High performance, low-cost PIN, APD receivers in fiber optical networks and FTTx applications

Summary form only given. PIN and APD receivers are key optical components in long-haul, metro and access optical networks. Based on different optical network topologies and applications, PiN or APD receivers are selected based on different requirements and performance matrices. Inherently, PINs are simpler, lower cost compared to APDs, while APDs offer performance enhancement thus lower total systems cost. In this paper, recent advances in detector, receiver research and industry developments are reviewed. Some important design trade-offs of PIN and APD detectors and receivers are also illustrated. Recently, there are many detector and receiver activities in metro and access networks, especially in FTTx applications. Low-cost PIN and APD applications and requirements in FTTx networks are discussed.