Assessment of noise impact on UWB signals in R-EAM based optical links

The measured characteristics of a R-EAM, acting as a base station, were used to assess the performance of a radio-over-fiber uplink for possible provision of wireless services within aircrafts. The specific case of deployment of UWB signals was analyzed. We conclude that laser RIN is a performance degradation factor that imposes a limit on the achievable SNR, especially for a zero biased modulator. A laser RIN of -160 dB/Hz would be required in order to avoid the RIN limitation. Additionally, in this case the performance becomes limited by shot noise. Although the zero bias case seems limitative, the R-EAM can be optimum biased using a small battery, which can last for several months, allowing the base-station to operate as a passive device.