BEL's software defined radio (SDR) prototype by Aero India 2011
Indias state-run Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) is developing a software-driven radio (SDR) set for Indias armed forces.
Able to function at any frequency, the SDR is lightweight, easy to operate and cost-effective, the company says.
Different radio sets are now being used, depending on very high-frequency, ultra-high-frequency, high-frequency and L-band needs. BEL says the SDR would revolutionize communications on the battlefield.
We are replacing the hardware with software, which is capable of doing the job effectively. The software could generate waveforms similar to a modulated signal, I.V. Sarma, BELs director of research and development, tells Aviation Week.
The hardware element will be used only to run the software and to amplify power. BEL hopes to exhibit an SDR prototype during Aero India 2011. A demonstration for the Indian army will follow in March 2011, and airborne and naval variants will follow a year later.
The army versions will again come in two models the manpack radio and a handheld one, a BEL source says. Only a very few countries in the world have these technologies. The technology gap between these global companies and BEL in developing SDRs is very minimal, as little as six months.
BEL Developing Software-Defined Radio | AVIATION WEEK
Indias state-run Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) is developing a software-driven radio (SDR) set for Indias armed forces.
Able to function at any frequency, the SDR is lightweight, easy to operate and cost-effective, the company says.
Different radio sets are now being used, depending on very high-frequency, ultra-high-frequency, high-frequency and L-band needs. BEL says the SDR would revolutionize communications on the battlefield.
We are replacing the hardware with software, which is capable of doing the job effectively. The software could generate waveforms similar to a modulated signal, I.V. Sarma, BELs director of research and development, tells Aviation Week.
The hardware element will be used only to run the software and to amplify power. BEL hopes to exhibit an SDR prototype during Aero India 2011. A demonstration for the Indian army will follow in March 2011, and airborne and naval variants will follow a year later.
The army versions will again come in two models the manpack radio and a handheld one, a BEL source says. Only a very few countries in the world have these technologies. The technology gap between these global companies and BEL in developing SDRs is very minimal, as little as six months.
BEL Developing Software-Defined Radio | AVIATION WEEK


