Tackling Ruggedization Challenges for RF Communications in Software Defined Radios

Software Defined Radios or SDRs are used in a wide variety of design requirements. This includes spectrum monitoring and analysis, control and management of a network of radios, and designing and deploying next-generation wireless communications systems. These capabilities can lend themselves to applications such as drone detection/control and deterrence, controlling the wideband spectrum for electronic warfare, secure communications and networking, massive MIMO testbeds, passive RADAR, signals intelligence, and much more.

There are various solutions for these applications, but one of the most ubiquitous approaches is utilizing NI's Ettus Research brand of SDRs. We'll use these enclosures for many of our examples, but a similar approach could apply to all types of SDR or radio frequency (RF) communications devices. All types of engineers and specialists in the RF communications and control arena have done prototyping and analysis using these kinds of lab and controlled-environment commercial grade systems. A key challenge has been adapting the systems to a wider range of environments. This includes outdoor applications; deployments in land, sea, and airborne craft; colder or hotter environments, or other implementations where the units are exposed to shock/vibration or debris ingress (sand, dust, salt-fog, etc.).