Low Cost Optical Power Meter and Bandwidth Analyser with Wide Dynamic Range

Abstract

Fiber optic communication is a booming technology in the field of telecommunication due to the advantages over traditional communication systems. It is a timely requirement to produce optical equipment at low cost and reasonable measurement accuracy. This research is about designing of an optical power meter and analyser that can be used in laboratories for educational experimental purposes and for optical signal power measurements to troubleshoot connectivity of optical links. Analyser measures the bandwidth of a modulated optical signal up to 500MHz.Both power meter and analyser can be used for 850nm, 1310nm and 1550nm optical wavelengths. Photodiodes, Logarithmic conversion amplifiers, Trans impedance amplifiers are the main components used in the design. Integrated power meter and analyser, low cost, reasonable measurement accuracy and data logging capability are outstanding features.