Task 1

a) Amplitude modulation is one of the simplest forms of modulation techniques in radio communication. In
here carrier signals amplitude is changed by the modulating wave. In radio communication this
modulating wave is a sound wave. These sound waves are always almost analog signals. But in optical
communication the modulating wave can be an analog or digital information signal.

Analog data

Analog means the signal is continuously changing according to the time. So in the modulation process the
optical carrier signals amplitude is changing according to the time. Although this seems easy it is less
efficient and high in SNR. Also it has a linearity problem of emitting light with respect to frequency.

Digital data

Digital means the signal has only two main amplitude levels. So the modulation process the optical carrier
signal will mainly change in two amplitude levels. But for this to happen the signal should be encoded to
digital signal.

b) The most important characteristic of the source for the analog modulation is linearity of the LED respond
to the voltage or current. This means electric current to light conversion process, its efficiency changes
with the heat.

In other words we can say that linearity represents the degree to which the optical output is
directly proportional to the electrical current input. Most light sources give little or no attention
to linearity, making them usable only for digital applications. Analog applications require close
attention to linearity. Nonlinearity in LEDs causes harmonic distortion in the analog signal that is
transmitted over an analog fiber optic link. LEDs are generally more reliable than lasers, but both
sources will degrade over time. This degradation can be caused by heat generated by the source
and uneven current densities. In addition, LEDs are easier to use than lasers.

Figure 2 - Emitter Characteristics,

(a) LED   (b) Laser

As shown in the above diagram we can see the importance of this characteristic. With an analog signal the
LED has to change to light constantly but it can’t be done if the LED (source) does not react to the current
accordingly. So it will distort the original signal in the transmission process.

c) .
Task 2

a) Unlike the other optical cables, under sea optical cables have to have special configurations in order for
them to function properly. The cables should be strong enough to with hold any outside force and they
should have the capability to transmit information between huge distances. For those kinds of special
requirements they are design with different properties. They are configurations are,

 Single Mode Fiber Type

Single mode fiber doesn’t have modal dispersion, modal noise, and other effects that
come with multimode transmission; single mode fiber can carry signals at much higher speeds
than multimode fibers. They are standard choice for high data rates or long distance span (longer
than a couple of kilometers) telecommunications which use laser diode based fiber optic
transmission equipment.