Signal attenuator controllable by UDP,TCPIP?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on automating a signal attenuator for simulating digital television picture breakup due to low signal levels. The user proposes using a USB TV receiver connected to a signal attenuator with a serial input for software control. Suggestions include building a serial to parallel interface and possibly using a BCD converter to facilitate communication between the PC and the attenuator. Digital attenuators are highlighted as a viable solution based on past experiences in RF applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of digital television signal processing
  • Familiarity with USB TV receivers
  • Knowledge of serial communication protocols
  • Experience with RF signal attenuation techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research digital attenuator options compatible with serial control
  • Learn about building serial to parallel interfaces
  • Explore BCD (Binary-Coded Decimal) conversion techniques
  • Investigate software libraries for controlling hardware via serial communication
USEFUL FOR

Students in electronics or telecommunications, hobbyists interested in RF signal manipulation, and engineers developing automated signal processing systems.

paul120
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Hello as part of a degree project I need to simulate digital television picture breakup, as demonstrated when the signal level is low or interferred with. I have found manual attenuators which are quite cheap but I need to automate the process with software on a pc. Is there anyway possible of acheiving this?
I envisage a pc running a usb tv receiever, the aerial coax cable plugged into a signal attenuator, the signal attenuantor having a serial input which allows the attenuation to be controlled via software on the PC. the software side is not an issue, merely the harware.
Many thanks
 
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Digital attenuators were common place when I was doing RF. May need to build a simple serial to parallel interface, maybe with a convertor to BCD. These should be available surplus, based upon the magnitudes of quantity that I have seen scrapped.