Journal of Microwaves, Optoelectronics and Electromagnetic Applications (Nov 2021)

Implementation of a Spectrum Analyzer Using the Software-Defined Radio Concept

  • Paulo V. A. Freitas,
  • Ruan F. Hanthequeste,
  • Gabriel B. A. Orofino,
  • Pedro V. G. Castellanos,
  • Ângelo A. C. Canavitsas,
  • Robson C. Bentes

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/2179-10742021v20i4254767
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 4
pp. 801 – 811

Abstract

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Abstract The software-defined radio has been allowing engineers the possibility of implementing operations on software that were previously only possible to be performed through hardware. With the continuous increase in the processing capacity of computers, it is possible to modify in real time the operating parameters of new radios called Software Defined Radios (SDR) or use commercial devices for other purposes, in addition to those established in their design. By using a low-cost device RTL-SDR R820T2, controlled by a Raspberry Pi 3, with a free software, the present work proposes a characterization procedure in order to collect power levels measurements in a given frequency range with greater accuracy, acting as a spectrum analyzer. Preliminary measures were performed with the device embarked on a drone.

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