On the simulation of digital optical links with EDFA´s: an accurate method for estimating BER through Gaussian approximation

Author

Lima, Rodolfo A A ; Carvalho, Maria Cristina R ; Conrado, Luiz Fernando M

Author_Institution

Centro de Estados em Telecomunicacoes, Pontificia Univ. Catolica do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Volume

3

Issue

4

fYear

1997

fDate

8/1/1997 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

1037

Lastpage

1044

Abstract

A new method for the semi-analytical estimation of the bit-error rate (BER) of digital optical systems is presented. It is based on system simulation and accurately considers the performance degradation caused by waveform distortion. The method profits from the simplicity of Gaussian approximation for noise statistics, though explicitly accounting for intersymbol interference (ISI) effects in noise during the BER estimation. Optically preamplified and avalanche photodiodes (APD) receivers are considered, for which signal-dependent noise components are dominant. The system parameters influence on receiver sensitivity is studied. A digital optical transmission link with a single in-line erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) and with an EDFA chain is then analyzed. The influence of the EDFA chain characteristics on system performance is investigated: amplifier gain, noise figure and spacing are considered. The tradeoffs between EDFA parameters and system optimization are addressed

Keywords

Gaussian noise; avalanche photodiodes; erbium; error analysis; error statistics; fibre lasers; intersymbol interference; laser beams; laser noise; optical fibre communication; optical receivers; optical transmitters; optimisation; preamplifiers; BER; BER estimation; EDFA chain; Er-doped fiber amplifier; Gaussian approximation; amplifier gain; avalanche photodiodes receivers; bit-error rate; digital optical links; digital optical transmission link; intersymbol interference effects; noise; noise figure; noise statistics; optically preamplified photodiodes receivers; performance degradation; receiver sensitivity; signal-dependent noise components; spacing; system optimization; system performance; system simulation; waveform distortion; Bit error rate; Erbium-doped fiber amplifier; Gaussian noise; Intersymbol interference; Optical distortion; Optical fiber communication; Optical noise; Optical receivers; Optical sensors; Stimulated emission;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1077-260X

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/2944.649537

Filename

649537