Performance evaluation of L-pulse-position modulation on non-directed indoor infrared channels

We examine the performance of high-speed non-directed infrared links using L-pulse-position modulation (L-PPM). When used with intensity modulation and direct detection, L-PPM leads to high average-power efficiency, because of its high peak-to-average power ratio. We derive an expression for the BER of an L-PPM link on an ISI channel. Using the measured characteristics of multipath indoor infrared channels, we calculate BER curves and ISI power penalties for 2-, 4-, 8- and 16-PPM links operating at 10 and 30 Mb/s. Our results indicate that L-PPM is a very promising modulation technique for high-speed non-directed infrared communication