Sistema de comunicación FSO usando paneles solares como fotodetectores para la recepción de SATs / FSO communication system using solar panels as photodetectors for receiving SATs

Abstract

This final work addresses the development of a free-space optical (FSO) communication system, which is designed for the transmission of early warnings using devices such as solar panels and photodetectors. This research project is aimed at analyzing the function of solar panels as optical receivers by assessing their response to modulated light signals and their feasibility within low-speed communication systems. Electronic stages for signal conditioning were designed and carried out, and these include filtering and processing via microcontrollers. The system uses a laser as the transmitter and a solar panel as the receiver, which enables the transmission of signals associated with early warning events. The results show that solar panels can function as photodetectors in FSO systems, although they have limitations when it comes to noise, sensitivity, and bandwidth. Nonetheless, a functional and stable response was achieved by adjusting the system’s logic design. The conclusion is that the use of solar panels in FSO systems represents a feasible, sustainable, and low-cost alternative for early warning applications.