PSI will develop a new real-time parallel filter bank type spectrum analyzer which overcomes the restricted real-time bandwidth available with digital signal processing technology. PSI's wide bandwidth spectrum analyzer is implemented with proven acousto-optic (AO) signal processing technology components, where a real-time bandwidth of 2 GHz, a frequency resolution of 1 MHz, and a dynamic range of 60 dB is possible using state-of-the-art AO Bragg cells and linear photodetector arrays.By taking advantage of recent advances in miniaturization of AO spectrum analyzer components, PSI will implement the spectrometer in a VMEbus related architecture called VXI (VME extensions for Instrumentation). The complete spectrometer will be housed in a 6 slot-wide "B"size (6U X 160 mm) VXI module format. PSI will provide engineering analysis and a detailed component and system hardware implementation plan for this new VXIbus instrument. This new AO spectrometer (AOS) will complement emerging VXIbus instrumentation with a spectrum analysis capability orders of magnitude greater than that available with digital signal processing technology. With its VXIbus modular architecture, PSI's AOSwill find application not only in the military but in the test and measurement equipment marketplace where it will be compatible with otherVXIbus instrumentation products.
Benefits: The VXIbus power spectrum analyzer proposed here complements emerging VXIbus instrumentation with a complete spectrum analysis capability orders of magnitude greater than that available with digital signal processing technology. Commercial applications include RF spectrum analysis for the test and measurement and scientific instrumentation marketplace.
