Articles

2024

March

February

January

2023

November

October

September

August

July

June

Software-Defined Radios: Their Use in Testing & Measurement Applications

Circuit Cellar
2023-06-14
Advances in the radio frequency (RF) industry require extensive and reliable testing to ensure smooth, successful operation. Software-defined radios (SDRs) are integral in testing and measurement operations, and provide a versatile platform for testing multiple applications. In this article, we discuss why SDRs are replacing conventional testing and measurement hardware, and their importance in a variety of applications.
(Read More)
Article, Test and Measurement, Circuit Cellar

May

April

March

SDRs for Aerospace and Defence

everythingRF
2023-03-04
With the development of new wireless technologies, the aerospace industry is constantly evolving and becoming more complex, especially with regards to military and defence applications. In this context, the need for reliable and efficient communication systems has never been more critical, as more battles are being fought in the RF domain and radio systems are becoming increasingly tightly integrated with software. Traditional hardware-based systems can no longer address current challenges in the aerospace industry, and software-defined radios (SDRs) are becoming the norm in radio defence applications.
(Read More)
Article, Military/Aerospace, everythingRF

February

Software Defined Radios (SDRs) for Testing Communications by Simulating RF Environments

eeWeb
2023-02-16
With the ever-growing interest in wireless devices, RF environment simulation is crucial to address the testing and development demand for communication systems and equipment, allowing engineers and technicians to replicate the complex and ever-changing conditions of the real-world RF environment in a controlled laboratory setting.
(Read More)
Article, Test and Measurement, EEWeb

January

2022

December

November

Spectrum Monitoring for Critical Infrastructure

Cyber Defense
2022-11-30
This article discusses the use of Software-Defined Radio (SDR) in spectrum monitoring to identify signals interference in Air Traffic Control and Mobile Network infrastructures. With some SDRs equipped with multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) which have wide tuning ranges and high instantaneous bandwidths, it is possible to prevent signal interferences in these critical infrastructures.
(Read More)
Article, Spectrum Monitoring, Cyber Defense

October

SDRs for High Data Throughput Required for mmWave Technology

Signal Integrity Journal
2022-10-11
mmWaves enable data to be transferred at high data rates, and their applications are increasing every day. To take full advantage of the huge volumes of data that can be transmitted at these frequencies, systems that can provide reception/transmission of mmWave frequencies, and support high sample rates and high data throughput rates are required. Implementing an end-to-end SDR-based system that delivers data rates of 100 Gbps is very challenging and requires one to consider a broad array of design factors concerning PCB signal integrity, FPGA HDL code and the host system itself.
(Read More)
Article, mmWave Technology, Signal Integrity Journal

September

The basics of software-defined radios

Electronic Products
2022-09-26
In this article, we discuss the general SDR architecture from a board-level perspective, covering how each element of an SDR is designed, developed, and implemented to satisfy high-performance requirements. We will present an overview of the basic aspects of an SDR, including the radio front-end (RFE), the time component, the power distribution, and the digital element (typically based on FPGAs).
(Read More)
Article, General SDR, Electronic Products

Software-Defined Radio in Test & Measurement Markets

EE Times Europe
2022-09-22
The test and measurement (T&M) industry is crucial in the development process of new devices to ensure that wireless equipment operates properly and meets the required standards and qualifications. Fortunately, SDRs provide a high level of flexibility and programmability, not only for the application but for the T&M process itself, reducing the amount of equipment required and allowing the same device to perform several different functions without hardware modification.
(Read More)
Article, Test & Measurement, EE Times Europe

SDRS for Ground-Station-As-A-Service (GSaaS)

Milsat Magazine
2022-09-22
At the heart of this service is the software-defined radio (SDR), which performs all RF functionalities that are essential to GSaaS, from the up and down-linking of data to network control and cloud algorithms. The basic concept, the technology’s advantages when compared to conventional approaches and the importance in the development of this service are key to understanding the significant roles of GSaaS.
(Read More)
Article, Satellite, Milsat Magazine

SDRs for 5G test & measurement

Electronic Products
2022-09-09
In this article, we discuss how SDRs can benefit 5G T&M in every development aspect, including antenna design, signal-processing algorithms, propagation studies, channel estimation techniques, and latency evaluation. MIMO high-performance SDRs can also enable T&M in several channels, evaluating system performance in several aspects at the same time, with parallel processing and independent channel configuration. Finally, we discuss the SDR’s compatibility with testing protocols on O-RAN, an increasingly important network architecture providing interoperability to the immense amount of different radio protocols, frequency tunings, and bandwidth requirements needed for future massive device connectivity.
(Read More)
Article, 5G-Test, Electronic Products

End-to-End IoT Security: SDRs for Uncovering RF Security Vulnerabilities

Embedded Computing Design
2022-09-09
In today’s wireless and 5G era, companies and individuals encounter a rising number of security threats on their IT assets. Wireless RF signals can be intercepted by anyone with low-cost radio equipment and decoded using open-source software, thus it’s imperative to assess connected designs for security vulnerabilities. This includes conducting penetration tests, jamming, replay attacks, and other methods to assess vulnerabilities in internet-of-things (IoT) RF protocols like Bluetooth, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, Z-Wave, etc.
(Read More)
Article, IoT, Embedded Computing Design

Improving Infrastructure Security in Critical Facilities

Mission Critical Communications
2022-09-06
This article explores the capabilities of SDRs that make them suitable for developing solutions for securing critical facilities. We discuss various solutions including wireless-based perimeter security systems, also known as virtual-fence systems, that are becoming common due to the availability of low-power internet of things (IoT) sensors. In addition, we extensively explore the capabilities of SDRs in monitoring sources of interference and jamming signals in critical facilities.
(Read More)
Article, IoT, Mission Critical Communications

August

SDR Products that Meet Mil-Spec Requirements in Radar, GPS, and SIGINT

High Frequency Electronics
2022-08-31
In this article, we discuss how software-defined radio (SDR) can be designed to meet the military environmental and service standards, including the MIL-STD-810 (environmental design standards), the MIL-STD416E (EMI standards), and the mean-time between failure (MTBF)/maintainability design techniques (DOD-HDBK-791). We also cover how the use of high-end commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) SDRs with ruggedized chassis can be used to meet the military standards at a relatively low cost, while also providing easy maintenance, repair, and upgradability due to its modular design. Finally, we discuss how SDRs meeting the aforementioned standards and specifications can be used in military applications, such as radar receivers and satellite communication systems (GPS/GNSS).
(Read More)
Article, Radar/SIGINT/GNSS, High Frequency Electronics

Using SDRs to Prototype and Deploy Vehicular Networking for AVs

EE Times Europe
2022-08-31
In this article, we discuss how a high-end SDR can be used and configured to meet the digital-signal–processing (DSP) requirements of prototyping and deploying AV networks by providing low latency; adjustable, wide instantaneous-bandwidth and frequency-tuning ranges; multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transceiver channels; and a high-performance digital back end based on the field-programmable gate array (FPGA). We will also discuss the role of SDR-based intelligent transceivers and cognitive radio in vehicular-IoT (VIoT), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-anything (V2X) communication.
(Read More)
Article, IoT, EE Times Europe

SDRs for Antenna Testing and Measurement

eeWeb
2022-08-04
This article explores the fundamentals of radio waves and antenna systems as well as the different properties of radio waves and various parameters of antennas, including efficiency, directivity, and radiation patterns. The article also explores the characteristics of SDRs and why they are a suitable choice for antenna T&M applications. Lastly, the article will touch upon various capabilities of SDR platforms and their suitability for measuring various antenna metrics.
(Read More)
Article, T&M, eeWeb

SDRs for high data throughput required for mmWave Technology

Microwave Journal
2022-08-03
This article explores how signals are captured and converted from analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog in a lossless fashion. It discusses various considerations including selection of a suitable substrate for high frequency applications and achieving low impedance. The article also discusses how high data throughput Ethernet is implemented on FPGAs to enable packetization of IQ sample data. Lastly, the article explores how host or server systems with high data throughput capability are used to handle the huge amounts of data exchanged between the FPGA of a SDR and network interface cards (NICs) of a host system.
(Read More)
Article, General SDR, Microwave Journal

July

How — And When — To Use SDRs For Test And Measurement

Wireless Design Online
2022-07-29
This article reviews the integration of SDRs in T&M techniques for RF applications. We first discuss the basic concepts of an SDR, including the building blocks of the general system and its capabilities, the main applications of SDRs, and some advantages over conventional devices. Second, we discuss how SDRs can be applied in T&M systems, covering the initial setup, the necessary software, and how SDRs can solve some challenges of the T&M industry. Finally, we will present some examples of SDR-based T&M systems, and how they affect the development of wireless devices.
(Read More)
Article, T&M, Wireless Design Online

How — And When — To Use SDRs For Test And Measurement

RF Globalnet
2022-07-29
This article reviews the integration of SDRs in T&M techniques for RF applications. We first discuss the basic concepts of an SDR, including the building blocks of the general system and its capabilities, the main applications of SDRs, and some advantages over conventional devices. Second, we discuss how SDRs can be applied in T&M systems, covering the initial setup, the necessary software, and how SDRs can solve some challenges of the T&M industry. Finally, we will present some examples of SDR-based T&M systems, and how they affect the development of wireless devices.
(Read More)
Article, T&M, RF Globalnet

Big data on mobile networks: the role of software-defined radio (SDR)

Military Embedded Systems
2022-07-22
The main structure of a 5G network is the radio access network (RAN), which can be implemented in several architectures. Regardless of the architecture, software-defined radios (SDRs) play a major role in every step of the RAN chain, including backhaul, midhaul, and fronthaul. SDRs – whether on the battlefield or the urban jungle – provide important technological features that handle the “big data” glut, including fast 10-100 Gb/sec fiber communication, wide tuning range, several multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) channels, high phase coherency, and a software-based backend that can be programmed to fit any applications.
(Read More)
Article, 5G, Military Embedded Systems

Meld SDR, Host Systems, MIMO to Boost RF Comms Speed and Efficacy

Microwaves & RF
2022-07-13
What you’ll learn:
(1) The various capabilities of high-performance SDR systems, how they’re achieved, and how they benefit advanced communication networks.
(2) How MIMO communications help boost raw data throughput in applications where the spectral environment is limited, congested, or challenging.
(3) How pairing high-performance SDR and host systems helps achieve the bandwidth required to accelerate performance.
(4) How the tuning range flexibility and reconfigurability of the FPGA can enhance the overall effectiveness of advanced communication systems.
(Read More)
Article, General SDR, Microwaves & RF

Precision Clocks used in Software Defined Radios (SDRs)

COTS Journal
2022-07-08
n this article, we discuss how OCXOs are applied in high-end SDRs, providing up to 10 MHz clock signals, and how this clock is distributed over the many components of the SDR, including phase-locked loops (PLL), analog to digital convertor/digital to analog convertor (ADC/DAC) JESD interfaces, frequency synthesizers, and the field programmable array (FPGA) in the digital domain. The OCXO signal can also be outputted for external synchronization with other instruments......
(Read more)
Article, General SDR, COTS Journal

TechXchange Talk: Advances in Software-Defined Radio

Electronic Design
2022-07-06
Software-defined radio (SDR) moves encoding and decoding of radio signals into the software realm. It provides a flexibility that's useful in a range of applications, including signal interception, spectrum policy enforcement, interference detection, signal intelligence (SIGINT), and monitoring restricted areas such as military installations and airports. I talked with Per Vices CEO, Victor Woolesen, about the challenges and advantages of SDR.
(Listen Here)
Podcast/Interview, General SDR, Electronic Design

Software Defined Radio for Incident Response

Cyber Defense Magazine; July Issue, pg. 140
2022-07-01
In this article, we discuss the various threat incidents to machine-to-machine (M2M) and human-to- machine communications (HMC)/human-machine interfaces (HMI) in industrial and critical infrastructure– so-called industrial internet of things (IIoT). This includes cyberattacks such as sniffing, spoofing, replay attacks, and various others, which can threaten the various wireless devices in these settings. Other incidents occur in the electromagnetic (EMS) itself, including jamming, co-channel interference, and various other spectral issues. SDRs are capable of monitoring, detecting, and protecting wireless communication as well as being able to locate the origin of interference and alert of any communications failures.
(Read more)
Article, IoT, Cyber Defense Magazine

June

Electronic Design Automation for SDR Devices

High Frequency Electronics
2022-06-29
In this article, we discuss how SDRs are developed for a variety of applications. In particular, we will focus on two main EDA tools: the Intel Quartus Prime for FPGA programming, and KiCAD for schematics and PCB design. We will discuss the main aspects of FPGA EDA, including compilation, placement, routing, and integrated logic analyzer debugging, as well as how each step influences the whole design flow. On the PCB side of the design, we will cover the PCB layout, the 3D viewing of the board, and some of the most important KiCAD EDA tools, such as interactive routing, the schematic editor, length tuning, footprint editors, and, last but not least, the design rule checking (DRC).
(Read more)
Article, General SDR, High Frequency Electronics

3 Leading Defense Markets For SDR Systems

Wireless Design Online
2022-06-29
This article explores how SDR systems are integrated into various defense systems including spectrum monitoring applications, SIGINT, and EW. It also discusses the specifications that are critical for these applications and explains how SDR technology benefits these defense systems and the various implementation challenges that they help to overcome.
(Read more)
Article, Electronic Warfare, Wireless Design Online

Size, Weight and Power versus Performance Trade-offs in Software-Defined Radios

Embedded
2022-06-17
In this article, we discuss how SDRs are designed to meet the needs of multiple markets with various performance, channel counts, and digital signal processor (DSP) processing capabilities while often needing to consider SWaP and budget constraints. In fact, the mere use of SDRs inherently can reduce the total size and weight of RF systems by 80% or more when compared to their traditional analog counterparts, which is ideal for several applications, including MRI, radars, spectrum monitoring, point-to-point links, and test and measurement.
(Read more)
Article, General SDR, Embedded

Software Defined Radio (SDR) for Prototyping Satellite Ground Stations

Wireless Design Online
2022-06-10
In this article, we will discuss the types of testing of the radio frequency (RF) communications required during the pre-launch of a satellite. This involves developing and testing the tracking-telemetry and control (TT&C) signals, as well as the modulation and demodulation schemes used for transferring the various data uplinks and downlinks between the ground station and the satellite in orbit......
(Read more)
Article, Satellite, Wireless Design Online

Software Defined Radio (SDR) for Prototyping Satellite Ground Stations

RF Globalnet
2022-06-10
In this article, we will discuss the types of testing of the radio frequency (RF) communications required during the pre-launch of a satellite. This involves developing and testing the tracking-telemetry and control (TT&C) signals, as well as the modulation and demodulation schemes used for transferring the various data uplinks and downlinks between the ground station and the satellite in orbit......
(Read more)
Article, Satellite, RF Globalnet

COTS in Space: Software Defined Radio for Satellite Communication

COTS Journal; May 2022
2022-06-07
In this article we will discuss the role of COTS SDRs in satellite systems, the main advantages of their use onboard applications, and why they are the perfect choice for the job. Furthermore, it is crucial to take into consideration the impact of the harsh space environment on the analog and digital components of the SDR, so we will discuss how satellite based SDRs require specific types of RF components to withstand the space conditions and work reliably......
(Read more)
Article, Satellite, COTS Journal

May

Trending Aerospace and Defense Products in 2022: May Edition

everything RF
2022-05-31
The Chestnut from Per Vices is a Software-Defined Radio (SDR) designed for wireless communication, spectrum monitoring signals intelligence, and phased arrays applications. It has a 4 receive and 4 transmit radio chain architecture with each radio chain being independently controlled and offering an RF bandwidth of 500 MHz (2 GHz RF bandwidth capture when all chains are enabled).........
(Read more)
Article, Aerospace/Defense, everything RF

SDRs for Low Latency and Time Sensitive Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Applications

Embedded Computing Design
2022-05-31
Time-sensitive Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) networks require ultra-low latency links to be able to properly function. One solution to this is the integration of high performance software defined radio (SDR) platforms, which feature field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) that allow for the implementation of low latency networks.......
(Read more)
Article, IoT, Embedded Computing Design

Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) For Controlling UAVs

Wireless Design Online
2022-05-19
In this article, we will discuss how SDRs fit into both of these segments by focusing on the command and control (C2) that the RF communications provide, such as collecting sensor, video, and image data for reconnaissance or even carrying out tactical missions such as drone strikes. Furthermore, the importance of drones in performing various activities for soldiers on the battlefield (i.e., from clearing land mines to identifying RF emitters) is highlighted.......
(Read more)
Article, IoT, Wireless Design Online

Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) For Controlling UAVs

RF Globalnet
2022-05-16
In this article, we will discuss how SDRs fit into both of these segments by focusing on the command and control (C2) that the RF communications provide, such as collecting sensor, video, and image data for reconnaissance or even carrying out tactical missions such as drone strikes. Furthermore, the importance of drones in performing various activities for soldiers on the battlefield (i.e., from clearing land mines to identifying RF emitters) is highlighted.......
(Read more)
Article, IoT, RF Globalnet

Deterministic Software Solutions for Complex Architectures Involving Software-Defined Radio (SDR)

COTS Journal; April 2022
2022-05-05
In this article, we will explore how complex RF communication systems can be realized by combining SDR platforms and software solutions. Next we will focus on how the architecture of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) yields minimal and deterministic latency. We will also discuss how utilizing common software API such as UHD helps to enhance determinism and code portability across multiple SDR systems.......
(Read more)
Article, General SDR, COTS Journal

Threat Intelligence: Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) with Software-Defined Radio (SDR)

Cyber Defense Magazine; May 2022
2022-05-01
In this article, we first discuss CEMA and explain the inner workings of the organization's various operations and objectives, as well as challenges often encountered. Following this, we discuss how software-defined radio (SDR) is paramount to the present and future CEMA operations, as they are able to assist with various cyberspace, EW, and spectrum monitoring capabilities and solve many of the challenges outlined........
(Read more)
Article, Electronic Warfare, Cyber Defense Magazine

April

SDR for Assessing Wireless Device and Network Security

Mission Critical Communications
2022-04-29
Although massive device connectivity is great for the technological progress towards more intelligent and automated devices, it raises a number of questions and concerns towards the security aspect of the RF links, as devices become more susceptible to signal interception, eavesdropping, spoofing, unauthorized commanding and other security threats......
(Read more)
Article, IoT, Mission Critical Communications

March

Understanding Software-Defined Radios and Networks in 5G Architectures

Embedded
2022-03-26
5G will provide convergent network communication across multi-technologies networks, and open communication systems to cooperate with satellites, cellular networks, clouds, data centers, and home gateways. . Additionally, 5G systems will be autonomous and sufficiently able to adapt themselves depending on the required QoS to handle application-driven networks dynamically......
(Read more)
Article, 5G, Embedded

Software defined Radio Use Case for Satellite Industry

everythingRF
2022-03-23
Modern satellites cannot rely on simple analog-based radio systems anymore, as they introduce significant limitations in terms of flexibility, upgradability, and information processing. Therefore, software-defined radios (SDRs) are one of the fundamental building blocks in any satellite. They are responsible for not only basic radio communications, but also more complex tasks, such as wideband spectrum monitoring for space situation awareness (SSA) and.........
(Read more)
Article, Satellite, everythingRF

Software Defined Radios For Smart Grid Technologies + Policy

SatMagazine; March 2022
2022-03-03
The automatic and self-repairing structure of smart grids significantly reduces maintenance and operation costs, which results in a smaller power cost for the consumer. More efficient power transmission and generation, obtained through real-time monitoring of the load demand and power flow, further decreases the power price, while also reducing the ecologic impact and carbon footprint.......
(Read more)
Article, IOT, SatMagazine

February

RF Technology for Defense

Microwave Product Digest
2022-02-18
Radio frequency (RF) transceiver technology has played a prominent role in defense applications since its inception, supporting signals intelligence (SIGINT), electronic warfare (EW), radar, and communications functions. the RF technology in defense is switching towards software-defined radio (SDR) due to its extensive, reconfigurable, and flexible capabilities to adapt to many defense RF requirements in radar, and spectrum monitoring and recording applications........
(Read more)
Article, Defense, Microwave Product Digest

January

Software Defined Radio Use Case for Test & Measurement

everythingRF
2022-01-26
Software Defined Radios are becoming a valuable resource for Test & Measurement (T&M) of RF device function and capability development. These radio systems are particularly enticing due to their ability to be upgraded via software and/or field-programmable gate array (FPGA) IP cores, and thereby providing T&M engineers with extended flexibility, capabilities, and cost-efficiency......
(Read more)
Article, Test & Measurement, everythingRF

SDR Balances Performance and Cost, Offers Easy Integration into Systems

Microwave Journal
2022-01-13
Per Vices has developed a new software-defined radio (SDR), named Chestnut, to serve mid-range applications seeking a high performance SDR with a smaller form factor, more accessible price range and easy integration in wireless communications and other systems applications. Chestnut is positioned between Per Vices’ Crimson TNG and Cyan SDRs.....
(Read more)
Product Feature, General SDR, Microwave Journal

Disruptive Technologies for COTS Products: Software Defined Radio (SDR) Trends Over the Last Year

COTS Journal; December 2021
2022-01-11
Trends in the software defined radio (SDR) market over the last 12 months have been centered around increasing performance while simultaneously navigating through challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. While a lot of capabilities in SDRs stem from advances in commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS)....
(Read more)
Article, General SDR, COTS Journal

2021

December

Selecting the Right Software Defined Radio Solution for Your Application

Embedded
2021-12-15
Within the SDR market, there is an immense variety of products, ranging from small portable devices for the consumer enthusiast to precise and robust equipment for large-scale organizations and critical applications. Product selection is not an easy task in the SDR field, and to guide you through this decision, we will discuss the basic concepts of SDR, applications, common challenges during system design, and how the right SDR can solve them......
(Read more)
Article, General SDR, Embedded

Year in Review: Per Vices

SatMagazine
2021-12-07
During the past year, Per Vices enjoyed a number of notable successes with various new product launches and an expansion of features that have expanded the firm’s capabilities to serve various clients and markets. Per Vices now offers three product lines that offer top-of-the-line value to address the needs required for various performance and budget considerations. Offering Crimson TNG, Cyan, and now Chestnut, there is a COTS product that can fit clients’ needs or be modified for specific use cases and technical requirements.....
(Read more)
Article, General SDR, SatMagazine

November

Software Defined Radio Use Case for Radars

everythingRF
2021-11-24
Software Defined Radios (SDR) have become the best option for many radio applications due to their precision, flexibility, reliability and simplified design process. In this article, we will discuss the application of SDR in radars. Although composed of mainly analog circuits in the past, modern radars rely on powerful digital signal processing to operate. Aviation and marine navigation,....
(Read more)
Article, Radar, everythingRF

5G for Industrial Internet of things (IIoT) and the role of SDRs

High Frequency Electronics
2021-11-03
Mobile communications companies worldwide are just in the beginning of developing mmWave based telecommunication networks. A lack of spectrum in the legacy (sub-6 GHz) radio bands has demanded the use of the mmWave and sub-THz frequencies to fulfill the growing wireless data demands from an increasing number of Internet connected mobile devices.......
(Read more)
Article, 5G, High Frequency Electronics

Application of Software Defined Radios in Test & Measurement

High Frequency Electronics
2021-11-23
Modular test equipment makes it possible to perform many different test and measurement (T&M) scenarios using a single device with many different module configurations - thanks to a modular design principle. Modular RF test equipment allows for various RF T&M functions and capabilities to be incorporated into one piece of equipment due to its ability to be replaced or upgraded via software and....
(Read more)
Article, Test & Measurement, High Frequency Electronics

October

September

August

July

June

May

April

Podcast: Waves of Innovation – Why IoT Is Just Getting Started

DM Radio - Waves of Innovation Podcast
2021-04-01
The Internet of Things grows by leaps and bounds every day. And so do the solutions that enable this massive industry to get better at tracking and managing technology assets all over the world! What’s the latest? Check out this episode of DM Radio to find out! Host @eric_kavanagh will interview Christian Lutz, Crate.io; Lucas Funes, Webee; and Victor Wollesen, Per Vices ......
(Read More)
Podcast, IOT, DM Radio