Dynamic performance comparison of microwave photonic links using polarization- and bias-dependent modulators for emerging wireless communication systems

An overview of linearization schemes employing phase and Dual parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (DP-MZM) is presented in this paper to understand link’s dynamic performance under certain linearization arrangements. Phase modulator (PM) based Microwave Photonic (MWP) links employs polarizers, whereas the DPMZM operates with bias optimization of sub modulators in conjunction with pi/2 phase shifters. Linearization is achieved by launching appropriate values of polarization angle in former scheme and by bias adjustment of parent and child modulators in latter. Linearization of both the links is compared in terms of Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) which acts as crucial parameter in performance measurement of these links. When compared with respective conventional links, simulation results highlight 7.3 dB and 20.8 dB enhancements in SFDRs for PM and DP-MZM based link, respectively.