Microwave Journal
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The Book End

March 1, 1999

The Book End

Fiber Optics Standard Dictionary,Third Edition

Martin H. Weik
Chapman & Hall
1218 pages; $99.95
ISBN: 0-412-12241-3

In many areas of communications, control, data processing, illumination and sensing, the photon is rapidly replacing the electron. This third edition of the dictionary represents an eight-fold increase in content over the second edition, indicating the tremendous growth this technology has experienced recently. The dictionary covers all aspects of optical systems with particular emphasis placed on fiber-optic technology. Fiber-optic applications detailed not only include local and long-distance communications, but also up-and-coming new areas into which fiber-optic technology is being extended, such as computing, sensing, illumination, control, data processing and storage, telemetering and imaging. However, extensive coverage is devoted to telecommunications applications, including point-to-point communications, radio, radar, spread spectrum, navigation, military, and related systems and components. Additional transmission media, such as microwave, satellite and coaxial cable systems, are included for comparison.

Although particular attention is given to fiber-optic communications systems, other optical systems are also detailed, such as laser beam transmission systems, optical switches, ICs, sensors and control devices, and interfaces with electronic systems. Coverage in all areas bordering  and related to fiber-optic systems and components has been expanded to enable dictionary users to bridge any gap that may exist between optical systems and electronic, acoustic or mechanical systems, particularly in the areas of communications, computers, data processing and control systems hardware, software and firmware.

Although a dictionary of fiber-optic terms may seem somewhat out of place in the hands of an RF/microwave design engineer, the intermingling of the two technologies makes it imperative that electronic engineers have a strong familiarity with fiber-optic techniques and terminology. RF laboratories should keep a copy of the dictionary on hand for reference.

To order this book, contact:
Chapman & Hall,
115 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003
(800) 842-3636.

CDMA RF System Engineering

Samuel C. Yang
Artech House Inc.
280 pages; $77, £57
ISBN: 0-89006-991-3

CDMA technology, as implemented in an IS-95 wideband spread spectrum communications system, provides calling quality that nearly replicates the landline telephone and makes it possible to efficiently and effectively utilize operating network resources. This book provides an in-depth description of the technical features of CDMA and its ability to provide high capacity, cost-effective telecommunications service with limited resources. The text emphasizes both theoretical and application aspects of CDMA as it relates to land-mobile telephone networks.

Chapter 1 begins with a brief introduction to multiple- access technology using direct-sequence spread spectrum techniques. Chapter 2 reviews radio propagation and path loss as well as shadowing and multipath phenomena.

Chapter 3 describes a CDMA network from a communications engineering perspective with a review of digital communications fundamentals -- in particular, those applicable to an IS-95-based system. Chapter 4 presents the theory and fundamentals of spread spectrum communication, while Chapters 5 and 6 describe the channel structure and call-processing functions.

Building on this background, Chapters 7 and 8 cover the design and performance engineering of a CDMA network. Special areas in which RF and system engineers should pay particular attention to reduce in-band noise (thus resulting in system capacity and coverage gains) are described in Chapter 9. The final three chapters contain special topics relating to the operation and management of a CDMA network, including traffic engineering, network management and regulatory compliance issues.

With many of today's emerging digital communications networks utilizing spread spectrum technology, a solid understanding of CDMA technology is a must for telecommunications engineers and interested students. This book presents the topic clearly and succinctly for all levels of understanding.

To order this book, contact:
Artech House Inc.,
685 Canton St.,
Norwood, MA 02062
(781) 769-9750, ext. 4002; or

46 Gillingham St.,
London SW1V 1HH, UK
+44 (0) 171 973 8077.