BEE4206 Optical Communications

The scope of this course is to present an overview of today's optical communication, especially fiber optical transmission systems. During the course, the student will be introduced to basic elements of optics and optoelectronic devices necessary to understand the technology (hardware) issues in optical fiber communications. Light Sources with emphasis on LED’s and semiconductor Lasers, are discussed with their utilization for the different types of optical fibers. The multimode and single mode fibers are studied with their implications on signal attenuation and dispersion. Detection of optical signal and its conversion to electronic signal is presented with a review of physical characteristics of photodiodes and their limitations. Practical implementations of modulation and demodulation schemes of optical signals are also treated. Optical switching, multiplexing, and networks architectures are finally presented. 

Learning Outcome 
On successful completion of the course students should be able to:

• Understand basic terminology and concepts and take the lead in fiber optic discussions
• Compare and contrast the features, functions, benefits and challenges of fiber optic communications with other wireline and wireless solutions
• Match communication requirements with feasible fiber optic systems
• Specify optical fibers, cables, connectors, splices, and other transmission equipment
• Participate in or manage all aspects of the fiber optic system life cycle from planning through design, installation, maintenance, upgrading and troubleshooting
• Identify when and how to test fiber optic systems by use of power meters and OTDRs
• Stay current as fiber optics evolves to higher performance and greater market penetration