Not to put too fine a point on it but at present all our radios consist of
dedicated hardware with or without some form of computer control. So we still
have dedicated RF amplifiers, mixers, IF strips, filters, etc., etc., that can
perform only a single function regardless of whether they are free running,
under analog control, or digitally controlled. Therefore, the hardware sets
the ultimate performance of the unit, while the software controls the hardware
and processes the signals the hardware captures.
It would appear that a truely "software defined radio" would consist entirely
of general purpose hardware that could be adapted to any function at any given
time under control of a computer program. Run one program and you have a
tranceiver, another program and you have something else, and not necessarily
something connected with radio in any direct way. The same hardware, different
function. And the software would set the ultimate performance of the unit.
Perhaps instead of "software defined" we should say "software controlled," for
the radios we have now, with the clear implication that the hardware sets the
performance capabilities and limits of the radio in question.
73 Pete Allen AC5E
--
Never squat with your spurs on
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