[hpsdr] Receiver Evolution Complete?

[Rob Frohne]

Hi Paul,

Your view is interesting in that it seems to indicate that the receiver 
evolution stops when the design moves from hardware to software, and 
quasi-software (FPGA development).  To me, the advances in that regard 
are what allow more opportunities for advancement, utilizing the higher 
precision and easy flexibility of software.  So for me there are still 
many advances that can now be made utilizing those improvements.  We are 
still a long way from quantum limits pointed out by Heisenberg.

73,

Rob

KL7NA


On 10/23/2016 09:53 AM, Paul Christensen wrote:
> ***** High Performance Software Defined Radio Discussion List *****
>
>> "I would further submit that the available openHPSDR hardware, firmware and
> software has now reached that state of evolution."
>
> So, perhaps we've reached the end of communication receiver evolution?  With
> DDC/DFC what technological hurdle remains in the conversion of RF to audio
> and video screen presentation?
>
> Here's the receiver evolution time-line as I see it:
>
> - Spark communication, with detection by coherer and other crude detectors
> beginning with Hertz and Lodge in 1888
> - Spark communication with detection by Fleming valve (VT diode) in 1904
> - Spark/CW/AM detection by triode in 1906
> - Spark/CW/AM detection by regeneration and super-regeneration, starting in
> 1913
> - Spark/CW/AM detection by superhet principle in 1917
> - Added modes by superhet, improved IF selectivity, and direct conversion
> detection between 1917 and 1985
> - Superhet with audio DSP in late 1980s
> - Superhet with translation to IF DSP in 1990
> - Superhet with QSD detection in late 1990s
> - DDC/DUC in 2005
> - DFC as alternate DDC means ca. 2015?
>
> Probably I'm off on some dates and milestones in between.  Note that there's
> not much in the core advancement of the superhet concept between WWI and the
> 1980s.
>
> What's left to accomplish, apart from continuous dynamic range and UI
> improvement, now that we're digitizing voltage immediately after the antenna
> and transmission line?
>
> Paul, W9AC
>
>
>
>
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-- 
Rob Frohne, Ph.D. P.E.
E. F. Cross School of Engineering
Walla Walla University
100 SW 4th Street
College Place, WA 99362
(509) 527-2075