DATE:               February 3, 2014

TO:           Dave Michelson, Ph.D, P.Eng.

FROM:           Christopher Dunn, EECE 380 Team L2B2

SUBJECT:        Spectrum Analyzer Project Update Highlighting the Week of Jan. 27

    This past week, we made significant forward progress in the project. You will be pleased to hear that we are currently ahead of schedule and on budget. Our main focus last week was the peak detector, the software, and the development of our mathematical models. Our team is showing good communication and a shared vision for the project, with each member contributing equally and enthusiastically.

    We constructed a basic peak detector and tested it with a function generator up to 3.3MHz, which is the maximum capability of the function generator, but we will have to do further testing with an RF signal. We also constructed a precision peak detector, using an LM6172 op amp, but it does not perform well and may need significant modification.

We programmed and tested a ramp generator, and we successfully read test signals from the MyDAC analog input. We also made a very narrow and effective bandpass filter with the crystals provided, which we will use going forward, and we measured and recorded the losses in each of our RF components.

    This week, we will focus on refining and tuning our circuits and putting it all together. We expect to have a working prototype by the end of the week, and we’ll have another update next Monday.