Coherent optical modules are mainly used in high-capacity, long-distance optical fiber transmission systems, such as backbone networks, data center interconnections, and 5G/6G backhaul. Coherent optical module refers to a typically hot-pluggable coherent optical transceiver that uses coherent modulation (BPSK / QPSK / QAM) rather than amplitude modulation (RZ/ NRZ / PAM4) and is typically used in high-bandwidth data communications applications. Powerful digital signal processing chips (DSPs) are embedded within these systems to mitigate non-linear effects caused by fiber impairments, including chromatic. As a core component in optical communication systems, coherent optical modules are leading the extension of networks from core backbone networks to metro, access, and even edge terminals, by virtue of their superior performance and flexibility. A modulation scheme continuously alters the property or properties of a waveform. In this case, it is light, in order to encode the binary information.
[PDF Version]