Modular Software Receiver for Radio Signal Analysis

Software radio is a concept of a dedicated computer system, that can be programmed to perform functions corresponding to current user needs in a wireless communications area [1][2]. Such a type of radio can be used as a general purpose equipment to achieve interoperability with a range of communications systems, local area networks, warning networks etc. They can be also used for radio monitoring systems, surveillance systems and electronic warfare purposes. The proposed receiver is based on digital signal processing circuits. Its hardware consists of dedicated PCI or CPCI boards. They are used for analog signal conditioning, converting into digital form, filtration and decimation. Main tasks, related to signal analysis, recognition and demodulation, are performed by DSP-s. Frequency range, bandwidth of analysis, mode of operation and processing power of the radio can be adjusted by selecting an appropriate number of specified boards. Radio analysis software is also a modular application. Its functions and performance depend on installed hardware and current application.