COMPLEX WAVEFORM GENERATION UTILIZING FIELD PROGRAMMABLE GATE ARRAYS

Abstract

The basic building blocks for implementing complex waveform generators using a look-up table approach are random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM) devices. Due to technological advancements in field programmable gate array (FPGA) development, these devices have the ability to allocate large amounts of memory elements within the same structure. The self containment property makes the FPGA a suitable topology for complex waveform generation applications. In addition, this self containment property significantly reduces implementation costs by reducing the number of external components required to support many applications. This paper examines the use of FPGA’s in various complex waveform generation applications. In particular, a discussion will ensue examining possible mappings of the time domain response of the complex waveform into memory elements of the FPGA. The analyses and examples contained in the sequel are from existing waveform generation applications, developed for Gauissian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) and Unbalanced Quadriphase Shift Keying (UQPSK) modulation formats.