A
short course covering the basic concepts of fiber optic communications
and industrial applications, intended as a supplement to other more general
electronics classes. Class length is variable, to meet instructors' time
constraints: five to ten 1-hour periods, plus two 2-hour experimental
sessions.
The course begins
with "The History of Fiber Optics," followed by sections describing
fiber optic communications systems and their individual components. Also
included are a list of additional reading references and a helpful fiber
optic glossary. Experimental sessions involve students in assembling and
testing a fully functional fiber optic digital communication link with
separate transmitter and receiver modules.
Course comes complete
with a classroom manual and kit containing all required electronic components,
including printed wiring boards, fiber optic LED, photodetector and cable.
No prior fiber optics experience or special tools are needed for assembly
and demonstration.
