Date of Publication :4th October 2024

Abstract:This paper discusses photonic analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) which can overcome the limitations of traditional electronic ADCs in high-speed, high-resolution applications. As data rates increase in telecommunications, radar systems, and scientific instrumentation, the need for faster ADCs grows. Photonic ADCs leverage unique properties of light to achieve higher sampling rates and bandwidths than electronic systems. Various architectures like time-stretch, photonic time-interleaved, and optical-hybrid ADCs are introduced. We present a comprehensive analysis of the advantages of photonic ADCs, detailing their advantages like multi -gigahertz sampling rates, low jitter, and improved linearity. Challenges including power consumption, integration with CMOS electronics, and cost are also discussed. Experimental demonstrations and performance benchmarks are reviewed and future research directions and potential impact of photonic ADCs on next-gen wireless communications and high-performance instrumentation are also reviewed.

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