To enable users to evaluate, design and troubleshoot short-range devices (SRDs) for radio communications using its ADF70xx family of SRD transmitters and transceivers, Analog Devices has developed SRD Design Studio. In reality, the company has added extra features to its well-known ADIsimPLL circuit design and simulation software to create a design studio that is specific to its line of SRD transmitters and transceivers. It is available at no charge on its web site. And, it is crafted for designing SRD devices for automatic meter reading, industrial automation, security, home automation, remote controls and other low-power wireless network and telemetry applications.

According to ADI, SRD Design Studio allows designers to view multiple parameters simultaneously, in both the time and frequency domains, to enable rapid prototype development and design optimization with-out the use of multiple spreadsheets and iterative lab work. However, it does not permit PCB layout.

“As a natural extension of our cost-effective, low-power SRD transmitters and transceivers, designers using SRD Design Studio can quickly and efficiently conduct real-time simulations, test various configurations and troubleshoot potential problems when implementing short-range wireless links in their design, stated Dave Boylan, ADI's product line director for transmitters and transceivers.

SRD Design Studio allows designers to choose from three main simulations, including frequency domain, transient analysis and spectrum analyzer. By observing the behavior of the wireless link within these parameters, designers obtain a real-time representation of the SRD frequency, sync detection, power consumption and radio link analysis. Using the extremely powerful spectrum analyzer, users can view modifications in the frequency domain and compare for different modulation options, data rates, loop filters and other criteria.

The design studio offers a series of worksheets that assist designers in troubleshooting all key factors that are significant in affecting short-range radio link performance. These worksheets are especially effective for determining accurate simulation of spectrum, effects of modulation and phase noise, determination of regulatory compliance, modulation simulations and design of automatic synchronization. Designers who are not familiar with SRDs will benefit from the tool's ability to troubleshoot potential problems. Worksheets include design wizard, link budget, frequencies worksheet, transmitter spectrum, antenna/filter, packet formatting, sync detection, and power consumption.

According to ADI's senior applications engineer Austin Harney, the software library comprises only ADI parts. It will be updated over the next couple of months based on feedback from the users.

For more information, visit www.analog.com.