This is a wee blog from the Software Defined Radio (SDR) research group at the University of Strathclyde.

We’ve also got some other presence on the web for various projects. Here’s a list (that’s surely out of date by the time you’re reading this!).

GitHub

You most likely already know that we have a presence on GitHub, as strath-sdr.

As well as this HQ, members of our team have lately been contributing to Xilinx’s PYNQ and RFSoC efforts. Some of this work can be found at the PYNQ ZCU111 board repo, and the PYNQ RFSoC workshop repo.

Exploring MPSoC

This book introduces the Zynq MPSoC (Multi-Processor System-on-Chip), an embedded device from Xilinx® that combines a processing system that includes Arm Cortex-A53 application and Arm Cortex-R5 real-time processors, alongside FPGA programmable logic. The book covers the architecture of the device, the design tools and methods, conventional hardware/software co-design approach, and the newer software-defined methodology, as well as hardware and software development, multiprocessing, safety, security and platform management, system booting, and special features on PYNQ (a Python-based framework) and machine learning applications.

Find out more about the Exporing MPSoC book here.

Desktop SDR

In this free book we introduce readers to SDR methods by viewing and analysing downconverted RF signals in the time and frequency domains, and then provide extensive DSP enabled SDR design exercises which the reader can learn from. The hands-on examples begin with simple AM and FM receivers, and move on to the more challenging aspects of PHY layer DSP, where receive filter chains, real-time channelisers, and advanced concepts such as carrier synchronisers, digital PLL designs and QPSK timing and phase synchronisers are implemented. Towards the end of the book, we demonstrate how the RTL-SDR can be used with SDR transmitters to develop a more complete communications system, capable of transmitting text strings and images across the desktop.

Find out about the Software Defined Radio using MATLAB & Simulink and the RTL-SDR book here

5G Rural First

5G RuralFirst is a co-innovation project led by Cisco alongside principal partner University of Strathclyde and a consortium of other partners from across business, government, and academia. Its first goal is to create rural test-beds and trials for 5G wireless and mobile connectivity across three main sites in the Orkney Islands, Shropshire, and Somerset.

Find out more about the 5G rural first project here.