ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book covers a particularly wide scope of the theoretical and application-related aspects of visible light communications (VLC) technology and addresses the different fundamental and practical considerations of these systems in different application scenarios. It describes the challenges associated with the design of efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) drivers for future VLC systems. The book also introduces different sources of impairment arising from beam propagation or nonideal optoelectronic devices. It addresses the channel modeling for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) VLC systems. The book discusses baseband modulations including pulse-amplitude modulation, pulse-position modulations, pulse interval modulations, differential amplitude pulse-position modulation, variable pulse position modulation, and compare them in terms of power and bandwidth efficiencies, and peak-to-average power ratio. It also presents a VLC-ultrasound hybrid solution and other specific applications for safety and emergency management tools.
