A SiPM-Based VLC Receiver for Gigabit Communication Using OOK Modulation

Abstract

The growing demand for wireless communications services means that RF systems are increasingly unable to support user’s requirement. Consequently, there is a growing interest in using visible light communication (VLC), including interest in sensitive VLC receivers. Since they have the potential to detect single photons, silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) could potentially be used to create the most sensitive possible VLC receivers. In this paper, results of experiments to determine the optimum bias voltage and dynamic range of an off-the-shelf SiPM are reported. Results are then presented which show that in 500 lux of ambient light this receiver supports data rates of more than 2 Gbps with a bit-error-rate (BER) of 10−3.