Field programmable gate array based multiple input multiple output transmitter

Abstract

MIMO is an advanced antenna technology compared to Single Input Single output (SISO), Multiple Input Single Output (MISO), and Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO) and is used to obtain high data rate in the system. Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems have at least two transmitting antennas, each generating unique signals. However some applications may require three, four, or more transmitting devices to achieve the desired system performance. This thesis describes a comparison between different approaches like the microcontroller, ASICs and the FPGA available in the market for baseband signal generation. It also describes the design of a scalable MIMO transmitter, based on field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology that was selected among the processors due to its capability to provide reconfigurable hardware and software. Each module of the MIMO transmitter contains a FPGA, and associated digital-to-analog converters, I/Q modulators, and RF amplifiers needed to power one of the MIMO transmitters. The system is designed to handle up to a 10 Mbps data rate, and transmit signals in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz ISM band --Abstract, page iii