The JDSU SB, SC, and SCG series of Benchtop/Rackmount Programmable Switches can be controlled using the front panel keys and a numeric pad or via GPIB and serial RS-232 interface. The SCG series ganged input switches allow a single switch instrument to replace multiple switch elements while maintaining low loss. In this series of switches, the inputs are ganged together in a particular sequence and are thus able to offer three different modes of operation. The SB, SC, and SCG series switches are available in four basic configurations: C configuration - is a single common input model (SB, SC) D configuration - provides simultaneous connection of a bank of input fibers to output fibers (SB, SC, SCG) E configuration - allows any input to be connected to any output while other inputs/outputs are aligned to subsequent/adjacent channels. The switch is non-blocking in this mode and other inputs/outputs are aligned (SB, SC, SCG) F configuration - enables one of the inputs to be aligned with an output in a blocking sense, with a result in reduction of available output channels and a low-loss M x N blocking switch. (SB, SC, SCG) Operation of these switches is based upon JDSU's proven expanded beam lens technology, which utilizes a precision stepper-motor to align optical channels. The use of collimating lenses minimizes insertion loss (IL) and improves repeatability and performance. Internal temperature control of the switching mechanism ensures excellent operational stability.