The New Software Defined Radio Development Process
January 29, 2007
Find out the design flow and tools needed for SCA-based software defined radio architecture.
(Page 1 of 4)
Joe Fabbre, Green Hills Software
Learn how the software communications architecture-based software defined radio flows and what you need to know about each phase including requirements and tools that enable each phase.
This article describes the design flow for SCA-based SDR systems based on pre-integrated platform solutions. It examines each phase of the process from requirements definition through low level debugging to system deployment with a focus on the tools that enable each phase.
There are many components involved in the development and deployment of Software Communication Architecture (SCA)-based Software Defined Radio (SDR) systems; from the multiple target software components that make up the SCA Operating Environment (OE) — see diagram — to the tools that enable design, deployment, debug and optimization of individual waveforms and the complete system. Commercial solutions for SDR development based on the SCA have been greatly improved over the course of the last few years, with many advances in software, tools, and integrated hardware reference platforms. For those not familiar with the SCA, please see wiki/Software_Communications_Architecture.
Operating Environment for Software Controlled Radio
Figure 1. Operating Environment for and SCA enabled radio
In the past designers of SDR systems spent months selecting and integrating various pieces of the SCA OE and the associated tools. Today multiple vendors including ISR Technologies, Lyrtech, Pentek, and Spectrum Signal Processing offer completely integrated reference platforms targeted towards different applications, from multi-channel base stations to portable and hand held devices. Since the integration of all of the basic components is now available off the shelf, developers can immediately start development of the applications and waveforms that differentiate their radios. Programs that choose a COTS (Commercial Off the Shelf) reference platform can realize significant advantages in reducing engineering effort and time to market. But fear not, Mr. and Ms. SDR engineer, there is still plenty for you to do!
.... Continued at: ddj.com
Cheers! TM
ps with credit to der_ikonoklast on SSPI Yahoo!
messages.finance.yahoo.com |
