[Premium-Rx] Software Defined Radio

[Blair Batty]

Hi all:

I've heard that the next generation of receivers will be Software
Defined Radios. I understand it has the usual front end and IF,
but the IF is fed into a fast A-D converter and then the Digital
output is manipulated by a computer. Indeed the government
have been doing this for a while, and the first consumer products
are now available.

We have fine receivers now; many of which have IF outputs.
Why couldn't we obtain the software, plug a fast A-D converter
into our computer and feed it with the IF from our receiver?

I realize that I don't know what I'm talking about, but perhaps
you get my idea. Is this do-able/ desirable/ interesting?
Your thoughts?

sincerely
Blair


Law of Logical Argument:
Anything is possible if you don't know what you're talking about.