Direct RF sampling moves the A/D and D/A conversion process closer to the antenna such that the converter directly samples the RF signal as shown below. With this technology, Moore’s Law can be applied to frequency selection and down conversion, traditionally implemented using analog signal processing techniques. By allowing analog/RF signal processing to be moved in to the digital domain, a more flexible and programmable solution can be delivered. Advantages include:

• Elimination of analog/RF signal processing and associated impairments
• Increased flexibility to support wider bandwidths and multiple operating RF bands
• Enablement of a software defined radio front end