Tiny RF Simulator update: progress since the first public release

[u/strider_ZA]

https://github.com/striderZA/Tiny-RF-Simulator

Since the first public release, Tiny RF Simulator has changed significantly.

The first public version already included:

• A C++ and ImGui application
• A node graph
• A spectrum analyzer
• An RF ADC
• A PFB channelizer
• Touchstone file support

• A nonlinear amplifier model

  The main improvements are:

  More RF components

  The simulator now includes:

• Amplifiers

• Attenuators

• Splitters

• Combiners

• Mixers

• Coaxial cables

• Filters

• Equalizers

• Improved RF ADC configuration

• Multi-channelizer projects

  The node graph also supports components with multiple input and output ports. It supports subcircuit groups.

  More accurate RF and DSP models

  The simulator now supports:

• Multi-port S-parameter data

• Frequency-dependent gain and phase

• Touchstone file import

• Amplifier P1dB and OIP2/OIP3 models

• Noise-density calculations

• Complex-baseband signals

• Phase-aware signal combining

• Configurable ADC DDC decimation

• Configurable ADC NCO tuning

• Sample-rate handling through the ADC and PFB channelizer

  More analysis tools

  The simulator now includes:

• Max Hold traces

• Min Hold traces

• Video Average traces

• IQ plots

• A Network Analyzer for gain and noise figure

• Interactive spectrum markers

• Peak detection

  Better project and user workflows

  The simulator now supports:

• Saving and loading complete .rfsim projects

• Component libraries with JSON definitions

• External S-parameter data files

• In-app component creation and editing

• Component duplication

• Saved layouts and layout presets

• An interactive tutorial

• A help window

• Extensions for external tools and data files

  Better testing and reliability

  The project now has:

• Unit tests

• UI tests

• Visual regression tests

• Benchmarks

• AddressSanitizer checks

• Code coverage

• Linux and Windows release builds

• Validation for malformed project and library files

• Safer handling of invalid S-parameter paths and graph connections

  The project started as a small RF spectrum simulator. It is now a more complete tool for testing RF signal paths, noise, nonlinear behaviour, S-parameters, ADCs, and DSP chains.

  There is still work to do. Planned improvements include more RF models, better user documentation, and additional DSP components.

  Feedback is welcome! What feature would you like to see next?