A software-defined radio (SDR) plattform allows generating and analyzing arbitrary radio signals for the purpose of research and fast prototyping. The principle is similar as an audio codec available today in any PC or mobile device: the output (transmit) signal is generated by some signal processing software and then converted to a physical (audio/radio) signal. However, the specifications are very differnt. The SDRs available in this project allow for sampling rates up to 160 MHz followed by special circuitry to convert these wideband signals to an RF carrier at frequencies up to 6 GHz. The programming is done by a graphical programming language.

Purpose of this project is the implementation of digital communications priciples on this platform, including:

• Digital modulation and detection, demonstrating the effect of the radio channel
• Multi-input multi-output (MIMO) transmission of data, demonstrating diversity
• Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) for high-rate transmissions

Depending on the project type and duration, different aspects will be addressed. The implemented radio schemes are intended for demonstration in lecture courses and for practical exercises in lab courses.

Required background:

• Fundamentals of digital communications
• Digital signal processing
• Mobile radio systems (optional)