Introduction to

Software Defined Radios

Steven Bible, N7HPR

Tucson Amateur Packet Radio, Inc.
 Agenda
! Why Software Defined Radios?
! What is a Software Defined Radio?
! Block Diagrams
! Technical Challenges
! Amateur Contributions
! How to Build A SDR
– The DSP-10 As a SDR
! Supporting Documentation
! Conclusion
Why Software Defined Radios?
! Comments of ARRL:
“ARRL is most interested in this proceeding, not only
because of the utility of the Amateur Radio Service as a
testing ground for different configurations of SDRs, but
also because of the potential long-term opportunities for
SDRs to effect substantial changes, even conceptual
changes, in traditional frequency assignment and spectrum
allocations decision making in all services.”
ARRL comments to the Notice of Inquiry Regarding Software Defined Radios
dated June 14, 2000 (ET Docket No. 00-47 released March 21, 2000).
http://www.fcc.gov/searchtools.html
 Why Software Defined Radios?
! Dale Hatfield, WØIFO,
Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology,
Federal Communications Commission

“This could stimulate a whole new generation of

amateur innovation that not only includes the
more spectrally efficient systems I mentioned
earlier, but also radios that could adapt to their
environment as well.”
Speech to AMRAD’s 25th Anniversary Dinner June 17, 2000
http://www.fcc.gov/Speeches/misc/dnh061700.html
 What Is a Software Defined Radio?

Software Defined Radio (SDR)

Performs the majority of signal processing in the
digital domain using programmable DSPs and
hardware support, but some signal processing is still
done in the analog domain, such as in the RF and IF
circuits.
 What Is a Software Defined Radio?

Software Radio (SW)

The ultimate device, where the antenna is connected

directly to an A-D/D-A converter and all signal
processing is done digitally using fully
programmable high speed DSPs. All functions,
modes, applications, etc. can be reconfigured by
software.
 Benefits of SDR
! Flexible
! Reduced Obsolescence
! Enhances Experimentation
! Brings Analog and Digital World Together
 New Breed of Radio
! Reprogrammable
! Multiband/Multimode
! Networkable
! Simultaneous voice, data, and video
! Full convergence of digital networks and radio
science.
 Block Diagram
Software Defined Radio
Antenna
RF IF Baseband

Bandpass ADC/DAC
Filter DSP

Variable Local
Frequency Oscillator
Oscillator (fixed)
 Block Diagram
Software Defined Radio
Antenna
RF IF Baseband

ADC/DAC DSP

Local
Oscillator
(fixed)
 Block Diagram
Software Radio
Antenna
RF IF Baseband

ADC/DAC DSP
 Smart Radios
The positive control over the transmitter’s use of the
spectrum has traditionally been the purview of the
radio operators, who were guided and trained to
follow the rules of engagement carefully crafted
during the course of decades to prevent harmful
interference to other users.

The control of radio functions by software

algorithms embedded into the future “smart”
communications device will directly affect the
manner in which that device uses the spectrum.
 Smart Radio
! When combined with the software radio’s ability
to monitor the RF environment and precisely
sense its location, the software radio opens the
possibility of sharing spectrum among vastly
different users.
 What Is a Software Defined Radio?

Cognitive Radio
As radios embed increasingly complex and realistic
models of their environments, users, and networks,
they begin to approach what an outside observer
might call rational, or common-sense behavior.
 Technical Challenges
! Dynamic Radio
! ADC/DAC Speed
! Smart Radio Algorithms
Amateur Contributions
 How to Build a SDR
! DSP-10 by Bob Larkin, W7PUA
QST - Sep, Oct, Nov 1999
http://www.proaxis.com/~boblark/dsp10.htm
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/vhfproj.html
! R2-DSP by Rob Frohne, KL7NA
QST - Apr 1998
http://www.wwc.edu/~frohro/R2_DSP/R2-DSP.html
! A Panoramic Transceiving System for PSK31
by Skip Teller, KH6TY and Dave Benson, NN1G
QST - Jun 2000
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/psk31.html
The DSP-10 As a SDR
DSP-10
Constructed by
Ernie Manly, W7LHL
 Receive Synthesizer
RF Amp 10 MHz Synthesizer
143 - 149 MHz 124.3 to 128.4 MHz Ext. Ref.
(Optional) 19.680 MHz
5 kHz Steps
U1,U2

R 2-Pole R 143 - 149 MHz 19.665 MHz 28 kHz

32 dB
LC Filter
ANT or J211 TR SW TR SW
XVRTR (D2) Transmit (D1)

RF Amp
T 150 MHz T 4-Pole First 4-Pole Second Low-Pass Filter
J212
J213 LC Filter Mixer Crystal Filter Mixer
U4,U5 (U3) (U15)

Low-Pass 40 dB
Filter

IF Amp IF Driver

Q1, R TR SW T U109B,
U10A (U11A,U11C) Q5,Q6
Receiver Second IF
10-20 kHz

50 dB 10-20 kHz

Audio
Audio Power Amp
o Filters
90
TR R J204
DAC SW U14 Speaker
R (U11B)
SSB and CW
TR SW o Detector LMS
(U12A,U12B) ADC 90 +/- AGC
Denoise
T Sinewave BFO
12.5 -17.5 kHz
J102
Microphone
FFT Spectrum J201 Serial Data
PTT Analyzer to PC
J103
CW Key Arc Tangent 1024 Points
SW
FM Detector

FM
Squelch
Analog Devices EZ-Kit Lite
 Supporting Documentation
! Signals, Samples and Stuff: A DSP Tutorial
by Doug Smith, KE6DX
QEX - Mar, May, Jul, Sep 1998
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/dsp.html
! Basics of Digital Receiver Design
by Brad Brannon, N4RGI
QEX – Sep/Oct 1999
! A DSP-Based Audio Signal Processor
by Johan Forrer, KC7WW
QEX – Sep 1996
http://www.peak.org/~forrerj/ASP/article.html
Conclusion