FIBER OPTIC RECEIVERS

In fiber optic communications systems, optical signals that reach fiber optic receivers are generally attenuated and distorted (see figure 7-5). The fiber optic receiver must convert the input and amplify the resulting electrical signal without distorting it to a point that other circuitry cannot use it.

Figure 7-5. - Attenuated and distorted optical signals. 

As stated previously, a fiber optic receiver consists of an optical detector, an amplifier, and other circuitry. In most fiber optic systems, the optical detector is a PIN photodiode or APD. Receiver performance varies depending on the type of detector used. The amplifier is generally described as having two stages: the preamplifier and the postamplifier. The preamplifier is defined as the first stage of amplification following the optical detector. The postamplifier is defined as the remaining stages of amplification required to raise the detector's electrical signal to a level suitable for further signal processing. The preamplifier is the dominant contributor of electrical noise in the receiver. Because of this, its design has a significant influence in determining the sensitivity of the receiver.

The output circuitry processes the amplified signal into a form suitable for the interfacing circuitry. For digital receivers, this circuitry may include low-pass filters and comparators. For analog receivers, this circuitry may also include low-pass filters.

Receiver sensitivity, bandwidth, and dynamic range are key operational parameters used to define receiver performance. One goal in designing fiber optic receivers is to optimize receiver sensitivity. To increase sensitivity, receiver noise resulting from signal-dependent shot noise and thermal noise must be kept at a minimum. A more detailed discussion of receiver shot and thermal noise is provided later in this chapter.

In addition to optimizing sensitivity, optical receiver design goals also include optimizing the bandwidth and the dynamic range. A receiver that has the ability to operate over a wide range of optical power levels can operate efficiently in both short- and long-distance applications. Because conflicts arise when attempting to meet each goal, trade-offs in receiver designs are made to optimize overall performance.

Q.19 Which amplifier stage (the preamplifier or the postamplifier) is a dominant contributor of noise and significantly influences the sensitivity of the receiver?
Q.20 List the key operational parameters used to define receiver performance.