SELF-ALIGNING ANALOG LASER TRANSMITTER AND APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ALIGNING THE SAME

摘要

Apparatus and a method are provided for aligning an analog laser transmitter. Operational characteristics of the laser are determined. These characteristics are used to derive the power level required of a communication signal to properly modulate the laser for communication across an optical fiber. The magnitude of an input communication signal is then adjusted to the derived level, and maintained at this level for proper modulation. The alignment is performed upon the replacement of laser components in the field. The alignment may also be periodically effected to compensate for normal degradation of laser components over time.