Optimisation of low power Radio-over-fibre links for UWB systems

Abstract

This paper focuses on the design of Radio-over-fibre (ROF) links for ultrawideband (UWB) applications. Due to strict regulations, network architecture and technical feasibility, UWB ROF links must have 0 dB gain, low noise figure and low DC power dissipation. Due to the low power of UWB signals, pre-amplification is possible. Design rules for UWB ROF links with a pre-amplifier are presented. If followed, these rules enable design of links with a lower noise figure and power dissipation than previous design rules yield for general purpose ROF links. This is illustrated by a ROF link for UWB channel sounding that requires only 27.3% of DC power compared to a commercial link with similar gain and noise figure.