JDSU mLCS-A1204B-M100-MFP Dual Independent 1x4 Single-Mode Optical Switch Module with FC/PC Bulkheads

JDSU mLCS-A1204B-M100-MFP Dual 1x4 Single-Mode Optical Switch Module

The JDSU mLCS-A1204B-M100-MFP is a modular fiber optic switch designed for the JDSU MAP-200 Multiple Application Platform. It combines two independent 1x4 optical switches in one compact module, providing two separately controlled routing systems for automated laboratory, manufacturing, telecommunications, and photonics applications.

Each internal switch provides one common optical port and four selectable channels. The two switch sections operate independently, allowing each common port to be routed through its own bank of four optical channels. This architecture supports two separate optical test paths without requiring two individual switch modules.

The M100 option identifies 9/125 µm single-mode fiber, while the MFP option identifies FC/PC optical connectors. The B suffix identifies a bulkhead configuration, providing accessible optical ports for connection to compatible single-mode patch cords and test equipment.

The mLCS-A1 platform uses JDSU expanded-beam and optical alignment technologies to deliver low insertion loss, high return loss, repeatable channel selection, and stable optical performance. The module requires a compatible MAP-200 chassis for power, communication, switch control, and automated operation.

Features and Benefits of the JDSU mLCS-A1204B-M100-MFP

• Dual independent 1x4 architecture: Contains two separately controlled optical switches, each with one common port and four selectable channels.
• Two independent routing banks: Provides eight total selectable channels arranged as two separate banks of four.
• 9/125 µm single-mode fiber: Supports compatible telecommunications, DWDM, laboratory, production, and photonics systems.
• FC/PC bulkhead connections: Provides secure threaded interfaces for compatible single-mode optical patch cords.
• Expanded-beam technology: Uses precision optical alignment to support low path loss and consistent channel selection.
• Low insertion loss: Provides 0.5 dB typical and 0.7 dB maximum internal insertion loss, excluding connectors.
• High return loss: Provides 62 dB typical and 57 dB minimum internal return loss, excluding connectors.
• Low polarization-dependent loss: Provides 0.02 dB typical and 0.04 dB maximum PDL.
• Fast channel switching: Provides a first-channel switching time of 25 ms and 15 ms for each additional channel traversed.
• Repeatable operation: Supports consistent optical routing in automated production and qualification workflows.
• High optical isolation: Provides documented single-mode crosstalk of -80 dB.
• Long operating life: Rated for more than 100 million switching cycles.
• High optical input capacity: Supports optical input power up to 300 mW.
• MAP-200 integration: Operates with compatible MAP-200 chassis controllers and automation interfaces.

Dual Independent 1x4 Switching

The mLCS-A1204B-M100-MFP contains two complete 1x4 optical switch sections. Each section has one common optical port and four selectable channels. The first common port is associated with the first four-channel bank, while the second common port is associated with a separate four-channel bank.

Both switches can be controlled independently. Changing the active channel on one switch does not require the other switch to change position. This allows the module to support two separate routing tasks within the same optical test system.

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

This configuration should be understood as two independent 1x4 switches, not as a fully non-blocking 2x4 matrix. Each common optical port remains associated with its own bank of four selectable channels.

1x4 Optical Path Selection

Each 1x4 switch establishes one optical connection at a time. The common port is aligned with one selected channel through the internal switching mechanism.

The switch does not divide the optical signal among all four channels simultaneously. Selecting a new channel disconnects the previous path and establishes the newly requested connection.

This one-to-many architecture allows a source or measurement instrument to remain connected while the MAP-200 controller changes the active optical route. It reduces manual connector handling and helps preserve a consistent test setup.

9/125 µm Single-Mode Fiber

The M100 option identifies 9/125 µm single-mode fiber. The module is intended for use with compatible single-mode sources, optical patch cords, receivers, detectors, components, and test instruments.

The documented single-mode wavelength range extends from 1270 nm to 1670 nm. This range covers commonly used optical test and telecommunications wavelengths, including applications near 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm, and 1625 nm.

Multimode patch cords should not be substituted in a precision single-mode test setup. Mixing fiber types can change optical coupling conditions, increase loss, and produce measurements that do not represent the intended system.

FC/PC Bulkhead Connectors

The MFP option identifies FC/PC connectors, and the B designation identifies optical bulkheads. This configuration provides removable optical connections directly at the module faceplate.

FC/PC connectors use threaded coupling and non-angled physical-contact ferrules. The threaded interface helps maintain mechanically secure connections during extended laboratory and production test sequences.

FC/APC connectors must not be directly intermated with the FC/PC bulkheads. The angled and non-angled ferrule geometries are incompatible and can cause excessive insertion loss, poor return loss, unstable optical transmission, or physical connector damage.

Every bulkhead and patch-cord connector should be inspected and cleaned before mating. Protective caps should remain installed whenever the optical ports are not being used.

Expanded-Beam Optical Alignment

The mLCS-A1 platform is based on JDSU expanded-beam and precision optical alignment technologies. The internal switch mechanism aligns the common optical path with the selected channel while maintaining controlled optical coupling.

This architecture supports low insertion loss and repeatable channel selection without requiring external patch cords to be moved whenever a different optical path is needed.

The module is passive within the selected optical path. It does not generate, amplify, detect, regenerate, modulate, or convert the transmitted signal. It establishes the selected connection while introducing the applicable passive optical characteristics.

Optical Performance

Each 1x4 switch falls within the documented performance category for switches with 25 or fewer output channels. Typical internal insertion loss is 0.5 dB, with a documented maximum of 0.7 dB. These values exclude losses introduced by the FC/PC connectors.

Typical internal 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.

Single-mode crosstalk is documented at -80 dB. This isolation helps reduce unwanted optical leakage from unselected channels into the active path.

Complete system performance also depends on the condition of the FC/PC connectors, external patch cords, adapters, source stability, wavelength, polarization, connected components, and measurement equipment.

Switching Repeatability and Stability

Typical sequential switching repeatability is ±0.005 dB, with a documented maximum of ±0.01 dB. Sequential switching refers to movement through channels in their normal numerical order.

Typical random switching repeatability is ±0.01 dB, with a documented maximum of ±0.05 dB. Random switching represents movements between channels that are not necessarily adjacent.

Typical insertion-loss stability is ±0.02 dB, with a documented maximum of ±0.025 dB. The optical specifications apply after the switch has stabilized for one hour and exclude external connector contributions.

Observed performance can also be affected by source stability, detector noise, patch-cord movement, connector cleanliness, polarization changes, and environmental conditions.

Switching Speed and Operating Life

The documented switching time is 25 ms for the first channel and 15 ms for each additional channel traversed. Total switching time depends on the distance between the current position and the requested channel.

The mLCS-A1 platform is rated for more than 100 million switching cycles. This extended operating life supports repetitive production testing, automated component qualification, long-term reliability testing, and laboratory measurement systems.

Automation software should provide sufficient time for the switch and connected measurement instrument to settle before accepting a reading after each channel change.

Maximum Optical Input Power

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

The 300 mW rating applies to the switch and does not define the safe input range of downstream equipment. Every receiver, detector, optical power meter, spectrum analyzer, and device under test must remain within its own maximum optical input specification.

Compatible optical attenuation should be used when the source could exceed the safe operating range of the switch or connected instruments.

MAP-200 Platform Integration

The mLCS-A1204B-M100-MFP requires a compatible JDSU MAP-200 chassis. The platform supplies electrical power, module communication, switch control, status information, and access to supported automated test functions.

The MAP-200 architecture allows the module to operate alongside compatible optical sources, attenuators, power meters, backreflection modules, and other photonic-layer instruments.

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

DWDM Channel Testing

The dual 1x4 architecture can route compatible tunable or fixed-wavelength sources among several DWDM components, channels, or optical paths. This supports sequential testing of filters, multiplexers, demultiplexers, wavelength-selective switches, attenuators, and other multi-port optical devices.

One switch section can route an optical source while the second switch section manages a measurement or reference path. The final system arrangement depends on the external optical equipment and automation requirements.

Optical Amplifier Characterization

The mLCS-A1204B-M100-MFP can support optical amplifier testing by routing signals among amplifier inputs, outputs, monitor ports, or multiple devices under test.

Potential measurements include input power, output power, gain, wavelength-dependent response, and long-term stability. Additional optical sources, attenuators, couplers, power meters, and spectrum analyzers may be required for a complete amplifier test system.

Bit Error Rate Testing

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

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

The insertion loss and switching time of each selected path should be considered when configuring receiver power and automated BER procedures.

Typical Applications

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

Product Overview

Brand	JDSU
Model	mLCS-A1204B-M100-MFP
Product Family	MAP Large Channel Count Switch
Product Category	Modular Programmable Optical Switch
Switch Configuration	Dual independent 1x4
Common Optical Ports	Two, one per independent switch
Selectable Channels	Two banks of four channels
Total Selectable Channels	Eight
Fiber Type	9/125 µm single-mode fiber
Connector Type	FC/PC
Connection Style	Optical bulkheads
Compatible Platform	JDSU MAP-200
Primary Application	Independent dual-bank single-mode optical routing

 

Model Configuration Breakdown

Part Number Element	Configuration
mLCS-A1	MAP Large Channel Count Switch family
204	Dual independent 1x4 switch configuration
B	Bulkhead optical connections
M100	9/125 µm single-mode fiber
MFP	FC/PC optical connectors

 

Single-Mode Optical Specifications

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

 

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, depending on configuration

 

Optical Path Mapping

Both common ports and all eight selectable channels should be identified before the module is integrated into an automated test system. Every FC/PC bulkhead should be mapped to its corresponding switch section and channel number.

A compatible single-mode source can be connected to the common port of the first switch while a calibrated optical power meter monitors the four output ports as each channel is selected. The procedure should then be repeated for the second independent switch.

The completed path map should be retained for cable labeling, automation software development, troubleshooting, test records, and future maintenance.

Installation and Connector Care

The mLCS-A1204B-M100-MFP should be installed in a compatible MAP-200 chassis using the appropriate module guides and retaining hardware. The chassis controller should recognize the switch module before optical testing begins.

Every FC/PC bulkhead and mating patch cord should be inspected before connection. Contaminated end faces should be cleaned using an approved fiber optic procedure and reinspected before mating.

Protective caps should remain installed whenever the ports are not in use. Patch cords should be routed with an appropriate bend radius and protected from tension, twisting, crushing, and abrasion.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The JDSU mLCS-A1204B-M100-MFP receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Evaluation may include installation in a compatible MAP-200 chassis, module recognition, controller communication, independent operation of both 1x4 switch sections, status reporting, and channel selection across both four-channel banks.

Optical testing may include identification of both common ports, complete path mapping, continuity through every selectable channel, comparative insertion-loss measurements, repeated switching, crosstalk evaluation, and operation at representative wavelengths within the supported single-mode range.

The module-to-chassis connector, faceplate, retaining hardware, FC/PC bulkheads, alignment sleeves, connector threads, protective caps, channel labels, enclosure, and identification markings may be inspected for contamination, damage, excessive wear, or mechanical problems.

The exact testing scope depends on the available MAP-200 chassis, firmware compatibility, single-mode source wavelengths, calibrated power meters, return-loss equipment, polarization measurement equipment, reference cables, and requested channel coverage.

Calibration Before Shipment

When technically applicable and selected, the JDSU mLCS-A1204B-M100-MFP 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 records should identify the module model and serial number, host MAP-200 chassis, firmware, switch section, common port, output channel, source wavelength, source power, FC/PC reference cables, measured values, and applicable measurement 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 model as JDSU mLCS-A1204B-M100-MFP. The part number identifies two independent 1x4 switches, optical bulkheads, 9/125 µm single-mode fiber, and FC/PC connectors.

The module requires a compatible MAP-200 chassis and cannot operate as a standalone optical switch. Chassis model, controller configuration, firmware version, available slot capacity, and module recognition should be verified before purchase.

The listing should identify whether the module includes protective caps, FC/PC patch cords, a MAP-200 chassis, controller, communication cables, software, manuals, test records, calibration records, or other accessories.

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-A1204B-M100-MFP provides compact dual 1x4 single-mode optical routing for component manufacturers, telecommunications laboratories, production facilities, amplifier developers, system integrators, universities, and research organizations.

Buyers should review the FC/PC bulkhead condition, operation of both 1x4 switch sections, optical path labels, supported wavelength range, MAP-200 compatibility, calibration status, functional test results, and included accessories before purchase.