JDS Uniphase SB Series 1x16 9/125 µm Single-Mode Programmable Optical Switch with 5 m FC/PC Pigtails

JDS Uniphase SB Series 1x16 9/125 µm Programmable Optical Switch

The JDS Uniphase SB Series 1x16 Optical Switch is a compact programmable instrument designed to route one common optical input to any one of 16 output channels. It is suitable for automated fiber optic component testing, optical power measurements, source distribution, detector selection, system verification, manufacturing, and research applications.

This switch is identified as a C-configuration model. The JDS Uniphase C configuration uses one common optical input that can be connected to a selected output channel. Only the selected input-to-output path is active, making the configuration practical for sequential measurements across multiple fibers, devices under test, receivers, or monitoring points.

The supplied configuration information identifies 9/125 µm single-mode fiber and 5 m optical pigtails. The model string ends in the connector code FP, which the manufacturer defines as FC/PC. Although the rough product name states FC/APC, the FA code is required for a standard FC/APC configuration. The actual connector polish should be verified from the attached pigtails before the switch is listed or connected.

The SB Series uses expanded-beam lens technology, precision stepper-motor positioning, and internal temperature control to provide repeatable optical channel alignment. Local front-panel controls support manual operation, while GPIB and serial RS-232 interfaces allow the switch to be incorporated into automated optical test systems.

Features and Benefits of the JDS Uniphase SB Series 1x16 Optical Switch

• 1x16 optical configuration: Routes one common optical input to any one of 16 selectable output channels.
• C-configuration operation: Provides straightforward one-input-to-many-output optical routing.
• 9/125 µm single-mode fiber: Supports compatible telecommunications, photonics, laboratory, and manufacturing systems.
• Broad optical wavelength range: The F wavelength code identifies operation from 1270 nm to 1670 nm.
• Five-meter pigtails: The 005 cable code identifies nominal 5 m optical leads.
• FC/PC connectors: The FP code identifies FC/PC terminations on the documented standard configuration.
• Low insertion loss: The single-common C configuration provides 0.4 dB typical internal insertion loss.
• High return loss: The standard single-mode configuration provides at least 65 dB typical internal return loss.
• Low polarization-dependent loss: Provides 0.02 dB typical PDL for the documented single-mode C configuration.
• Excellent switching repeatability: Provides typical sequential switching repeatability of ±0.003 dB.
• High optical isolation: Provides maximum single-mode crosstalk of -80 dB.
• Long operating life: The switch platform is rated for more than 80 million switching cycles.
• Local and remote control: Supports front-panel operation, GPIB, and serial RS-232 interfaces.
• Compact benchtop format: Provides multi-channel routing in a portable SB Series enclosure.

1x16 C-Configuration Optical Routing

The C configuration provides one common optical input and 16 selectable output channels. The switch connects the common input to one numbered output at a time, allowing a shared source or instrument to access multiple optical paths without manual reconnection.

This arrangement is useful when a stable optical source must be routed sequentially to multiple devices under test. It can also be used in reverse-direction applications when the installed configuration and intended performance support the required signal direction.

The switch should not be described as a splitter. It does not divide the input signal simultaneously among all 16 outputs. Instead, the internal mechanism aligns the common input with the selected output channel.

Automated Fiber Optic Testing

The switch can reduce the number of manual patch-cord changes required during repetitive optical measurements. A source can remain connected to the common input while the 16 outputs are assigned to separate components, fibers, receivers, or measurement points.

A typical automated procedure selects an output channel, allows the switching mechanism and measurement instrument to settle, acquires the required reading, stores the result, and advances to the next channel.

This workflow can support insertion-loss measurements, optical power testing, wavelength-response measurements, component qualification, environmental testing, production screening, and long-duration monitoring.

Expanded-Beam Optical Switching Technology

The JDS Uniphase SB Series uses expanded-beam lens technology to establish the selected optical path. Collimating lenses direct the optical signal while a precision stepper motor aligns the common channel with the selected output.

This architecture helps minimize insertion loss and supports repeatable channel selection. Internal temperature control of the switching mechanism contributes to stable alignment as environmental conditions change.

The switch is passive with respect to the transmitted optical signal. It does not generate, amplify, detect, regenerate, modulate, or convert the optical wavelength.

9/125 µm Single-Mode Fiber

The fiber code 7 identifies 9/125 µm single-mode fiber. Connected sources, patch cords, detectors, receivers, and devices under test should use compatible single-mode fiber.

Using multimode fiber in a precision single-mode test path can change optical coupling and produce results that do not represent the intended system. Reference cables and external components should therefore be selected for compatible single-mode operation.

The pigtails should be routed with a suitable bend radius and protected from pulling, crushing, twisting, abrasion, and sharp equipment edges. Mechanical stress can affect transmitted power and polarization conditions.

1270 nm to 1670 nm Wavelength Range

The F wavelength code identifies an operating range from 1270 nm to 1670 nm. This range covers several common single-mode telecommunications wavelengths, including applications near 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm, and 1625 nm.

The switch can route compatible continuous-wave, analog, digital, or modulated optical signals within the supported wavelength and power limits. The source, receiver, patch cords, and device under test must also support the selected wavelength.

When precise optical measurements are required, every switch channel should be referenced at the wavelength intended for the final test.

Five-Meter Optical Pigtails

The 005 cable code identifies nominal 5 m pigtails constructed with the documented 3 mm cable format. Pigtails provide flexible connections to test fixtures, patch panels, environmental chambers, optical instruments, and devices under test.

The actual usable length of a previously operated switch should be checked before installation. Prior repairs, splicing, or connector retermination may have changed the original cable length.

Each pigtail should be labeled clearly with its common or output-channel assignment. The fiber bundle should be supported without transferring mechanical load to the switch enclosure or internal optical assembly.

FC/PC Connector Configuration

The FP connector code identifies FC/PC connectors. FC/PC interfaces use a threaded coupling mechanism and a non-angled physical-contact ferrule suitable for compatible single-mode patch cords and instruments.

The rough product name identifies FC/APC, but the supplied model string ends in FP. Under the manufacturer’s ordering structure, FC/APC is identified by the FA code. The physical connectors and complete equipment label should be inspected to resolve this difference before the product is listed.

FC/PC and FC/APC connectors must not be directly intermated. The different ferrule geometries can cause high insertion loss, poor return loss, unstable measurements, and physical damage.

Low Insertion Loss

The documented single-mode C configuration provides typical internal insertion loss of 0.4 dB and maximum internal insertion loss of 0.7 dB. These values exclude losses introduced by external connectors.

The complete path loss can include the switch mechanism, input and output pigtails, FC/PC connectors, patch cords, adapters, splices, and connected components.

Each channel should be measured individually when channel-specific insertion loss is important. A stable source and calibrated optical power meter can be used to produce a reference table for all 16 paths.

High Return Loss

The X code identifies the standard return-loss configuration. For the single-mode C configuration, typical internal return loss is at least 65 dB, with a documented minimum of 60 dB.

The return-loss specification is based on the internal path and documented pigtail conditions. External connectors, contamination, patch cords, adapters, splices, and devices under test can reduce the return loss of the complete system.

If reverse-direction operation is required with specified return-loss performance, the complete model should be checked for the applicable bidirectional return-loss configuration.

Low Polarization-Dependent Loss

The single-mode C configuration provides typical polarization-dependent loss of 0.02 dB and a documented maximum of 0.05 dB.

Low PDL helps reduce changes in transmitted power as the input state of polarization varies. This is useful in optical component testing, amplifier evaluation, power monitoring, and other measurements sensitive to polarization-related loss.

External fibers, connectors, adapters, and devices under test can add further polarization-dependent loss to the complete measurement system.

Switching Repeatability

Typical sequential switching repeatability is ±0.003 dB, with a documented maximum of ±0.005 dB. Sequential switching refers to movement through output channels in their normal numbered order.

Typical random switching repeatability is ±0.01 dB, with a documented maximum of ±0.025 dB. Random switching refers to movement between channels that are not necessarily adjacent.

Observed system repeatability also depends on source stability, detector noise, connector cleanliness, pigtail movement, wavelength, polarization, and environmental conditions.

Insertion-Loss Stability

Insertion-loss stability is specified at ±0.03 dB typical and ±0.05 dB maximum. The documented measurement represents channel drift relative to a reference channel during a ±3 °C ambient-temperature change over seven days.

The optical measurements are specified after the switch has stabilized for one hour at ambient room conditions. Connected sources and measurement instruments should also complete their required warm-up periods.

Channel Isolation and Crosstalk

Maximum single-mode crosstalk is specified at -80 dB. This helps limit unwanted optical leakage from unselected output channels into the active path.

High isolation is valuable when weak signals are measured near stronger optical sources or when the output pigtails are connected to sensitive detectors and receivers.

System-level crosstalk can also be influenced by external components, stray optical signals, detector dynamic range, connector reflections, and instrument noise.

Switching Time and Service Life

The documented switching time is 300 ms for one channel and 12 ms for each additional channel traversed. Total movement time depends on the distance between the current and requested output positions.

The SB Series switching platform is rated for more than 80 million cycles. This supports repetitive use in automated production, qualification, environmental testing, and long-term monitoring systems.

Automation software should allow the mechanism and connected instrument to settle before accepting a measurement after each channel change.

Optical Input Power

The maximum optical input power is 300 mW. The output of connected lasers, optical amplifiers, and other high-power sources should be measured before connection.

The switch input rating does not establish a safe optical level for equipment connected to the output channels. Every receiver, detector, power meter, and device under test must remain within its own input-power limit.

Suitable optical attenuation should be used when the source power could exceed the safe operating range of the switch or downstream equipment.

Front-Panel, GPIB and RS-232 Control

The switch can be operated locally using front-panel keys and a numeric keypad. Local operation supports initial setup, individual channel selection, optical path mapping, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

GPIB and serial RS-232 interfaces allow the switch to be controlled by compatible computers and automated test systems. Remote operation can coordinate channel selection with optical sources, power meters, attenuators, spectrum analyzers, and other instruments.

The SB Series also provides four open-collector drivers for compatible external switch modules. Each driver supports a maximum sink current of 100 mA.

Typical Applications

• Automated single-mode optical component testing
• One-source-to-multiple-device routing
• Optical power meter channel selection
• Insertion-loss measurement automation
• Optical transmitter and receiver testing
• WDM and DWDM component characterization
• Optical amplifier testing
• Fiber cable and assembly evaluation
• Environmental component testing
• Remote optical monitoring
• Production and quality-control testing
• Photonics research and development

Product Overview

Brand	JDS Uniphase
Product Series	SB Series
Product Category	Benchtop Programmable Optical Switch
Switch Configuration	1x16 C configuration
Common Optical Input	One
Selectable Output Channels	Sixteen
Fiber Type	9/125 µm single-mode fiber
Wavelength Range	1270 nm to 1670 nm
Optical Interface	Five-meter pigtails
Connector Code	FP, identifying FC/PC
Return-Loss Configuration	Standard
Remote Interfaces	GPIB and serial RS-232
Primary Application	Programmable single-mode optical routing across 16 output channels

 

Configuration Details

Configuration Element	Details
SB	Compact SB Series programmable optical switch
1C	One input operating in C configuration
Identified Channel Configuration	One common input and 16 selectable outputs
Fiber Code 7	9/125 µm single-mode fiber
Return-Loss Code X	Standard return-loss configuration
Wavelength Code F	1270 nm to 1670 nm
Cable Code 005	Nominal 5 m pigtail length
Connector Code FP	FC/PC connectors

 

Connector-Code Clarification

Connector Code	Connector Type
FP	FC/PC
FA	FC/APC
SC	SC/PC
SU	SC/APC
SP	ST/PC
NC	No connector

 

Optical Specifications

Specification	Typical	Documented Limit
Insertion Loss	0.4 dB	0.7 dB maximum, excluding connectors
Return Loss	At least 65 dB	60 dB minimum for the standard configuration
Polarization-Dependent Loss	0.02 dB	0.05 dB maximum
Insertion-Loss Stability	±0.03 dB	±0.05 dB maximum
Sequential Switching Repeatability	±0.003 dB	±0.005 dB maximum
Random Switching Repeatability	±0.01 dB	±0.025 dB maximum
Single-Mode Crosstalk	Not specified	-80 dB maximum

 

Switching and Control Specifications

Specification	Details
Switching Technology	Expanded-beam lens alignment with precision stepper-motor positioning
First-Channel Switching Time	300 ms
Each Additional Channel	12 ms
Maximum Optical Input Power	300 mW
Mechanical Lifetime	More than 80 million switching cycles
Local Control	Front-panel keys and numeric keypad
Remote Control	GPIB and serial RS-232
External Switch Drivers	Four open-collector drivers with a maximum 100 mA sink current

 

Physical and Environmental Specifications

Specification	Details
Dimensions	21.2 cm wide x 8.9 cm high x 35.5 cm deep
Rack-Mount Width	48.3 cm with the optional rack-mount kit
Weight	Approximately 3.75 kg
Operating Temperature	0 °C to 55 °C
Storage Temperature	-40 °C to 70 °C
Maximum Humidity	95% relative humidity from 0 °C to 55 °C, non-condensing
Required Optical Stabilization	One hour at ambient room conditions before documented optical measurements

 

Electrical and Compliance Specifications

Specification	Details
AC Input Voltage	100 V to 240 V AC
Line Frequency	50 Hz to 60 Hz
Maximum Power Consumption	100 VA
Documented Compliance	CE requirements, UL 3101-1, and CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1

 

Configuration Verification

The supplied product name identifies the unit as a 1x16 switch with FC/APC connections, but the provided model string contains elements that should be checked against the physical label. Most importantly, the terminal FP code identifies FC/PC, not FC/APC.

The displayed string also appears to contain an output-count field that may not correspond directly to the stated 1x16 configuration. The physical channel labels and complete manufacturer part number should be used to confirm the actual number of outputs.

For an accurate listing, the following details should be checked directly on the unit:

• Complete manufacturer model and option code
• Total number of output pigtails
• Input and output pigtail exit locations
• FC/PC or FC/APC connector polish
• Nominal pigtail length
• Fiber type and wavelength code
• Standard or bidirectional return-loss configuration
• Channel labels and optical path mapping

Optical Path Mapping and Referencing

The common pigtail and all available output pigtails should be positively identified before the switch is installed. A stable compatible source can be connected to the common input while a calibrated optical power meter monitors each output as the channel position changes.

The completed map should identify each numbered output, confirm the actual channel count, and document any blocked or unavailable positions. This map should be retained for cable labeling, automated software, troubleshooting, and future maintenance.

Each path should be referenced independently for precision measurements. The reference record should identify the source wavelength, input power, output channel, connector type, patch cords, and optical power meter.

Connector and Pigtail Care

Every connector should be inspected and cleaned before mating. A contaminated source cable can transfer debris to multiple switch pigtails during a test sequence.

The connector polish must be confirmed before mating. FC/PC and FC/APC connectors should not be directly connected to one another.

The 5 m pigtails should be supported with suitable fiber-management hardware. Tight cable ties, sharp bends, pulling, crushing, and concentrated pressure should be avoided.

Protective caps should remain fitted whenever connectors are not in use. Dust caps should also be kept clean so contamination is not transferred back to the optical interfaces.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The JDS Uniphase SB Series 1x16 Optical Switch receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Evaluation may include AC power operation, startup, display condition, front-panel controls, numeric keypad operation, output-channel selection, GPIB communication, RS-232 communication, and available external driver functions.

Optical testing may include identification of the common input, mapping of all available output paths, continuity through each selected channel, relative insertion-loss comparison, repeated switching, crosstalk evaluation, and operation at representative wavelengths within the supported 1270 nm to 1670 nm range.

The pigtails, connectors, cable jackets, strain relief, fiber labels, enclosure exits, front-panel controls, communication ports, AC inlet, enclosure, cooling openings, model label, and calibration markings may be inspected for damage, contamination, or excessive wear.

The exact testing scope depends on the confirmed channel count, connector polish, pigtail arrangement, available single-mode sources, calibrated optical power meters, return-loss equipment, polarization measurement equipment, and communication accessories.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for fiber optic, telecom, laboratory, production, optical testing, photonics, electronic testing, RF/microwave, inspection, cleaning, and technical research applications. This JDS Uniphase SB Series Optical Switch supports optical component manufacturers, telecommunications laboratories, production facilities, system integrators, service organizations, universities, and research teams requiring programmable multi-channel signal routing.

Buyers should review the complete model label, confirmed 1x16 channel count, 9/125 µm fiber configuration, pigtail routing, connector polish, wavelength range, remote-control operation, functional test results, and included accessories before purchase.