SDR in Data Communications - Coursework Example

SDR in Data Communications Name: Course: Tutor: Date: SDR in Data Communication Introduction A software-defined radio (SDR) is a system of radio communication where hardware components have been typically implemented by means of software on an embedded computing device or personal computer. SDR is a technology in which software modules on a generic hardware platform run and consists of digital signal processing (DSPs) and microprocessors in general, which is used in implementing functions of a radio like the generation of transmitted signal (modulation) at the transmitter and tuning of received signals of the radio (demodulation) at the receivers end (Gatherer & Auslander, 2002, p.110). These systems offer flexibility and adaptability to system developers because they provide advantages when addressing constrained resources spectrum issues, rapid increase in wireless standards, and developing products that are cost-effective for the niche market due to their maturity levels. They have matured with high service quality and thus, are delivering wide bandwidth applications, for example, in WIMAX-e a mobile communication data. The future trend of this system is promising since it is going to increase the delivery of telecommunication services like radio broadcasts, mobile telephony and digital TV plus combinations that are heterogeneous as video streaming in the mobile environment (Dillinger et al., 2003, p. 54). Initially, the concept was met with strong resistance from existing regulator and spectrum holders, but recently, these people have embraced the system in a more positive way due to the evolving capabilities of digital electronics. Change is happening everywhere and people should be ready to adjust and accommodate them o enable them cope with environmental changes. A basic system of SDR consists of a personal computer, which is equipped with a sound card, other analog-to-digital converter, preceded by RF front end forms. The benefits associated with SDR include flexibility, experimentation enhancement, obsolescence reduction and the bringing together of analog and the digital world. Literature review Farrell, Sanchez and Corley (2009) have written an article that defines what a software-defined radio is and its requirements in general. They have been able to present an overview of the criteria used in such platforms, the current development state of the concept/system and its future trends. The article has also provided the reader with detailed high-performance flexible radio platforms known as the maynooth adaptable radio system (MARS) developed in exploring use of SDR concept in infrastructure provision elements in a telecommunication application like multimedia broadcasters. Gatherer and Auslander (2002) wrote a book that clearly demonstrates how DSPs program applications are used in mobile communications especially with the onset of I-mode in Japan and WAP in Europe. This processes made it possible for mobile to move out of mobile telephony to the world of mobile data. They have mentioned the benefits associated with the use of programmable Digital Signal Processors (DSPs). These programs have provided an understanding to entrepreneurs and engineers moving into mobile communication areas hence gaining knowledge of the art in mobile terminals. This book is appropriate for students and professors in understanding how the programs work and their benefits to society. Dalhman et al., is one of the books used by communication engineers in their research and development fields since it brings together essential points of reference from leading contributors in the globe. The book has been able to cover a wide range of topics including computers, multimedia data technologies, voice and video. It is a book that comes in handy for those engineers still new in the office for it gives a detailed coverage on the fundamentals, key techniques, and best practices to be observed by engineers plus rules and regulations to be followed. Horak (2007) wrote a handbook that has been beneficial in providing information regarding technologies and services of telecommunications and data communication industry. This book is very expansive and covers various topics including the internet and therefore, it gives a summary of what needs to be understood concerning the devices applied in the computer systems and programs. Rouphael (2008) is a book that displays how SDR has gained popularity in areas where wireless devices have been applied. The author has been keen in describing the concepts, theories, and designs used in this system. The introductory part is essential for first time readers and thereafter, an examination of the waveform creations, digital and analog signaling processing, conversion of data, and SDR hardware designs among other topics. The book has been able to offer the reader a powerful set of design and analytical tools, examples of real world designs, and a comprehensive coverage of the wireless industry. Bard & Kovarik (2007) book provides one with a comprehensive and practical overview in building a software communications architecture system that is compliant. It takes one through the historical and conceptual backgrounds and therefore, helps in filling the existing gaps between the SCA intent specifications and its practices. Some key features have been mentioned and gives an excellent guide to postgraduate and undergraduate students on wireless communication topics. Razavi (1998) book on microelectronics has been relevant for this study because it shows how technology has advance and its effects to communication networks in the world. The book gives detailed examples of how technology has evolved and the future trends expected and how people are coping with the challenges and problems associated with this developmental and environmental change. Research methodology SDR is a technology that requires researchers to visit the plant and observe how the system works in order to compile a paper that is objective and standard. Therefore, the use of interviews and questionnaires comes in handy in this case study. Recent research conducted shows how the technology was not well received, but with time, people accepted it due to the increase in digital technology. Interviews conducted among various technicians and IT personnel in different companies using the technology displayed different benefits of the system. Majority of them use the system due to its flexibility levels. Questionnaires were distributed among students of different colleges and institutions who are using the technology. Many of them are grateful for the system, which has enabled them accommodate many features into their personal computers and therefore, has enhanced their flexibility levels. Employees of corporations have also adapted to this system which has enhanced experimentation means in their fields of study and has also brought together analog and the digital world. This has been an advantage to them because they are able to incorporate in their work schedules the modern and old machines without tampering with their functionality. It is evident therefore that, SDR has been beneficial to a wide range of individuals and therefore, it is evolving and being appreciated. Sample survey was also carried out in various fields to show how the system operates and how it has been constructed. The technical part is for the professionals who help in building handsets and equipment that are multi-mode resulting in ubiquitous connectivity of underlying technology of network used. Discussion This technology has received enormous recognition and also has generated a widespread interest in the industry of telecommunication. This concept can be used in implementing military, civilian and commercial radio applications. Implementation of WLAN, Radar, Bluetooth, GPRS, and WCDMA among others is possible by use of SDR technology. Implementation of wireless equipment of network infrastructure is used with this technology as well as wireless handsets, modems and other end-user devices. The main features of this technology are interoperability, reconfigurable and a connectivity that is ubiquitous. Before using an SDR technology, high consumption of power, equipment cost and increased software complexity are some of the factors that need to be considered in building a radio system (Farrell et al., 2009, p. 6). Around the years of 2004 and 2006, the first generation of available SDR platforms occurred. However since then, technology has advanced and significant improvements in areas like the signal performance processing, connectivity, and RF quality components such as data converters and mixers. Certain challenges affecting SDR platforms include increased bandwidths, maximum reduction allowable for error vector magnitudes, and minimum reduction signal strengths. Increased capacity interface platforms, diverse processor range, and increased on-board capability processing are the three trends that drive SDR future platforms (Software-Defined Radio). The US military has been able to use the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) program in producing radios that provide interoperable and flexible communications. Vehicular, dismounted radios, hand-held, and airborne are some of the radio terminal examples currently in use. The program has been beneficial to the military force since it has provided new flexible approaches in meeting the diverse warfighter needs of communication through the use of radio software technology that are programmable. The adoption of this software also considered the civilian users who can easily settle with an architecture that is fixed, is optimized for a precise function, hence in applications of mass marketing, it is more economical. It is a command that is portable during management of crisis for the civilians. For the military force, this program is secure and in real-time, it is flexible (Bard & Kovarik, 2007, p. 307). SDR is also adopted by commercial users because it promotes international connectivity. This has been advantageous to businessmen because it has expanded their territories and market niches by use of communication devices that are highly adapted to the technological advancements in the global environment (Razavi, 1998, p. 120). Minimal movement is experienced yet commercial business enterprises are communicating with their customers in reaching agreements and sealing deals. For example, most multibillion dollar companies in the globe have adopted the use of GPRS as a mode of communication because it is fast, reliable and effective. The compact transceiver available in the SDR program is used by users in accessing various forms of communication which is their ultimate desire for information (Gatherer & Auslander, 2002, p. 98). The Electra radio of the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) is a premier example of an SDR. The baseband processing is implemented entirely in a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that is reconfigurable hence, any code channel, modulation, and data rate is accommodated via a suitable SDR reprogramming. Once the antenna is hit by a signal, information is configured by the SDR receiver and interpretation is made. Therefore, expertise and workers of the plant are able to act accordingly in saving the situation and bringing peace to the nation. Other examples are found in consumer markets and at home, like the mobile phone devices. Notably the applications profit used by military from their versatility having the addition of encryption and features related to their security systems. This device shows how safe SDR devices are since their development profit from using ClawZ. Conclusion SDR in data communication is a program that has gained popularity among many people in the globe including the US military. Software-defined radio has been compelling in offering benefits to designed radio systems, but open questions remain on their effective implementation and management flexibility in systems of wireless applications. The advance designing of customized hardware has been left for the software radio platforms and test beds of researchers and developers. Substantial technological improvements in the recent years have promoted the availability of low-cost platforms. This paper has been able to give an overview of SDR as a state-of-the art technology and future trends expected. The uses of software-defined radio have also been given a brief explanation on various sectors and how the global market is coping with the change of technology. It is evident that the US military have accommodated the technology and are willing to share their importance with other people in the globe. Interconnectivity has been promoted by the use of this technology and therefore, it has brought about the expansion of trade and growth of cities, countries and towns. The books used have showed how SDR has evolved and thus, the impacts associated to technological development. Different authors have diverse views on this topic, but they all agree that SDR is beneficial because it has been able to promote connectivity round the globe. This has enabled consumers and other professions communicate and exchange information and ideas. References: Bard, J. & Kovarik J. (2007). Software defined radio: the software communications architecture Wiley series in software radio. New York: John Wiley and Sons. Dahlman, E., Parkvall, S., Beming, P et al., (2009). Communications engineering desk reference. New York: Academic Press. Dillinger, M., Madani, K. & Alonistioti N. (2003). Software defined radio: architectures, systems, and functions. John Wiley and Sons, Farrell, R., Sanchez M, & Corley G. (2009). Software-Defined Radio Demonstrators: An Example and Future Trends. International Journal of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting. Retrieved 29th April, 2011 from Gatherer, A, & Auslander, E. (2002). The application of programmable DSPs in mobile communications. New York: John Wiley and Sons. Horak, Ray. (2007). Telecommunications and data communications handbook. New York: Wiley-Interscience. Rouphael, Tony J. (2008). RF and Digital Signal Processing for Software-Defined Radio: A Multi-Standard Multi-Mode Approach. United Kingdom: Newnes. Razavi, B. (1998). RF Microelectronics. NJ, USA: Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, Software-Defined Radio, White Paper, Wipro Technologies Software-Defined Radio: Facets of a Developing Technology, IEEE Personal Communications, April 1999 Read More

Literature review Farrell, Sanchez and Corley (2009) have written an article that defines what a software-defined radio is and its requirements in general. They have been able to present an overview of the criteria used in such platforms, the current development state of the concept/system and its future trends. The article has also provided the reader with detailed high-performance flexible radio platforms known as the maynooth adaptable radio system (MARS) developed in exploring use of SDR concept in infrastructure provision elements in a telecommunication application like multimedia broadcasters.

Gatherer and Auslander (2002) wrote a book that clearly demonstrates how DSPs program applications are used in mobile communications especially with the onset of I-mode in Japan and WAP in Europe. This processes made it possible for mobile to move out of mobile telephony to the world of mobile data. They have mentioned the benefits associated with the use of programmable Digital Signal Processors (DSPs). These programs have provided an understanding to entrepreneurs and engineers moving into mobile communication areas hence gaining knowledge of the art in mobile terminals.

This book is appropriate for students and professors in understanding how the programs work and their benefits to society. Dalhman et al., is one of the books used by communication engineers in their research and development fields since it brings together essential points of reference from leading contributors in the globe. The book has been able to cover a wide range of topics including computers, multimedia data technologies, voice and video. It is a book that comes in handy for those engineers still new in the office for it gives a detailed coverage on the fundamentals, key techniques, and best practices to be observed by engineers plus rules and regulations to be followed.

Horak (2007) wrote a handbook that has been beneficial in providing information regarding technologies and services of telecommunications and data communication industry. This book is very expansive and covers various topics including the internet and therefore, it gives a summary of what needs to be understood concerning the devices applied in the computer systems and programs. Rouphael (2008) is a book that displays how SDR has gained popularity in areas where wireless devices have been applied.

The author has been keen in describing the concepts, theories, and designs used in this system. The introductory part is essential for first time readers and thereafter, an examination of the waveform creations, digital and analog signaling processing, conversion of data, and SDR hardware designs among other topics. The book has been able to offer the reader a powerful set of design and analytical tools, examples of real world designs, and a comprehensive coverage of the wireless industry. Bard & Kovarik (2007) book provides one with a comprehensive and practical overview in building a software communications architecture system that is compliant.

It takes one through the historical and conceptual backgrounds and therefore, helps in filling the existing gaps between the SCA intent specifications and its practices. Some key features have been mentioned and gives an excellent guide to postgraduate and undergraduate students on wireless communication topics. Razavi (1998) book on microelectronics has been relevant for this study because it shows how technology has advance and its effects to communication networks in the world. The book gives detailed examples of how technology has evolved and the future trends expected and how people are coping with the challenges and problems associated with this developmental and environmental change.

Research methodology SDR is a technology that requires researchers to visit the plant and observe how the system works in order to compile a paper that is objective and standard. Therefore, the use of interviews and questionnaires comes in handy in this case study. Recent research conducted shows how the technology was not well received, but with time, people accepted it due to the increase in digital technology.

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