Determining the Operational Margin of a Fiber Optic Data Link
Abstract
A Gaussian noise model of a fiber optic data link is examined to determine the relationship between incident optical power, receiver noise, comparator threshold level, and Mean Bit Error Rate. It is shown that raising the comparator threshold level is not equivalent to reducing the incident optical power. Thus, the MBER cannot be determined by this method. Use of the Wald Sequential Probability Ratio Test to determine the operational margin of the data link is considered. Monte Carlo simulations of link operation are used to examine the suitability of the Wald test. It is found that the Sequential Probability Ratio Test will perform adequately for the task, given certain error levels and sufficient time to gather data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA630487
Entities
People
- John R. Ball
Organizations
- Naval Underwater Systems Center