A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies

Research Studies Project Report (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1998

This research work has described some of the fundamental features of M-QAM SCM optical transmission systems by using EDF As. This includes a short description of construction of lumped EDF A models and theoretical calculation results on the system performance. It was pointed out that the passive splitter plus inline amplifier network schemes are particularly interesting for the distribution of digital TV signals due to their compatibility with current receivers and higher distribution ratio. A key parameter of M-QAM-SCM system is the CNDR. We have therefore theoretically discussed the special effects of EDF As in M QAM-SCM communication systems with special focus on noise, distortion and intermodulation items. To achieve a higher CNDR, the power budgets of M-QAM-SCM optical systems are generally much tighter. So the best selection is the use low-cost TV receivers directly which is also following the basic aim for cost-effective system. The application of optical amplifiers is therefore mainly in terms of achieving an increased power budget. Even if so many noise and distortion items to prevent the realization of high distribution system, such properties may not limit the potential application of EDF As in M QAM-SCM systems, and theoretical results show that significant large scale distribution still can be reached.