High performance, low cost and low consumption Radio-over-Fiber systems for diversified communications applications

This dissertation aims to analyze the possibility of improving in terms of cost and consumption the future Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) systems in different telecommunications scenarios, such as current and next generation of cellular networks and in other applications such as Radio Astronomy. The RoF system studied is hence composed of a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) operating at 850 nm, standard single mode fiber (SSMF) and SiGe Heterojunction PhotoTransistor (HPT), adopting the technique called Intensity Modulation-Direct Detection which is nowadays the cheapest and simplest architecture for RoF. This dissertation describes in detail the multimode propagation within the SSMF which is present at 850 nm. Through a developed mathematical model, the two-modes propagation is described and the main phenomena involved are analyzed. The model developed is able to identify the main parameters which contribute to enhance the detrimental effects produced by intermodal dispersion and modal noise both in frequency and time domain. Starting from the model, possible techniques to improve the performances are then proposed. In particular, a pre-filtering technique is realized in order to avoid the excitation of the second order mode, allowing a quasi-single-mode propagation within the SSMF. The technique is theoretically and experimentally validated both for single radio frequency sinusoidal transmission and for bandpass signal. Furthermore, the technique is validated in a LTE transmission system, making the RoF technology proposed able to transmit 256-QAM LTE signal of 20 MHz bandwidth, confirming the possibility to decrease the overall cost and consumption of the network. Further work has been done on the mathematical model. In particular the two modes propagation is exploited in order to characterize the chirp parameter of the VCSEL employed. Finally, the problem of coupling between fiber and opto-electronic devices is also discussed and investigated, in order to improve the efficiency while keeping low the costs

Linearity improvement of VCSELs based radio over fiber systems utilizing digital predistortion

The article proposes a Digital Predistortion (DPD) methodology that substantially meliorates the linearity of limited range Mobile Front Haul links for the extant Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and future (5G) networks. Specifically, the DPD is employed to Radio over Fiber links that contrive of Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) working at 850 nm. Both, Memory and Generalized Memory Polynomial models are implied to Single Mode (SM) and Multi-Mode (MM) VCSELs respectively. The effectiveness of the proposed DPD methodology is analyzed in terms of Normalized Mean Square Error, Normalized Magnitude, Normalized phase and Adjacent Channel Power Ratio. The demonstration has been carried out with a complete (Long Term Evolution) LTE frame of 10 ms having 5 MHz bandwidth with 64-QAM modulation configuration. Additionally, the effectuality of the proposed DPD technique is evaluated for varying levels of input power and link lengths. The experimental outcomes signify the novel capability of the implied DPD methodology for different link lengths to achieve higher system linearization

Radio frequency over fiber technology for SKA-low receiver

The signal reception chain is an essential element for achieving the square kilometer array-low (SKA-low) system requirements in terms of high sensitivity and dynamic range. The balance between gain, linearity, and low power consumption, as well as the cost, are fundamental parameters that influence the selection of the most suitable technology for SKA-low. Further factors, such as low self-generated radio frequency (RF) interference, high reliability, robustness under extreme environment, and last but not least, the distance between the antennas and the acquisition systems, have impacts on the selection for both architecture and receiver system design. The selected technology for the SKA-low RF signal transportation is RF-over-fiber systems, where the preamplified RF signal picked up by the antennas is carried via analogue modulation over optical fiber. The rationales behind the selection are reported, along with descriptions on the development of the receiver prototypes. The prototypes were deployed and installed on the demonstrator arrays at the selected SKA-low site in Western Australian. Particular attention has been put on the thermal characterization of the receiver system under the actual operating temperature on site, especially when both transmitting part and the optical medium are subjected to external ambient temperature variations. Performance issues encountered in the demonstrator arrays are also discussed along with some proposals for future activities

Improved Nonlinear Model Implementation for VCSEL Behavioral Modeling in Radio-Over-Fiber links

Open Access provided by `Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna' within the CRUI CARE AgreementInternational audienc

Systèmes radio-sur-fibre bas coût, basse consommation et hautes performances pour des applications de communications diversifiées

This dissertation aims to analyze the possibility of improving in terms of cost and consumption the future Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) systems in different telecommunication scenarios, such as current and next generation of cellular networks and in other applications such as Radio Astronomy. The RoF system studied is hence composed of a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) operating at 850 nm, standard single mode fiber (SSMF) and SiGe Heterojunction Phototransistor (HPT), adopting the technique called Intensity Modulation{Direct Detection which is nowadays the cheapest and simplest architecture for RoF. This dissertation describes in detail the multimode propagation within the SSMF (designed to operate only at 1310 nm and 1550 nm) which is present at 850 nm. Through a developed mathematical model, the two-modes propagation is described and the main phenomena involved are analyzed. In particular, the model focus on intermodal dispersion and modal noise which are considered the two main contributions of performance detrimental. The model developed is able to identify the main parameters which contribute to enhance the detrimental effects produced by intermodal dispersion and modal noise both in frequency and time domain. Starting from the model, possible techniques to improve the performances are then proposed. In particular, a pre-filtering technique is realized in order to avoid the excitation of the second order mode, allowing a quasi-single-modepropagation within the SSMF. The technique is theoretically and experimentally validated either for single radio frequency sinusoidal transmission either for bandpass signal transmission centered in radio frequency band. In particular it is demonstrated experimentally the possibility of increasing the modulationbandwidth of the RoF system, reducing at the same time the fluctuations of power and gain. Furthermore, the technique is validated in a real LTE transmission system, making the RoF technology proposed able to transmit 256-QAM LTE signal of 20 MHz bandwidth, confirming the possibility of using this technology to decrease the overall cost and consumption of the network. Further work hasbeen done on the mathematical model. In particular the two modes propagation is exploited reversely in order to characterize the chirp parameter of the VCSEL employed. Finally, the problem of coupling between fiber and opto-electronic devices is also discussed and investigated, in order to enhance theperformances while keeping low the cost. The possibility of utilizing a collective and passive ploymerbased structure for coupling the optical fiber with small area photodetectors and VCSEL is presented, showing important improvements on coupling efficiency and tolerance to misalignmentCette thèse vise à analyser en détails la possibilité d'améliorer les futurs systèmes Radio-sur-Fibre (RoF) dans différents scénarios de télécommunication, tels que les réseaux cellulaires actuels et de la prochaine génération, ainsi que dans d'autres applications telles que la radioastronomie. Le système RoF étudié est donc composé d’un laser à cavité verticale (VCSEL) fonctionnant à 850 nm, d'une fibre standard monomode (SSMF) et d'un phototransistor à hétérojonction SiGe (HPT), adoptant la technique appelée détection directe par modulation d'intensité qui est aujourd'hui l'architecture à moindre coût et la plus simple pour RoF. Cette thèse décrit en détail la propagation non naturelle dans le SSMF (conçue pour fonctionner uniquement à 1310 nm et 1550 nm) à 850 nm. A travers un modèle mathématique développé, la propagation à deux modes est décrite et les principaux phénomènes impliqués sont analysés. En particulier, le modèle se concentre sur la dispersion intermodale et le bruit modal, considérés comme les deux principales contributions de performance nuisible. Le modèle mis au point permet d'identifier les principaux paramètres qui contribuent à renforcer les effets néfastes de la dispersion intermodale et du bruit modal, à la fois en fréquence et dans le temps. A partir du modèle, des techniques possibles pour améliorer les performances sont alors proposées. En fait, une technique de pré-filtrage est réalisée afin d'éviter l'excitation du mode du second ordre, permettant une propagation quasi-monomode au sein du SSMF. La technique est validée théoriquement et expérimentalement soit pour une transmission sinusoïdale à radiofréquence unique, soit pour une transmission de signal passe-bande centrée sur une bande de radiofréquence. Il est démontré expérimentalement que possibilité d'augmenter la bande passante de modulation du système RoF, tout en réduisant les fluctuations de puissance et de gain. De plus, la technique est validée dans un véritable système de transmission LTE, ce qui permet à la technologie RoF de transmettre un signal LTE 256-QAM de 20 MHz, confirmant la possibilité d'utiliser cette technologie pour réduire le coût global et la consommation du réseau. Des travaux supplémentaires ont été réalisés sur le modèle mathématique. En fait, la propagation des deux modes est exploitée en sens inverse pour caractériser le chirp du VCSEL utilisé. Enfin, le problème du couplage entre les fibres et les dispositifs optoélectroniques est discuté et étudié afin d’améliorer les performances tout en gardant un faible coût. La possibilité d'utiliser une structure collective et passive pour coupler la fibre optique avec des photodétecteurs à petite surface et VCSEL est présentée, montrant des améliorations importantes sur l'efficacité du couplage et la tolérance au désalignemen

Mechanical properties of FRCM using carbon fabrics with different coating treatments

The use of composite materials for repair and retrofit of structures has become a common use among the engineering community. Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) is a composite material specifically designed for masonry and concrete rehabilitation and is becoming a viable alternative to FRP, whenever the project conditions do not allow the use of organic polymer based composites. FRCM is usually constituted by one or multiple plies of dry fabrics (carbon, glass, aramid, basalt or PBO fibers) embedded into an inorganic matrix. If a polymer is used to either cover or bond the fabric strands, such polymer does not fully penetrate and impregnate the fibers as it would for FRP. The purpose of this research work is to study how different types and amounts of organic coatings applied to a carbon fabric could affect the bond behavior between fabric and mortar. The effectiveness of coating treatments was studied by means of direct tensile, pull-off and shear-bond double-lap tests. Experimentation was carried out on different combinations of fabrics and mortars, by varying the levels of pre-impregnation of the fabric during its manufacturing. In addition, the use of a quartz sand layer applied to the fabric after impregnation was investigated. Experimental evidence shows a promising enhancement of the bond between fabric and matrix and, therefore, of the entire system even with the use of low percentages of resin, depending on the type of mortar used

Palazzo Borsari a Finale Emilia: Rilievo e conoscenza per il restauro di un monumento danneggiato dal sisma

Il Palazzo Borsari, ora Palazzo Rossi, situato a Finale Emilia in provincia di Modena, viene edificato intorno alla fine del XVIII secolo. A partire dal 2012 il Palazzo muta il suo valore identitario: da edificio rappresentativo della città, che conserva esternamente il suo aspetto originario, a testimonianza del sisma che colpisce gravemente Finale Emilia. La prima parte di questa Tesi riguarda la conoscenza del manufatto,acquisita a seguito di un lavoro di ricerca archivistica condotto parallelamente ad un rilievo che combina diverse tecnologie. La seconda parte riguarda, invece, la valutazione del rischio sismico,eseguita secondo le direttive delle “Linee Guida per la valutazione e riduzione del rischio sismico del patrimonio culturale – allineamento alle nuove Norme tecniche per le costruzioni” (D.M. 14/01/2008). Il calcolo è stato condotto fino al livello di conoscenza LV1, che consiste nell’analisi qualitativa e nella valutazione con modelli meccanici semplificati. Le prime due parti sono state punto di partenza per il progetto di restauro, sviluppato secondo un duplice aspetto: da un lato il consolidamento e la conservazione del manufatto, dall’altro il reintegro delle lacune secondo una rilettura di ciò che resta e il recupero dell’immagine persa