In this chapter, the principles behind subcarrier multiplexing (SCM), the factors affecting component and system performance and its application potential are discussed. SCM makes efficient use of available bandwidth and, even when techniques to reduce bandwidth in purely digital systems are considered, SCM remains less complex and expensive. The RF/microwave components required are often readily available from other systems (e.g. radio, radar, satellite) again reducing costs. The performance requirements for SCM systems are different to those for typical digital optical communications systems. Generally, these are more stringent regarding noise and nonlinearities, especially for multichannel applications. However, the correct choice of components and system design, perhaps with the use of compensation techniques, does allow these requirements to be met. The compatibility of SCM with many other types of RF/microwave systems and its flexibility makes it useful in a variety of applications, from antenna remoting and CATV to local-area networks. Probably the most significant feature of this flexibility, for the near-term application of SCM techniques, is its ability to allow an evolutionary development of existing networks into broadband-ISDN with low initial installed costs.

Inspec keywords: subcarrier multiplexing; optical communication

Other keywords: subcarrier multiplexing; broadband-ISDN; CATV; local-area networks; digital optical communications systems; multichannel applications; optical communication network; RF/microwave components

Subjects: Multiplexing and switching in optical communication