ECE4043 · Optical communications

Overview

Optical communication systems are the backbone of the internet and the connected services we rely on every day. This family of technologies powers everything from data centres training the latest AI models to the undersea cables that interconnect our planet. This unit divides industry-standard optical systems into their key building blocks and explores how each of these blocks works so that we can maximise their performance. The components introduced as blocks include lasers and lightwave sources, optical modulators, optical fibres, optical amplifiers, filters, multiplexers, photodiodes and optical receivers. Techniques including signal processing, performance measurement and compensation are also introduced. The utility of optical systems over the widely different scales of communication links is explored, with reference to data centres, metropolitan networks and long-haul transcontinental links. This unit culminates in an opportunity to apply this knowledge to analyse and design a long-haul optical communications system typical of an Australian commercial application. This unit forms part of the "Telecommunications infrastructure" minor but can be taken as a stand-alone unit.

Areas of study: Minor: Telecommunications infrastructure

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 40% Final assessment: 60% This unit contains hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Analyse the key components of optical communication systems, including fibre, transceivers and amplifiers to predict optical link performance metrics.
2. Discuss the physical phenomena that determine the performance of optical components, in order to optimise system designs.
3. Use simulation tools (digital twins) to predict the performance of high-bandwidth optical links and identify key design parameters.
4. Appraise state-of-the-art optical technologies for their suitability for incorporation into links for short-, medium- and long-haul applications.
5. Design a long-haul communication link to meet a commercial brief, leveraging signal processing techniques and industry standards.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.