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Software Defined Radio (SDR)

Software-defined radio (SDR) is a radio communication technology that is based on software defined wireless communication protocols instead of hardwired implementations popular in Military and JTRS applications.

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AC/DC Adaptor

Design Considerations

Software Defined Radio (SDR) Block Diagram

Schematic Block Diagram for SDR

Software-defined radio (SDR) is a radio communication technology that is based on software defined wireless communication protocols instead of hardwired implementations. In other words, frequency band, air interface protocol and functionality can be upgraded with software download and update instead of a complete hardware replacement. SDR provides an efficient and secure solution to the problem of building multi-mode, multi-band and multifunctional wireless communication devices.

An SDR is capable of being re-programmed or reconfigured to operate with different waveforms and protocols through dynamic loading of new waveforms and protocols. These waveforms and protocols can contain a number of different parts, including modulation techniques, security and performance characteristics defined in software as part of the waveform itself.

The Benefits of a programmable DSP plus ARM based SoC

Efficient and effective SDR design requires a standard programmable hardware platform that allows designers to navigate these tough system requirements. The Appliations Processors leverage the ARM general purpose processor to complement highly-efficient, programmable TI digital signal processor (DSP) and a rich set of IO to address the needs for software defined radio communication devices.

Complex functions in wireless protocol-specific algorithms are perfectly suited to programmable DSPs since they combine number-crunching power with intelligence to enable multitasking. The DSPs math capability allows it to handle the various modem processing functions like filtering, modulation, demodulation and error correction encoding and decoding.

The ARM926EJ-S™ Processor on the TMS320DM64xx the ARM Cortex™-A8 in the OMAP35xx SoC, as well as the ARM9 and ARM9-plus-DSP architecture of the OMAP-L1x are especially well suited to handle the networking, media access control and applications processing in a wireless radio communication product. The ARM processor also helps address the control functions involved with man machine interface in the radios.
 

Small Form Factor (SFF) Software Defined Radio (SDR) Development Platform

The TI Small Form Factor (SFF) Software Defined Radio (SDR) Development Platform provides the entire signal chain hardware from antenna to baseband as well as a software board support package that supports a complete suite of software development tools in a single integrated development platform.

With the kit, developers can easily design waveforms as well as create and test single or multi-protocol radios for applications in public safety, commercial, Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) and land mobile radio (LMR) communication systems as well as RFID readers. Additionally, as the platform is integrated to work with The MathWorks Simulink model-based design tool, developers have the option to use C/HDL or MATLAB/Simulink to quickly develop and test proof-of-concept designs and then optimize the architecture for production.

Application Notes (2)

Title Abstract Type Size (KB) Date Views
HTM 8 KB 28 Apr 2009 1767
HTM 8 KB 19 Nov 2008 1589
    

Reference Designs

Description Part # Company
Sync Buck for HMS Radio 1V@2.5A PMP2904 Texas Instruments
TPS54418 Reference Design Optimized for Small Size PMP4856 Texas Instruments
TPS54620 Reference Design for Fast Transient Response PMP4854-1 Texas Instruments
TPS54620 Reference Design Optimized for Small Size PMP4854-2 Texas Instruments

Tools and Software

Name Part # Company Software/Tool Type
TMS320C6748 DSP Development Kit (LCDK) TMDXLCDK6748 Texas Instruments Development Boards/EVMs

Product Bulletin & White Papers

Product Bulletin (4)

Title Abstract Type Size (MB) Date Views
PDF 208 KB 25 Apr 2011 3852
PDF 116 KB 31 Jul 2007 1131
PDF 324 KB 31 Jul 2007 975
PDF 164 KB 31 Jul 2007 907

White Papers (4)

Title Abstract Type Size (MB) Date Views
PDF 914 KB 23 Feb 2012 1048
PDF 605 KB 22 Feb 2012 6328
PDF 1014 KB 17 May 2011 2296
PDF 72 KB 18 Aug 2008 30

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