Author(s)
Anas Saleh and Nevan Mukherjee
Abstract
This project focuses on the design and implementation of a switchable preselector bank using Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) filters to improve the performance of software-defined radio (SDR) front ends. SAW filters are well known for their excellent frequency selectivity and low insertion loss, making them ideal for suppressing unwanted noise prior to signal processing. While discrete SAW filter components are widely available from manufacturers such as Mini-Circuits and Murata, there is a notable lack of integrated, switchable preselector modules on the market. Addressing this gap, the project explores the integration of RF switching elements, such as PIN diodes or MEMS switches, to dynamically route signals through the appropriate SAW filter. The proposed solution provides a customizable, efficient method for enhancing SDR receiver performance and demonstrates a valuable opportunity for undergraduate innovation in RF system design.