dorkhub
show your thing

sdr-beamforming

This repo is a compilation of code and resources for multiple SDR Platforms as part of a phased array beamforming proje…

ADolbyB
Python★ 85⑂ 14 forksGPL-3.0updated 5 months ago
beamformingdirection-findingdirection-of-arrivalkrakenkraken-sdrpassive-radarphased-arrayplutosdr
git clone https://github.com/ADolbyB/sdr-beamforming.gitADolbyB/sdr-beamforming
README.mdfork it — it’s yours

SDR Phased Array Beamforming

Software-Defined Radio Research & Implementation

Stars Forks Repo Size Last Commit

Senior Engineering Capstone Project - Grade: A

Python GNU Radio PyQt5

Developed by: ADolbyB & peyton127

📡 Project Overview

This repository documents a comprehensive research and implementation project for Software-Defined Radio (SDR) phased array beamforming. Originally focused on evaluating the PlutoSDR platform, the project evolved into a multi-platform SDR research initiative exploring various beamforming architectures, phase-coherent systems, and direction-finding applications.

Research Focus Areas:

  • Multi-channel phase-coherent SDR systems
  • Digital beamforming algorithms and implementation
  • MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) wireless communications
  • Direction of Arrival (DoA) estimation
  • Passive radar systems
  • RF hardware synchronization techniques

🎯 Project Objectives

Objective Status Description
Hardware Evaluation ✅ Complete Compare multiple SDR platforms for beamforming applications
Phase Coherence ✅ Complete Achieve phase-synchronized multi-channel operation
GUI Development ✅ Complete Create intuitive PyQt5 control interface
Beamsteering Demo ✅ Complete Demonstrate real-time beam direction control
Documentation ✅ Complete Comprehensive research compilation and references

Final Grade: A - Successfully demonstrated phase-coherent beamforming with custom GUI control

🖥️ Project GUI

Interactive PyQt5 graphical interface for real-time beamsteering control and visualization.

Beamforming GUI Demo

GUI Features:

  • Real-time phase control for individual antenna elements
  • Visual beam pattern display
  • Interactive steering angle adjustment
  • Signal strength monitoring
  • Hardware configuration interface

Repository: Visit the dedicated PyQT_GUI Project Repo for implementation details.

Developed by @RayzrReptile

🛠️ Hardware Platforms Evaluated

SDR Platforms

Platform Channels Frequency Range Phase Coherent Cost Notes
PlutoSDR 1 TX / 1 RX 325 MHz - 3.8 GHz ⚠️ Requires external clock ~$150 Initial platform, requires sync
KrakenSDR 5 RX 24 MHz - 1.766 GHz ✅ Native ~$300 Excellent for DoA
AD-FMCOMMS5-EBZ 4 TX / 4 RX 70 MHz - 6 GHz ✅ Native ~$1,445 2x AD9361, ideal for prototyping
USRP B210 2 TX / 2 RX 70 MHz - 6 GHz ✅ Native ~$2,165 Professional solution
ADI CNO566 Phaser 2 TX / 2 RX 8 GHz - 16 GHz ✅ Native ~$2,500 High-frequency applications
USRP N310 4 TX / 4 RX 10 MHz - 6 GHz ✅ Native ~$17,765 Enterprise-grade

External Clock Sources

Critical for Multi-PlutoSDR Phase Synchronization:

Clock Source Type Frequency Range Accuracy Cost
TI CDCLVC1310-EVM Square Wave 1 MHz - 200 MHz Standard ~$30
Leo Bodnar Mini GPS GPSDO 400 Hz - 810 MHz GPS-disciplined ~$150
Leo Bodnar LBE-1420 GPSDO 1 Hz - 1.1 GHz GPS-disciplined ~$200

Note: Successfully tested TI CDCLVC1310-EVM with 40 MHz crystal replacement for PlutoSDR synchronization.

📚 Repository Structure

sdr-beamforming/
├── PhaseCoherence/         # Phase synchronization experiments
│   ├── assets/             # GUI screenshots and diagrams
│   └── qtgui/              # Phase alignment final script for phase coherence.
├── Research/               # Academic papers and documentation
│   ├── AnalogDevices/      # Research papers for beamforming
│   ├── Gabriel/            # Gabriel's Research: Learning resources
│   ├── Jason/              # Jason's Research: Learning resources
│   ├── Joel/               # Joel's Research: Learning resources
│   ├── Peyton/             # Peyton's Research: Learning resources
│   └── Testing/            # Build and Test Instructions
├── Toolbox/                # Extra tools, scripts and screenshots for testing and debug
│   ├── GNURadio/           # GNU Radio flowgraph files for testing and debug with PlutoSDR
│   │   └── README.md       # Bugfix and Tutorials link for GNU Radio
│   ├── KrakenSDR/          # KrakenSDR-specific scripts for testing and debug
│   │   └── README.md       # Notes on KrakenSDR implementation
│   └── PlutoSDR/           # PlutoSDR scripts for testing and debug
│   │   └── README.md       # Modification and sources of PlutoSDRs for 2 TX & 2 RX channels
└── README.md               # This document

🔬 Technical Implementation

Phase Coherence Methodology

Challenge: Achieving phase-locked operation across multiple independent SDR units.

Solution:

  1. External Clock Distribution

    • 40 MHz reference clock from TI CDCLVC1310-EVM
    • SMA to u.FL cables for PlutoSDR modification
    • SDR devices and SMA coaxial cables for clock and RF

  2. Software Synchronization

    • GNU Radio timing alignment blocks
    • Custom Python phase calibration scripts
    • Real-time phase offset correction

  3. Beamforming Algorithm

    • Digital phase shifting in baseband
    • Weighted sum beamforming
    • Adaptive null steering

System Architecture

[Transmitter] → [Antenna Array] → [SDR RX Channels] → [GNU Radio] → [PyQt5 GUI]
                                         ↓
                                  [Phase Alignment]
                                         ↓
                                  [Beamforming DSP]
                                         ↓
                                  [Direction Output]

📖 Key Research Resources

Phase Synchronization

Analog Devices Resources

Essential GitHub Repositories

Repository Author Description
Pluto_Beamformer Jon Kraft PlutoSDR beamforming implementation
PlutoSDR_Labs Jon Kraft Educational SDR experiments
PhasedArray Jon Kraft ADAR-1000 beamforming
krakensdr_doa KrakenRF Direction finding algorithms
krakensdr_pr mfkiwl Passive radar implementation
rtl-sdr osmocom RTL-SDR driver library
multi-rtl ptrkrysik RTL-SDR synchronization
gr-iio Analog Devices GNU Radio IIO blocks
gnuradio GNU Radio Core SDR framework

📐 RF Theory & Design

Fundamental Concepts

MIMO Technology:

Signal Processing:

Educational Materials

Video Resources:

Textbooks & Guides:

LibreTexts Engineering Series:

  1. Fundamentals of Microwave and RF Design
  2. Radio Systems
  3. Transmission Lines
  4. Networks
  5. Modules
  6. Amplifiers and Oscillators

Antenna Design

Resources:

Modeling Software (Windows):

🔧 Test Equipment & Tools

Recommended Lab Equipment

Spectrum Analysis:

  • TinySA Ultra (~$150) - 0.1 MHz to 5.3 GHz
    • Official Wiki
    • Portable, battery-powered, excellent for field work

Network Analysis:

GPS-Disciplined Oscillators:

Software Tools

Linux & Windows:

Linux:

  • GQRX - Software-defined radio receiver

Windows:

🚀 Getting Started

Prerequisites

Hardware:

  • SDR platform (PlutoSDR, KrakenSDR, or USRP)
  • External clock source (for multi-unit synchronization)
  • Antenna array (dipoles, patches, or helical)
  • RF cables and adapters

Software:

  • Python 3.8+
  • GNU Radio 3.8+
  • PyQt5
  • NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib

Installation

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/ADolbyB/sdr-beamforming.git
cd sdr-beamforming

# Install GNU Radio (Ubuntu/Debian)
sudo apt-get install gnuradio

# For PlutoSDR support
sudo apt-get install libiio-utils

Quick Start

  1. Configure Hardware

    • Connect external clock source (must use multiple SDRs)
    • Attach antenna array with proper spacing (λ/2 recommended)
    • Connect SDR units to host computer with a USB hub.

  2. Run Phase Calibration GUI

    cd PhaseCoherence/qtgui
python RxBeamSteer_GUI.py

  3. Start Beamforming

    • Load GNU Radio flowgraph
    • Adjust beam steering angle via GUI
    • Monitor real-time output

🎓 Academic Context

Course: Senior Engineering Design Project
Institution: Florida Atlantic University
Semester: Fall 2023 - Spring 2024
Final Grade: A

Team Members:

Project Scope: This capstone project explored the practical implementation of phased array beamforming using software-defined radios. The five-member team evaluated multiple SDR platforms, developed phase synchronization techniques, designed custom antenna arrays, created mechanical mounting solutions through 3D printing, and delivered a functional demonstration system with real-time beam steering capabilities.

🖼️ Project Gallery

Live Demonstration Setup

Senior Design Expo - Booth #24

Senior Design Expo Demonstration - Florida Atlantic University

Our team presented a fully functional phased array beamforming system at the FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science Senior Design Expo. The demonstration featured:

Hardware on Display:

  • Multiple PlutoSDR units with external clock synchronization
  • Custom 3D-printed antenna mounting systems
  • Linear and circular antenna array configurations
  • Live real-time beamforming visualization
  • Professional poster presentation (Booth #24)

Live Capabilities Demonstrated:

  • Real-time phase-coherent signal reception
  • Interactive beam steering control via PyQt5 GUI
  • Visual representation of antenna array geometry
  • Direction-of-arrival estimation
  • Multi-channel signal processing in real-time

Antenna Array Designs:

  • Uniform Linear Array (ULA) for directional scanning
  • Uniform Circular Array (UCA) for 360° coverage
  • Custom dipole antenna elements (visible in demonstration)
  • Precision-spaced dipole configurations

📸 Photo shows complete demonstration setup including synchronized PlutoSDRs, antenna arrays, real-time GUI visualization, and professional project poster at the FAU Senior Design Expo.

🌐 Real-World Applications

Commercial Uses:

Research Applications:

  • Radio astronomy
  • Passive radar
  • Direction finding
  • Electronic warfare (defensive)

📄 License

This project is licensed under the GNU GPL v3 License - see the LICENSE.md file for details.

Academic Integrity Notice: This repository represents completed coursework. If you're currently enrolled in a similar course, please use this as reference material only and adhere to your institution's academic honesty policies.

🤝 Contributing

While this is a completed academic project, we welcome:

  • Bug reports and fixes
  • Documentation improvements
  • Additional hardware platform support
  • Enhanced signal processing algorithms

Please open an issue or submit a pull request!

📞 Contact & Acknowledgments

Project Maintainers:

Project Sponsorship:

  • Dr. David R. Emerson - US Navy NSWC Crane
  • Florida Atlantic University - College of Engineering and Computer Science

Faculty Support:

  • Dr. Sree Ranjani Rajendran - Faculty Advisor
  • Dr. Georgios Sklivanitis - Faculty Advisor

Special Thanks:

  • Jon Kraft - Extensive PlutoSDR beamforming resources
  • Analog Devices - Hardware documentation and support
  • GNU Radio Community - Open-source SDR framework
  • KrakenRF Team - Direction finding algorithms
  • US Navy NIWC - Project sponsorship and guidance

Research Support:

  • FAU Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
  • Industry partners and open-source SDR community

📊 Project Stats

Repo Size Contributors Commits Stars Forks

Advancing RF Technology Through Open Research

Phased Array Beamforming - From Theory to Implementation

GitHub

more like this

oscimpDigital

OscillatorIMP ecosystem for the digital characterization of ultrastable oscillators and Software Defined Radio (SDR) fr…

code★ 58
@oscimp

gr-aoa

GNU Radio package implementing MUSIC and root MUSIC angle of arrival algorithms with blocks necessary to provide phase…

C++★ 69
@MarcinWachowiak

search

search projects, people, and tags