Patent ID: 7643752
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for testing a transmitter for an optical fiber communications link, the method comprising a processor executing software instructions to effect the steps of: accessing a stored waveform for the transmitter under test, wherein the stored waveform is based on capture of an optical output generated by the transmitter in response to a data test pattern applied to the transmitter; processing the waveform, to simulate propagation of the waveform through a reference receiver, the reference receiver including an equalizer; and calculating a performance metric for the transmitter based on the propagated waveform, wherein the performance metric is based on comparison to reception of an ideal optical waveform by an ideal optical fiber communications receiver and the performance metric is a difference between (a) SNR for the ideal optical fiber communications receiver and (b) SNR for a test optical fiber communications link comprising the transmitter under test, a reference channel and the reference receiver.