Abstract: An isochronous output data stream format which is time multiplexed and has a fixed time period where input isochronous data streams are multiplexed into the output isochronous data stream and the output data stream is the same data rate as the fastest input isochronous data stream. One or more of the input data streams contain a code which has been run length limited and/or has a zero running digital sum with banded disparity. In another embodiment, an isochronous output data stream format which is time multiplexed and has a fixed time period where input isochronous data streams are multiplexed into the output isochronous data stream and the output data stream is the sum of the maximum input isochronous data streams. One or more of the data streams contain a code which has been run length limited and/or has a zero running digital sum with banded disparity.

Abstract: An optical amplitude demodulator for demodulating signals received from a fiber optic link. The demodulator comprises a plurality of optical sensors for detecting optical output from the fiber optic link, whereby each of the optical sensors has a different detection threshold. Generally, the plurality of optical sensors produce a plurality of digital outputs corresponding to the optical output level detected. A priority encoder encodes the digital outputs into a multi-bit digital signal. Additionally, each of the plurality of optical sensors has an associated optical filter, whereby each of the filters has a different level of opaqueness. Each filter filters received optical output prior to detection by the associated optical sensor.

Abstract: An isochronous output data stream format in which a single n bit word is transmitted as m multiple synchronous data streams where the length of the word transmitted in each data stream is n/m, the output data stream containing multiple isochronous different data rate data streams and one or more asynchronous data stream or streams. One bit from each of the m multiple synchronous data streams are combined and transmitted as a single signal at one of 2m analog levels. Data which is it desired to have a lower error rate than other data is transmitted in the synchronous data stream corresponding to the most significant bit associated with the 2m analog levels. Calibration data is transmitted in the synchronous data stream corresponding to the most significant bit associated with the 2m analog levels, the calibration data also being transmitted distributed over each of the m synchronous data streams.

Abstract: An optical amplitude demodulator for demodulating signals received from a fiber optic link. The demodulator comprises a plurality of optical sensors for detecting optical output from the fiber optic link, whereby each of the optical sensors has a different detection threshold. Generally, the plurality of optical sensors produce a plurality of digital outputs corresponding to the optical output level detected. A priority encoder encodes the digital outputs into a multi-bit digital signal. Additionally, each of the plurality of optical sensors has an associated optical filter, whereby each of the filters has a different level of opaqueness. Each filter filters received optical output prior to detection by the associated optical sensor.

Abstract: An optical amplitude modulator for modulating signals for transmission by a fibre optic link. The modulator comprises of a plurality of optical transmitters, whereby each transmitter is driven by an electronic circuit. Generally, each optical transmitter provides a light output, and the light outputs of the plurality of optical transmitters are combined optically for transmission as an optical output signal. Additionally, each of the plurality of optical transmitters has an associated optical filter, whereby each filter has a different level of opaqueness. Each filter, filters light output from the associated optical transmitter.

Abstract: An optical amplitude modulator for modulating signals for transmission by a fiber optic link. The modulator comprises of a plurality of optical transmitters, whereby each transmitter is driven by an electronic circuit. Generally, each optical transmitter provides a light output, and the light outputs of the plurality of optical transmitters are combined optically for transmission as an optical output signal. Additionally, each of the plurality of optical transmitters has an associated optical filter, whereby each filter has a different level of opaqueness. Each filter, filters light output from the associated optical transmitter.