THORLABS OSW8 Series User manual

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Operation Manual
Thorlabs Instrumentation
PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800
Optical Switches OSW8xxx
2010

0 Safety
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© 2010 Thorlabs
Version: 3.1
Date: 16.09.2010
Copyright© 2010, Thorlabs

Safety 1
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© 2010 Thorlabs
Contents Page
1General description 3
1.1 Safety 3
1.2 Features 5
1.3 Technical data 5
1.3.1 General data 5
1.3.2 OSW8102 5
1.3.3 OSW8104 6
1.3.4 OSW8108 6
1.3.5 OSW8202 7
2Operating the OSW8xxx 8
2.1 Display 8
2.2 Selecting a module 8
3Communicating with a control computer 10
3.1 General information 10
3.1.1 Nomenclature 10
3.1.2 Data format 10
3.1.3 Selecting the module slot 11
3.1.4 Querying the module type 11
3.1.5 Changing the optical switch setting 12
3.2 Status reporting 13
3.2.1 Standard event status register (ESR) 14
3.2.2 Standard event status enable register (ESE) 14
3.2.3 Status byte register (STB) 15
3.2.4 Service request enable register (SRE) 15
3.2.5 Reading the STB by detecting SRQ 15
3.2.6 Reading the STB by "*STB?" command 15
3.2.7 Reading the STB by serial poll 15
4Service and Maintenance 16
4.1 General remarks 16
5Appendix 16
5.1 Warranty 16
5.2 Thorlabs “End of Life” policy (WEEE) 17
5.2.1 Waste treatment on your own responsibility 17
5.2.2 Ecological background 18
5.3 Certifications and compliances 19
5.4 Copyright 20
5.5 Addresses 21

2 Safety
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© 2010 Thorlabs
We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application in the
field of optical measurement technique. To help us to come up to your
expectations and develop our products permanently 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.
In the displays shown by the PRO8 you may find the name PROFILE.
PROFILE was the name of the manufacturer before it was acquired by Thorlabs
and renamed to Thorlabs.
Thorlabs
This part of the instruction manual contai ns every specific information on how to
operate an opt ical switch OSW8xxx. A gener al description is f ollowed by
explanations of how to oper ate the unit manually. You will also find every information
about remote control via the IEEE 488 / RS232C computer interface.
Attention
This manual contains “WARNINGS” and “ATTENTION” label in this
form, to indicate dangers for persons or possible damage of equip-
ment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.

Safety 3
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© 2010 Thorlabs
1 General description
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.
Before applying power to your PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 system, make
sure that the protective conductor of the 3 conductor mains power
cord is correctly connected to the protective earth contact of the
socket outlet!
Improper grounding can cause electric shock with damages to your
health or even death!
Modules may only be installed or removed with the mainframe
switched off.
All modules must be fixed with all screws provided for this purpose.
Modules of the 8000 series must only be operated in the mainframe
PRO8000, PRO8000-4 or PRO800.
All modules must only be operated with duly shielded connection
cables.
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single
components be carried out or components not supplied by Thorlabs
be used.
This precision device is only dispatchable if duly packed into the
complete original packaging including the plastic form parts. If
necessary, ask for a replacement package.

4 Safety
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© 2010 Thorlabs
Attention 
Semiconductor laser modules can deliver up to several 100mW of
(maybe) invisible laser radiation!
When operated incorrectly, this can cause severe damage to your
eyes and health!
Never switch on connected laser modules with the output connec-
tors of the optical switch open!
Be sure to pay strict attention to the safety recommendations of the
appropriate laser safety class!
This laser safety class is marked on your PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800
plug-in module or on your external laser source used.
Attention 
Mobile telephones, handy 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 EN 50 082-1.

Features 5
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© 2010 Thorlabs
1.2 Features
General functions
The Thorlabs optical switches of the OSW8xxx series are ultra-fast MEMS
(Micro Electro-Mechanical System) based fiber optic switches with low insertion loss,
designed for the Thorlabs PRO8000(-4) / PRO800 mainframe.
1.3 Technical data
(All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 35±15% humidity)
1.3.1 General data
Operating temperature 0 … +35°C
Storage temperature -10 … +60°C
1.3.2 OSW8102
Switching configuration 1 x 2
Wavelength range 1240 … 1610 nm
Insertion loss 1) typ. 0.7 dB, max. < 1.5 dB
Crosstalk, min. - 50 dB
Back reflection, max. - 50 dB
PDL 2) < 0.1 dB
Switching time typ. 0.5 ms. max. < 1ms
Input power, max. +17 dBm (50 mW)
Fiber type 9/125/900, Corning SMF28e
Connectors 3) FC/APC
Lifetime 109 switching cycles without degradation of performance
1) measured at output port
2) measured at 1550 nm
3) other connectors on request

6 Technical data
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© 2010 Thorlabs
1.3.3 OSW8104
Switching configuration 1 x 4
Wavelength range 1240 … 1610 nm
Insertion loss 1) typ. 1.2 dB, max. < 2.1 dB
Crosstalk min. - 60 dB
Back reflection, max. - 50 dB
PDL 2) < 0.15 dB
Switching time typ. 0.5 ms, max. < 1ms
Input power max. + 17 dBm (50 mW)
Fiber type 9/125/900, Corning SMF28e
Connectors 3) FC/APC
Lifetime 109 switching cycles without degradation of performance
1.3.4 OSW8108
Switching configuration 1 x 8
Wavelength range 1240 … 1610 nm
Insertion loss 1) typ. 1.6 dB, max. <2.6 dB
Crosstalk min. - 60 dB
Back reflection, max. - 45 dB
PDL 2) < 0.2 dB
Switching time typ. 0.5 ms, max. < 1ms
Input power, max. + 17 dBm (50 mW)
Fiber type 9/125/900, Corning SMF28e
Connectors 3) FC/APC
Lifetime 109 switching cycles without degradation of performance
1) measured at output port
2) measured at 1550 nm
3) other connectors on request

Technical data 7
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© 2010 Thorlabs
1.3.5 OSW8202
Switching configuration 2 x 2
Wavelength range 1240 … 1610 nm
Insertion loss 1) typ. 0.7 dB, max. < 1.5 dB
Crosstalk min. - 50 dB
Back reflection, max. - 50 dB
PDL 2) < 0.15 dB
Switching time typ. 0.5 ms, max. < 1ms
Input power (max.) + 17 dBm (50mW)
Fiber type 9/125/900, Corning SMF28e
Connectors 3) FC/APC
Lifetime 109 switching cycles without degradation of performance
1) measured at output port
2) measured at 1550 nm
3) other connectors on request

8 Display
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© 2010 Thorlabs
2 Operating the OSW8xxx
2.1 Display
The main menu shows the channel numbers of the inserted modules and their main
parameters. In the case of the OSW8xxx this is t he fiber output connected to the
common port.
Channel no. Cursor Switch settings
CH1 COM -> 2
CH2
CH3
CHANGE
2.2 Selecting a module
Select a module for further input by setting the cursor to the c hannel number of the
desired module.
Use the soft keys and .
CH1
Pressing will lead to the channel menu
Pressing again or will lead back to the main menu.
CH1 COM -> 2
CH2
CH3
CHANGE