Raspberry PI 3 RF signal generation system

Abstract

Radio frequency signal generators (RF) are instruments used to test reception equipment and RF components like filters, amplifiers, attenuators, among others. On the other hand, they reinforce the teaching-learning processes and they are widely used in research in the telecommunications field. This document provides the first stage of a low-cost signal generator design by using RaspBerry Pi 3, with the documentary exploration about this kind of applications. After that, a recognition of the RaspBerry Pi 3 is done at hardware and software level. Finally, an application of an FM signal generator with RaspBerry in a frequency of 101.3 MHz is evaluated, which does not require any additional hardware. This signal was captured using a spectrum analyzer, which determined good quality of the modulated signal in terms of power, bandwidth and SNR (Signal Noise Ratio). However, there are some unwanted harmonic components