Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IISCommunication systems are becoming increasingly complex. They are a technical masterpiece in terms of the flow and interaction of the individual signal processing components. Particularly in applications that require real-time digital processing, absolute precision and speed are crucial. High to extremely high bandwidths and direct sampling at transmission frequencies up to the Ka-band are often essential for smooth and reliable signal processing. Accordingly, suitable analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters are just as indispensable as powerful processors or FPGAs. Evaluation platforms for signal processing therefore play a central role in the success of product development
Accelerated Product Design for Communication Systems
© Fraunhofer IIS/Paul Pulkert
Platforms for Digital Signal Processing
Focused on signal processing quality
With the help of our high-speed signal processing platforms, developers can test their components directly in the application context and plan for early product adjustments. Accelerated product design significantly reduces development costs. However, increasing bandwidths and sampling rates mean that the requirements for such platforms are also constantly rising.
To adequately meet diverse and customer-specific needs, we rely on our extensive knowledge in the areas of mixed-signal design and digital high-speed interfaces when it comes to hardware design. Our toolbox also includes state-of-the-art CAD tools and simulation environments, which reliably minimize potential redesigns and sluggish development phases.
Some advanced applications, such as beamforming or phased array antennas, rely on the synchronous sampling of a signal on multiple converter channels. Consequently, the precise synchronization of multiple signal converters (ADC/DAC) is another key focus of our work. To ensure the best possible signal processing quality, high-quality sampling clocks and their distribution over multiple converters are also required. To this end, we have successfully researched and implemented concepts for clock frequencies up to 24 GHz.
Beamforming and Digital-to-Analog Converter – an unbeatable duo
What began in the “INTERSTELLAR“ project is now being continued in the “ORION“ project: We are developing the next generation of evaluation platforms for signal processing with new beam forming and beam hopping functions.
Our newly developed DAC board enables digital adjustment of antenna parameters and ensures precise control of antenna alignment. The benefit? Always an optimal signal with reduced energy consumption.
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Our prototyping boards, which support manufacturers in the development and integration of powerful analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, form the first step towards digital high-speed signal processing. Depending on the required performance parameters and interfaces, we customize the boards to meet the specific requirements. With the help of such platforms, new converters can be integrated into planned system architectures during the development process. While the industry benefits from shorter development times, we are already working on the next generation of prototyping boards to cover an even wider range of applications in the future.
Whether it's conception, design, or implementation, we are competent and reliable partners throughout the various stages of development. If you are interested in our comprehensive range of high-speed signal processing platforms, do not hesitate to contact us.
