Method and apparatus for signal and switch monitoring in an optical cross connect

An apparatus for determining the position of an optical switch mirror, comprising:

• a conductive plate on which said optical switch mirror is mounted wherein said conductive plate is pivotally mounted on a substrate with hinges;
• a conductive probe fixed in a position such that said conductive probe contacts said conductive plate when the conductive plate is substantially perpendicular to the substrate;
• and
• a resistance measuring device coupled to said conductive plate and said conductive probe.

An apparatus for measuring the position of an optical switch mirror, comprising:

• a movable conductive plate wherein said movable conductive plate is pivotally mounted on a substrate with hinges;
• an optical switch mirror mounted on said movable conductive plate;
• a conductive probe fixed in a position substantially perpendicular to the substrate such that said conductive probe is substantially parallel to said movable conductive plate when said movable conductive plate is substantially perpendicular to the substrate;
• and
• a means for measuring an electrical characteristic of a circuit comprised of at least said conductive plate, said conductive probe, and said means for measuring.