Frequency-division multiplexing of optical-fibre sensors using a frequency-modulated source

Abstract

Three basic configurations, namely, (i) parallel with a common reference, (ii) parallel with separate references and (iii) series, are studied for a multiplexed system of optical-fibre sensors. With a frequency-modulated laser source, each sensor of a different predetermined path imbalance results in a different beat frequency at the detector and signals are multiplexed in the frequency domain. The cross-term problem arising from undesired interference associated with more than one sensor is described. A series configuration has more cross terms than a parallel configuration if there are four sensors or more and, consequently, suffers more signal power reduction if there are seven sensors or more. Several schemes are presented, which ensures the separation of cross terms from desired signals. In a parallel system with a common reference, signals and cross terms are allocated in the lower and in the higher region, respectively, or to every other line in the frequency domain. In a parallel system with separate references, sensors are made incoherent to each other to produce no cross terms. In a series system, more elaborate schemes are necessary. The estimated maximum number of sensors indicates that a parallel configuration should be used if there are 10 sensors or more to be multiplexed.