Experiment 3 Lab Manual

American International University- Bangladesh

Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
EEE 4106: Telecommunications Engineering Lab

Title: Study of Optical Fiber Communication System.

Introduction:

An optical fibre is a structure that is designed to guide light over a distance or path that is
not necessarily straight. Optical fibre accomplishes light confinement by the total internal
reflection of the light that is coupled into the end of the fibre. Typical fibres for
telecommunication or data transmission are made from high purity glass in round fibre
geometry. They can be made of plastics as well. Optical fibre does not necessarily need to
be circular in geometry. Planar or flat slabs of fibres are used for a variety of applications.

The objectives of this experiment are:

1) To observe practical fiber optical communication process
2) To study about transmitter and receiver of fiber optic communication link

Theory and Methodology:

Fiber optic communication transmits information with light wave over the hair thin glass
fiber. As light is the carrier of data, fiber optic link work faster than other types
transmission link. Fiber optic transmission link even allows to send data at terabit rate.

To transmit data over the fiber link, source information signal (analog/digital) is to be
converted to light wave. This conversion is performed by the electronic device LED/
LASER (it is also called light source). Light source element is coupled with the fiber by
coupler so that maximum light energy is entered through the core of the fiber. At the
destination end, the light signal incoming from the fiber link is received by the light
detector (PIN/APD) that converts back the light energy into electrical energy. Output
signal of light detector is amplified by the amplifier to increase power of the signal.

Block diagram of the fiber communication system is illustrated in Fig. 1. Optical sources
are of two types. LASER generates very focused and concentrated light signal. It can be
used in wide area transmission link. LED produces light beam of spontaneous emission
and its optical power is comparatively low. LED is therefore is not capable to work in very
long-distance network range. It is used only in local area network.

Two types of optical detectors are used: PIN and APD. APD (Avalanche Photodiode) is
capable to use in long distance communication network as ensures very high quantum
efficiency in its conversion from optical to electrical energy.
Optical fiber is of two types: Single mode and multimode fiber. Single mode fiber has high
performance than that of multimode fiber. So, it is preferred for long range and broadband
communication system.

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 1

 Experiment 3 Lab Manual

Fig. 1: Block diagram of Fiber Optic Communication System

OptiSystem is an optical system design tool that enables users to plan, test, and simulate
almost every type of optical link in the physical layer of a broad spectrum of optical
networks. OptiSystem handles mixed signal formats for optical and electrical signals in the
Component Library. It calculates the signals using the appropriate algorithms related to the
required simulation accuracy and efficiency. To predict the system performance, the
software calculates parameters such as BER and Q-Factor using numerical analysis or
semi-analytical techniques for systems limited by inter symbol interference and noise.
Advanced visualization tools produce OSA Spectra, Oscilloscope, and Eye diagrams. Also
included are WDM analysis tools listing signal power, gain, noise figure.

Fig. 2: Software Layout

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 2

 Experiment 3 Lab Manual

Pre-Lab Homework:

Students must study the following theories related to optical fibre communications:
1) An overview of Fibre-optic communication system and its major components
2) Working principle of Fibre-optic communication
3) Physical structure and types of Fibre-optic cables
4) Advantages and disadvantages of fibre-optic communication

Apparatus:

PC, OptiSystem software.

Experimental Procedure:

Study the layout, which includes some text and boxes to identify the three components of
the fiber optic system. The “transmitter” section includes a binary source (PRBS or
pseudo-random bit sequence generator), an electrical pulse generator, a laser diode, and an
external modulator. The receiver section includes a photodiode, a low-pass filter, and a
decision circuit, which includes a BER analyzer.

• Run the simulation by pushing the start button. The progress of the simulation will be
displayed and the message “Calculation Finished!” will appear when the simulation runs to
completion.
• Double click on the optical power meter and the BER analyzer and move the windows
as necessary for clarity. Check the box next to “Show Eye Diagram” in the BER window.
The optical power meter shows the power at the input to the photodiode in both watts and
dBm. The BER window displays the “eye diagram” and several quantities including the
“Max Q Factor” and the “Min BER”.
• The simulation is set to run 20 “iterations”, with the fiber length varying from 50 to
150km in 5 steps. Note the change in received power and BER display (eye diagram, Q
factor and BER) with fiber length. Record your data in the table below:

Fiber Received Max Q factor Min BER Eye Height

Length in Power in dBm
km
50
100
150

Simulated Results: All simulated data should be collected and tabulated in an organized
manner and verified by the instructor. In your report, you need to show all data.

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 3

 Experiment 3 Lab Manual

Questions for report writing:

1) Explain the function of a BER analyzer. How do you interpret data from an Eye
Diagram and Q-Factor? How are all your tabulated results affected with increase
in channel length?
2) Explain the function of LED in this experiment? Would it be better if we have
applied the analog signal directly to the LED?
3) Explain the function of the photodetector (PD). Name some other PDs which
could have been used.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Interpret the data/findings and determine the extent to which the experiment was successful
in complying with the goal that was initially set. Discuss any mistake you might have made
while conducting the investigation and describe ways the study could have been improved.

References:
1. Frenzel, Louis, “Communication Electronics, principles and applications”
2. B. Forouzan, “Data Communication and Networking”

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 4