Low-cost gigabit PCF transceivers using commercially available logic ICs for short-range optical networks

We propose low-cost gigabit optical transceivers for broadband and short-range communication networks using plastic clad optical fiber. The transceivers can be used for broadband home and intravehicle local area networks based on optical IEEE1394, large-throughput optical interconnection, digital visual interfaces, and so on. We have fabricated a 500Mbit/s or a 1.25Gbit/s low-cost optical transceiver with a proposed simple circuit configuration. Simple assembly technologies have also been improved for mounting to reduce assembly cost. The total cost of the fabricated optical transceiver can be reduced to less than 2/3 compared with the cost of a conventional transceiver.