Federal Communication Commission explains Software Defined Radio as “A radio that includes a transmitter in which the operating parameters of the transmitter, including the frequency range, modulation type or maximum radiated or conducted output power can be altered by making a change in software without making any hardware changes”. Software defined radio technology is achieving rapidly growing acceptance as a military communications platform because of its security advantages and its ability to be reconfigured to meet specific mission parameters. Programmable logic offers the performance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness required for SDR systems.

Introduction:

Consider a problem where in you are using wireless fax, the protocol often differs from country to country which implies different hardware for different countries. Due to the present day advances in silicon ,a probable solution would be to use a single Software Defined Radio set with an all-inclusive software range can be used in any mode, anywhere in the world.

The equipment needed would be just changing the service type, the mode, and the modulation protocol involves selecting and launching the requisite computer program. Making sure the batteries are adequately charged if portable operation is needed.

In a nut-shell, the problem is to provide a single radio transceiver for all the applications such as:

1.Cordless telephone

2.Cell phone

3.Wireless fax

4.Wireless e-mail system

5.Pager

6.Wireless videoconferencing unit

7. Wireless Web browser

8. Global Positioning System unit and other functions