Abstract

An all-optical nonblocking generalized fiber-optic-based crossbar switch is discussed. A classical matrix-vector multiplier architecture is the basis for a generalized nonblocking crossbar switch. This architecture is inherently parallel and capable of full broadcast. Its all-optical nature has two fundamental advantages. One is the inherent high bandwidth of optical circuits; the other is the minimization of electronic-optical and optical-electronic conversions in the interconnect circuit. The resulting switch has relatively high loss, making it of greatest interest for localized interconnects. Experimental results from two generations of crossbar switches based on this architecture are discussed of sizes 4×4 and 16 × 16, respectively. Technology issues regarding fan-in, fan-out, and shutters are reviewed. Specific applications in digital and analog interconnects are addressed.

© 1988 Optical Society of America