JDSU mLCS-A1108BD MAP 1x8 Large Channel Count Optical Switch Module

JDSU mLCS-A1108B MAP 1x8 Large Channel Count Optical Switch Module

The JDSU mLCS-A1108B is a modular 1x8 optical switch designed for the JDSU MAP-200 Multiple Application Platform. It provides one common optical port and eight selectable channels for programmable signal routing in fiber optic laboratories, manufacturing systems, telecommunications test environments, and photonics research applications.

The switch connects the common optical port to one selected channel at a time. This allows a shared optical source, detector, or test instrument to access eight separate optical paths without repeated manual reconnection. The architecture is suitable for automated component testing, DWDM channel evaluation, amplifier characterization, bit error rate testing, source distribution, and measurement channel selection.

The mLCS-A1 platform uses JDSU expanded-beam and alignment technologies to provide low insertion loss, high return loss, repeatable switching, and stable optical performance. Its modular format allows the switch to operate alongside compatible sources, attenuators, power meters, and other optical modules installed in a MAP-200 chassis.

The documented mLCS-A1108B base configuration uses optical bulkhead connections. Fiber and connector types are selected separately through required option codes. Available configurations include 9/125 µm single-mode, 50/125 µm multimode, and 62.5/125 µm multimode fiber with compatible FC or SC connector options.

Features and Benefits of the JDSU mLCS-A1108B

• Single 1x8 switch: Connects one common optical port to any one of eight selectable channels.
• MAP-200 compatibility: Installs in a compatible MAP-200 chassis for power, control, and automated operation.
• Bulkhead connections: Provides accessible optical interfaces for connection to compatible patch cords and test equipment.
• Expanded-beam technology: Uses precision optical alignment to support low loss and repeatable channel selection.
• Fast switching: 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 conditions.
• Low insertion loss: Provides low internal path loss in supported single-mode and multimode configurations.
• High repeatability: Supports consistent channel selection in automated laboratory and manufacturing workflows.
• Flexible fiber options: Available with 9/125 µm single-mode, 50/125 µm multimode, or 62.5/125 µm multimode fiber.
• Multiple connector options: Supports compatible FC/PC, FC/APC, SC/PC, and SC/APC configurations.
• Professional test applications: Suitable for DWDM testing, amplifier characterization, BER testing, and optical signal routing.

1x8 Optical Switching

The mLCS-A1108B contains one optical switch with a single common port and eight selectable channels. The common port is connected to one selected channel at a time through the internal switching mechanism.

This configuration can distribute one source among eight devices under test or select one of eight optical paths for connection to a shared instrument. The practical routing direction depends on the test system and confirmed optical configuration.

The mLCS-A1108B is an optical switch rather than a passive splitter. It does not divide the input signal simultaneously among all eight channels. Instead, it establishes one selected optical connection.

Automated Signal Routing

The mLCS-A1108B reduces the need to disconnect and reconnect optical patch cords during multi-channel measurements. A source or measuring instrument can remain attached to the common port while the MAP-200 controller selects the required channel.

A typical automated test sequence selects a channel, allows the switch and connected measurement equipment to settle, acquires the required reading, stores the result, and advances to the next channel.

Automated routing can increase test throughput and help reduce uncertainty associated with repeated connector mating, cable movement, contamination, and operator handling.

Expanded-Beam Alignment Technology

The mLCS-A1 platform is based on JDSU expanded-beam and optical alignment technologies. The internal mechanism aligns the common optical path with the selected output channel to establish the required fiber connection.

This switching architecture supports repeatable optical coupling without requiring external connectors to be moved for every channel change. It also helps maintain low insertion loss across the supported channel count.

The mLCS-A1108B is passive within the selected optical path. It does not generate, amplify, detect, modulate, regenerate, or convert the transmitted optical signal.

Bulkhead Optical Interfaces

The documented MLCS-A1108B base product is configured with optical bulkheads. Bulkhead ports allow compatible optical patch cords to be connected directly to the module.

The specific bulkhead connector depends on the connector option ordered with the switch. Available connector configurations include FC/PC, FC/APC, SC/PC, and SC/APC. Angled-contact connector options are supported with the applicable 9/125 µm single-mode fiber configuration.

The installed connector type and ferrule polish should be verified before external patch cords are connected. APC connectors must not be directly intermated with non-angled physical-contact connectors.

Single-Mode Fiber Performance

When equipped with the M100 option, the mLCS-A1108B uses 9/125 µm single-mode fiber and operates from 1270 nm to 1670 nm. This range supports common telecommunications and optical test wavelengths near 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm, and 1625 nm.

Because the mLCS-A1108B has eight selectable channels, it falls within the N=25 performance category. Typical single-mode insertion loss is 0.5 dB, with a documented maximum of 0.7 dB, excluding connectors.

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 documented maximum of 0.04 dB.

These values apply only when the module is equipped with the M100 single-mode fiber option. The installed fiber should be confirmed before applying these specifications to an individual unit.

Multimode Fiber Performance

The mLCS-A1108B can also be configured with M101 50/125 µm multimode fiber or M102 62.5/125 µm multimode fiber. Supported multimode wavelength regions are 850 nm to 1350 nm and 750 nm to 940 nm, depending on the optical configuration.

For an eight-channel multimode 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 versions.

Multimode specifications should only be used after the installed M101 or M102 fiber option has been confirmed.

Switching Repeatability

For mLCS-A1 switches 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 movements between channels that are not necessarily adjacent.

Observed system repeatability can also be influenced by source stability, detector noise, connector condition, external patch-cord movement, wavelength, polarization, and environmental conditions.

Insertion-Loss Stability

Typical insertion-loss stability for configurations with 25 or fewer channels is ±0.02 dB, with a documented maximum of ±0.025 dB.

The optical specifications exclude connector contributions and apply after the switch has stabilized for one hour. The optical source and measurement equipment should also complete their recommended warm-up periods before precision measurements are recorded.

Switching Speed

The documented first-channel switching time is 25 ms. Each additional channel traversed adds 15 ms to the movement time.

Total switching time depends on the distance between the current and requested channels. Automated software should provide sufficient time for the switch and connected measuring instrument to settle before accepting a reading.

Maximum Optical Input Power

The mLCS-A1 platform supports a maximum optical input power of 300 mW. The output of connected lasers, broadband sources, and optical amplifiers should be measured before connection when the optical level is unknown.

The switch input rating does not establish a safe optical level for downstream equipment. Every power meter, detector, receiver, analyzer, and device under test must remain within its own maximum input-power specification.

Long Mechanical Service Life

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

Actual service life can depend on accumulated switching activity, operating environment, mechanical condition, storage, and previous maintenance.

MAP-200 Platform Integration

The mLCS-A1108B is optimized for the JDSU MAP-200 platform. The MAP-200 chassis supplies operating power, module communication, switch control, status information, and access to supported automation functions.

The modular architecture allows the optical switch to be used alongside other compatible MAP-200 modules. A test system may combine switching with optical sources, attenuators, power meters, and other photonic-layer functions.

The module does not operate as a standalone instrument. Chassis model, controller configuration, firmware compatibility, available slot capacity, and module recognition should be checked before installation.

DWDM Channel Testing

The switch can route an optical source or measuring instrument among multiple DWDM components, channels, or fiber paths. This supports sequential testing of wavelength-selective components and multi-port optical assemblies.

A compatible test system may include a tunable laser, fixed-wavelength source, programmable attenuator, power meter, spectrum analyzer, and other optical equipment.

The selected wavelength and external patch cords must be compatible with the fiber option installed in the mLCS-A1108B.

Optical Amplifier Characterization

The mLCS-A1108B can route optical signals among several amplifier paths, monitor points, or devices under test. This makes the switch useful in systems that measure amplifier input power, output power, gain, wavelength response, or long-term stability.

Additional sources, attenuators, couplers, power meters, and spectrum analyzers may be required to complete an amplifier test system.

Bit Error Rate Testing

The mLCS-A1108B can be integrated into bit error rate test systems that require automated selection among multiple transceivers, receivers, channels, or fiber paths.

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

The insertion loss and channel-switching time 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
• Fiber optic component characterization
• Optical source distribution
• Power meter and detector channel 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-A1108B
Product Family	MAP Large Channel Count Switch
Product Category	Modular Programmable Optical Switch
Switch Configuration	Single 1x8
Common Optical Port	One
Selectable Channels	Eight
Optical Interface	Bulkheads
Compatible Platform	JDSU MAP-200
Fiber Type	Determined by the installed option
Connector Type	Determined by the installed option
Primary Application	Automated one-to-eight optical signal routing

 

Single-Mode Specifications for the 1x8 Configuration

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 the 1x8 Configuration

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

 

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 by configuration

 

Available 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

 

Configuration Verification

The standard model code MLCS-A1108B identifies a single 1x8 optical switch with bulkheads. The supplied product identification includes an additional D suffix that is not defined in the documented standard ordering table.

The complete module label should be checked for the required fiber and connector option codes. These codes determine whether the switch is single-mode or multimode and identify the installed connector family and polish.

The following details should be verified before the module is listed or installed:

• Complete manufacturer part number
• Meaning of the additional D suffix
• M100, M101, or M102 fiber option
• MFP, MFA, MSC, or MSU connector option
• Physical connector family and ferrule polish
• Common-port and output-channel labels
• MAP-200 chassis and firmware compatibility

Optical Path Mapping and Referencing

The common port and all eight selectable channels should be identified before the module is integrated into an automated test system. The physical port labels should be matched with the switch positions reported by the MAP-200 controller.

A compatible optical source can be connected to the common port while a calibrated optical power meter monitors the external channels as each position is selected.

The completed channel map should be retained for automation software, cable labeling, troubleshooting, performance verification, and future maintenance.

Each path should be referenced independently when accurate insertion-loss measurements are required. Reference records should identify the channel, wavelength, source power, patch cords, connector condition, and measuring instrument.

Connector Inspection and Cleaning

Each bulkhead and mating patch cord should be inspected before connection. Contaminated optical interfaces should be cleaned using an approved process and reinspected before mating.

The connector polish must be confirmed before selecting a patch cord. FC/APC and SC/APC connectors should not be directly intermated with non-angled physical-contact interfaces.

Protective caps should remain installed whenever a port is not in use. Dust caps should also be kept clean to avoid transferring contamination to the optical interfaces.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The JDSU mLCS-A1108B receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Evaluation may include installation in a compatible MAP-200 chassis, module recognition, controller communication, status reporting, channel selection, and operation through all eight selectable positions.

Optical testing may include common-port identification, output-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, optical bulkheads, connector adapters, channel 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, optical source wavelength, calibrated power meters, return-loss equipment, polarization measurement equipment, and requested channel coverage.

Calibration Before Shipment

When technically applicable and selected, the JDSU mLCS-A1108B can be calibrated or performance-verified before shipment. Evaluation may include path mapping, insertion loss, return loss, polarization-dependent loss, switching repeatability, crosstalk, switching time, and insertion-loss stability.

Calibration documentation should identify the module model and serial number, host MAP-200 chassis, firmware, installed fiber, connector type, 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 verify the complete module label before purchase. The documented MLCS-A1108B base configuration identifies a single 1x8 switch with bulkheads, while the fiber type, connector interface, and meaning of any additional suffix require unit-specific confirmation.

The module requires a compatible MAP-200 chassis and cannot operate as a standalone instrument. The chassis model, controller, firmware version, available slot capacity, and module recognition should be confirmed.

The product listing should identify whether the module includes protective caps, optical patch cords, connector adapters, a MAP-200 chassis, network or GPIB cables, software, manuals, test reports, or calibration records.

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 test, photonics, electronic test, RF/microwave, inspection, cleaning, and technical research applications. The JDSU mLCS-A1108B provides modular 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, bulkhead condition, 1x8 path operation, MAP-200 compatibility, calibration status, functional test results, and included accessories before purchase.