[hpsdr] Receiver Evolution Complete?

[Paul Christensen]

Rob,

Good points.  Also, I should not have glossed over a significant milestone
in 1947, with the invention of germanium and silicon transistors.  However,
the transistor brought about a means to achieve the superhet principle
rather than an architectural change.  

Paul, W9AC

-----Original Message-----
From: Hpsdr [mailto:hpsdr-bounces at lists.openhpsdr.org] On Behalf Of Rob
Frohne
Sent: Sunday, October 23, 2016 1:25 PM
To: hpsdr at lists.openhpsdr.org
Subject: Re: [hpsdr] Receiver Evolution Complete?

***** High Performance Software Defined Radio Discussion List *****

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

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