Optimization of the Components of a Visible Light Communication System for Efficient Data Transfer

For efficient data transfer, it is necessary that every component of a communication system be optimized. The same is the case for Visible Light Communication where the components are optoelectronic devices like the light emitting diodes, photodiodes, solar cells and the necessary transmitting and receiving electronics. In this paper, such a system is studied and optimized for efficient data transfer. The experimental arrangement for this is described in detail and the efficiency of the system in terms of distance, maximum bit rate and bit error rate are studied. The variability analyzed are different types of drivers used to drive the light emitting diode and photo detectors namely photodiode and solar cell. It is found that with this experimental arrangement, a 1W LED can be used to transfer data at a rate of more than 1 Mbps through a distance of 30 cm which, though decreases, maintains more than 0.7 Mbps at 475 cm using a photodiode. The maximum bit rate obtained in photodiode is 15.06 and 22.5 times that of a solar cell at a transceiver distance of 30 cm and 225 cm respectively. The distance of significant reception depends on the type of driver and photo detector used. An experimental arrangement is proposed that reduces flicker, both for low and high data rates. The results of the study can be used in future development of a successful system. The setup is also used for online monitoring of the ambient temperature and data transfer between PC's.