LED-based communication system achieves line-of-sight data rates up to 71 Mbit/s using 8-QAM-OFDM technique

For free-space optical wireless communications, UV-light-based systems have many inherent advantages such as low background solar radiation and low device dark noise especially for the UV-C/B (100-280nm/280nm-315nm) band.

In addition, atmospheric scattering of UV radiation contributes to less restrictive requirements for pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT), making the technology suitable for diffuse line-of-sight (LOS) as well as non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communications.

Now researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), led by Boon S. Ooi, have reported a record-breaking high-speed near-solar-blind UV communication system with a data rate up to 71 Mbit/s in a LOS link, and 23.6 Mbit/s at a 12-degree diffuse-LOS link.

They have achieved this high data rate by using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation technique and a 294-nm UVB-LED.

The figure below shows the testbed for the LED based UV communication measurement, comprising an Agilent 81150A Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG), a Tektronix DPO70404C Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope (DPO), a UVB-LED, Thorlabs LA4052-UV plano convex lens, as well as a Thorlabs APD 430A2/M avalanche photodetector.

The measured bit-error rate (BER) are 2.8 and 2.4 for LOS link and diffuse-LOS link, respectively, which are well below the forward error correction (FEC) criterion (3.8). The demonstration of an 8-QAMs OFDM near-solar-blind UV communication system with the highest data rate ever reported paves the way towards further development of UV NLOS communication link.

'71-Mbit/s ultraviolet-B LED communication link based on 8-QAM-OFDM modulation', by Xiaobin Sun et al; Optics Express, Vol. 25, No. 19, 18 Sep 2017.

AngelTech Live III: Join us on 12 April 2021!

AngelTech Live III will be broadcast on 12 April 2021, 10am BST, rebroadcast on 14 April (10am CTT) and 16 April (10am PST) and will feature online versions of the market-leading physical events: CS International and PIC International PLUS a brand new Silicon Semiconductor International Track!

Thanks to the great diversity of the semiconductor industry, we are always chasing new markets and developing a range of exciting technologies.

2021 is no different. Over the last few months interest in deep-UV LEDs has rocketed, due to its capability to disinfect and sanitise areas and combat Covid-19. We shall consider a roadmap for this device, along with technologies for boosting its output.

We shall also look at microLEDs, a display with many wonderful attributes, identifying processes for handling the mass transfer of tiny emitters that hold the key to commercialisation of this technology.

We shall also discuss electrification of transportation, underpinned by wide bandgap power electronics and supported by blue lasers that are ideal for processing copper.

Additional areas we will cover include the development of GaN ICs, to improve the reach of power electronics; the great strides that have been made with gallium oxide; and a look at new materials, such as cubic GaN and AlScN.

Having attracted 1500 delegates over the last 2 online summits, the 3rd event promises to be even bigger and better – with 3 interactive sessions over 1 day and will once again prove to be a key event across the semiconductor and photonic integrated circuits calendar.

So make sure you sign up today and discover the latest cutting edge developments across the compound semiconductor and integrated photonics value chain.

REGISTER FOR FREE

VIEW SESSIONS