Comparison of microwave and light wave communication systems in space applications

Morio Toyoshima; Walter R. Leeb; Hiroo Kunimori; Tadashi Takano

doi:10.1117/1.2432881

1 January 2007 Comparison of microwave and light wave communication systems in space applications

Morio Toyoshima, Walter R. Leeb, Hiroo Kunimori, Tadashi Takano

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 46, Issue 1, 015003 (January 2007). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.2432881

Abstract

The performances of optical and radio frequency communication systems are compared for long distance applications, such as deep space communications, where the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is crucial. We compare an optical communication system operating at 0.8 μm using intensity modulation and direct detection with an avalanche photodiode, an optical communication system operating at 1.5 μm using on-off keying and an optical preamplifier, and a radio frequency communication system operating in the X band. Assuming typical system parameters for the link budget analysis, we find that for distances between the transmitting and receiving antennas (R) of 10⁷ km, the SNR for the optical systems is proportional to R^-4, while for the radio frequency system it is always proportional to R^-2. The maximum data rate achievable with the radio frequency system is higher than that with the optical systems for distances beyond 10⁸ km. For near-Earth communication links, an optical system with optical preamplification is preferable when the data rate is higher than several gigabits per second. Clearly our results are based on specific system parameters. However, the equations involved and the method of comparison will be applicable for a wide range of system parameters.

©(2007) Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

Citation Download Citation

Morio Toyoshima, Walter R. Leeb, Hiroo Kunimori, and Tadashi Takano "Comparison of microwave and light wave communication systems in space applications," Optical Engineering 46(1), 015003 (1 January 2007). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.2432881

Published: 1 January 2007

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available