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Next-generation multiprotocol radios, whether re-programmable or not, pose new challenges to developers in term of increasing signal processing requirements, either in terms of raw processing power or algorithmic complexity. Hence, developers are considering the use of digital signal processors (DSP) combined with FPGAs in order to achieve sufficient processing headroom and programmability as well. Additionally, better design approaches, where initial top-down system simulations are used extensively throughout the design and implementation phases, are increasingly being used in the industry.

This article takes a look at such new architectural and design trends and describes a new software-defined radio (SDR) handset development platform that exploits such advances. In fact, this platform, called small-form factor (SFF) SDR development platform, was a joint development between Texas Instruments (TI), Xilinx and Lyrtech as well as a host of leading software tool vendors. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is a modular RF/IF/baseband platform that implements TI's DSP, Xilinx's FPGA, and advanced design flows and software architectures. It also provides handset developers specific key features such as real-time power profiling and monitoring.

Key capabilities of this platform and its design flow, including the aforementioned top-down model-based design flow, are demonstrated while developing two types of radio modulations — a simple family radio service (FRS) and a much more complex GSM modulation.

The SFF SDR development platform provides a full signal chain from antenna to baseband processing. The kit can be used to create single- or multiprotocol handset radios for military, public safety and commercial applications. Plus, it can also be used as a rapid prototyping and test platform. Additionally, as the platform is integrated to work with the Simulink model-based design tool, developers have the option to use C/HDL or MATLAB Simulink to quickly test proof-of-concept designs and then optimize the architecture for cost and power as shown in Figure 3.

Unlike other SDR development offerings, the SFF SDR development platform is a hardware/software co-development environment that supplies the full signal chain for a multiprotocol SDR, including RF front-end module, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog data conversion (ADC and DAC) module and digital-processing module. By separating out the baseband, IF and RF as distinct modules rather than as a single fixed architecture, developers are able to extend their radio development capabilities, as well as optimize for cost and power consumption, by substituting their own or third-party modules. This flexibility is vital, as it gives developers the ability to adjust their products around the industry's constantly varying requirements.

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