Wideband 20 GHz RF digitizer and python-based open application framework for test and measurement

The measurement and analysis of modern wireless signals is a complex task requiring wideband signal analyzers that can operate over large frequency ranges. In addition they should meet other stringent specifications such as those for dynamic range and noise figure. These signal analyzers are expensive and similar, less expensive analyzers lack the functionality and specifications to meet the requirements for testing modern waveforms. To address this challenge a small, cost-effective wideband RF digitizer that spans the frequency range 100 kHz to 20 GHz with an instantaneous bandwidth of 100 MHz has been built using novel techniques. Developers can design their own signal analysis applications for this hardware platform using a free, easy to use Python-based open source application framework. The combination of the RF digitizer and application framework comprises a cost-effective signal analysis solution for the test and measurement of modern waveforms.