Software-defined radio is a rapidly growing field, due in no small part to the fact that it gives technicians access to a wide array of different frequencies for their use. However, SDR equipment isn’t perfect and it still has limitations. A group of engineers says that they might have found a way around some of these problems by using a semiconductor to generate RF energy.
The Analog Devices AD9371 chip can be tuned from as low as 1MHz up to 6GHz, as long as it has an appropriate antenna attached. That should provide more than enough coverage for repeaters that have to work in full duplex mode, such as those designed to extend the range of WiFi signals.
It’s likely that a majority of users will be interested in the higher end of the spectrum, which includes both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networking bands used for 802.11n equipment. However, it’s also of interest to those who provide equipment designed to put out Part 15 signals on the AM broadcast band, since these devices can tune all the way down to 1,000kHz. Expanded band performance ensures that it can work through 1,700kHz as well as inside many shortwave frequencies. That’s not bad for something that’s so small it can fit in the palm of your hand.
Stop by at Epiq Solutions to learn more about the Analog Devices AD9371 chip used in these systems.