JDSU mLCS-A1208P Dual Independent 1x8 MAP Optical Switch Module with Pigtails

JDSU mLCS-A1208P Dual Independent 1x8 MAP Optical Switch Module

The JDSU mLCS-A1208P is a modular optical switching solution designed for the JDSU MAP-200 Multiple Application Platform. It contains two independent 1x8 optical switches, with each switch providing one common optical port and eight selectable output channels. This configuration delivers two separately controlled signal-routing systems within a single MAP module.

The dual independent architecture is well suited to automated fiber optic testing, DWDM channel evaluation, optical amplifier characterization, bit error rate testing, component qualification, and general laboratory signal routing. Each 1x8 switch can operate independently, allowing the module to manage two different optical sources, measurement paths, test stations, or groups of devices under test.

The mLCS-A1 platform uses JDSU expanded-beam and optical alignment technologies to provide low insertion loss, stable optical transmission, high return loss, and repeatable channel selection. The modular design reduces repeated connector handling and helps maximize the use of costly optical sources, power meters, spectrum analyzers, receivers, and other test instruments.

The P suffix identifies a pigtail-equipped module. The documented mLCS-A1208P configuration provides two independent 1x8 switches with attached optical pigtails. Fiber type and connector style are selected separately through required option codes and should be verified from the complete module label before connection or installation.

Features and Benefits of the JDSU mLCS-A1208P

• Dual independent 1x8 switches: Combines two separately controlled optical switches within one MAP module.
• Two common optical ports: Provides one common port for each independent switch section.
• Sixteen selectable channels: Offers two individual banks of eight output channels for automated routing.
• Optical pigtail connections: Supports flexible integration with test fixtures, instruments, patch panels, and devices under test.
• Expanded-beam technology: Uses JDSU optical alignment technology to support low loss and repeatable switching.
• Fast channel selection: Provides a first-channel switching time of 25 ms and 15 ms for each additional channel traversed.
• Long operating life: Rated for more than 100 million switching cycles.
• High optical input capacity: Supports optical input power up to 300 mW under the documented operating conditions.
• MAP-200 integration: Operates in a compatible JDSU MAP-200 chassis for power, communication, and automated control.
• Flexible fiber configurations: Supports 9/125 µm single-mode, 50/125 µm multimode, and 62.5/125 µm multimode options.
• Multiple connector choices: Available with compatible FC/PC, FC/APC, SC/PC, or SC/APC terminations.
• Professional optical testing: Designed for DWDM testing, amplifier evaluation, BER systems, component characterization, and production automation.

Dual Independent 1x8 Architecture

The mLCS-A1208P contains two complete 1x8 optical switch sections. Each section has one common optical port and eight selectable output channels. The first switch controls its own eight-channel bank, while the second switch independently controls a separate eight-channel bank.

Changing the selected channel on one switch does not require the second switch to change position. This independent operation allows the two switch sections to perform separate functions within the same optical test system.

One switch can route an optical source among eight devices under test while the other selects among eight receiver or detector paths. The switch sections can also support two separate sources, two production fixtures, two component groups, or independent reference and measurement paths.

The mLCS-A1208P should not be described as a fully non-blocking 2x16 optical matrix. It provides two independent 1x8 switches rather than unrestricted routing between every common port and all 16 output channels.

1x8 Optical Switching Operation

Each internal 1x8 switch connects its common optical port to one selected channel at a time. The signal is not divided among all eight outputs. Selecting a new channel disconnects the previous route and establishes the requested optical path.

This one-to-many architecture is suitable for sequential measurements across multiple components, fiber assemblies, receiver channels, amplifier paths, or monitoring points. A shared source or instrument can remain connected while the MAP-200 system selects the required path.

The selected channel should be verified through the MAP-200 user interface or supported remote-control system before measurement data is recorded.

Expanded-Beam Optical Alignment

The mLCS-A1 platform uses expanded-beam and alignment technologies developed for instrumentation-grade optical switching. The internal switching mechanism aligns the common optical path with the selected output channel while maintaining a controlled optical connection.

This architecture provides low internal insertion loss and repeatable channel selection without requiring external optical connectors to be disconnected for each test. It helps reduce measurement uncertainty associated with repeated connector mating, fiber movement, and operator handling.

The switch is passive within the selected path. It does not create, amplify, regenerate, detect, modulate, or convert the transmitted optical signal.

Optical Pigtail Configuration

The mLCS-A1208P uses optical pigtails rather than panel-mounted bulkheads. The attached fiber leads provide flexible connections between the switch module and external test instruments, patch panels, devices under test, environmental chambers, or production fixtures.

The pigtails may be configured with FC or SC connectors according to the selected connector option. Connector polish and fiber type must be confirmed from the complete option code and physical interfaces.

Pigtails should be routed with an appropriate bend radius and protected from pulling, twisting, crushing, pinching, abrasion, and sharp equipment edges. Cable-management hardware should support the fibers without transferring mechanical stress to the module faceplate or internal optical assembly.

Available Fiber Configurations

The mLCS-A1208P requires a separate fiber-option code. The mLCS-A1 family supports single-mode and multimode configurations for different optical test environments.

• M100: 9/125 µm single-mode fiber.
• M101: 50/125 µm multimode fiber.
• M102: 62.5/125 µm multimode fiber.

The base model mLCS-A1208P does not identify which fiber option is installed. The full module label should be checked before fiber-specific specifications are applied to the unit.

Connected sources, patch cords, detectors, receivers, and devices under test should match the installed fiber. Mixing incompatible single-mode and multimode components can change optical coupling and produce results that do not represent the intended system.

Available Connector Configurations

The connector option is selected separately from the mLCS-A1208P base code. Supported configurations include FC and SC interfaces with physical-contact or angled physical-contact ferrules.

• MFP: FC/PC connector configuration.
• MFA: FC/APC connector configuration for the M100 single-mode fiber option.
• MSC: SC/PC connector configuration.
• MSU: SC/APC connector configuration for the M100 single-mode fiber option.

The connector family and ferrule polish should be verified before mating the optical pigtails. APC connectors must not be connected directly to non-angled physical-contact interfaces because the ferrule geometries are incompatible.

Single-Mode Optical Performance

When configured with M100 9/125 µm single-mode fiber, the mLCS-A1208P operates across wavelengths from 1270 nm to 1670 nm. This range supports common fiber optic applications near 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm, and 1625 nm.

Each 1x8 switch falls within the documented N=25 performance category. Typical single-mode insertion loss is 0.5 dB, with a maximum of 0.7 dB, excluding connector contributions.

Typical single-mode return loss is 62 dB, with a documented minimum of 57 dB. Typical polarization-dependent loss is 0.02 dB, with a maximum of 0.04 dB.

These values apply only when the module is equipped with the M100 single-mode option. Connector condition, external cables, adapters, source stability, wavelength, and the complete optical path can affect system-level performance.

Multimode Optical Performance

The module can also be configured with M101 50/125 µm multimode fiber or M102 62.5/125 µm multimode fiber. The documented multimode wavelength ranges are 850 nm to 1350 nm and 750 nm to 940 nm, depending on the selected optical configuration.

For a multimode 1x8 configuration, typical insertion loss is 0.4 dB and maximum insertion loss is 0.6 dB, excluding connectors.

Typical multimode return loss is 25 dB, with a documented minimum of 20 dB. Polarization-dependent loss is not specified for the multimode configurations.

Multimode performance values should be applied only after the installed M101 or M102 fiber option has been confirmed.

Switching Repeatability

For switch configurations with 25 or fewer channels, typical sequential switching repeatability is ±0.005 dB, with a documented maximum of ±0.01 dB.

Typical random switching repeatability is ±0.01 dB, with a documented maximum of ±0.05 dB. Random switching refers to channel movements that do not follow the normal sequential order.

Repeatable optical routing supports consistent measurements in automated production, device qualification, amplifier testing, BER systems, and long-term reliability experiments.

Observed system repeatability can also be affected by source stability, detector noise, connector cleanliness, fiber movement, wavelength, polarization, and environmental conditions.

Insertion-Loss Stability

For mLCS-A1 configurations with 25 or fewer output channels, typical insertion-loss stability is ±0.02 dB, with a documented maximum of ±0.025 dB.

The published optical specifications exclude connector contributions and apply after the module has stabilized for one hour. Connected sources and measurement instruments should also be allowed to complete their recommended warm-up periods.

Fast Channel Switching

The mLCS-A1 platform provides a first-channel switching time of 25 ms and an additional 15 ms for each channel traversed. Total movement time depends on the distance between the current and requested channel positions.

This switching performance supports automated systems that must measure several components or fiber paths during one test sequence.

Test software should allow enough time for the selected optical path and connected measurement equipment to settle before accepting a final reading.

High Optical Isolation

Single-mode crosstalk for configurations with 25 or fewer channels is documented at -80 dB. This high isolation helps reduce unwanted optical leakage from unselected channels into the active path.

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

System-level crosstalk can also include contributions from external components, connectors, couplers, detector limitations, and stray optical signals.

Maximum Optical Input Power

The maximum optical input power is specified at 300 mW. The output of connected lasers, amplified spontaneous emission sources, and optical amplifiers should be measured before connection when the power level is unknown.

The 300 mW rating applies to the switch and does not define a safe power level for equipment connected to the outputs. Every receiver, detector, optical power meter, spectrum analyzer, and device under test must remain within its own maximum input rating.

Compatible optical attenuation should be used whenever the source could exceed the safe operating range of the switch or downstream equipment.

More Than 100 Million Switching Cycles

The mLCS-A1 switching platform is rated for more than 100 million operating cycles. This extended switching life supports repetitive use in manufacturing, environmental testing, component qualification, and long-duration automated systems.

Actual service life can depend on accumulated switching activity, channel-selection patterns, operating environment, storage, mechanical condition, and maintenance history.

MAP-200 Platform Integration

The mLCS-A1208P is optimized for the JDSU MAP-200 Multiple Application Platform. The host chassis provides operating power, module communication, switch control, status information, and access to supported automation functions.

The MAP-200 platform can combine the mLCS-A1208P with compatible optical sources, attenuators, power meters, return-loss modules, and other photonic-layer instruments. This modular architecture supports application-specific test systems in a compact format.

The mLCS-A1208P cannot operate as a standalone optical switch. Chassis model, controller configuration, available slot capacity, firmware version, and module recognition should be confirmed before installation.

DWDM Channel Testing

The mLCS-A1208P can route tunable or fixed-wavelength sources among multiple DWDM components, channels, or fiber paths. The second independent switch can route measurement signals, reference paths, or another group of devices.

This dual-switch arrangement can simplify automated measurements of multiplexers, demultiplexers, filters, attenuators, wavelength-selective switches, and other multi-port optical components.

The selected source wavelength and external patch cords must be compatible with the fiber option installed in the module.

Optical Amplifier Characterization

The dual 1x8 architecture can support optical amplifier testing by routing signals among several amplifier inputs, outputs, monitor ports, or units under test.

One switch can select the source or amplifier input path while the second selects an output or measurement path. This can reduce the number of separate optical switches required in a multi-device amplifier test system.

Additional optical sources, attenuators, couplers, isolators, power meters, and spectrum analyzers may be required to complete the measurement setup.

Bit Error Rate Testing

The mLCS-A1208P can be integrated into bit error rate test systems requiring automated selection among several transceivers, receivers, line cards, or fiber paths.

The optical switch operates independently of the transmitted data format. It establishes the selected fiber path without interpreting, regenerating, or modifying the data signal.

The insertion loss and switching time of the selected path should be considered when setting receiver power and developing the automated BER test sequence.

Typical Applications

• DWDM channel testing
• Optical amplifier characterization
• Bit error rate testing
• Automated optical signal routing
• Dual-bank component testing
• Optical source distribution
• Power meter and detector selection
• Insertion-loss measurement automation
• Transmitter and receiver testing
• Production screening and quality control
• Long-term reliability testing
• Photonics research and development

Product Overview

Brand	JDSU
Model	mLCS-A1208P
Product Family	MAP Large Channel Count Switch
Product Category	Modular Programmable Optical Switch
Switch Configuration	Dual independent 1x8
Common Optical Ports	Two, one per independent switch
Selectable Channels	Two banks of eight channels
Total Output Channels	Sixteen
Optical Interface	Pigtails
Compatible Platform	JDSU MAP-200
Fiber Type	Determined by the installed option
Connector Type	Determined by the installed option
Primary Application	Independent dual-bank optical signal routing for automated test systems

 

Single-Mode Specifications for Each 1x8 Switch

Specification	Typical	Documented Limit
Wavelength Range	1270 nm to 1670 nm
Insertion Loss	0.5 dB	0.7 dB maximum
Polarization-Dependent Loss	0.02 dB	0.04 dB maximum
Return Loss	62 dB	57 dB minimum
Insertion-Loss Stability	±0.02 dB	±0.025 dB maximum
Sequential Switching Repeatability	±0.005 dB	±0.01 dB maximum
Random Switching Repeatability	±0.01 dB	±0.05 dB maximum
Crosstalk	-80 dB

 

Multimode Specifications for Each 1x8 Switch

Specification	Typical	Documented Limit
Wavelength Ranges	850 nm to 1350 nm and 750 nm to 940 nm, depending on configuration
Insertion Loss	0.4 dB	0.6 dB maximum
Return Loss	25 dB	20 dB minimum
Insertion-Loss Stability	±0.02 dB	±0.025 dB maximum
Sequential Switching Repeatability	±0.005 dB	±0.01 dB maximum
Random Switching Repeatability	±0.01 dB	±0.05 dB maximum
Polarization-Dependent Loss	Not applicable

 

General Switching Specifications

Specification	Details
First-Channel Switching Time	25 ms
Each Additional Channel	15 ms
Maximum Optical Input Power	300 mW
Switching Lifetime	More than 100 million cycles
Optical Stabilization Before Measurement	One hour
Operating Temperature	-5 °C to 55 °C
Storage Temperature	-30 °C to 60 °C

 

Physical Specifications

Specification	Details
Width	4.06 cm or 1.6 in
Height	13.26 cm or 5.22 in
Depth	37.03 cm or 14.58 in
Maximum Weight	Approximately 1.3 kg or 2.87 lb, varying with configuration
Connection Style	Optical pigtails

 

Fiber and Connector Options

Option Code	Description
M100	9/125 µm single-mode fiber
M101	50/125 µm multimode fiber
M102	62.5/125 µm multimode fiber
MFP	FC/PC connector type
MFA	FC/APC connector type for the M100 single-mode option
MSC	SC/PC connector type
MSU	SC/APC connector type for the M100 single-mode option

 

Optical Path Identification

The two common ports and all 16 output pigtails should be identified before the module is integrated into an automated test system. Every fiber should be mapped to its corresponding switch section and channel number.

A compatible optical source can be connected to the common port of the first switch while a calibrated optical power meter monitors the outputs as each channel is selected. The process should then be repeated for the second independent switch.

The completed path map should be retained for fiber labeling, automation software, troubleshooting, calibration records, and future maintenance.

Installation and Fiber Management

The mLCS-A1208P should be installed in a compatible MAP-200 chassis using the correct module guides and retaining hardware. The chassis controller and firmware should recognize the module before optical testing begins.

The attached pigtails should be supported with appropriate fiber-management hardware. Tight bends, pulling, twisting, crushing, and concentrated pressure should be avoided.

Every connectorized pigtail should be clearly labeled. Protective caps should remain installed whenever connectors are not in use.

Connector Inspection and Cleaning

Every optical connector should be inspected before mating. Contaminated end faces should be cleaned using an approved fiber optic procedure and reinspected before connection.

The connector family and ferrule polish must match the external patch cord or instrument. FC/APC and SC/APC connectors should not be directly intermated with their non-angled physical-contact equivalents.

Clean connectors help preserve insertion loss, return loss, repeatability, and optical interface condition across both 1x8 switch sections.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The JDSU mLCS-A1208P receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Evaluation may include installation in a compatible MAP-200 chassis, module recognition, controller communication, independent control of both switch sections, status reporting, and channel selection across both eight-channel banks.

Optical testing may include identification of both common ports, complete channel mapping, path continuity, comparative insertion-loss measurements, repeated switching, crosstalk evaluation, and operation at representative wavelengths appropriate for the installed fiber.

The module-to-chassis connector, faceplate, retaining hardware, attached pigtails, optical connectors, strain relief, fiber labels, enclosure, and identification markings may be inspected for contamination, damage, excessive wear, or mechanical problems.

The exact testing scope depends on the installed fiber and connector options, available MAP-200 chassis, firmware compatibility, source wavelengths, calibrated power meters, return-loss equipment, polarization measurement equipment, and requested channel coverage.

Calibration Before Shipment

When technically applicable and selected, the JDSU mLCS-A1208P can be calibrated or performance-verified before shipment. Evaluation may include optical path mapping, insertion loss, return loss, polarization-dependent loss, switching repeatability, crosstalk, switching time, and insertion-loss stability for both independent switch sections.

Calibration documentation should identify the module model and serial number, host MAP-200 chassis, firmware, installed fiber, connector type, switch section, common port, output channel, source wavelength, source power, reference cable, recorded measurement, and applicable uncertainty.

Buyers requiring formal calibration should specify the wavelengths, optical parameters, channel coverage, test direction, certificate format, recorded results, and required measurement uncertainty before purchase.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm the complete module part number, including the required fiber and connector option codes. The mLCS-A1208P base model identifies two independent 1x8 switches with pigtails but does not identify the installed fiber or connector type.

The module requires a compatible MAP-200 chassis and cannot operate as a standalone instrument. Chassis model, controller configuration, firmware version, slot availability, and module recognition should be verified.

The condition, labeling, and connector polish of every pigtail should be reviewed. The product listing should identify any MAP chassis, optical cables, protective caps, communication accessories, software, manuals, test reports, or calibration records included with the module.

Only the optical switch module and accessories specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included.

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. The JDSU mLCS-A1208P provides dual independent 1x8 optical routing for component manufacturers, telecommunications laboratories, production facilities, amplifier developers, system integrators, universities, and research organizations.

Buyers should review the complete module label, fiber option, connector type, pigtail condition, operation of both 1x8 switch sections, optical path mapping, MAP-200 compatibility, calibration status, functional test results, and included accessories before purchase.