Development of the free-space optical communications analysis software

Muthu Jeganathan; G. Stephen Mecherle; James R. Lesh

doi:10.1117/12.308697

27 May 1998 Development of the free-space optical communications analysis software

Muthu Jeganathan, G. Stephen Mecherle, James R. Lesh

Proceedings Volume 3266, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies X; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308697
Event: Optoelectronics and High-Power Lasers and Applications, 1998, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

The Free-space Optical Communication Analysis Software (FOCAS) was developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to provide mission planners, systems engineers and communications engineers with an easy to use tool to analyze direct-detection optical communication links. The FOCAS program, implemented in Microsoft Excel, gives it all the power and flexibility built into the spreadsheet. An easy-to-use interface, developed using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), to the spreadsheet allows easy input of data and parameters. A host of pre- defined components allow an analyst to configure a link without having to know the details of the components. FOCAS replaces the over-a-decade-old FORTRAN program called OPTI widely used previously at JPL. This paper describes the features and capabilities of the Excel-spreadsheet-based FOCAS program.

Citation Download Citation

Muthu Jeganathan, G. Stephen Mecherle, and James R. Lesh "Development of the free-space optical communications analysis software", Proc. SPIE 3266, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies X, (27 May 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308697

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available