Coherent Signal Processing Using an Array of Surface Acoustic Wave Convolvers

Because SAW convolvers are transversal in nature it is possible to use several narrowband devices operating over adjacent frequency bands to process a wideband signal. Such an implementation does not introduce substantial phase distortion to the signals being processed and the convolution output voltages generated by the convolvers can be coherently added to yield a convolution signal representative of wideband input signals. This paper describes the principles of operation of a parallel convolver array. Data that has been collected from a working system is presented that illustrates the coherent addition of the output voltages of the convolvers. Finally, the usefulness of the convolver array in signal processing applications is discussed.