Digital communications
Learn about optical-fibre communications and how high data rates can be transmitted over long distances. Understand the technology used and the future direction of this continually developing area of communication. Convert wavelengths and frequencies, compare lasers and LEDs, and analyze different types of optical fibres. Master power budgeting for estimating maximum link distance. Start your journey now!
Optical-fibre communications became commercially viable in the 1970s and innovation continues today. This free course, Digital communications, will illustrate how very high data rates can be transmitted over long distances through optical fibres. You will learn how these fibres are linked, examine the technology used and assess the future direction of this continually developing area of communication.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
Convert between wavelengths and frequencies
Describe the main differences between lasers and LEDs as used as light sources for optical-fibre communications systems
Describe the difference between direct and external modulation of a laser
Describe the difference in structure and performance of step-index multimode, graded-index multimode and single-mode optical fibres
Draw up a power budget for an optical-fibre communication link and use it to estimate the maximum link distance.