Master Software-Defined Radio (SDR): From Theory to Practical Applications with LabVIEW

What you will learn:

Master the fundamentals of Software-Defined Radio (SDR).
Understand key wireless communication concepts (RF signals, frequency, bandwidth).
Learn various modulation and demodulation techniques (AM, FM, PM, ASK, FSK, PSK, QAM).
Develop proficiency in digital signal processing (DSP).
Gain hands-on experience with LabVIEW for SDR design and implementation.
Explore advanced SDR applications in 5G, satellite communication, radar, and more.
Build a functional communication link using USRP hardware.

Description

Unlock the secrets of wireless communication! This comprehensive course dives deep into Software-Defined Radio (SDR), guiding you from foundational concepts to building complete communication systems using LabVIEW and USRP hardware. Perfect for beginners and experienced engineers alike, you'll master essential digital signal processing techniques, various modulation schemes (AM, FM, PM, ASK, FSK, PSK, QAM), and practical implementation using real-world tools.

We cover fundamental radio principles, including frequency, bandwidth, and the electromagnetic spectrum, building a strong theoretical base before transitioning into hands-on LabVIEW projects. You'll design and build both transmitters and receivers, culminating in a final project where you construct a fully functional communication link. Beyond the basics, we'll explore cutting-edge applications of SDR in 5G networks, satellite communication, and ethical hacking, including a fascinating exercise where you decode live ADS-B signals from aircraft!

Whether you're a student, professional engineer, or passionate hobbyist, this course provides unparalleled hands-on experience, transforming theoretical knowledge into practical skills. Gain the confidence to design, build, and troubleshoot your own SDR systems, unlocking limitless possibilities in the world of wireless technologies.

Curriculum

Introduction to Software-Defined Radio (SDR)

This section lays the groundwork for your SDR journey. Lectures cover the definition and overview of SDR, exploring its advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional analog radios. You’ll delve into key components of SDR systems and discover popular hardware platforms, setting a strong foundation for the subsequent modules. Lectures include: Definition and Overview of SDR, Advantages and Disadvantages of SDR, Comparison Between Analog and Digital Radios, Key Components of SDR Systems, and Popular SDR Hardware Platforms.

Fundamentals of Radio Communication

Gain a deep understanding of fundamental wireless communication concepts. Lectures explore core principles including frequency, bandwidth, and modulation basics, differentiating between digital and analog communication. You'll also learn about the electromagnetic spectrum and wave propagation. Lectures include: Fundamental Concepts of Wireless Communication, Frequency, Bandwidth, and Modulation Basics, Digital vs. Analog Communication, and The Electromagnetic Spectrum & How Waves Travel.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for SDR

Master the essential digital signal processing techniques crucial for SDR. This section covers DSP fundamentals, the Fourier Transform and its applications, sampling and aliasing, and various filtering techniques (low-pass, band-pass, high-pass). Lectures include: Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Basics, Fourier Transform and Its Applications, Sampling and Aliasing, and Filtering Techniques (Low-pass, Band-pass, High-pass).

LabVIEW for SDR Design

Learn the essential skills to design SDR systems using LabVIEW software. This section provides a comprehensive introduction to installing and utilizing LabVIEW for SDR design, providing a practical foundation for building the SDR systems described in later modules. Lectures include: Installing and Introduction to LabVIEW for SDR Design.

Modulation and Demodulation Techniques

This section is dedicated to various modulation and demodulation techniques crucial for SDR communication. You'll learn about Amplitude Modulation (AM), Frequency Modulation (FM), Phase Modulation (PM), Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK), Frequency Shift Keying (FSK), Phase Shift Keying (PSK), and Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), including both theoretical explanations and practical LabVIEW implementations of each. Lectures cover each modulation technique, their designs in LabVIEW, and conclude with a discussion on IQ Rate.

Building a Mini Communication System

Put your knowledge into practice by designing and implementing a complete mini communication system using USRP hardware and LabVIEW. This hands-on section covers implementing basic transmitters and receivers, culminating in a final project where you design and test a fully functional SDR communication link. Lectures include: Implementing a Basic Transmitter in LabVIEW, Implementing a Basic Modulated Signal Transmitter in LabVIEW, Implementing an Audio Signal Transmitter in LabVIEW, Implementing a Basic Receiver in LabVIEW, and Designing and Testing a Complete SDR Communication Link.

Advanced SDR Applications

Explore the advanced and exciting real-world applications of SDR. This section delves into the use of SDR in 5G networks, radar and satellite communications, and ethical hacking. You’ll also participate in a practical exercise decoding live ADS-B signals from aircraft. Lectures include: Software-Defined Radios (SDR) and Networks in 5G Architectures, SDR in Radar and Satellite Communications, Security and Ethical Hacking with SDR, What are ADS-B Signals from Aircraft?, and Practical Exercise: Decoding ADS-B Signals from Aircraft.