Surfing the Radio Spectrum Using RTL-SDR

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Abstract
Working with the abstract concepts of signals in time and frequency domains without a concrete tool to understand the very nature of these fundamental concepts has been a major impediment for undergraduate engineering students attending a course on Signals and Systems or Communications. Classroom teaching in such courses has been traditionally confined to working out the mathematics behind the concepts. Hence a tool is needed that allows students to explore the actual radio spectrum leading to a real appreciation of the subject matter. This paper considers the use of a low-cost RTL-SDR as an educational tool to address this difficulty. The approach presented can be used for in-class demonstrations and at-home activities aiding in a better understanding of the nature of signals in time and frequency domains. RTL-SDR can allow students to explore the radio spectrum on their own in an easy, cost-effective and academically enriching manner.

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