PMD-PLL: receiver structure for incoherent communication and ranging systems

This paper proposes a high integrated optoelectronic phase locked loop for the use in optical data transmission as well as in optical ranging systems. The so called PMD-PLL receiver module is based on a novel electro-optical modulator, called the Photonic Mixer Device (PMD). The sensor is a semiconductor device, which combines fast optical sensing and modulation of incoherent light signals in one component part by its unique and powerful principle of operation. Simulations and experimental results have already verified the operation principle of PMD structures, in CMOS-technology so far. But also other technologies may be suitable for the PMD realization.