In a recent blog, I highlighted three ways high-speed converter innovations are changing our world.
High-speed converters are playing roles in other areas as well. As more and more devices move into the digital domain, our newest converters are simplifying the RF signal chain. Let’s take a journey into the evolution of the humble car radio as an illustration of this change.
In the classic version of the FM radio in your car, frequency translation, filtering, and amplification were done by analog RF blocks to tune into the station of choice, eliminating all other radio stations except the station you wanted before going to the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). |
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In the digital radio, we push the ADC up close to the antenna. The station select functionality is pushed into the digital domain – the converter is now required to capture the entire FM radio band (100× the bandwidth). |
Better for automobile owners.
For you and your friends in the car, the potential functionality of the radio is greatly increased. If some additional digital circuits are added, we can make it possible to tune into multiple radio stations simultaneously (e.g. get weather or traffic info in “sidebands".) Or, by making the digital circuits programmable, you could access a software download that would allow your radio to adapt to new standards, such as HD radio.
Better for automobile manufacturers.
For Analog Devices customers, the RF signal chain is greatly simplified, making hardware design easier and allowing for a radio that would be capable of providing new services in the future.
That’s just one example of how this kind of RF signal simplification can provide real benefits for manufacturers and consumers. This level of simplification, enabled by the unprecedented bandwidth of Analog Devices high-speed converters can extend to many more applications such as cable, 5G, and radar; to deliver new services and capabilities.
Keep this in mind when you cue up that favorite playlist on your next road trip.
