Software radio PMC has 256 DDC channels

Tag: Transformer Core

In Pentek's Model 7151 high-performance, high-resolution software radio module four 200 MHz 16-bit A/D converters feed a proprietary FPGA IP core that delivers 256 channels of digital down conversion. The product is well suited for GSM cell-phone monitoring and signal-intelligence applications.

With independent frequency tuning for each of the 256 DDC channels, the unit can down-convert any signal within any of the four digitized 100 MHz input bands, significantly enhancing the efficiency and diversity of signal-intelligence applications. Arranged in four banks of 64 DDC channels, each bank can be configured for a unique output signal bandwidth to accommodate applications requiring mixed signal types or multiple modulation schemes. Each DDC bank can be independently sourced from any one of the four A/D converters, which are typically assigned to specific antennas. As a result, the Model 7151 affords the engineer extreme flexibility for simultaneously capturing hundreds of signals spanning a wide range of modulation types, signal bandwidths and antenna sources.

"With its highly optimized 256-channel DDC IP core engine, the Model 7151 represents an entire software radio front end, boasting a channel density eight times higher than any other competing product in the marketplace. The Model 7151 is fully supported with drivers and it comes ready to use with the FPGA code already developed and installed. Not only does the 7151 module reduce development time and risks, it also saves designers space, power and costs in their software radio systems," says Rodger Hosking, vice president, Pentek. "Plus, the flexible decimation settings, input selections and tuning options, all unique to the Model 7151, provide engineers with unprecedented choices to suit specific applications," Hosking adds.