32 bit spectrum analyser update

The 32-bit spectrum analyzer has been used for multiple tasks in its prototype form. However, it has been decided to slightly change the final design. This choice is motivated mainly by the application I am using for my Master’s degree. Therefore, this is the end of the development for the 32-bit analyzer and the birth of the raspberry-pi analyzer. The specification will be much the same as previously listed, however, the micro-controller will be replaced with the raspberry pi which will communicate directly to the RFM22B chip via its own SPI channels. The software will all be written in python and will have much the same functionality as my current 32bit spectrum analyzer design.

In the meantime, I will attach the MPLAB project file and python source code used to interface with the device below. The MPLAB project file clearly lists the pin allocations which eliminates the need for a schematic. Finally, see the board layout for the raspberry pi spectrum analyzer board ordered from OSHPark.

Top and bottom board layout of new raspberry pi spectrum analyser

Top and bottom board layout of new raspberry pi spectrum analyser

MPLab project for 32 bit spectrum analyser

Python interface code for host PC

Note that this was not by far a final design of the code, there are still many small bug fixes and streamlining needed, for example, the communication protocol between the device and host still needed to be sent bytewise and not by character, however, feel free to use it for experimentation. Below is a photo of the 32 Bit spectrum analyzer measuring a sweep with a resistively loaded monopole antenna built by my colleague, Matthew Groch.