PC to PC Data Communication Using Laser Transceiver
Project Description
In this project, the possibilities of using Laser Beams for PC to PC Data communication is going to be explored. To implement the idea a working prototype of a system will be designed using low cost laser LEDs available in the local electronic Market. By using the proposed system, we can establish data communication between two PCs in some industrial applications where conventional wireless and wired network technologies can not be used due to technical or legal reasons.
Setting up the Proposed Laser based Transciever System
The following Diagram explains the proposed communication scenario.
The Communication Setup
The following Diagram explains the communication setup in which two computers were connected using laser.
PC to PC Communication : Connected in a Desktop PC
PC to PC Communication : Connected in a Laptop PC
The RS232 Communication Interface
The following software interface was designed with visual C++ for RS232 communication.
The RS232 Communication Interface in Action
The following screen shows a typical RS232 communication session.
The Modules of the System
The Hardware Parts of Laser Transceiver
The software Interface of Laser Transceiver
The File Transfer/ Data transfer Application
The implementation will be made using Microsoft Visual C++ or Visual Basic.
Laser, acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Lasers are devices that amplify light and produce coherent light beams, ranging from infrared to ultraviolet. A light beam is coherent when its waves, or photons, propagate in step with one another. Laser light, therefore, can be made extremely intense, highly directional, and very pure in color (frequency). Laser devices now extend into the X-ray frequency range. Masers are similar devices for microwaves (see Maser).
Laser based projects used to be expensive, until the development of solid state lasers. This project is designed for the entry level laser experimenter. The circuit allows any two computers with serial (RS-232) communication capability to communicate over 200 meters using a laser beam. A low cost transmitter only circuit is also presented here for use in two way communication.
The laser source for this project is an inexpensive laser pointer pen. As well as being readily available, the circuit is designed in such a way so that the laser pointer is not damaged, and can be used for other experiments. Because this is an entry level circuit, costs have been kept to a minimum around few hundred rupees for the transceiver and the transmitter (the laser pointer is taken from the cheep pointing device readily available in local shops).
A laser as a communications medium has some unique properties compared to other forms of media. A line-of-sight laser beam is useful where wires cannot be physically connected to a remote location. A laser beam, unlike wires, also does not require special shielding over longer distances. Lasers offer at least an order of magnitude longer distances compared to infrared LEDs. Although RF transmitters may offer longer distances than line-of-sight lasers, they are subject to interference from other transmitters. Since the laser medium is line-of-sight and the beam being only several millimeters in diameter it is very difficult for the data stream to be tapped. This offers secure communication since any attempts to intercept the laser beam would be detected at the receiver as a loss in data. A laser medium also allows for the sender and receiver to be galvanically isolated from each other.
The Fully Assembles Laser Transceiver on Lab Table
The following picture shows the fully assembled transceiver circuit. In the bottom –right, there is a laser LED. In the right –top, there is a photo diode. In the left side, there is a wires for 9v power and RS232 connectivity.
Initial Testing of Laser Transceivers at Short Distance
The following picture shows two fully assembled transceiver circuits which were connected with two computers.
The proposed laser communication system was successfully constructed and two computers were connected using the laser transceiver. A R232 communication software was successfully developed using Microsoft Visual C++ under Windows 98 Operating system.
Two computers in the lab were connected using the proposed laser transceiver system and the communication was established using the developed RS232 communication software.
The system will be applicable where the RF communication or structural wiring for communication is not possible.