Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014

Using NI USRP Lab Manual

1 Introduction
The students at the University of New Mexico Electrical and Computer Engineering Department are
planning to use an integrated set of lectures and labs to better understand basic communications
systems. The lectures are based on the textbook by Ziemer and Tranter, Principles of
Communications - Systems, Modulation, and Noise. The labs are developed using the National
Instruments Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP). The choice of this radio provides 2
advantages from an instructional perspective: it minimizes the amount of lab equipment necessary
for performing the labs, and its range of flexibility to support spectrum sensing, cognitive radio and
alternate modulation schemes.

The labs are written with the idea that the students not only need to make measurements, but also
learn how to write their own Virtual Instruments (VIs) supporting the modulation schemes being
studied. The first lab will include a demo where the USRPs are used to transmit and receive. The
students will have a chance to setup the radios and gain experience with USRP interface
Input/Output. The review will build on this experience to familiarize them with the standard lab
interfaces used in the training. The review will culminate with having them modify and use the
Spectrum Monitoring example provided with the LabVIEW USRP toolkit.

The other labs will build around a common interface and will have the students write their own
modulation VIs. The students will then integrate their Modulation VIs into the standard interface
that was developed or discussed in the review labs. The integration process will help the students
become more advanced users as they need to plan and debug their application. The work involved in
the resulting series of labs will be of increasing levels of difficulty. This approach is to ensure that
the students do not spend excessive amounts of time on the labs and not learn the theory in class.
The initial level will be structured such that the students are given an almost working AM
modulation module and have to just debug it to get it to work. Essentially, using a working example,
they would need to figure out what is missing and add it in. The next lab will have more elements
missing and more discussion of what needs to be done. This will progress until the final lab where
they will be given a description of what needs to be done, and they compose the final VI to
accomplish the desire objective.

1.1 Syllabus
The following is an overview of the course and its labs. The Class Lecture Topics in the syllabus were
developed by Dr. Sudharman K. Jayaweera, and are summarized in the following table. The
supporting lab exercises and lectures are presented in the Lab Topics of the table. The main effort is
synchronizing the material in the lab with the material being introduced in class. In later labs, the
emphasis is based on reinforcing or making the mathematical abstractions discussed in lecture more
concrete. Our experience is that the Engineering students learn by actually making things work
(many students learn in different ways). This practical kind of knowledge is what we hope will make
good the students into thinking and productive individuals capable of handling new and diverse
assignments.

1
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke
Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014
Using NI USRP Lab Manual

Table I – Training Course Overview

Week Class Lecture Topic Lab Topics
1. Review and introduction of signal Goal: This is an introductory lab exercise to:
models and classifications  Ensure that students have a working installation of
LabVIEW on their computers.
 Train the students to setup the USRP and gain
experience with Radio interface Input/Output.
 Gain familiarity with the standard lab interfaces
used in the training and the desired coding
practices.
2. Frequency-domain Goals: This lab will discuss fourier transform in
characterization of (periodic) communications and its relationship with to an
signals (Fourier series analysis) observed spectrum. The students will:
 Observe the amplitude spectrum of a given signal,
and then modify the time domain signal parameters
to observe the resulting impact in the frequency
domain.
 Learn how to use the USRP configured as a
spectrum analyzer.
3. Power spectral density (PSD), Goal: LabView training needed for the next set of
correlation weeks to include:
Signals and linear systems
 Learning to write and debug a simple LabVIEW
Virtual Instrument in a group-lead exercise.
 Familiarization with the USRP sub-VI functions for
configuring/managing, transmitting data to, and
receiving data from the radio.
4. Bandwidth, sampling, DFT Goal: This lab will introduce the LabVIEW filter design
Hilbert transform, analytic signals, toolkit and its use. The students will:
complex envelope representations  Observe the power spectrum of a given signal (or
of band-pass signals and band- combination of signals)
pass systems  Design a series of digital filters that will allow the
isolatation and analysis of a specific tone from a
linear combination of tones.
5. Linear modulation (DSB, AM, SSB) Goal: This lab focuses on:
Linear modulation (continued).  Learning to write a VI that uses the USRP as an
(DSB, AM, SSB) amplitude modulation (AM) transmitter and a
receiver.
 Designing and implementing envelope detectors for
AM signals using LabVIEW Signal Processing Filter
sub-VIs.
6. Angle modulation (PM and FM), Goal: This lab focuses on:
Narrowband angle modulation,  Learning to write a VI that uses the USRP as an
power efficiency frequency modulation (FM) transmitter and a
Angle modulation (PM and FM), receiver.
Narrowband angle modulation,  Investigating demodulation of an FM signal in
Demodulation of angle-modulated software which is much simpler than demodulation
signals, PLL. procedures in the traditional hardware approach.
7. Analog Pulse modulation (PAM, Goal: This lab will explore the use of Pulse-Position
PWM, PPM), digital pulse Modulation (PPM) by learning to implement a PPM

2
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke
Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014
Using NI USRP Lab Manual

Table I – Training Course Overview

Week Class Lecture Topic Lab Topics
modulation (PCM, Delta transmitter/receiver.
modulation), multiplexing
Probability, random variables,
PDF’s.
8. Random processes, correlation, Goal: This lab provides an example use of Cross-
PSD Correlation and Power Spectral Density (PSD) to predict
the distance of an object (or target) by comparing the
transmitted and reflected signal in the context of an
ideal and a noisy RADAR environment.
9. Semester Break
10. Review for Mid=Term
11. Noise in linear systems, Goal: This laboratory exercise has two objectives:
narrowband noise, quadrature  Implementing an Additive Gaussian White Noise
components of narrowband noise. source in LabView.
Noise sources, noise figure,  Investigating the effects of noise on AM signal
narrowband noise, quadrature envelope detection.
components of narrowband noise
SNR, AM and noise (coherent and
envelope demodulations)
12. Noise in Angle modulation Goal: This laboratory exercise has two objectives:
systems, FM and noise (above  Investigating the effects of Additive Gaussian White
threshold operation) Noise on FM signal envelope detection.
Digital communication systems,  Comparison of FM to AM results from previous lab.
Analog-to-digital conversion,
sampling, quantization,
compression, binary digital
modulation and demodulation,
probability of error analysis of
integrate-and-dump receiver in
AWGN
13. Binary data transmission, binary Goal: In this lab, the students will design a serial
signal detection, Likelihood ratio interface by developing a Universal Asynchronous
(LR) detector, MAP and ML Receive Transmit (UART) receiver VI. The UART will
detectors accept a source string:
Binary data transmission with  Encoded using the American Standard Code for
arbitrary signal shapes, matched Information Interchange (ASCII).
filter receiver, optimality of  With replicated bits used to minimize bit error
matched filter in non-Gaussian rates.
noise
Additionally, the lab will include designing state
machines using LabVIEW.
14. Coherent detection of binary Goal: In this lab, a bit stream is transmitted and
signals in digital communication received using Binary Phase Key Shifting (BPSK) as the
systems: BPSK, OOK, BFSK, and modulation technique by:
probability of error analysis  Using the UART transmitter and receiver from the
Non-coherent modulation previous lab to generate the bit stream.
schemes and non-coherent  Using a binary phase mapping to convert bits into
detection of binary digital signals: phase values for an FM transmitter.
DPSK and non-coherent BFSK,

3
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke
Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014
Using NI USRP Lab Manual

Table I – Training Course Overview

Week Class Lecture Topic Lab Topics
probability of error analysis
15. Digital communication over band- Goal: This lab to develop an understanding of entropy
limited channels, Baseband coding by investigating Huffman coding algorithm:
modulation, Line-codes and their  Understanding the mechanisms and importance of
spectra source coding and data compression.
Inter-symbol interference, Nyquist  Investigating the efficiency of Huffman Coding
criterion for zero-ISI, Nyquist  Implementation of Huffman Coding algorithm in
bandwidth, raised cosine pulses, LabVIEW
Equalization, zero-forcing
equalizer
M-ary modulation, signal space
16. 1 Goal: The purpose of this lab is to:
4
concept  Introduce the concept of frequency-division
.
Spread Spectrum, Multicarrier multiplexing.
modulation, and OFDM  Modulating two messages on separate sub-carriers.
 Explore the concept of intermediate-frequency
filtering in the receiver.
17. 1 Project Presentations: Best projects selected as new
5 labs for next year. All projects will be added to course
.
content library.

1.2 Structure of Labs

1.2.1 Lab Equiopment
A typical lab configuration will include:
1) One desktop computer with LabVIEW Student Developer License and access to the USRP
driver and Modulation Toolkit.
2) One data switch to support interfacing with the radios at 1 gigabit per second and an
Ethernet interface running at 100 megabit per second.
3) 2 USRP radios.

1.2.2 Format of Labs

1. Summary
This section should be a paragraph describing learning objectives and a list of learning tasks and
activities. The paragraph is meant to introduce the learning objectives. These are meant to
introduce the tasks or activities that the students are intended to accomplish in the lab. The list is
composed of simple sentences or phrases.

2. Background
This section should briefly summarize material presented during lecture with additional material
needed to support making the observations needed to support the Objectives section’s tasks or
activities. Note that the observation techniques are introduced here but they are explained in more
detail in the Lab Procedure section.

Additional subsections deal with configuring the USRP. With a detailed description of creation of the
transmitter/receiver VI needed to perform the lab.

3. Pre-Lab

4
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke
Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014
Using NI USRP Lab Manual

This would include any preliminary work that you might expect the students to have accomplished
prior to the lab. The preliminary work should include any programming assignments needed to
support the lab. It is important that you stress that this needs to be completed prior to the lab since
no time has been allocated to do this in the lab.

Transmitter
A template for the transmitter will be provided. This template contains the four interface VIs
described in the Background section along with a “message generator” that is set to produce a
message signal. Your task is to add blocks as needed to produce the modulated signal needed for
the lab, and then to pass the modulated signal into the while loop to the Write Tx Data block. The
modulation index is to be user-settable in the range 0 ≤ µ ≤ 1, and a front-panel control will be
provided.

Receiver
A template for the receiver will also be provided. This template contains the six interface VIs
described in the Background section above along with a waveform graph on which to display your
demodulated output signal.

4. Lab Procedure
This section provides instructions for making specific observations needed to complete the tasks or
activities introduced in the Objectives section. These instructions need to be very specific, providing
details as to how to configure the VIs used in the observations, and also instructions for recording
observations such as getting a screen capture, saving data off to a file for post processing, and lab
notebook entries. The Observation step should have simple direct questions that when answered
will document the lab’s execution.

5. Lab Write-up
This section should include directions for preparing the Lab write-up, including a secondary set of
questions that ask the student:
1) To describe what he/she learned in terms of the tasks or activities introduced in the
Objectives section.
2) To explain what could have possibly gone wrong and the consequences of these problems.
3) How to improve the lab.

5
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke
Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014
Using NI USRP Lab Manual

2 An Introduction to Digital Communications Lab

2.1 Summary
The course will focus on applying the theory discussed in class. You will be using a software defined
radio (SDR) that implements the algorithms necessary for digital communications. In this lab, you
will be designing and implementing SDR applications using National Instruments’ Universal Software
Radio Peripheral (USRP) hardware and National Instruments’ LabVIEW. Through the implementation
of this SDR you will investigate practical design issues in digital communications.

In this particular lab, you will setup the USRPs and run the provided lab Visual Instruments (2.2.3.1).
It is important that you follow lab safety procedures to avoid damaging the equipment. The radios
are sensitive and can burn out if not used correctly.

This part of the lab will answer the following questions:

 How does USRP work?
 What is NI LabVIEW and why is it used in this lab?
 Is there such a thing as good code style in LabVIEW?

2.2 Background
Overall, this lab is meant to introduce the basic functioning of the USRP, and LabVIEW as a tool to
design digital communication systems in this course.

2.2.1 Software and Other Materials for the Course

Throughout the course you will be required to do some preparatory work (e.g., pre-labs) before
entering the lab itself. In order to complete those assignments, you must have access to the
following National Instruments software tools and packages outside of class.

• NI LabVIEW 2012 or later

• NI LabVIEW Modulation Toolkit 4.3.1 or later

Note: Your instructor will provide information about how to access LabVIEW at your University.

2.2.2 Introduction to NI USRP-2920

NI USRP (Universal Software Radio Peripheral) is a flexible software defined radio that turns a
standard personal computer into a high-performance wireless prototyping platform. Paired with NI
LabVIEW software, NI USRP transceivers provide a powerful system to help you learn and program
quickly. The NI USRP-292x transceivers used in this course labs are adequate for hands-on laboratory
learning in the field of RF and communications. With the USRPs and LabVIEW software, you will have
the opportunity of experimenting with real-world signals in digital communications laboratories.
With this solution, you may focus on the actual implementation of algorithms and related real-world
impairments. More product information and specifications can be found on the National
Instruments website.

2.2.3 Introduction to National Instruments LabVIEW

2.2.3.1 What Is LabVIEW?
LabVIEW is a graphical programming language developed by National Instruments. The basic
building block of LabVIEW is the virtual instrument (VI). Conceptually, a VI is analogous to a
procedure or function in conventional programming languages. Each VI consists of a block diagram
and a front panel (Fig. 1.). The block diagram describes the functionality of the VI, while the front
panel is a top level interface to the VI.

6
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke
Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014
Using NI USRP Lab Manual

Block Diagram Front Panel

Fig. 1: LabVIEW VI Interfaces

2.2.3.2 LabVIEW Environment VIs

Many of the algorithms implemented in this lab (and in digital communications in general) use linear
algebra. LabVIEW provides support for matrix and vector manipulation, and linear algebra, with VIs
for functions like matrix inversion (Inverse Matrix.vi), matrix multiplication (A x B.vi), and reshaping
arrays (Reshape Array.vi). LabVIEW also has many built-in signal processing functions, such as the
fast Fourier transform (FFT.vi), inverse fast Fourier transform (Inverse FFT.vi), and convolution
(Convolution.vi). Additionally, the Modulation Toolkit is a toolset of common digital communication
algorithms which will also be leveraged in the lab. Note that many of the functions you will
implement in this lab are already available in the Modulation Toolkit in some form. The objective of
this course is to understand the principles of wireless digital communication by implementing the
physical layer in as much detail as possible. Once familiar with these concepts, you will be able to
decide when to use existing VIs and when to write your own. It is recommended that you explore
tool palettes such as the (1) Signal Processing palette, (2) Digital palette (part of the Modulation
Toolkit palette), (3) Structures palette, (4) Complex palette (part of the Numeric palette), and (5)
Array palette in order to acquaint yourself the VIs likely to be used in this course.

Appendix B enumerates some common VIs and highlights how to access them.

For this introductory lab, you will use only existing VIs, tailored specifically to the course material.
The intention is to allow students to focus on the lab theory. These VIs have been rigorously tested
checked out and should not be a source of error when checking lab results. The VIs for this lab are
divided into two categories- Transmitters and Receivers- and have been included in Appendix B for
ease of reference.

2.2.3.3 Coding Style in LabVIEW

Pay close attention to the code used to create the VIs for this lab. In future labs you will be asked to
write your own VIs, and the provided algorithms are excellent examples of the preferred coding
styles. Remember that the coding style should exhibit the following qualities:

1. Consistency - All code should follow the same coding style at all times.
2. Readability -
 The code should be organized in a modular fashion that promotes reuse and
maintenance.
 Connections (signals or lines) should be laid out with the least number of overlapping
lines, and a signal should appear to enter a block at only one point.

7
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke
Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014
Using NI USRP Lab Manual

 Connections should appear to enter or leave only the blocks being used. A connection
should not be overlapped by a block that is not the starting point or ending point.
3. Documentation - Documentation should not be few and far between. Good documentation
includes not only free text labels (see the Decorations palette, which is part of the Structures
palette), but also descriptive variable, block, and sub-VI names.”

The design of a digital communication system is modular and sequential in nature. It therefore
makes sense to adopt a coding style which makes use of modularity and hierarchy. Since many
algorithms in digital communications can often be boiled down to a recipe (e.g., A then B then C), it
is critical that you use sub-VIs whenever possible.

2.3 Pre-Lab
Prior to beginning the in-class portion of this lab, you will be expected to install LabVIEW on your
laptop and familiarize yourself with its features using the information provided in Appendix A. The
following tutorials and reference material will help guide students through the process of learning
LabVIEW:
 LabVIEW 101 [5];
 LabVIEW Fundamentals from National Instruments [6];
 Online LabVIEW tutorials from NI[3], [4].

New LabVIEW programmers should carefully review all of the material in [5] and [4]. Please
remember to refer to [6] and [4] often as they are excellent references for all basic LabVIEW
questions. Bring any questions or concerns regarding LabVIEW or these tutorials to your instructor’s
attention.

2.4 Lab Procedure

2.4.1 Global set-up
Each workstation will have two USRP radios, one for transmission and the other one for reception.
There are two possible configurations:
a) Both radios connected to single computer (running both the transmitter and receiver VIs)
with a dual-port Gigabit Ethernet interface, or using a data switch.
b) Each radio connected to a different computer; one running the transmitter VI, and the other,
the receiver VI.

2.5 Set-up steps

1. Connect the computer to the USRP using an Ethernet cable.
2. Open the NI-USRP Configuration Utility found in the National Instruments directory under
programs files as shown in Fig. 2. Be sure to record the IP addresses since you will need them to
configure your software.

8
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke
Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014
Using NI USRP Lab Manual

1. Select All Programs 2. Select the NI-USRP

from menu Configuration Utility
from the National
3. Select Find Devices and record the IP
Instruments directory
address of the radio or radios since you
will need them to configure the
software in the lab.
Fig. 2: Finding the IP Address Radio Connectivity Test

If the IP address does not appear in the window then check your connections and ask the
Teaching Assistant (TA) to verify that the LAN card has been configured correctly.

2.5.1 VIs to be used in the lab:

The following VIs, transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx), will be used on each of the lab’s exercises.

2.5.2 Tx VI:
The “USRP_fm_sound_transmitter 2010.vi” (Tx VI) provided with the Lab1 material (also available at
https://decibel.ni.com/content/docs/DOC-25893) which implements an FM transmitter that will
transmit the contents of a wav file will be used as the Tx VI (Fig. 3.).

2.5.3 Rx VI:
Choose one from the two FM Demod VI examples provided with LabVIEW to be used as the Rx VI for
this lab by following the path: Start Menu  All Programs  National Instruments  NI-USRP 
Examples  LabVIEW  ModulationToolkitExamples.

9
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke
Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014
Using NI USRP Lab Manual

Fig. 3: Appropriate Field Setup In TX And RX VIs

Important set-up notes:

 Determine the IP addresses for your radios using the NI-USRP configuration utility.
 Make sure the Tx and Rx VIs are always set to the same carrier frequency whenever
you pair them up to communicate (see Fig. 3.).
 Transmission should start only after receiving workstations are ready to receive.
 Verify that device name fields in both Tx and Rx VIs are set to the IP address of the
URSP in use (see fig 3).
 Make sure to connect the provided attenuator between the receiver USRP’s Rx input
and the antenna/loopback-cable. The attenuator is used to decrease the power level
of the transmitted signal in order to avoid a high power signal at the receiver’s end,
due to Rx and Tx inputs’ proximity to each other.

2.5.4 Broadcast Mode

The TA will be leading/moderating this exercise, and will set one of the USRPs in the classroom as
the transmitter. All the students in their workstation will set one of their respective radios to receive
at a given frequency, which will be announced by the TA.

10
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke
Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014
Using NI USRP Lab Manual

Fig. 4: Broadcast Setup

2.5.5 Students’ receiver set-up

1. Connect the VERT400 Antenna (Fig. 5) to the RX1/TX1 (Fig. 6) or RX2 input (Fig. 6) on one of
the two radios connected to the workstation. Remember to connect the provided
attenuator between USRP’s Rx input and antenna.

Fig. 5: VERT400 Antenna

TX1/RX1 RX2

Fig. 6: USRP Front Panel

2. Connect a set of speakers to the computer to listen to the audio file transmitted from the
TA’s station.
3. Open the Rx VI.
4. Set the ‘Carrier Frequency’ on front panel to match TA’s Tx frequency.
5. Set ‘Active Antenna’ on the front panel to the right input according to the actual USRP Rx
being used (connected to the antenna).
6. Save this modified VI.

11
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke
Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014
Using NI USRP Lab Manual

7. Run the Rx VI when the TA indicates that the transmitter is broadcasting. Once the TA starts
transmitting, the contents of the wav file should be audible on the computer’s speakers.

2.5.6 Point to point Wireless (P2PW)

In this section we will get to check the effect of channel interference by broadcasting over a
frequency that is already in use. You will use both USRPs, one for transmission and the other one for
reception.

Fig. 7: P2PW Wireless Setup

1. Connect the VERT400 Antenna to the RX1 (or RX2) terminal (Fig. 6) on one radio and TX1
terminal (Fig. 6) on the other. Remember to connect the provided attenuator between the
USRP’s Rx input and the antenna.
2. Connect a set of speakers to the computer.
3. Set the ‘Carrier frequency’ on the front panel to the frequency of a local radio station (e.g.
101.3 FM). Note: For this section to work you must have an USRP 292x series radio.
4. Set ‘Active Antenna’ on the front panel according to the actual USRP Rx input being used
(connected to the antenna).
5. Run the Rx VI to start listening to the tuned radio station.
6. Open the Tx VI.
7. Set the frequency on this VI’s front panel to the same frequency you are receiving.
8. Run the Tx VI with an appropriate wav file.

The transmitted wav file should be heard over the radio channel. This is because the signal from
the radio station is being overpowered by the stronger signal transmitted from the USRP over
the same frequency channel.

2.5.7 Loop-back (Cable Carrier Example)

In this section, instead of the antennas, we use a loopback cable (SMA-M-to-SMA-M cable) as the
transmission media.

12
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke
Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014
Using NI USRP Lab Manual

Fig. 8: Loopback Setup Picture

1. If still attached, detach the VERT400 vertical antennas from the USRPs.
2. Connect one end of the loop-back cable to the RX1/TX1 (or RX2) terminal (Fig. 6) on one
radio and RX1/TX1 terminal (Fig. 6) on the other. Remember to connect the provided
attenuator between the USRP’s Rx input and the loop-back cable.
3. Connect a set of speakers to the computer.
4. Verify that both the transmitter and receiver are set to the same carrier frequency.
5. Set ‘Active Antenna’ on the front panel according to the actual USRP Rx input being used
(connected to the loopback cable).
6. Open and run the Rx VI.
7. Set the frequency on this VI’s front panel to the same frequency you are receiving.
8. Open and run the Tx VI with an appropriate wav file.
The transmitted wav file should be audible on the computer’s speakers.

2.6 TA Notes for Section 3.1 TA’s Transmitter Set-up

1. Connect the VERT400 Antenna (provided with the USRP radios) to the “RX1/TX1” terminal
on the radio.
2. Open the Tx VI.
3. Set the frequency on the VI’s front panel to a suitable value according to the used antenna
(VERT400 Tri-band omni-directional vertical antenna provided with the USRP).
4. Announce this frequency to the students.
5. Wait till all students run their Rx VIs.
6. The TA will run the VI with an appropriate wav file.

13
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke
Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014
Using NI USRP Lab Manual

2.7 Lab Writeup

Performance Checklist
Introduction to Digital Communications
Short Answer Questions
1. What is the USRP? What is LabView?

2. What is a VI? Why do we use two VIs in this lab?

3. Explain “Broadcast”, “Point to Point (P2P) wireless”, and “Loop-back cable”

transmissions.

Performance Measures
Task Standards Sat/Unsat
Hardware Setup Working setup for all 3 configurations: Broadcast, P2P
wireless, and Loop-back cable.
Running VIs Successful transmission and reception of audio files
for all 3 configurations: Broadcast, Point to point
wireless, and Loopback-cable.
QOS in P2P wireless Quality of received signal heard over the radio channel in
configuration point to point wireless configuration.

Discussion
Did all configurations perform as expected?
Did you have any difficulties completing the lab?
Did your TA provide enough guidance?
Do you have any recommendations to improve the lab?

14
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke
Introduction to Communication Systems November 1, 2014
Using NI USRP Lab Manual

2.8 References
[1] National Instruments, NI USRP-2920, retrieved August 23, 2014, from
http://sine.ni.com/nips/cds/view/p/lang/en/nid/209948.
[2] National Instruments, Device Specifications: NI USRP-2920, retrieved August 23, 2014, from
http://www.ni.com/pdf/manuals/375839a.pdf.
[3] National Instruments, Getting Started with NI LabVIEW Student Training, retrieved August 23, 2014, from
http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/7466.
[4] National Instruments, How Can I Learn LabVIEW?, retrieved August 23, 2014, from
http://www.ni.com/getting-started/labview-basics/.
[5] National Instruments, LabVIEW 101, retrieved August 23, 2014, from http://www.ni.com/lv101.
[6] National Instruments, LabVIEW Fundamentals, retrieved August 23, 2014, from
http://www.ni.com/pdf/manuals/374029c.pdf.

15
Printed on: 12/4/2015 © 2014, Anees Abrol and Eric Hamke