Creating a Solution for Testing Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum Devices Wideband modulation in 60GHz communication Overview
In wireless connectivity and communications, frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) is a technique used to reduce interference, increase transmission security and enhance the efficient use of available bandwidth. FHSS is used in applications such as Bluetooth®, consumer walkie-talkies and military communications.
With this technique the carrier frequency is rapidly changed across a wide range of frequency channels. The transmitter and receiver both know the hopping sequence, and cryptographic keys may be used to protect the sequence. In the case of military communications, additional encryption may be applied to the signals.
During product development or manufacturing, creating a viable FHSS measurement solution often requires two types of instruments:
1. A vector signal generator (VSG) that produces I/Q-modulated signals and up converts them to microwave frequencies. An external up converter is typically required if translation to millimeter-wave frequencies is necessary.
2. An arbitrary waveform generator (AWG). If the AWG has two output channels, it can produce a modulating pair of I/Q signals that simulates the required FHSS sequences.
Although AWG capabilities are built into instruments such as the Agilent Technologies E8267D PSG vector signal generator, a high-performance external AWG is typically needed to address applications that require extremely fast frequency switching and settling.
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