Use of system simulation for the insertion of InP HEMT-based OEICs into fiber optic systems

The system performances of backbone and local area networks are strongly related to the optoelectronic transmitter and receiver block design and performances. In the 1.3 and 1.55 /spl mu/m wavelength windows, this leads, in particular, to the insertion of InP optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEICs) into these system blocks. However, the monolithic integration of HEMTs together with photonic devices can suffer from various intrinsic and process dependent misfunctioning (parasitic effects) penalizing the OEIC operation. But the evaluation of circuit performances by means of breadboard equipment is time consuming and cost effective. The emergence of system simulators drastically makes easier this evaluation. In this communication, we report results on the use of an optical system simulator to study the impact of InP HEMT parasitic effects, through the OEIC operation, on system performances and design. We show that this procedure can be extended to various device parameters and system configurations. Finally, the simulation can be seen as an "help-to-decision" to the system and device designers for the insertion of advanced InP technologies.