Predictive Modeling of Quasi-Static EMI-Induced Jitter in Electro-Optic Modulators

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can cause both amplitude noise and timing error in the information transmitted by electro-optic modulators (EOMs). A simple predictive model for conducted EMI-induced timing jitter in EOMs is presented in this article. The timing jitter observed in the receiver end eye diagram contributed by a low-frequency (${\sim }$15 MHz) RF signal interference in a Mach–Zehnder modulator (MZM) is investigated. The developed model successfully predicts the change in the induced periodic jitter as a function of the injected noise power in the MZM. The model is used to identify and compare the impact of amplitude and timing noise in the eye diagram due to RF interference in an MZM modulation system. A design space for the EOMs operating in an electromagnetic environment is also presented to demonstrate the utility of the developed predictive amplitude and timing noise models.