SDR-Boosting the Flexibility of RF Communication

Software-defined radio (SDR) represents a break from traditional radio frequency (RF) design techniques. Older, conventional systems could only implement fixed functions and encompass a limited feature set. By taking advantage of flexible RF front-ends and high-performance digital hardware, developers can exploit novel techniques to eke more capacity out of the wireless spectrum and build highly differentiated systems. Using SDR, engineers can build radios that can react more readily to interference, employ more sophisticated channel-coding schemes to increase data rates and take advantage of other advanced RF technologies. Access to an ecosystem of hardware and software, including open-source libraries, means it is easier than ever to gain experience in SDR design.