PLL based detector for coherent beacon receivers using DSP techniques

Amplitude and relative phase measurement of noisy CW signals require appropriate techniques, such as coherent detection, for maximum dynamic range and accuracy. We hereby describe a two channel system, developed for satellite microwave propagation beacon experiments, that comprises a user developed card, a DSP kit and dedicated software. The solution, that uses digital signal processing programmable chips and a DSP software managed PLL offers considerable advantages over a classical analogue system. Several prototype experimental results, tested with realistic signals, are presented and discussed.