List of Experiments:

1. Demonstration and study of different types of Optical Fibers and connectors.

2. To establish and Study of a 650nm fiber optic analog link.
3. To establish and Study of a 650nm fiber optic digital link.
4. Study of Intensity Modulation Technique using Analog input signal. To obtain intensity
modulation of the analog signal, transmit it over a fiber optic cable and demodulate the
same at the receiver and to get back the original signal.
5. Study of Intensity Modulation Technique using digital Input signal. The objective of
this experiment is to obtain intensity modulation of digital signal, transmit it over fiber
optic cable and demodulate the same at the receiver end to get back the original signal.
6. To measure propagation or attenuation loss in optical fiber.
7. To measure propagation loss in optical fiber using optical power meter.
8. To measurement of the Numerical Aperture (NA) of the fiber.

Experiment No. 1
Objective:
Demonstration and study of different types of Optical Fibers and connectors.
Apparatus Required:
Demonstration Kit of Optical Fibers and connectors.
Theory:
For much of modern telecommunication, the path over which the signals travel is optical fiber. Optical
fiber for most purposes is made of a very special kind of glass that is drawn into a very thin, long fiber.
In some ways, this is similar to the fiberglass that is used for insulation in homes. Unlike fiber glass,
however, optical fiber is made of a much different kind of glass and comes in lengths that may be
many kilometers long. Standard optical fiber is shaped like a very long thin cylinder. In the center of
the cylinder there is a core, and surrounding the core is a layer called the cladding. Both core and
cladding are glass they are slightly different types, however. A cross section of the fiber is shown in
Figure 1.1.

Fig.1.1. Cross-sectional views of an optical fiber.

Single mode optical fiber:

In fiber-optic communication, a single-mode optical fiber (SMF)

(mono mode optical fiber, single-mode optical waveguide, or uni mode fiber) is an optical
fibre designed to carry only a single ray of light (mode). These modes define the way the wave travels
through space, i.e. how the wave is distributed in space. Waves can have the same mode but have
different frequencies. This is the case in single-mode fibers, where we can have waves with different
frequencies, but of the same mode, which means that they are distributed in space in the same way, and
that gives us a single ray of light. Although the ray travels parallel to the length of the fiber, it is often
called transverse mode since its electromagnetic vibrations occur perpendicular (transverse) to the
length of the fibre. A typical single mode optical fiber has a core diameter between 8 and 10.5 m and
a cladding diameter of 125 m.

Multi-mode optical fiber: Multimode fiber optic cable has a large diametrical core that allows
multiple modes of light to propagate. Because of this, the number of light reflections created as the
light passes through the core increases, creating the ability for more data to pass through at a given
time. Because of the high dispersion and attenuation rate with this type of fiber, the quality of the

signal is reduced over long distances. This application is typically used for short distance, data and
audio/video applications in LANs. RF broadband signals, such as what cable companies commonly
use, cannot be transmitted over multimode fiber. Multimode fiber is usually 50/125 and 62.5/125 in
construction. This means that the core to cladding diameter ratio is 50 microns to 125 microns and
62.5 microns to 125 microns.
Multi-mode optical fiber can be built with either graded index or step indexStep-Index Multimode Fiber: Due to its large core, some of the light rays that make up the digital pulse
may travel a direct route, whereas others zigzag as they bounce off the cladding. These alternate paths
cause the different groups of light rays, referred to as modes, to arrive separately at the receiving point.
The pulse, an aggregate of different modes, begins to spread out, losing its well-defined shape. The
need to leave spacing between pulses to prevent overlapping limits the amount of information that can
be sent. This type of fiber is best suited for transmission over short distances.
Graded-Index Multimode Fiber: Contains a core in which the refractive index diminishes gradually
from the center axis out toward the cladding. The higher refractive index at the center makes the light
rays moving down the axis advance more slowly than those near the cladding. Due to the graded index,
light in the core curves helically rather than zigzag off the cladding, reducing its travel distance. The
shortened path and the higher speed allow light at the periphery to arrive at a receiver at about the
same time as the slow but straight rays in the core axis. The result: digital pulse suffers less dispersion.
This type of fiber is best suited for local-area networks.

Fi.g.1.2 Propagation of light through different types of optical fibers.

Various optical fibers

Fig.1.3. Demonstration of different types of glass fibers and plastic fibers.

Various fiber optical connectors and adaptors

Fig.1.3. Demonstration of different types of fiber connectors and adaptors.

Result:
Various optical fibers and fiber optic connectors and adaptors have been studied through the
demonstration kit.

Experiment No. 2
Objective:
The Study of a 650nm fiber optic analog link.
Apparatus required:
1. ST2502 trainer with power supply cords
2. Optical Fiber cable.
3. Cathode ray oscilloscope with necessary connecting probe.
Theory:
Fiber optic links can be used for transmission of digital as well as analog signals. Basically a fiber
optic link contains three main elements : a transmitter, an optical fiber and a receiver. The transmitter
module takes the input signal in electrical form and then transforms it into optical energy containing
the same information.
The optical fiber is the medium which takes the energy to the receiver.
At the receiver, light is converted back into electrical form with the same pattern as fed to the
transmitter.
Transmitter:
Fiber optic transmitters are composed of a buffer, driver and optical source. The buffer provides both
an electrical connection and isolation between the transmitter and the electrical system the data. The
driver provides electrical power to the optical source. Finally, the optical source converts the electrical
current to the light energy with the same pattern. The optical source used is LED. Simple LED circuit
for analog transmission is shown below.

Fig.2.1 Transconductance drive circuit for analog transmission-common

emitter configuration

The transmitter section comprises of Function Generator which generates input signals that are going
to be used as information to transmit through optical fiber.
The Fiber Optic Link:
Emitter and Detector circuit on board form the fiber optic link. This section provides the light source
for the optic fiber and the light detector at the far end of the fiber optic links. The optic fiber plugs into
the connectors provided in this part of the board. Two separate links are provided.
The Receiver:
The AC amplifier circuit forms receiver on the board.

Block Diagram:

Fig.2.2 Analog Fiber Optic Link

Procedure:
1. Connect the power supply to the board.
2. Ensure that all switched faults are off.
3. Make the following connections.
Connect the Function generator 1KHz sine wave output to emitters input.
Connect the Fiber optic cable between emitter output and detectors input.
Detectors output to AC amplifier input.
4. On the board, switch emitters driver to analog mode.
5. Switch ON the power.
6. Observe the input to emitter with the output from AC amplifier and note that the two signals
are same.

Fig.2.3 Connections on Trainer Kit

Observations:
Input voltage = 1.2V
Detector output = 0 .1V
Amplifier output = 1.4V

Result:
The 650nm fiber optic Analog link has been established.

Experiment No. 3
Objective:
Study of a 650nm fiber optic digital link.
Apparatus required:
1. ST2502 trainer with power supply cords
2. Optical Fiber cable.
3. Cathode ray oscilloscope with necessary connecting probe.

Theory:
Fiber optic links can be used for transmission of digital as well as analog signals. Basically a fiber
optic link contains three main elements : a transmitter, an optical fiber and a receiver. The transmitter
module takes the input signal in electrical form and then transforms it into optical energy containing
the same information.The optical fiber is the medium which takes the energy to the receiver.At the
receiver, light is converted back into electrical form with the same pattern as fed to the transmitter.
Transmitter:
Fiber optic transmitters are composed of a buffer, driver and optical source. The buffer provides both
an electrical connection and isolation between the transmitter and the electrical system the data. The
driver provides electrical power to the optical source. Finally, the optical source converts the electrical
current to the light energy with the same pattern. The optical source used is LED. The simple driver
circuit is shown below.

Fig.3.1 A simple drive circuit for binary digital transmission consisting a

common emitter saturating switch.

The transmitter section comprises of Function Generator which generates input signals that are going
to be used as information to transmit through optical fiber.
The Fiber Optic Link:
Emitter and Detector circuit on board form the fiber optic link. This section provides the light source
for the optic fiber and the light detector at the far end of the fiber optic links. The optic fiber plugs into
the connectors provided in this part of the board. Two separate links are provided.
The Receiver:
The comparator circuit and AC amplifier circuit form receiver on the board.

Block Diagram:

Fig.3.2 Digital Fiber Optic Link

Procedure:
1. Connect the power supply to the board.
2.Ensure that all switched faults are off.
3. Make the following connections.

Connect the Function generator 1KHz square wave output to emitters input.
Connect the Fiber optic cable between emitter output and detectors input.
Detectors output to comparators input.
Comparators output to AC amplifiers input.

4. On the board, switch emitters driver to digital mode.

5. Switch ON the power.
6. Monitor both the inputs to comparator . Slowly adjust the comparators bias preset, until DC
level on the input lies midway between the high and low level of the signal on the positive input.

7. Observe the input to emitter with the output from AC amplifier and note that the two signals
are same.

Fig.3.3 Connections on Trainer Kit

Observations:
Input Voltage = 0.16V
Comparator output = 0.05V
Amplifier output = 1V

Result:
The 650nm fiber optic Digital link has been established.

Experiment No. 4
Objective:
Study of Intensity Modulation Technique using Analog input signal. To obtain intensity modulation of
the analog signal, transmit it over a fiber optic cable and demodulate the same at the receiver and to get
back the original signal.

Apparatus Required:
1. ST2502 trainer with power supply cord
2. Optical Fiber cable
3. Cathode ray oscilloscope with necessary connecting probe

Theory:
Modulation:
In order to transmit information via an optical fiber communication system it is necessary to modulate
a property of light with the information signal. This property may be intensity, frequency, phase with
either analog or digital signals. The choices are indicated by the characteristics of optical fiber, the
available optical sources and detectors, and the considerations of the overall system.
Intensity Modulation:
In this system the information signal is used to control the intensity of the source. At the far end, the
variation in the amplitude of the received signal is used to recover the original information signal.

Fig. 4.1 block diagram of intensity modulated system.

The audio input signal is used to control the current through an LED which in turn controls the light
output. The light is conveyed to the detector I circuit by optic fiber. The detector is a photo transistor
which converts the incoming light to a small current which flows through a series resistor. This gives
rise to a voltage whose amplitude is controlled by the received light intensity. The voltage is now
amplified within the detector circuit and if necessary, amplified further by the amplified circuit.

The Analog Bias Voltage:

There are two problems using amplitude modulation
with an analog signal. The first is to do with the signal
itself. If you glance at the figure you will see that analog
waveform moves positive and negative of the zero line.
The second problem is that the shape of the waveform
which carries the information. Ideally the emitter
characteristics would be a straight line. Even so, we
would lose the negative going half cycles as shown.
The answer is to superimpose the sinusoidal signal on
positive voltage called the bias voltage so that both halves
of the incoming signal have an effect on the light
intensity. The combination of the linear characteristics
would be ideal but the real characteristics is not
completely straight. However, it does have a straight
section that we can use if we employ a suitable value of
bias voltage. FIG shows ideal and practical situations.

FIG 4.2. Analog

Signal

FIG 4.3. Negative half of the cycle is lost

FIG 4.4 Emitter characteristics : Ideal and

Real

Connection Diagram:

Fig. 4.5 Connection Diagram

Procedure:
1. Connect the power supply cord to the main power plug & to trainer ST2502.
2. Make the following connections as shown in FIG. 5
a. Connect the FG output marked 1 KHz sine wave to input if emitter 1.
b. Plug in a fiber optic link from output of emitter 1 LED to the photo transistor of the
detector 1.
c. Detector 1 output TP 10 to input of Amplifier TP 27.
3. In the emitter 1 block switch the mode select to analog.
4. Turn the 1 KHz preset in function generator block to fully clockwise (maximum amplitude)

5.
6.

7.

8.

position.
Switch on the Power Supply of the trainer and oscilloscope.
With the help of dual trace oscilloscope observe the input signal at emitter 1 TP 5 also; observe the
output from the detector 1. It should carry a smaller version of the original 1 KHz sine wave,
illustrating that the modulated light beam has been reconverted back into an electrical signal.
The output from detector 1 is further amplified by AC amplifier 1. This amplifier increases the
amplitude of the received signal, and also removes the DC component, which is present at detector
output. Monitor the output of amplifier 1 TP28 and adjust the gain adjust 1 preset until the
monitored signal has same amplitude as that applied to emitter 1 Input TP 5 .
While monitoring the output of Amplifier 1 TP 28 change the amplitude of modulating sine wave
by varying the 1 KHz preset in the function generator block. Note that as expected, the amplitude
of the receiver output signal changes.

Observations:
Frequency=1 KHz
S.No.
1
2
3
4

Input Voltage(V)
0.10
0.20
0.24
0.44

FIG 4.6. Input V=0.10V

Output Voltage(V)
0.08
0.12
0.18
0.24

FIG 4.7. Output

V=0.08V

Result:
The Intensity Modulation and Demodulation of the Analog signal has been implemented.

Experiment 5
Objective:
Study of Intensity Modulation Technique using digital Input signal. The objective of this
experiment is to obtain intensity modulation of digital signal, transmit it over fiber optic cable and
demodulate the same at the receiver end to get back the original signal.
Apparatus Required:
1. ST2502 trainer with power supply cord
2. Optical Fiber cable
3. Cathode ray oscilloscope with necessary connecting probe

Connection Diagram:

Fig. 5.1 Connection Diagram

Digital signal
Generator

Photo
Transistor

LED Driver

Amplifier

Oscilloscope

Fig. 5.2. Block Diagram

Theory:
With intensity modulation, discrete changes in light intensity are obtained(i.e. ON-OFF pulses) figure
below shows a block schematic of a typical digital optical fiber link
Initially, input digital signal from information source is suitably encoded for optical transmission. The
LED drive circuit directly modulates the intensity of the light with encoded digital signal. Hence, a
digital optical signal is launched into the optical fiber cable. The photo transistor used as detector is
followed by an amplifier to provide gain. Finally the signal obtained is decoded to give the original
digital information.

Digital Bias Voltage:

Incase of a digital signal the only information which needs to be conveyed is the ON state and OFF
state. So there is no negative part of the signal to be lost and furthermore any distortion due to non
linearity of the characteristic is of no importance all we need to know is whether the signal is ON or
OFF. There is no need therefore to generate a bias voltage. When Amplitude Modulation is used with
digital input we employ a comparator at the receiving end of the fiber to make the waveform square
again called cleaning it up
Procedure:
1. Connect the power supply cord to the main power plug & to trainer ST2502.
2.

Make

the

following

connections

as

shown

in

figure

4.1.

a. Connect the 1 KHz square wave socket in function generator block to emitter 1 input.
b. Connect an optic fiber link between emitter 1 output & Detector 1 input with the help
of connector provided.
c. Detector output to comparator l's non-inverting (+ve) input

3. Switch the mode switch in emitter block to digital mode. This ensures that signal applied to
the driver's input cause the emitter LED to switch quickly between On & Off states.
4. Examine the Input to emitter 1 TP 5 on an oscilloscope this 1 KHz square wave is now
being used to amplitude modulate emitter I emitter LED.
5. Examine the output of detector 1 TP 10. This should carry a smaller version of original I
KHz square wave illustrating that the modulated light beam has been reconverted into an
electrical signal.
6. Monitor both input to comparator 1, at TP 13 & 14 and slowly adjust the "Comparator bias
1 preset until the DC Level on the negative input TP 13 lies midway between the high & low
level of the signal on the positive input TP. 14. This DC level is comparator's threshold level.
7. Examine the output of comparator 1 TP15 Note that the original digital modulating signal
has been reconstructed at the receiver.
8. Once again carefully flex the fiber optic cable we can see that there is no change in output
on bending the fiber. The output amplitude is now independent of the bend radius of the cable
and that of length of cable, provided that detector output signal is large enough to cross the
comparator threshold level. This illustrates one of the advantages of amplitude modulation of
a light beam by digital rather than analog means. Also, non-linear ties within the emitter LED
& photo transistor causing distortion of the signal at the receiver output are the disadvantages
associated with amplitude modulating a light source by analog means. Linearity is not a
problem if the light beam is switched On & Off with a digital signal, since the detector
output is simply squared up by a comparator circuit. To overcome problems associated with
amplitude modulation of a light beam by analog means, analog signals are often used to vary
or modulate some characteristic of a digital signal (e.g. frequency or pulse width.). The
digital signal being used to switch the light beam On & Off.

Observations:
Digital Input Voltage

5V

Comparator Output

4V

DC bias Voltage

0.18V

output of Amplifier

5V

Results:
Intensity Modulation has been performed and its uses over analog intensity modulation have
been verified.

Experiment 6
Objective: To measure propagation or attenuation loss in optical fiber.
Apparatus Required:
1. ST2502 trainer with power supply cord.
2. Optical Fiber cable
3. Cathode ray oscilloscope with necessary connecting probe
Connection Diagram:

Fig.6.1 Connection diagrams on ST502 kit

Procedure:
1. Connect power supply cord to the main power plug & to trainer ST2502.
2. Make the following connections as shown in figure 7.1.
a. Function generators 1 KHz sine wave output to Input 1 socket of emitter 1
circuit via 4 mm lead.
b. Connect 0.5 m optic fiber between emitter 1 output and detector l's input.
c. Connect detector 1 output to amplifier 1 input socket via 4mm lead.
3. Switch ON the Power Supply of the trainer and oscilloscope.

4. Set the Oscilloscope channel 1 to 0.5 V / Div and adjust 4 - 6 div amplitude by using
X 1 probe with the help of variable pot in function generator block at input 1 of
Emitter 1.
5. Observe the output signal from detector TP10 on CRO.
6. Adjust the amplitude of the received signal same as that of transmitted one with the
help of gain adjust potentiometer in AC amplifier block. Note this amplitude and
name it V1.
7. Now replace the previous FG cable with 1 m cable without disturbing any previous
setting.
8. Measure the amplitude at the receiver side again at output of amplifier 1 socket TP 28.
Note this value end name it V2.

Observations:
1. Using output of cables of different diameters:
O/P of .5m cable-.56V
O/P of 1m cable-.52V
Attenuation=20log56/52=.64dB
2. Using formula = -1/(L1+L2)ln(V1/V2)=.429dB/m

3. Using OPM, Pn=-31.3dBm, Pf=-31.4dBm

= .1dB

Calculations:
Calculate the propagation (attenuation) loss with the help of following formula.
V1 / V2 = e- (L1 + L2)
Where is loss in nepers / meter
1 neper = 8. 686 dB
L 1 = length of shorter cable (0.5 m)
L 2 = Length of longer cable (1 m)

Precautions:
a. The optical fiber must not be bent, so as to avoid bending losses.
b. The circuit must be neat and secure.

Experiment 7
Objective: To measure propagation loss in optical fiber using optical power meter.
Apparatus Required:
1.
2.
3.
4.

ST2502 trainer with power supply cord

Optical fiber cable
Cathode ray oscilloscope with necessary connecting probe
Power Meter ST2551 with power supply cord

Connection Diagram:

Fig. 7.1 Connection diagram on ST502 kit.

Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Connect the Power supply cord to mains supply and to the trainer ST2501.
Keep the mode switch in emitter 1 circuit in analog mode
Connect the 0.5m fiber cable in between the emitter LED & I/P of power meter.
Switch on the instrument fiber optic trainer & power meter (Keep the wavelength
switch in 660 nm, position). Note the reading in power meter.
5. Replace the 0.5m fiber cable with the 1m cables without disturbing any setting.
6. Again note the reading in power. This reading will be lesser then the previous one,
indicating that the propagation loss increases with increase in length.
7. Perform the same experiment with emitter 2.

Observations:
Using OPM, Pn=-31.3dBm, Pf=-31.4dBm
= .1dB

Precautions:
a. The optical fiber must not be bent, so as to avoid bending losses.
b. The circuit must be neat and secure.

Experiment 8
Objective: To measurement of the Numerical Aperture (NA) of the fiber.
Apparatus Required:
1. ST2502 trainer with power supply cord
2. Optical Fiber cable.
3. Numerical Aperture measurement Jig/Paper & Scale.

Fig.8.1 Connection diagram on ST502

Teory:
The numerical aperture refers to maximum angle at which the incident on fiber end is totally
internally reflected and is transmitted along the fiber. The cone formed by rotation of this angle along

the axis of the fiber is the cone of acceptance of fiber. if light ray should strike the fiber end within
this cone of acceptance it will be transmitted properly else it is refracted out of fiber.
NA=

Procedure:
1. Connect the Power supply cord to mains supply and to the trainer ST2502.
2. Connect the frequency generator's 1 KHz sine wave output to input of emitter 1 circuit. Adjust its
amplitude at 5Vpp.
3. Connect one end of fiber cable to the output socket of emitter 1 circuit and the other end to the
numerical aperture measurement jig. Hold the white screen facing the fiber such that its cut face is
perpendicular to the axis of the fiber.
4. Hold fiber vertically at a suitable distance to make the red spot .
5. Record the distance of screen from the fiber end L and note the diameter W of the spot.
Compute the numerical aperture from the formula given belowNA= (W/2) / (W/2)^2+L^2

Result : The N.A. of fiber measured is 0.34 using trigonometric formula.

1. Dispersion is maximum at (FOR SMF)

a) 1310 nm
b) 1550nm
c)1330nm
d) none of the
above
2. If zero DC bias is provided to the input of comparator circuit, (in case of digital optical fiber link).
the output of the CRO will be
a)'1'
b) '0'
c) circuit will not work properly
d) output will be
same as the input.
3. The full form of PMMA is
........................................................................................................................
4. The full form of 'FC' connector stands for
.................................................................................................
5. A light ray is moving from denser to rarer medium, it will bend away from the normal.
T/F