Patent ID: 7269347
Filing Date: 2007-09-11
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
1. A method of adjusting a decision threshold in an optical receiver having a photodetector converting an optical signal received from an optical network to an electrical input data signal and a comparator comparing the electrical input data signal to a decision threshold to provide a binary output data signal, the method comprising: detecting a peak value of an optical signal received from an optical network with a peak detector operatively connected to a photodetector; outputting a decision threshold to a comparator that is a commanded percentage of the peak value, wherein the outputting step is performed by an EEPOT operatively connected to said peak detector, a controller, and said comparator; commanding said EEPOT with a percentage value to tune the decision threshold and switch the decision threshold to a predetermined reference value, wherein said commanding step is performed by said controller; maintaining the decision threshold to be a fraction of the power of the optical signal, wherein the maintaining step is performed by said controller, and said controller is operatively connected to said comparator; and switching the decision threshold from a current value to the predetermined reference value when the optical signal experiences an alarm condition; and tuning the decision threshold with the controller according to an optimization control loop when the optical signal is in a substantially steady state condition.