A 2048 complex point FFT processor using a novel data scaling approach

In this paper, a novel data scaling method for pipelined FFT processors is proposed. By using data scaling, the FFT processor can operate on a wide range of input signals without performance loss. Compared to existing block scaling methods, like implementations of Convergent Block Floating Point (CBFP), the memory requirements can be reduced while preserving the SNR. The FFT processor has been synthesized and sent for fabrication in a 0.35 μm standard CMOS technology. In netlist simulations, the FFT processor is capable of calculating a 2048 complex point FFT or IFFT in 27 μs with a maximum clock frequency of 76 MHz.