  This article describes the implementation of a prototype visible light
communications system based on the IEEE 802.15.7 standard using low-cost
commercial off-the-shelf analog devices. The aim of this article is to show
that this standard provides a framework that could promote the introduction of
applications into the market. Thus, these specifications could be further
developed, reducing the gap between the industry and research communities. The
implemented prototype makes use of software defined radio platforms to
interface between the analog devices and the computer where the signal
processing is performed. The use of this concept provides the system with
enough flexibility and modularity to include new features in the prototype
without requiring long development time.
