| The growing demand for world wide access to large packets of information requires network services with more bandwidth and high-speed data transfer. The optical subcarrier multiplexing (OSCM) is one of the techniques to increase transmission capacity on a fiber-optic link. This research is focused upon establishing integrated circuit foundation in OSCM communications applications. First, an accurate OSCM system simulation model has been developed to understand the system parameters and to provide an efficient way of optimizing system performance. This model has been used to establish design parameters of MMICs. Using designed MMICs, the four-channel OSCM transmitter multi-chip module (MCM) has been developed and inserted back into the OSCM link to verify the model and feasibility of using MMICs and the MCM. Using these as a template, a fully monolithic IC with all the functionality of MMICs in the MCM with improve performances has been developed for further integration. Using the fully monolithic IC, the four channel OSCM single chip module has been developed and fully characterized in the OSCM link. The development of the MMIC-based MCM and the fully monolithic single chip transmitter modules address the complexity and cost of multi-channel OSCM system by leveraging low cost GaAs MMIC technology. |
