High-performance RF signal processing systems demand a combination of low latency, flexibility, and scalable compute. With increasing adoption of software defined radio (SDR), radar, and AI-driven wireless applications, designers require platforms that can efficiently handle real-time RF data acquisition and processing.
At iWave Global, we address these requirements by integrating our Versal AI Edge-based platforms with industry-proven RF transceiver solutions. This article demonstrates how the iWave Versal AI Edge VE2302 platform, combined with the Analog Devices AD9361-based SDR module, enables a powerful and flexible RF signal processing solution.
Solution Overview
The solution integrates iWave’s Versal AI Edge VE2302-based System on Module with the AD-FMCOMMS3-EBZ FMC module, enabling real-time RF data acquisition, processing, and transmission.
Figure: Integration of iWave Versal AI Edge Development Kit with AD-FMCOMMS3-EBZ FMC Module
This combination delivers:
- High-performance heterogeneous compute
- Deterministic low-latency processing
- Flexible RF configuration across a wide frequency range
The platform is well suited for applications such as software-defined radio, wireless communication prototyping, radar systems, and spectrum monitoring.
iWave Versal™ AI Edge Development Kit
At the core of this setup is iWave Global’s Versal AI Edge VE2302-based System on Module, designed for high-performance edge computing applications. The platform leverages a heterogeneous architecture that combines processing system (PS), programmable logic (PL), and AI Engines, enabling efficient handling of RF workloads with deterministic performance and optimized power consumption.
AD9361-Based SDR Board
The AD-FMCOMMS3-EBZ FMC module, built around the AD9361, complements this platform by providing a flexible RF front end with a frequency range of 70 MHz to 6 GHz, 2×2 MIMO support, and configurable bandwidth up to 56 MHz. Together, they form a scalable SDR solution for rapid prototyping and development.
System Architecture
The high-level system architecture illustrates the integration of the Versal AI Edge platform with the AD-FMCOMMS3-EBZ FMC module, forming a complete RF signal processing chain.
- RF signals are transmitted and received using SMA connectors
- The setup supports both internal loopback and external RF signal generators and analyzers
- Captured data can be visualized and analyzed using PC-based software tools
Interfaces and Tools Used
The solution utilizes a combination of hardware platforms and software tools for configuration, control, and analysis:
- iWave Versal AI Edge VE2302 custom platform
- AD-FMCOMMS3-EBZ FMC module
- Minicom / Tera Term for platform access
- GNU Octave or Analog Devices IIO Oscilloscope for data visualization and analysis
Test Overview & Setup
The Versal AI Edge platform operates on a Linux-based environment and interfaces with the AD-FMCOMMS3-EBZ module via the FMC connector, enabling dual-channel RF transceiver functionality.
The system leverages the Linux Industrial I/O (IIO) framework, which provides standardized access to RF devices, simplifies configuration, and ensures compatibility with Analog Devices’ software ecosystem.
The demonstration is carried out using a controlled RF test environment:
- Power up the iWave Versal AI Edge platform
- Generate the required clock frequency using an external signal generator and connect it to RX1A of the AD9361
- Connect TX1A to RX2A using an SMA cable for internal loopback
- Connect TX2A to a spectrum analyzer to monitor the transmitted signal
Figure: DAC and ADC Data Loopback on Versal Device
Device Configuration and Data Capture
Device configuration and RF data capture are performed through the Linux IIO subsystem:
- Identify the AD9361 device through the IIO interface
- Configure RX and TX local oscillator (LO) frequencies
- Enable internal loopback for validation and testing
- Capture ADC IQ samples and store the data on a USB drive for offline analysis
Figure: Configuration of ADC and DAC in Linux for Data Acquisition
Data Analysis
Captured RF data is analyzed using multiple visualization tools.
GNU Octave
- Time-domain analysis
- Frequency-domain (FFT) analysis
- Constellation plots
Figure: Octave FFT and Constellation Plotting
Analog Devices IIO Oscilloscope
The Analog Devices IIO Oscilloscope is used for real-time signal visualization and configuration:
- Time-domain analysis
- Frequency-domain analysis
- Constellation visualization
- Cross-correlation
- Live configuration and monitoring of RF parameters
Figure: Oscilloscope FFT plotting
For operation, the host PC and the Versal platform must be connected to the same Ethernet network.
Target Applications
This solution is designed to support a wide range of RF and signal processing applications, including:
- Software-defined radio (SDR)
- Wireless communication prototyping
- Radar and sensing systems
- Spectrum monitoring and analysis
- Protocol development and validation
Demonstration Video
The following video showcases the integration of the AD9361-based SDR board with iWave’s Versal AI Edge custom development kit, highlighting real-time RF data acquisition and high-performance signal processing capabilities.
The demo illustrates seamless interfacing with AMD FPGA-based platforms, enabling flexible and scalable RF system development across a wide frequency range.
At iWave, we focus on enabling high-performance RF system design through tightly integrated hardware and software platforms. The combination of the Versal AI Edge VE2302 System on Module with the AD9361-based SDR module delivers a scalable and flexible solution for real-time RF signal processing. By leveraging heterogeneous compute, Linux-based control, and industry-standard RF frameworks, this platform enables rapid prototyping, efficient debugging, and deployment of next-generation RF applications.
For more information, visit www.iwave-global.com
(Note: This Demo is supported only with specific version of iWave’s Versal AI Edge Development kit, for more information please reach us at mktg@iwave-global.com)
