Real-time acquisition of wideband signals data using non-uniform sampling

Wideband signal acquisition often faces a problem of bulk data recording. It is a critical factor in real-time systems. The paper discusses an approach that deals with this problem incorporating digital alias-free signal processing and virtual instrumentation technologies. Such combination is advantageous for real-time applications and useful in the development of measurement and software defined radio systems. Non-uniform sampling technique allows considerably decrease the data of wideband signals so, that they can be transferred in real-time to a typical PC through high-speed PCI express communication interface. The experimental prototype system has been developed and obtained results are presented. Alias-free analog bandwidth up to 669 MHz is achieved using conventional A/D converter and low-complexity structure of data acquisition board. The pay for that is necessity to use advanced digital signal processing methods, because signal samples are spaced non-equidistantly. The appropriate software has been designed and results are shown.