Optical fibre receiver

Abstract

In an optical fibre receiver, the modulated light falls on a p-i-n diode (PD) connected to the input of an operational amplifier (A). This amplifier is shunted by a load resistor (R), which in turn is shunted by a non-linear Schottky diode (SD). This prevents a large pulse from spoiling the sensitivity of the receiver to a following smaller pulse. This also provides the receiver with a low pass response having a relatively long time constant. In addition to this, the a.c. coupling response for the connection to the next stage of the system has a relatively short time constant. These two time constants combine to give an overall characteristic with a relatively narrow bandwidth, which enhances the above effect. Finally, when the line muting function is needed, as between messages, the bit stream as detected includes a double amplitude pulse whose detection initiates the line muting function. This can be implemented by a double length pulse included in the bus bit stream which is so detected as to give a double amplitude pulse.