Data Conversion

LTC2274’s
new high-speed two-wire serial interface greatly reduces the number of data input/output (I/O) lines
required between a 16-bit ADC and the FPGA from 16 CMOS or 32 LVDS parallel data lines to a single,
self-clocking, differential pair communicating at 2.1 Gbps

The article investigates key parameters that enable users to choose the right ADC based not only on performance, but cost and other tangible and intangible aspects of converters

Designers around the world are racing to build a mobile radio that is flexible enough to handle current and future standards

RF Design magazine presents a collection of Signal Processing resources, and other articles related to signal processing.

Over the past several years, numerous specifications have been developed defining the interface between the RF front-end and the baseband processing sub-systems in advanced wireless products. These interfaces include the Reference Point 3 specification developed under the open base station architecture initiative (OBSAI), the DigRF interface specification under development by the mobile industry processor

In addition to defining the smart antenna application programming interface (API), this article will also describe the smart antenna API in detail and explore its benefits. Plus, it will introduce the smart antenna working group and the process they are following in developing this API, as well discuss steps toward standardization.

With a significant boost in data rates coupled with much wider channel
bandwidths, 3G LTE specs will require complex signal-processing techniques
such as MIMOs, OFDMA and MC-CDMA. This report investigates solutions
that are being readied even before the standard is ratified. While semiconductor
suppliers are readying their DSPs and FPGAs, as well as front-end data
converters and RF power amplifiers, test gear providers are unveiling their
test strategies.

While most of the technical bottlenecks to realizing true software-defined radio can be found in the linear and mixed-signal processing components, recent trends in ADCs and DACs have moved their levels of performance one step closer to achieving that goal.

Wireless operators are increasing their focus on data and multimedia services to drive revenue growth. This is creating demands for substantially improved radio equipment performance. Unfortunately, years of innovation in wireless have left little new technology ore to be mined for performance improvements. Multi-antenna signal-processing (MAS) software provides more control over the spatial distribution of radio energy, yielding well-proven order-of-magnitude performance improvements. As a result, MAS is being embraced as a key part of next-generation wireless networks like 3.5G, 3G-LET and W

Combining digital signal processing with FPGA devices, this article describes a low-cost integrated hardware and software platform employing a software-defined
radio approach that expedites development of multiprotocol
radios for military, public safety and commercial applications.