DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A SOFTWARE-DEFINED SPECTRUM ANALYZER BASED ON PLUTO-SDR

Abstract

This article studies how a Software-Defined Radio (SDR) can work as a real-time spectrum analyzer and compares two spectrum analyzer program designs for PlutoSDR. The aim of the article: to demonstrate how an SDR can be used as a spectrum analyzer that makes fast sweeps and clearly displays data over wide frequency spans. We compare two approaches to the program design: (1) a step-by-step sweep and (2) a fast sweep with fewer tuner steps and RBW/VBW used during signal processing. The results obtained: the second program has shorter sweep times and more stable power level estimates across the band. It also makes burst signals easier to see and supports continuous monitoring like an entry-level Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (RTSA). Conclusions: an SDR configured with proper RBW/VBW and efficient rendering can provide good-enough real-time spectrum analysis for educational and engineering tasks.