System Analysis, Component Selection, and Testing Considerations for 1310 nm Analog Fiber-Optic CATV Applications

This application note will present a detailed analysis of typical 1310 nm, analog, fiber-optic networks used in CATV systems applications. In the analysis, system calculations and data will be presented that demonstrate the effects of device characteristics on system performance. The laser transmitter, fiber, and optical receiver parameters will be discussed. It will be shown how incorrect device parameter specifications can result in signal performance degradation in the distribution network. It will also be shown that careful selection of these components is critical for optimization of CATV fiber-optic network designs. Based upon this analysis, the need for an effective device testing methodology will be presented. A detailed review of the analog testing methodology that optimizes system performance (used in the Optoelectronics Business unit of Agere Systems Inc.) will be included.