Ultra-wideband instantaneous frequency estimation

Determining the instantaneous frequency of a signal is required for many applications ranging from radio astronomy to defense applications. Unfortunately, the scan rate is often too long over a wideband spectrum compared to the time scale of signals of interest. We present an instantaneous frequency measurement receiver, which allows for simultaneous measurement of multiple frequencies and amplitudes across an ultra-wide instantaneous bandwidth. Powered by the photonic time stretch A/D converter, the high effective sampling throughput of the system provides high temporal resolution and improvement of frequency and amplitude estimation capability through advanced signal processing. This flexible system has adjustable instantaneous bandwidth and frequency resolution, an ultrafast sweep time, and reduced hardware complexity compared to other instantaneous frequency measurement systems.