Software Defined Radio Architectures - Part I — Lesson 3

This lesson covers the fundamentals of software-defined radio architectures, focusing on the key components and their functions. It delves into the requirements and specifications of radio, including the roles of the transmitter and receiver in wireless communication. The lesson also explains the importance of controlling spurious emission levels and power levels in transmitters, and the significance of sensitivity and selectivity in receivers. It further discusses the hardware components used in these architectures, such as digital signal processors, RF mixers, power amplifiers, and digital to analog converters. The lesson concludes with a detailed explanation of Superheterodyne and Homodyne architectures, their advantages, and how to choose the right architecture based on specific requirements.

Video Highlights

00:18 - Radio requirements and specifications
03:17 - Discussion on the use of RF mixers
06:48 - Role of filters, power amplifiers and circulators/diplexers
10:27 - DAC, ADC and SNR
16:55 - Explanation of Superheterodyne and Homodyne architectures
22:32 - Advantages and disadvantages of superheterodyne and homodyne architectures

Key Takeaways

- Controlling spurious emission levels and power levels are very important in transmitters.
- Sensitivity and selectivity are crucial in receivers.
- Digital signal processors, RF mixers, power amplifiers, and digital to analog converters are key hardware components in software-defined radio architectures.
- Superheterodyne and Homodyne architectures have their own advantages and can be chosen based on specific requirements.