Considerations on the design of conventional receivers for wireless optical channels using a Monte Carlo based ray-tracing algorithm

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the design of a conventional receiver structure that offers improved performance with respect to the main IR channel parameters, such as path loss and rms delay spread. To this end, we use a recently proposed model for the effective signal-collection area of a conventional angle-diversity receiver that is nearer to real behaviour than the ideal model. The inclusion of this model in the Monte Carlo ray-tracing algorithm allows us to study those optical links that are characterized by the use of these receivers and investigate the structure of the conventional receiver that yields improve performance with respect to the IR channel parameters. Based on the obtained results, we propose the use of a conventional receiver composed of seven branches o photodiodes. One oriented towards the ceiling, and six looking at an elevation of 56 degrees with a separation of 60 degrees in azimuth. For each element, a CPC with a FOV=50 degrees must be used. Furthermore, the proposed structure is evaluated in a representative link budget using L-PPM modulation schemes.