Paper
15 January 1990 A Broadband AM Fiber Optic System
Stewart Cudworth
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
Broadband systems, using well developed coaxial cable and amplifier technology are noted for versatility and flexibility. Networks of infinite variety may be assembled using couplers, taps and filters. Every signal is available simultaneously throughout the network. Intricate timing and switching schemes of high rate digital networks are avoided. Broadband long distance fiber optic systems became practical about 1983 when single mode fiber optimized for operating at 1300 nm became the fiber of choice for long haul digital telephone service. Removing the bandwidth limits imposed by multimode fibers, which had confined link limits to 6 miles and transmission rates to 45 Mbps, opened the way for development of systems transmitting at rates above 500 Mbps. At the same time development of laser diodes,emitting at 1300 nm,with excellent optic power, allowed extension of link distances to 25 miles and greater. Single mode fibers have been refined to have attenuation of less than 0.5 dB/km at 1300 nm. CATV operators had long sought ways of reducing the noise and distortion caused by repeated amplification in extending systems to new subscribers. Efforts at using fiber optic systems in the multimode era were relatively futile. 4 or 5 channels and 3-4 mile links using FM video modulation were all that could be achieved. With single mode fiber development these limitations were partially removed. In 1984, installation began of the present generation of FM modulated CATV fiber optic trunk lines. FM produces superior transmission at the greatest distance, but is quite expensive because of the cost of FM modulation and demodulation. Costs are typically in excess of $4,000/channel, with a practical limit of 16 channels per fiber. For distances shorter than 12 miles,FM is often considered too expensive.
© (1990) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Stewart Cudworth "A Broadband AM Fiber Optic System", Proc. SPIE 1179, Fiber Networking and Telecommunications, (15 January 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963446
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KEYWORDS
Fiber optics

Networks

Semiconductor lasers

Single mode fibers

Broadband telecommunications

Telecommunications

Modulation

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