Techniques and systems for control of optical switching arrays are described.
A switch array controller according to an aspect of the present invention operates
so as to achieve reduced power consumption and maintain crosstalk within acceptable
limits. Various rules are applied in order to insure that the desired criteria
are met. In order to reduce transient effects, switching from one output to another
is accomplished in a sequence chosen to maximize the number of transitions occurring
in those portions of the array not carrying a signal, and to minimize the number
of transitions that occur in portions of the array carrying the signal. Transitions
are made in the portion of the array to which the signal will be directed, then
a switch is transitioned between the old and new signal paths, and finally further
transitions are made in the portion of the array within which the signal was previously directed.