What is Software Defined Radio (SDR)?

"Radio in which some or all of the physical layer functions are software defined."

Software-Defined Radio (SDR) refers to the technology wherein software modules running on a generic hardware platform are used to implement radio functions.

Smart Grid Lab Image

Most Basic Setup Of Communication Teaching Bundle

Components

SDR Hardware (NI USRP Series) → Real-world RF experiments

RF Antenna

LabVIEW/MATLAB/GNU Radio Software Integration → Simulation + implementation

Teaching Resources → Pre-built lab exercises, course modules, and documentation

Teaching Area Coverage

Applications of the Smart Grid Laboratory

Channel Effects & Equalization

Error Control Coding

OFDM & MIMO Concepts

5G/6G Emerging Technologies (with mmWave Expansion setup)

Programming support

**Learn step-by-step GNU Radio programming and master SDR technology through our E-Innovista Training Program on RF Communication->

List of Experiments

  • I-Q representation of RF Signals
  • Implementation of AM, FM, BPSK, QPSK, QAM-Modulation and Demodulation
  • Baseband QAM Modern-Modulation and Detection
  • BER Measurement
  • Pulse Shaping & Matched Filtering
  • Synchronization-Symbol Timing Recovery
  • Channel Estimation & Equalization
  • Frame Detection & Frequency Offset Correction
  • OFDM Modulation and Frequency Domain Equalization
  • Synchronization in OFDM Systems
  • Channel Coding in OFDM Systems
SDR Lab Equipment Interface

Limitation of USRP Devices:

USRP transceivers can transmit and receive RF signals below 6 GHz, and you can use them for applications in communications education and research.

However, USRP does not support the commercialized higher frequency 5G millimeter-wave(mmWave) communication technology.

Solutions

The mmWave solution upgrade for USRP we recommend can solve the pain points for researchers. By using existing low-frequency instruments to upgrade to a mmWave solution, mmWave researchers can establish a laboratory environment for rapid research...

mmWave Expansion

A complete mmWave system is divided into three parts: the baseband, up-down converter and beamformer.

Baseband: Basically SDR which Performs baseband applications like modulation, demodulation etc.
Up-Down Converter: Mixes the IF/baseband signal with a Local Oscillator (LO) to upconvert into mmWave (24–44 GHz).
Beam-former: Adjusts antenna phase output to transfer energy in a specific direction (Antenna-in-Package, AiP).

List of Experiments With mmWave

Beam Steering

Beam Pattern Measurement

Study on channel gain

Constructive/destructive interference (conduction & radiation)

Applications

5G FR2: Advanced beamforming, beam tracking, layer splitting, MIMO

O-RAN Testbed: Beam management, O-RU, O-DU, O-CU prototyping

Radar Sensing: Smart factories, autonomous driving, biomedical

Channel Sounding: Minimize multipath fading/interference

JCAS: Joint communication + radar sensing

SATCOM & NTN: Flexible mmW-SDR for next-gen satellite & NTN

Conclusion

The RF Communication Lab provides hands-on training with cutting-edge wireless technologies like SDR, NI USRP, MIMO, beamforming, and mmWave systems. It supports advanced applications in 5G/6G, IoT, radar, and satellite communication, preparing professionals to excel in modern wireless innovation.

Choose us for Leading Wireless Innovation with Precision and Expertise