Coreray: Leading Fiber Optic Switch Manufacturer - MEMS & Mechanical Optical Solutions

    Most discussions about optical switches focus on single‑mode telecom applications: C‑band, 1550 nm, and long‑haul links. But a huge and growing segment of the optical industry runs on multimode fiber (MMF). Think of data center spine‑leaf architectures, factory automation using industrial Ethernet, medical laser delivery systems, and fiber‑optic sensing in legacy installations. These environments often require switching between 12, 24, or even 64 multimode fibers—with low loss, moderate speed, and rock‑solid reliability over millions of cycles.

    That’s exactly where the Coray 1×24 Optical Switch (OSW‑1×24‑M5‑850‑…) excels. As a mechanical optical switch driven by precision stepper motors, it offers up to 64 channels in a compact, modular package. With an epoxy‑free optical path, parallel control interfaces (TTL, RS485, RS232), and insertion loss as low as 1.0 dB typical, this switch is designed for integrators who need to route multimode signals without compromising power budget or signal integrity.

    In this article, we’ll break down why a mechanical design still beats MEMS optical switch alternatives for many multimode switching tasks, explore real‑world use cases from data center monitoring to industrial sensing, and highlight the unique engineering choices that make Coray’s 1×24 a cost‑effective workhorse.

Mechanical vs. MEMS – The Multimode Reality Check

Before looking at the 1×24 switch’s specifications, let’s revisit the technology trade‑offs—this time specifically for multimode fiber (50/125 µm or 62.5/125 µm).

• MEMS optical switch – Tiny mirrors on silicon. For single‑mode, MEMS can work well, but for multimode, the larger core diameter (50 µm vs. 9 µm) makes precise mirror alignment more challenging. MEMS switches often exhibit higher mode‑dependent loss and increased sensitivity to vibration because the expanded beam can      overfill the mirror. Additionally, MEMS typically has lower return loss (≤45 dB) compared to good mechanical designs.

• Mechanical optical switch – Uses a moving prism, direct fiber alignment, or in this case a motor‑driven mechanism to physically position a fiber or prism. For multimode, the larger core actually simplifies alignment tolerances,      allowing robust, low‑loss connections. The trade‑off is slower switching speed (tens of milliseconds) and larger physical size. But in exchange, you get excellent return loss (≥35 dB for multimode, often higher), crosstalk better than ‑55 dB, and a proven track record in industrial environments.

Coray’s 1×24 switch falls into the mechanical optical switch category, but with modern enhancements: parallel TTL/RS485/RS232 control, modular dimensions (135×40×32 mm for the 1×24 version), and the all‑important epoxy‑free optical path—a feature that prevents long‑term degradation due to adhesive outgassing or moisture absorption.

For applications that require more than 16 channels but don’t need microsecond switching, a 1×24 or 1×32 mechanical switch often provides the best balance of cost, loss, and reliability.

Inside the Coray 1×24 Multimode Switch – Key Specifications

Based on the OSW‑1×24 model (order code OSW‑1×N‑A‑B‑C‑D‑E‑F‑G), here are the performance details that matter to system designers.

Optical Performance at 850 nm

• Insertion loss – 1.0 dB typical (≤1.2 dB max). For multimode links using VCSELs at 850 nm, every decibel counts, especially when cascading switches or running over long OM3/OM4 fiber. A 1.0 dB loss is excellent for a 1×24 device.

• Return loss – ≥35 dB minimum. While lower than single‑mode switches, 35 dB is more than adequate for multimode systems where back‑reflection is less critical than in analog video or coherent transmission.

• Crosstalk – ≥55 dB minimum. This ensures that when the switch selects channel 1, the remaining 23 channels contribute negligible optical power to the output – crucial for test systems where a sensitive power meter might otherwise see leakage.

• Wavelength – 850 nm specified, but the switch can be ordered for 1310 nm, 1550 nm, or dual 1310/1550 nm as well (see ordering options).

Mechanical & Electrical

• Switch mode / control – RS485 (standard), with optional TTL or RS232. RS485 is ideal for industrial environments because it supports multi‑drop networks (multiple switches on a single bus) and long cable runs. The 5 V DC power supply simplifies integration with common industrial logic.

• Dimensions – 135×40×32 mm (approx. 5.3×1.6×1.3 inches). This compact footprint allows embedding the switch inside test equipment, sensor nodes, or even roadside cabinets. For higher channel counts (1×32, 1×48, 1×64), the size scales accordingly(e.g., 135×64×32 mm for 1×48/64).

• Operating temperature – -20°C to +70°C. The switch also survives temperature cycling from -40°C to +85°C over 48 hours – a testament to its rugged mechanical design.

• Fiber type – 50/125 µm multimode (standard), with 62.5/125 µm or single‑mode available upon request. Pigtails are 900 µm loose tube, 1.2 m length, terminated with FC/PC connectors (other options: FC/APC, SC, LC, ST).

Reliability Features

• Epoxy‑free in optical path – No adhesives inside the light path. This is a significant differentiator from many low‑cost switches. Over years of temperature cycling, epoxies can shrink or expand, causing misalignment and loss drift. Coray’s mechanical assembly uses precision clips, springs, or laser welding to secure components.

• Modularized design – The same base chassis supports 1×4 through 1×64 configurations. This means proven reliability across the product family, and easier spares management for system integrators.

• Test data documentation – Individual hardcopy test data sheets are available, and electronic files in MS‑Word format can be provided – a detail appreciated by quality‑conscious engineers in aerospace, defense, and medical device industries.

Real‑World Applications for a 1×24 Multimode Switch

Why would someone need a 1×24 fiber optic switch rather than, say, two 1×12 switches? Here are three scenarios where the higher port count simplifies system architecture.

1. Data Center Rack‑Level Monitoring

    A modern data center can have hundreds of racks, each with 24 or 48 multimode fiber pairs connecting top‑of‑rack switches to leaf switches. To monitor fiber health (insertion loss, contamination, or macro‑bends), a network operator can install a 1×24 optical switch at each rack, connected to an OTDR or optical power monitor. The switch sequentially checks each of the 24 links once per hour. Because the switch offers ≥55 dB crosstalk, a reflective event on one fiber (e.g., a dirty connector) won’t appear as a false positive on adjacent channels. And with RS485 control, a single controller can address dozens of switches across multiple racks using a simple two‑wire bus.

2. Industrial Fiber Sensing (e.g., Temperature or Strain Arrays)

    In a large industrial facility – a chemical plant, power substation, or wind farm – engineers often deploy 24 or more fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors along a single fiber. However, to cover different zones, they may need to interrogate multiple independent fiber lines. A 1×24 mechanical switch allows a single interrogator (e.g., a broadband source and spectrometer) to sequentially read 24 separate sensor arrays. The switch’s low insertion loss (1.0 dB) ensures that even sensors at the far end of a 2‑km cable run receive enough optical power for accurate measurement. The wide operating temperature range (-20°C to +70°C) and survival of -40°C to +85°C cycling means the switch can be deployed outdoors without climate‑controlled enclosures.

3. Automated Test Equipment for Multimode Components

    A manufacturer of multimode couplers, WDMs, or attenuators needs to test hundreds of devices per day. A 1×24 optical switch connected to 24 DUTs (devices under test) allows fully automated insertion loss and return loss measurement using a single source and power meter. The repeatability of a mechanical switch (typically ±0.05 dB) ensures that measurement drift is dominated by the DUT, not the switching mechanism. And because the lifetime is rated for millions of cycles, the switch will outlast multiple production shifts. The epoxy‑free design guarantees that the switch’s insertion loss won’t creep upward after months of continuous operation – a common failure mode in cheaper switches that use adhesive‑bonded optics.

Ordering Flexibility – Tailoring the OSW‑1×24 to Your Project

Coray’s ordering code (OSW‑1×N－A－B－C－D－E－F－G) provides extensive customization:

• N = number of channels (1×4 up to 1×64; here 1×24)

• A (Fiber Type) – M5 (50/125), M6 (62.5/125), SM (9/125), or Hi1060

• B (Test Wavelength) – 850 nm, 1310 nm, 1550 nm, or 1310/1550 nm dual

• C (Sheath) – 250 µm bare fiber, 900 µm loose tube, 2.0 mm, or fiber array

• D (Fiber Length) – 0.5 m, 1.0 m, 1.5 m, or custom

• E (Connector) –  None, FC/PC, FC/APC, SC/PC, SC/APC, LC/PC, LC/APC, ST

• F (Control Port) – TTL+RS232, TTL+RS485, or USB

• G (Size) – A (135×40×32 mm for up to 1×32), B (135×64×32 mm for 1×48/1×64)

    For example, an OSW‑1×24‑M5‑850‑90‑10‑FP‑02‑A would be: 1×24 channels, 50/125 multimode, 850 nm, 900 μm loose tube, 1.0 m pigtail length, FC/PC connector, RS485 control, and the smaller package size. That’s a perfect fit for most industrial sensing and data center monitoring applications.

Future Outlook – Why Mechanical Switches Remain Relevant for Multimode

With the rise of MEMS optical switches and even solid‑state magneto‑optic devices, one might think mechanical switches are obsolete. But in the multimode domain, mechanical designs continue to dominate for three reasons:

1. Core diameter tolerance – The large 50‑µm core relaxes alignment precision, allowing  mechanical actuators to achieve very low loss without the nanometer‑level      precision required for single‑mode MEMS. This makes mechanical switches   inherently more robust and cost‑effective for multimode.

2. Industrial robustness – Factory floors, outdoor cabinets, and military vehicles produce shock and   vibration that can confuse MEMS mirrors or cause stiction. A well‑designed      mechanical switch with latching or motor‑driven mechanisms laughs off such   environments.

3. High  channel counts without cascading – For 1×24, 1×32, or 1×64, a single  mechanical switch provides uniform loss across all ports. Trying to build      a 1×64 using 1×8 MEMS modules would require multiple cascading stages,   adding loss and complexity.

    That said, mechanical switches will continue to evolve. We’re seeing lower power consumption (5 V drive, millisecond pulses), smaller footprints (Coray’s 135×40×32 mm for 1×24 is remarkably compact), and smarter interfaces (RS485, USB). The epoxy‑free optical path is another evolutionary step that addresses a long‑standing reliability concern.

    For Guangxi Coray Optical Communication Technology Co., Ltd., the 1×24 multimode switch represents a commitment to serving the full spectrum of optical switching needs—not just the glamorous single‑mode telecom market, but also the gritty, demanding world of industrial and data center multimode applications.

 Conclusion – A Reliable, High‑Channel Multimode Switch for Real‑World Systems

    When your project calls for switching 24 multimode fibers—whether for automated testing, remote network monitoring, or industrial sensing—you need a fiber optic switch that delivers consistent low loss, high crosstalk isolation, and long‑term mechanical durability. The Coray OSW‑1×24 fits that description perfectly.

    As a leading optical switch China manufacturer, Coray combines precision mechanical engineering with thoughtful design touches (epoxy‑free optical path, flexible control interfaces, compact modular packaging) to produce a product that system integrators can trust. While MEMS optical switches have their place in high‑port‑count single‑mode arrays, the mechanical optical switch remains the right choice for multimode applications up to 64 channels.

    Ready to integrate a 1×24 switch into your next test rack, sensing array, or network monitor? Visit www.coreray.com to request a datasheet, quote, or sample. And be sure to explore Coray’s full line of optical switches—from 1×4 to 1×64, single‑mode to multimode, mechanical to solid‑state. There’s a switching solution for every light path.