A switched multichannel fiber optic power monitoring apparatus, includes a
plurality of photodetectors, each connected to a tap of a different
optical line for converting an optical signal therefrom to an electrical
signal, a single switch having inputs connected to outputs of each of the
photodetectors for receiving the output electrical signal from each
photodetector and for switching the output electrical signals in a
multiplexed manner to an output thereof as a multiplexed electrical
signal, an amplifier amplifying the multiplexed electrical signal, an
analog to digital converter which converts the amplified electrical signal
to a digital signal, and a microprocessor which provides an output
measurement signal in response to the digital signal, the microprocessor
being connected to the switch to control the length of time that the
switch is open for each optical line, and connected with the amplifier to
control amplification thereof.
