Optical Communications

Code:

M.EEC051

Acronym:

COTI

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Telecommunications

Instance: 2024/2025 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	https://moodle2425.up.pt/course/view.php?id=6760
Responsible unit:	Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M.EEC	4	Syllabus	2	-	6	52

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of fibre optic transmission systems by discussing the principles of optoelectronics and fibre optics operation, with a practical approach through laboratory projects.

Learning outcomes and competences

The skills to be acquired by students are:

 

- Understanding the specific characteristics, advantages, and limitations of optical fiber transmission systems.
- Knowledge of light propagation characteristics in optical fibers.
- Knowledge of the physical principles governing the operation of optical sources and detectors.
- Building on basic knowledge of light propagation in optical fibers and optical sources, students will gain deeper insights into the design of point-to-point optical systems.
- Ability to analyze, simulate, and design optical systems.
- The learning outcomes include acquiring the skills needed for designing various elements of a fiber optic communication system.

Working method

Presencial

Program

Introduction to optical fibre systems. Optical fibre, structures and propagation. Transmission characteristics: attenuation and dispersion. Optical fibre materials and fabrication techniques. LEDs and semiconductor lasers. Power coupling into optical fibres. Optical transmitters. Optical detectors PIN and APD. Optical receivers: digital and analogue, high-impedance and transimpedance. Design of point-to-point transmission systems. Introduction to optical amplifiers.

Mandatory literature

Gerd Keiser; Optical fiber communications. ISBN: 0071164685
Govind P. Agrawal; Fiber-optic communication systems. ISBN: 0-471-21571-6

Complementary Bibliography

John M. Senior; Optical fiber communications. ISBN: 0-13-635426-2
John Gowar; Optical communication systems. ISBN: 0-13-638727-6

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical classes will be used for the presentation of program content, while practical classes will focus on the development of laboratory work and simulations. Additionally, guided independent study will be explored through the preparation of a monograph based on topics from the course syllabus, with an oral presentation of the same in theoretical classes, following the flipped classroom model. The practical classes involve conducting experiments with the aim of allowing students to apply theoretical concepts in practice and develop skills in more technological aspects.

Software

OptSim

keywords

Technological sciences > Technology > Communication technology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	40,00
Participação presencial	5,00
Trabalho escrito	25,00
Trabalho laboratorial	20,00
Prova oral	10,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	66,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Trabalho laboratorial	24,00
Trabalho escrito	16,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

The continuous assessment includes the following elements:

• preparation of a monograph on one of the course topics (in groups of 2 students);
• oral presentation of the monograph in theoretical classes;
• completion of practical work and the corresponding report, which will be assessed;
• participation in classes.

To meet the course attendance requirement, students must attend at least 75% of the practical classes, complete the practical work, submit the corresponding reports, and the monograph.

Calculation formula of final grade

The assessment consists of a continuous assessment component and a final exam.

(R) Practical work + reports : 4 points (20%)
(M) Monograph: 5 valores  (25%)
(O) Oral presentation: 2 points (10%)
(P) Class participation: 1 point (5%):
(E) Final exam: 10 points (40%)

The practical work and monograph are carried out in groups of 2 students.

Final grade (FG):

FG =0.20*R+0.05*P+0.25*M+0.1*O+0.4*E

To pass the course, students must achieve a final grade of 10 points or higher.
A minimum score of 7 out of 20 is required in the continuous assessment.
A minimum score of 7 out of 20 is required in the final exam.

Examinations or Special Assignments

The topics to be addressed in the monograph are an integral part of the course syllabus and aim to complement the theoretical classes through oral presentations by the students, fostering discussion and guided independent study. If requested by the students, the option to choose a topic outside the syllabus may be considered, provided it is previously approved by the course coordinator.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Students with special status are exempt from completing the monograph and oral presentation, but they are not exempt from the laboratory component. Access to the laboratory for completing practical work will be facilitated. In this case, the final grade is based on the final exam (60%) and practical work reports (40%).

Classification improvement

• Written exam


• Practical exam for improvement of distributed component associated with the lab work.