Slot Synchronization in Optical PPM Communications

Maintaining slot clock synchronization in a baseband pulse position modulated (PPM) communication link is vital to its performance. This paper examines the slot clocking design associated with a direct detection, photodetecting optical PPM system. Although theoretical PPM synchronizers for optical links have been derived in the past, there is still interest in finding more practical, simpler, and easier-to-implement clocking subsystems. In this paper several types of practical slot synchronizers are considered. A basic design involving analog correlators and slot gating is presented, along with an indication of its performance. Several alternative designs are also presented, including digital synchronizers in which time samples are used for loop control. The advantage in digital systems is that more extensive processing can be handled in software, allowing the loop to perform closer to the ideal. Design procedures for digital clocking are presented, and optimal laser pulse shaping and filtering are discussed. Performance in terms of loop models and tracking error variance is included.