Radio Receiver Technology: Principles, Architectures and Applications

Written by an expert in the field, this book covers the principles, architectures, applications, specifications and characterizations of radio receivers

In this book, the author introduces the reader to the basic principles and theories of present-day communications receiver technology. The first section of the book presents realization concepts at the system level, taking into consideration the various types of users. Details of the circuitry are described providing the reader with an understanding of fully digitized radio receivers, offering an insight into the state-of-the-art.

The remaining sections address radio receivers, particularly as two-port devices. Furthermore, the author outlines the fields of applications and their features (with sample calculations and with reference to practical work), and considers the speciality of high-quality radio receivers. As can be seen from the multitude of terrestrial applications described in Part II, they are typically used for radio surveillance, signal intelligence, modern radio bearing and classical radio services. Parts III and IV describe the entire range of parameters that are useful for the characterization of these receivers. The description starts from the physical effect, or the explanation of the individual parameter, and then proceeds to the measuring technique for determining the parameters, highlighting problems, followed by explanatory notes with applicatory relevance. The measuring procedures described are the result of experiences gained in extended laboratory work and practical testing. With the model shown in Part IV used for the operational evaluation detailing the intrinsic small range of interpretation, the book covers untreated research in the field. The Appendix provides valuable information about the dimensions of receiving systems and the mathematical derivation of effects.

The book also includes a useful method for converting different level specifications.

Key Features:
• Introduces the basic principles and theories of present-day technology
• Discusses concepts at the system level (aligned to the various types of users)
• Addresses fully digitized radio receivers focusing on the state-of-the-art
• Close contacts to the industry were utilized to show background information
• Enables the reader to comprehend and evaluate the characteristic features and the performance of such systems
• Examines the entire range of parameters that are characteristic of the technology including the physical effect and measuring techniques
• Includes results of experiences gained in extended laboratory work and practical testing with examples
• Provides a uniform and systematic approach for ease of understanding e.g. many didactic figures for the
visual illustration have been newly created as well as complete real-world examples

This book will be an excellent resource for professionals developing and testing radio receivers, for receiver users (e.g. at regulatory agencies, surveillance centres, secret services, classical radio communications services), engineers and technicians who work with RF-measurement instruments, postgraduate students studying the field and university lecturers. Chartered radio amateurs and handlers/operators will also find this book insightful. Due to high level of detail, it also serves as a reference. By using the carefully edited alphabetical index with over 1,200 entries, the appropriate explanations can be found quickly in the text.