DSP-based spectrum analysis using the IBM PC

This project implements the design of an electronic circuit which performs digital filtering of analog input signals for spectrum analysis. The signal is converted to digital data and is then manipulated using a digital signal processor (DSP). This processor is computation-intensive in nature making it the best choice for an instrumentation application such as a spectrum analyzer. The manipulated data is then sent to the IBM PC, the screen or CRT of which serves as the display terminal. This whole process enables the IBM PC to function as a spectrum analyzer using a DSP-based external circuit. This external circuit is designed in such a way that it can be an add-on card for the IBM PC. This is the first time that a project of such nature is attempted. Much is yet to be done in terms of capability enhancements. For one, the system only performs the basic and most important function of the spectrum analyzer which is to display an input signal in the frequency domain. All other capabilities of a conventional analyzer are not integrated in the system. The project offers an alternative to the very expensive spectrum analyzer which ranges in the hundred thousand pesos mark. Moreover, concepts on digital signal processing and processors are implemented through the project. Digital signal processing is one area in which much progress has been made in advanced countries in recent years. For this reason, it is indeed beneficial to explore this unfamiliar realm. In a nutshell, this project attempts to develop a DSP-based Spectrum Analysis using the IBM PC