Sigma-delta radio over fiber (ΣΔ-RoF) is an expedient technology for next-generation networks including 5G cloud/centralized radio access networks (C-RAN). In this article, we demonstrate a realistic experimental scenario for ΣΔ-RoF link targeting C-RAN fronthaul applications, by using baseband second-order 1-bit sigma-delta modulation (ΣΔ-M). The experimental set-up validates the LTE 20 MHz signals having modulation order of 256-quadrature amplitude modulation for a carrier frequency of 3 GHz, up to 10 km of standard single mode fiber. A detailed analysis of the ΣΔ-RoF system performance is reported by adjacent channel leakage ratio and error vector magnitude. Furthermore, an experimental study is evaluated where ΣΔ-RoF is compared with its counterparts. It is deduced that ΣΔ-RoF corroborates the present range of C-RAN fronthaul networks and can be a promising candidate for future mobile haul applications.

A new SiGe heterojunction bipolar phototransistor (HPT) based on a commercially available process was designed, realized, and experimentally characterized. Its internal characteristics, mainly the collector-to-base capacitance, vary significantly with the received light power, making it suitable as an active element of a light-controlled photo-oscillator. It can also be a key component of optical network-on-chip (ONoC). Its responsivity was improved and its transition frequency remains in the range of 30 GHz.