Computer-aided performance characterization of free-space optical interconnection networks

A menu-driven free-space optical interconnect simulation program is described which affords prospective users the ability to evaluate and characterize the performance of an interconnect design prior to proceeding with a hardware realization. The simulation consists of discrete device models, whose parameters can be modified at the user´s discretion by selecting the desired model option and editing the appropriate parameter setting. Multiple quantum well laser diode and positive intrinsic negative (PIN) photodiode device models, derived from theoretical prescriptions, are used to simulate the characteristic behavior of the transmit and receive planes. Hardware-dependent error source models have been developed which can be used to observe their associated effects on overall system-level performance. The simulation described here characterizes the performance of a proposed interconnection network in terms of performance metrics which include throughput, signal-to-noise ratio and bit-error rate