Free-space optical system development and experimental testing requires a number of systems to be implemented to obtain measurements in the field. This ranges from the mechanical assembly as such, power and control electronics, tracking and alignment system, performance monitoring devices and measurement logging and analysis. Given that most research projects are focused on specific aspects, let that be modulation, free-space channel modulation, tracking algorithms or other, building the complete experimental test setup is a significant challenge.
KORUZA Pro is the latest implementation of the first open-source open-hardware FSO system with auto-tracking, remote monitoring and affordable cost. This enables researchers worldwide to use, modify and test their configurations with minimal time effort and with a greater array of functions then when building a fully custom solution.
To empower a number of research projects we have extended the KORUZA Pro wireless optical system with experimental configurations, test network equipment and documentation. As well, we are available to consult, design and manufacture customized setups per specific requirements.
This experiment is designed to provide a complete solution to study the performance and stability of wireless optical communication in a number of settings. It consists of wireless optical units, networking equipment for testing purposes, online monitoring platform and data-analysis software.
The KORUZA Pro experiment can consist from 1 to 100 interconnected wireless optical links in a single coordinated experimental setup. One can deploy the units on any type of structure and monitor data over a longer period of time for the purposes of testing and scientific study of:
The following parameters can be monitored with the setup in real time:
→ Transmitted optical power (TX power)
→ Transmitter bias current (TX bias)
→ Received optical power (RX power)
→ Transceiver temperature (Temperature)
→ Transceiver supply voltage (VCC)
→ Link packet loss (Packet loss)
→ Link round-trip-time (RTT)
→ Camera capture of the link path
→ Motor position X and Y, translates to angular link pointing
→ System memory
→ System load
→ System processes
→ Alignment algorithm variables
→ Raw accelerometer values acquired for 4 s, fourier analysed for frequency ranges then for every 60 s calculated:
• Variable minimum (typically not displayed)
• Variable maximum
• Variable average
→ Air temperature
→ Humidity
→ Wind direction
→ Wind speed
→ UV irradiance
→ Rain fall
→ Air pollution (PM particles)
→ Radiation
→ Custom sensors can be integrated with the setup upon request
Typical setup of the experiment consists of a number of interconnected nodes, each consisting of one or multiple KORUZA Pro units, test network equipment and sensors. Detailed setup is optimized for each experiment.
Platform Nodewatcher is utilized to join all the measurements in a user-friendly interface, enabling real-time monitoring of the experiment, custom time-range data inspection and export for analysis.
Some sample graphs and information on potential results are available on Github to show what useful information about the operation we may be able to deduce from the experiment.
The experiment is designed such that all significant events are captured and the data volume is minimized. The standard setup consists of a data point for every variable every 60 s.
→ Variable minimum
→ Variable maximum
→ Variable average
→ Variable variance (take square root for std deviation)
→ Nominal value over the 60 s interval reported
→ Nominal value reported
→ Raw accelerometer values acquired for 4 s, fourier analysed for frequency ranges then for every 60 s calculated:
• Variable minimum (typically not displayed)
• Variable maximum
• Variable average
→ Nominal value reported
Detailed analysis of an optical beam in free-space is key to understanding and designing an optimal long-distance communication setup. Beam scanner has been developed to:
An advanced feature allows the use of standard SFP electro-optical transceivers for data communication and thus the impact of placement on the bit error rate and other parameters beyond average received power.
Beam scanner in the default configuration consists of a 3 axis CNC machine for precise translation and a movable optical sensor, typically InGaAs diode (1100 nm-1700 nm) with a digital average power output, however the receiver diode can be replaced based on specific project requirements. The advanced PlanetCNC controller with latest TNG control software enables the user to quickly preview the results, define scanning ranges and create scan outputs in CSV form, suitable for quick or real-time analysis in a range of software packages. Sample outputs demonstrate a number of applications, from an optical beam profile at a specific distance from the lens, a 3D model of the beam divergence in multiple slices as well as automatically finding the most optimal position for receiver.
For everyone interested in experimentation with KORUZA we have launched a week-long scientific workshop, focused on experimental construction, testing and experimenting with this wireless optical system to empower participants for their own research.
Day 1: Engineering overview of FSO system construction and KORUZA Pro system overview. Empowering participants to understand detailed operation of the system from mechanical, electrical and optical perspective.
Day 2: KORUZA Pro guided assembly and calibration, overview of manufacturing processes and review of the open-source. Teaching participants how to replicate, modify and test newly constructed FSO systems.
Day 3: Outdoor experimental link deployment and full experimental setup with additional sensors, design of deployment configurations for participant’s use-cases. Enabling participants to integrate FSO system research and testing in a range of applications.
Day 4: Data collection and processing, real-time and post-experiment detailed analysis methods. Training participants how to most effectively run experiments and rapidly obtain useful results.
Day 5: Tracking algorithm development and free-space optical channel testing. Instructing participants in software development aspects of FSO tracking and designing measurement setups for network testing.
Dates: March 2018
Location: Maribor, Slovenia, Europe
Cost: 1450 EUR FSO link + 550 EUR participation + TAX
The price covers one fully operational KORUZA Bridge 1 Gbps link and participation at the workshop. Accommodation, travel and food expenses are not covered in this price. The minimal number of participants for the workshop is 6.
For information and applications please write to sales@koruza.net.
Designed as a composition of commonly available components, enhanced with 3D printed parts designed in OpenSCAD environment, KORUZA Scientific Kit features a fully modular mechanical design and enables easy modification for a variety of use cases. Pro version differs from version 1.0 in improved stability and reliability. Both versions have automatic alignment and tracking and the interconnection is made with stainless steel rods.
Since it is available as a DIY kit, KORUZA Scientific Kit is very useful for educational purposes as well, which was shown in numerous collaborations with schools and other educational and extracurricular institutions. We offer workshops or leave the assembly completely to the users. The workshops are focused on experimental construction and testing of wireless optical systems to empower participants in their research. With this testbed platform you can effectively create operational links by modifying only the components of your interest.
