Implementing a MATLAB-based self-configurable software defined radio transceiver

Abstract

Software defined radio (SDR) transitions the communication signal processing chain from a rigid hardware platform to a user-controlled paradigm, allowing unprecedented levels of flexibility in parameter settings. However, programming and operating such SDRs have typically required deep knowledge of the operating environment and intricate tuning of existing code, which adds delay and overhead to the network design. In this work, we describe a bidirectional transceiver implemented in MATLAB that runs on the USRP platform and allows automated, optimal selection of the parameters of the various processing blocks associated with a DBPSK physical layer. Further, we provide detailed information on how to create a real-time multi-threaded design wherein the same SDR switches between transmitter and receiver functions, using standard tools like the MATLAB Coder and MEX to speed up the processing steps. Our results reveal that link latency and packet reception accuracy are greatly improved through our approach, making it a viable first step towards protocol design within an easily accessible MATLAB environment.