K-means clustering-based data detection and symbol-timing recovery for burst-mode optical receiver

Burst-mode receivers are key components of optical transmission systems, including passive optical networks, and have received much attention in recent years. We present new, efficient methods for burst optical signal detection in burst-mode data transmission using a modified K-means clustering technique. We also develop a data-aided feedforward symbol-timing recovery method based on a polynomial interpolation and maximum-likelihood estimation theory. A performance criterion considering the error caused by the interpolation approximation is derived for this method. The proposed detection and timing recovery approaches can be implemented effectively and rapidly; therefore, they are very suitable for burst-mode receivers. We also provide some numerical examples to demonstrate the performance of the proposed methods