Northwest DSP provides specialized support in digital signal processing, software-defined radio, digital communications and FPGA development.
We help technical teams solve demanding signal-processing problems, from algorithm research and simulation through fixed-point optimization, RTL implementation and hardware verification.
Representative problems Northwest DSP is set up to take on. These describe capabilities, not completed client projects.
01
Low-SNR signal acquisition
Synchronization and detection algorithms for receivers working close to their sensitivity limits.
02
High-Doppler communications
Carrier acquisition and tracking for links with wide frequency uncertainty and fast-changing motion.
03
FPGA resource optimization
Turning complex DSP into efficient hardware under DSP-slice, memory, throughput and timing budgets.
04
Bit-accurate RTL from floating-point
Converting modem algorithms into fixed-point models and RTL that match them bit for bit.
05
SDR system integration
Bringing RF transceivers, digital front ends, programmable logic and embedded software together into a working prototype.
06
Receiver performance validation
Measuring acquisition probability, BER, sensitivity, timing and robustness to RF impairments, and automating it.
Services
What we can do for you
Engagements range from a focused design review to building and verifying a complete signal chain. Pick one area or combine them.
Digital signal processing
Algorithm development and analysis, carried through to an implementable design.
DSP algorithm development
Python, MATLAB and C++ modeling
Fixed-point conversion
FIR, CIC and polyphase filtering
Multirate processing and digital downconversion
Automatic gain control
FFT-based processing
Detection and estimation
Resource-aware implementation
Communications and modems
Physical-layer design for digital links.
Digital modem architecture
BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK, FSK and CPM
Direct-sequence spread spectrum
Carrier-frequency estimation
Carrier and timing synchronization
Preamble acquisition and frame sync
Doppler compensation
Equalization and channel coding
Sensitivity and link-budget analysis
Software-defined radio and RF
SDR systems pair RF hardware with signal processing that lives in software and FPGA logic, so the radio can change without a hardware respin.
SDR architecture and development
RF transceiver integration and bring-up
Digital front ends, DDC and DUC
FPGA-accelerated SDR processing
Waveform generation and reception
Multichannel processing
RF frequency planning
Embedded processor integration
SDR test and measurement automation
FPGA implementation
Synthesizable designs that meet timing and match the model, bit for bit.
SystemVerilog and VHDL
Architecture and microarchitecture
Streaming DSP pipelines and AXI interfaces
DSP-slice and block-RAM optimization
Fixed-point arithmetic
Timing closure and clock-domain crossing
Simulation and verification
Hardware-in-the-loop testing
Software and firmware
The code that makes the signal chain usable in a real system.
Embedded C and C++
Python and DSP simulation frameworks
ARM and FPGA integration
Host interfaces and device control
Automated testing and FPGA build automation
Test-data analysis
SDR software integration
Consulting and research
Independent technical judgment when you need to decide what to build.
Independent architecture reviews
Feasibility and algorithm trade studies
Receiver performance analysis
FPGA resource estimation
Technical risk reduction and prototype architecture
Technical support for government R&D proposals
SBIR and STTR technical development
Subcontract technical support
RF testing
RF testing, measurement and validation
Northwest DSP supports RF and communications development through measurement planning, waveform analysis, automated testing and hardware-oriented verification. We connect simulation results with measured system performance to find implementation issues and validate communications designs.
Receiver sensitivity characterization
BER versus Eb/N0 testing
Spectrum and waveform analysis
I/Q capture and analysis
Carrier-frequency-offset testing
Doppler impairment testing
Timing and synchronization measurements
SDR-based signal generation
RF test automation
FPGA hardware validation
Hardware-in-the-loop testing
Measurement-data processing
Test equipment is matched to each project and can be client-furnished. Northwest DSP does not provide accredited or certification testing.
Approach
From requirements to verified hardware
Each stage produces something you can review and keep. You see the design converge, and nothing important lives only in one person's head.
Step 1
Model
Requirements, link budget and a floating-point reference model that defines correct behavior.
Step 2
Fixed-point
Word lengths and quantization chosen and checked against the reference, with the margins documented.
Step 3
RTL
Synthesizable RTL, constraints and vendor IP configuration, closed against timing on the target part.
Step 4
Verify
Bit-true comparison against the model in simulation, then on hardware in the lab.
Verification covers
Algorithm performance
Fixed-point accuracy
RTL equivalence to the model
FPGA resource utilization
Timing closure
Hardware validation
Typical deliverables (scoped per project)
Floating-point reference model
Fixed-point model
RTL source and constraints
Testbenches and stimulus files
FPGA image and build reports
Host software and interfaces
Reproducible build instructions
Plots and technical report
Demonstration on hardware
Who we work with
Built for research programs and product teams
Government research
Small-business research and development under SBIR and STTR, either directly or as part of a team with a prime contractor or university.
Prime contractors
Subcontract support for defense, aerospace and communications programs that need focused DSP, RF or FPGA capacity.
Commercial teams
Product companies that need a signal chain designed, implemented or reviewed, without hiring a full-time specialist.
Applications and industries
Aerospace and satellite communications
Satellite modem development
Doppler compensation
Low-SNR signal acquisition
Telemetry processing
FPGA-based communications
SDR payload prototyping
Flight-test telemetry
Telemetry waveform development
Synchronization
Signal generation
BER testing
Distributed timing
Defense and government R&D
Communications research
FPGA signal processing
SDR prototypes
Technical feasibility studies
Subcontract technical support
Commercial wireless and SDR
Custom radio systems
Modem development
SDR integration
Receiver optimization
RF test automation
Embedded communications systems
Working with us
How an engagement works
Direct access
You work directly with the person doing the work. No account managers and no handoffs between a sales team and a delivery team.
Model to hardware
One person keeps the thread from the first equation to the bitstream, so the requirements and the implementation stay in agreement.
Clear terms
Each project has a written statement of work with defined deliverables, milestones and intellectual property terms, so you know what you are getting and what rights you receive.
About
Mike Imhof, Founder
Mike Imhof founded Northwest DSP to provide specialized expertise in digital signal processing, communications systems, software-defined radio and FPGA development.
His technical work focuses on the design and implementation of communications algorithms and modem architectures, including synchronization, signal acquisition, digital receiver processing and resource-efficient FPGA implementations.
His approach covers the complete development process, from mathematical modeling and simulation through fixed-point analysis, RTL implementation, verification and hardware integration. Clients of Northwest DSP work directly with Mike on communications systems for aerospace, defense and commercial applications.
Contact
Have a challenging communications problem?
Whether you need a DSP algorithm developed, an FPGA implementation optimized, an SDR prototype integrated, or an existing communications system evaluated, Northwest DSP can help.
