High-data-rate error correcting coding
Daniel M. Castagnozzi, Jeffrey C. Livas, Edward A. Bucher, Lori L. Jeromin · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 1994
Applications such as high resolution image transmission and the aggregation of multiple bit streams have increased the interest in very high speed (Gbit/s) data communications for space applications. The ability to perform error correction on a data link can yield significant improvements in channel efficiency and can mitigate the effects of various bit error rate (BER) impairments afflicting many communications systems. A codec integrated circuit (IC) has been constructed which is capable of supporting up to 2 Gbit/s of data throughput. The device has been demonstrated in two optical communications systems, a 1 Gbit/s binary optically preamplified OOK system at 1.5 µm and an 800 Mbit/s FSK MOPA system at 0.98 µm. At a BER of 10-9, this coding provided a 3.7 dB sensitivity improvement for the OOK system, and a 6.2 dB improvement with the FSK system. The measured sensitivity of the coded OOK system was 37 photons/bit, which is better than could be realized with an ideal uncoded system. The viability of applying error correcting coding to higher data rate systems is discussed and a method of utilizing these ICs to provide four Gbit/s operation is shown.