Analysis of sensitivity degradation caused by the flicker noise of GaAs-MESFETs in fiber-optic receivers

The total input noise current and sensitivity of the fiber-optic receiver was calculated. The flicker noise source was included by adopting a pertinent flicker noise model. Power penalties caused by the flicker noise were calculated for various fiber-optic receivers using the calculated noise current. It has been found that the flicker noise affects the sensitivity over the whole range of the bit rates, and that the total input capacitance is an important parameter affecting the power penalty which is serious in the case of a high-impedance-type p-i-n FET receiver. The optimum feedback resistance for practical p-i-n FET receiver design is also suggested