RHLab: Towards Implementing a Partial Reconfigurable SDR Remote Lab

Software-Defined Radio (SDR) remote labs permit students to experiment with real wireless communication, designing Radio Frequency (RF) systems with minimal code adjustments. This feature allows them to create RF prototypes remotely in a fast way allowing them to complement their theory of communication classes. While SDR hardware suffices for most basic applications, some demand extensive Signal Processing stages that surpass the capabilities of standard SDR equipment. SDR devices are controlled by reprogrammable digital logic devices like FPGA which have some limitations in terms of capabilities/price factor. For this case Partial Reconfiguration (PR) emerges as a solution, leveraging to use the resources of these devices more efficiently. In the conventional approach, modifying FPGA designs required users to undertake the laborious process of resynthesizing, implementing, and programming the entire FPGA. Consequently, this procedure is time-consuming and impedes users’ progress. However, with partial reconfiguration, users only need to resynthesize and program the specific portions or slices of the FPGA that necessitate modification. However, it necessitates a specialized understanding of FPGA design, involving the creation of modifiable regions. This paper takes initial strides towards establishing a remote laboratory for students to explore wireless communication concepts, harnessing PR for SDR devices.