Sub-Nyquist Sampling: Bridging Theory and Practice

Sampling theory encompasses all aspects related to the conversion of continuous-time signals to discrete streams of numbers. The famous Shannon-Nyquist theorem has become a landmark in the development of digital signal processing. In modern applications, an increasingly number of functions is being pushed forward to sophisticated software algorithms, leaving only those delicate finely-tuned tasks for the circuit level. In this paper, we review sampling strategies which target reduction of the ADC rate below Nyquist. Our survey covers classic works from the early 50's of the previous century through recent publications from the past several years. The prime focus is bridging theory and practice, that is to pinpoint the potential of sub-Nyquist strategies to emerge from the math to the hardware. In that spirit, we integrate contemporary theoretical viewpoints, which study signal modeling in a union of subspaces, together with a taste of practical aspects, namely how the avant-garde modalities boil down to concrete signal processing systems. Our hope is that this presentation style will attract the interest of both researchers and engineers in the hope of promoting the sub-Nyquist premise into practical applications, and encouraging further research into this exciting new frontier.Comment: 48 pages, 18 figures, to appear in IEEE Signal Processing Magazin

Dispersive Fourier Transformation for Versatile Microwave Photonics Applications

Abstract: Dispersive Fourier transformation (DFT) maps the broadband spectrum of an ultrashort optical pulse into a time stretched waveform with its intensity profile mirroring the spectrum using chromatic dispersion. Owing to its capability of continuous pulse-by-pulse spectroscopic measurement and manipulation, DFT has become an emerging technique for ultrafast signal generation and processing, and high-throughput real-time measurements, where the speed of traditional optical instruments falls short. In this paper, the principle and implementation methods of DFT are first introduced and the recent development in employing DFT technique for widespread microwave photonics applications are presented, with emphasis on real-time spectroscopy, microwave arbitrary waveform generation, and microwave spectrum sensing. Finally, possible future research directions for DFT-based microwave photonics techniques are discussed as well

A Systematic Study of the Behaviour of PMEPR in Relation to OFDM Design Parameters

The design of systems with enhanced quality of service (QoS) and improved power efficiency has evolved into an intensive research area in wired and wireless communications engineering. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has been proven to have the potential to achieve high data rates, adapt to severe channel conditions and exhibit spectral efficiency; this has gained its popular support in the design industry, especially for fourth generation (4G) systems. However, the high peak to mean envelope power ratio (PMEPR) exhibited by OFDM signals require linear operation of analog devices, with the associated trade-off of poor power efficiency. Several methods to reduce this PMEPR problem have been effectively researched while revealing the shortcomings. In this study we recognize the need to present the effect of OFDM system parameters on the behaviour of the PMEPR. In order to provide a basis for systematic selection of OFDM design parameters for PMEPR mitigation, we first study the reaction of the PMEPR to OFDM design parameters, we then analyse the effect of OFDM design parameters on the shortcomings of the PMEPR-limiting clipping technique.Peer reviewe

Limb radiance inversion radiometer

Engineering and scientific objectives of the LRIR experiment are described along with system requirements, subassemblies, and experiment operation. The mechanical, electrical, and thermal interfaces between the LRIR experiment and the Nimbus F spacecraft are defined. The protoflight model qualification and acceptance test program is summarized. Test data is presented in tables to give an overall view of each test parameter and possible trends of the performance of the LRIR experiment. Conclusions and recommendations are included