PySDR: A Guide to SDR and DSP Using Python

Summary

Purpose and Target Audience First and foremost, a couple important terms: Software-Defined Radio (SDR):As a concept it refers to using software to perform signal processing tasks that were traditionally performed by hardware, specific to radio/RF applications. This software can be run on a general-purpose computer (CPU), FPGA, or even GPU, and it can be used for real-time applications or offline processing of recorded signals. Analogous terms include “software radio” and “RF digital signal processing”. As a thing (e.g., “an SDR”) it typically refers to a device that you can plug an antenna into and receive RF signals, with the digitized RF samples being sent to a computer for processing or recording (e.g., over USB, Ethernet, PCI). Many SDRs also have transmit capabilities, allowing the computer to send samples to the SDR which then transmits the signal at a specified RF frequency. Some embedded-style SDRs include an onboard computer. Digital Signal Processing (DSP):The digital processing of signals; in our case, RF signals. This textbook acts as a hands-on introduction to the areas of DSP, SDR, and wireless communications. It is designed for someone who is: Interested in using SDRs to do cool stuff Good with Python Relatively new to DSP, wireless communications, and SDR A visual learner, preferring animations over equations Better at understanding equations after learning the concepts Looking for concise explanations, not a 1,000 page textbook An example is a Computer Science student interested in a job involving wireless communications after graduation, although it can be used by anyone itching to learn about SDR who has programming experience. As such, it covers the necessary theory to understand DSP techniques without the intense math that is usually included in DSP courses. Instead of burying ourselves in equations, an abundance of images and animations are used to help convey the concepts, such as the Fourier series complex plane animation below. I believe tha...