Method for power saving in an optical communication apparatus and optical communication apparatus for carrying out the method

摘要

An optical communication apparatus having a light receiving element 11 for receiving optical signals including an optical signal calling for communication start and an optical communication circuit 13 which includes an amplifier circuit amplifying the photocurrent generated by the light receiving element 11, performs predetermined processing necessary for the optical communication, and outputs a communication terminating signal upon termination of the optical communication, wherein there is provided a first circuit 15 capable of always supplying a bias voltage to the light receiving element 11, turning off a power source 29 for the optical communication circuit by making use of the communication terminating signal when it is outputted, and turning on the power source by making use of the photocurrent Ip generated by the light receiving element when the light receiving element receives the optical signal calling for communication start, whereby the power saving in the standby state can be made more effective comparing with the prior art apparatus.