The reliable capture and precise analysis of RF signals are at the core of many of today’s embedded measurement systems. At SHENZHEN DAOQIAN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD, software engineers are pushing the boundaries of what is possible by combining high-performance signal generation, real-time analysis, and flexible control frameworks — all using the Red Pitaya STEMlab 125-14 platform as a key building block in their solutions.
DAOQIAN Technology develops measurement instrument systems that require compact, customizable hardware capable of real-time signal processing. In one recent project, the team integrated the STEMlab 125-14 into a dedicated RF signal capture and processing system designed to generate, capture, and analyze high-speed RF data streams directly in the lab or embedded in the field.
Combining Generation and Acquisition on a Single Board
The heart of this solution is the Red Pitaya STEMlab 125-14 — a compact, FPGA-based instrument that merges oscilloscope, signal generator, and data acquisition functions on a single board. The system architecture leverages the STEMlab’s four analog channels, high sampling rates, and open-source design to handle tasks that would traditionally require multiple bulky lab instruments.
For DAOQIAN’s engineers, this means they can produce complex waveforms, capture them with precision, and run real-time analysis — all while maintaining tight integration with their custom software environment. This level of versatility allows rapid prototyping of new signal processing workflows without the constraints of traditional closed hardware.
Solving Real-Time Embedded Signal Processing Challenges
In the development of the RF signal capture system, real-time measurement accuracy and system reliability were critical. By configuring the STEMlab’s FPGA logic and open-source software framework, DAOQIAN’s team was able to tailor the signal flow for their specific RF application.
This integration proved especially valuable for overcoming limitations in existing setups. Instead of relying on multiple expensive instruments for signal generation and measurement, the team deployed a single compact STEMlab 125-14 — drastically simplifying the lab setup while delivering lab-grade measurement performance.
Key Technical Requirements and Benefits
A crucial factor in DAOQIAN’s decision to adopt the STEMlab 125-14 was its multi-channel capability. For applications requiring simultaneous generation and measurement of multiple RF signals, the ability to work across four analog channels provides the necessary bandwidth and flexibility.
Open-source firmware and the ability to modify gateware directly on the FPGA also allowed the engineering team to adapt the system to unique test requirements — whether for RF signal analysis, waveform synthesis, or integration with other measurement modules.
Portability was another important advantage: with its credit card-sized form factor, the STEMlab 125-14 can be deployed easily in embedded setups, eliminating the need to transport large instruments for field testing or rapid prototyping.
Extending Capabilities and Looking Ahead
In addition to its current role in RF measurement and analysis, DAOQIAN’s engineers see further potential for Red Pitaya platforms in areas like UWB and IoT device testing, as well as for tasks that demand high-speed signal acquisition and flexible integration into larger systems. While the current hardware already meets the majority of their needs, additional analog channels would open up even more complex measurement scenarios in the future.
An Open Ecosystem for Rapid Innovation
DAOQIAN’s engineers discovered Red Pitaya through the electronics community and the EEVblog — attracted by its balance of price, performance, and adaptability. Since adopting the STEMlab 125-14, they have been able to customize and extend the platform to tackle unique measurement challenges, proving once again how open-source hardware accelerates innovation in real-world engineering environments.
For embedded measurement solutions where real-time RF signal capture, waveform generation, and flexible analysis are needed in one compact, cost-effective device, the Red Pitaya STEMlab 125-14 continues to demonstrate its role as a versatile tool for engineers pushing the limits of what’s possible in signal processing.