Question
What aspect of receiver analog-to-digital conversion determines the maximum receive bandwidth of a direct-sampling software defined radio (SDR)?
Answer Options
- A) Sample rate
- B) Sample width in bits
- C) Integral non-linearity
- D) Differential non-linearity
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
In a direct-sampling Software Defined Radio (\text{SDR}), the entire process begins by having the Analog-to-Digital Converter (\text{ADC}) sample a wide range of \text{RF} spectrum. The maximum frequency range of the captured spectrum is governed by the speed of this initial sampling process.
What determines the maximum receive bandwidth of the \text{SDR} is the Sample rate of the \text{ADC}. According to the Nyquist theorem, the maximum frequency that can be accurately captured is half the \text{ADC}'s sample rate (F_{Max} = F_{Sample} / 2). Therefore, a faster sample rate allows the receiver to capture and digitize a wider instantaneous bandwidth of the radio spectrum.
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