown at the 7 segment display (see Switch States ).
· Apply a TTL logic signal to the BNC input jack or to pin C10 of the 64-pin connector
CON4 . Every falling edge (5V " 0V) of the signal toggles the switch status.
Note
Please note that a TTL input is sensitive to bouncing. The connection of a mechanical switch to
the BNC or 64-pin jack is not recommended! The on board toggle switch is de-bounced.
The actual switch state is indicated by the state signals SW_STAT[0…7] at the pins C19…C12
of the 64-pin connector .
3.2 Operating the OSW22-yyyyE
Once the power supply is connected, the 7 Segment display shows “1” and the optical switch is
set to bar state: I/O 2 is connected to I/O 4, I/O 1 is connected to I/O 3.
The switch status can be changed by two methods:
· Push the toggle button to change between bar state (2 1 4 / 1 1 3) and cross state (2 1 3 /
1 1 4) and vice versa. On cross state, “2” is shown at the 7 segment display (see Switch
States )
· Apply a TTL logic signal to the BNC input jack or to pin C10 of the 64-pin connector CON4
(see Figure 2 on page ):
Every falling edge (5V " 0V) of the signal toggles the switch status.
Note
Please note that a TTL input is sensitive to bouncing. The connection of a mechanical switch to
the BNC or 64-pin jack is not recommended! The on board toggle switch is de-bounced.
The actual switch state is indicated by the state signals SW_STAT[0…7] at the pins C19…C12
of the 64-pin connector .
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© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
3 Operating Instruction
9
3.3 Operating the OSW14-yyyyE (Option)
Once the power supply is connected, the 7 Segment display shows “1” and the optical switch is
set to connect the input to port A.
The switch status can be changed by two methods:
· Push the switch button to pass the cycle of state 1 … 4 corresponding to port
A … D (see Switch States ).
· Apply a TTL logic signal to the BNC input jack or to pin C10 of the 64-pin connector
CON4 .
On every falling edge (5V " 0V) of the signal the switch steps to the next state.
Note
Please note that a TTL input is sensitive to bouncing. The connection of a mechanical switch to
the BNC or 64-pin jack is not recommended! The on board toggle switch is de-bounced.
The actual switch state is indicated by the state signals SW_STAT[0…7] at the pins C19…C12
of the 64-pin connector .
3.4 Operating the OSW18-yyyyE (Option)
Once the power supply is connected, the 7 Segment display shows “1” and the optical switch is
set to connect the input to port A.
The switch status can be changed by two methods:
· Push the switch button to pass the cycle of state 1 … 8 corresponding to port
A … H (see Switch States ).
· Apply a TTL logic signal to the BNC input jack or to pin C10 of the 64-pin connector
CON4 .
On every falling edge (5V " 0V) of the signal the switch steps to the next state.
Note
Please note that a TTL input is sensitive to bouncing. The connection of a mechanical switch to
the BNC or 64-pin jack is not recommended! The on board toggle switch is de-bounced.
The actual switch state is indicated by the state signals SW_STAT[0…7] at the pins C19…C12
of the 64-pin connector .
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© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH10
OSW12(22)-xxxE
4 Computer Interface
The OSW12(22)-xxxE board can be controlled remotely from a PC. The communication uses a
serial data link which is established either via RS232 available on CON4 (Backplane con-
nector) or via a Virtual COM Port over USB . The USB link needs special USB drivers to be
installed.
4.1 Interface Setup
The data link is selected with the jumper block JP5 according to the following table:
Interface
JP5A
JP5B
JP5C
JP5D
Virtual COM Port over USB
1-2
1-2
1-2
1-2
RS232 Interface via CON4
2-3
2-3
2-3
2-3
Set up your control PC to meet the following communication setup:
Line setup
115200-8N1-Hardware Handshake (RTS/CTS)
Program message end character
<LF> (Line Feed, 0A hex)
Response message end characters
<CR><LF> (Carriage Return, 0D hex Line Feed, 0A hex)
4.2 Message Exchange
The OSW12(22)-xxxE board uses a simple human readable command structure. A program
message consists of a command, parameters depending on the command and a program mes-
sage terminator (<LF> Line Feed, 0Ahex). As a seperator between command and parameters a
space character (20hex) is used. Commands are not case sensitive.
Syntax: COMMAND[, PARAMETER[, PARAMETER]]<LF>
Depending on the command the OSW12(22)-xxxE board generates a command dependent re-
sponse message. A response message is terminated with carriage return/newline characters
(<CR><LF> Carriage Return, 0Dhex; Line Feed, 0Ahex).
Syntax: COMMAND DEPENDENT RESPONSE<CR><LF>
The OSW12(22)-xxxE board responds to command errors with an error message containing an
error code and a description.
Syntax: Error nn,Descriptive text<CR><LF> (where nn is the error code).
4.3 Command Description
Set Switch State
Command:
S
Parameter:
Switch state
Response:
None
Description:
Sets the switch state according to switch state table.
Example:
S 2<LF>
Sets the switch state to 2.
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6
11

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
4 Computer Interface
11
Query Switch State
Command:
S?
Parameter:
None
Response:
Switch State
Description:
Queries the switch state according to switch state table.
Example:
S?<LF>
In case the switch state is 2 the following response will be generated
2<CR><LF>
Query Type Code
Command:
T?
Parameter:
None
Response:
OSW type code
Description:
Queries the OSW board type code according to the configuration table.
Example:
T?<LF>
In case of a SN-1x2 switch the following response will be generated
0<CR><LF>
Query OSW board name
Command:
I?
Parameter:
None
Response:
OSW board name and version
Description:
Queries the OSW name and the firmware version.
Example:
I?<LF>
In case of a 1x2 switch the following response will be generated
OSW1x2 Optical Switch V1.1<CR><LF>
4.4 Error Codes
Error code
Description
01
A general system error occurred
02
A math domain error was detected
03
The given value is out of range
06
Non-volatile memory error
10
A communication error occurred
11
The command is unknown
12
Wrong number of command parameters
13
The command parameter is invalid

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH12
OSW12(22)-xxxE
5 Maintenance and Service
Protect the OSW12(22)-xxxE from adverse weather conditions. The OSW12(22)-xxxE is not
water resistant.
Attention
To avoid damage to the instrument, do not expose it to spray, liquids or solvents!
The unit does not need a regular maintenance by the user. It does not contain any modules
and/or components that could be repaired by the user himself. If a malfunction occurs, please
contact Thorlabs GmbH for return instructions.
Do not remove covers!

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
6 Appendix
13
6 Appendix
6.1 Technical Data
Operating Wavelength
OSWxx-488E
480 ... 650 nm
OSWxx-633E
600 ... 800 nm
OSWxx-780E
750 ... 950 nm
OSWxx-830E
800 ... 1000 nm
OSWxx-980E
970 ... 1170 nm
OSWxx-1310E
1280 ... 1625 nm
Fiber Type and Connectors
OSWxx-488E
Single Mode Fiber FiberCore SM450 (MFD 3.3 µm)
OSWxx-633E
Single Mode Fiber FiberCore SM600 (MFD 4.3 µm)
OSWxx-780E
Single Mode Fiber FiberCore SM750 (MFD 5.3 µm)
OSWxx-830E
Single Mode Fiber FiberCore SM800 (MFD 5.6 µm)
OSWxx-980E
Single Mode Fiber FiberCore SM980 (MFD 6.2 µm)
OSWxx-1310E
Single Mode Corning SMF-28E
(MFD 9.2 µm @1310 nm
MFD 10.4 µm @ 1550 nm)
Connectors
none (or on request)
Optical Power
OSWxx-488E
max. 30 mW
OSWxx-633E
max. 50 mW
OSWxx-780E
max. 75 mW
OSWxx-830E
max. 85 mW
OSWxx-980E
max. 105 mW
OSWxx-1310E
max. 300 mW
Optical parameters
Insertion Loss
OSWxx-488E
max. 2.0 dB (488 nm)
OSWxx-633E
max. 1.5 dB; typ. 0.7 dB
OSWxx-780E
OSWxx-830E
OSWxx-980E
OSWxx-1310E
OSW18-1310E
max. 2.0 dB; typ. 1.2 dB
Crosstalk
max. 60 dB; typ. 75 dB
Back Reflection
OSWxx-yyyyE
max. 50 dB; typ. 55 dB
OSW18-1310E
max. 45 dB; typ. 55 dB
Polarization Depend-
ent Loss
OSWxx-yyyyE
max. 0.05 dB; typ. 0.02 dB
OSW18-1310E
max. 0.12 dB
Switching Time
max. 1 ms; typ. 0.5 ms
Lifetime (No Wear Out)
Proven up to 109switching cycles
Operation
Non-latching

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH14
OSW12(22)-xxxE
General
Operating elements
Manual toggle switch (push button)
Switch state indicator (7-segment LED display)
Connectors
Power Supply (2.1 mm coaxial power jack, center pin "+")
USB Connector type B
64-pin Connector DIN 41612 C / IEC 60603-2
BNC Connector (TTL switching signal)
Operating Voltage
4.75-5.25 V DC 300 mA (USB Connector)
or
6-15 V DC 300 mA (DC Power Connector)
Wall Power Supply (included)
90 - 264 V AC / 9 V DC 1.1 A
Supply Current Consumption
max. 300 mA; typ. 100 mA
Operating Temperature Range 1)
0 - 40 °C
Storage Temperature Range
-40 to 70 °C
Dimensions (L x W x H)
170 mm x 100 mm x 20 mm
Weight
< 0.3 kg
1) non-condensing
All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 45 ± 15% rel. humidity (non condensing)

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
6 Appendix
15
6.2 Pin Assignment CON4
For explanation of SW_STAT0 ... SW_STAT7 please see section Switch States .
16

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH16
OSW12(22)-xxxE
6.3 Switch States
The possible switch states depend on the type of OSW board. The switch state is displayed on
the seven-segment display MO1. It is also indicated by the state signals SW_STAT[0..7] avail-
able at CON4. The switch state is stored in the µC internal nonvolatile memory. When power-
ing-up the OSW board the previous switch state is restored.
OSW12-E (1x2)
State
Description
State Signal SW_STATn
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
Bare State (2 1 4)
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
+5V
2
Cross State (2 1 3)
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
+5V
GND
OSW22-E (2x2)
State
Description
State Signal SW_STATn
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
Bare State (1 1 3; 2 1 4)
GND
GND
+5V
GND
GND
GND
GND
+5V
2
Cross State (1 1 4; 2 1 3)
GND
GND
GND
+5V
GND
GND
+5V
GND
OSW14-E (1x4, Option)
State
Description
State Signal SW_STATn
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
Port A
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
+5V
2
Port B
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
+5V
GND
3
Port C
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
+5V
GND
GND
4
Port D
GND
GND
GND
GND
+5V
GND
GND
GND
OSW18-E (1x8, Option)
State
Description
State Signal SW_STATn
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
Port A
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
+5V
2
Port B
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
+5V
GND
3
Port C
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
+5V
GND
GND
4
Port D
GND
GND
GND
GND
+5V
GND
GND
GND
5
Port E
GND
GND
GND
+5V
GND
GND
GND
GND
6
Port F
GND
GND
+5V
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
7
Port G
GND
+5V
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
8
Port H
+5V
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
6 Appendix
17
6.4 Switch Outline Drawings
Pin Layout SN1x2 - MEMS Switch Component for OSW12*
Pin Layout SN2x2 - MEMS Switch Component for OSW22*
Pin Layout SN1x4 - MEMS Switch Component for OSW14*
,

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH18
OSW12(22)-xxxE
Pin Layout Sw1x8 - MEMS Switch Component for OSW18*