Software Defined Radio in SMART Technology

Abstract

Modern telecommunication systems are rapidly evolving. This rapid development requires constant research and fast prototyping. This dissertation thesis focusses on deployment of software defined radio (SDR) in multiple application areas, including SMART technologies. SDR itself is a tool behind many breakthroughs in modern telecommunications, due to its major adaptability. It offers a comprehensive way of fast prototyping, which rely on suitable software platform. The field of telecommunications is ever-changing, due to the constant pressure on innovation. For this reason, it is desirable to test some of the alternative communication technologies. Visible light communication (VLC) system based on combination of virtual instrumentation and software defined radios was chosen for experimentation. This dissertation focusses on multiple versions of VLC system that were developed over the years. Each version is further discussed, and their advantages and disadvantages are presented. A draft of fourth and newest version is mentioned along with possible directions of the research. Results from multiple application areas are presented, which show the adaptability of the whole platform to different use cases including but not limited to: SMART technologies, automotive, nuclear waste disposal sites, or industry. It is demonstrated that the newest version of the system, which is based on OFDM modulation, can communicate up to 50 meters in closed environments and up to 35 meters in outdoor scenarios. This opens further research directions such as truck platooning or underwater communications.