Best Simulation Software for GSM 900/1800 MHz RF Detector Circuit Design

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#1 21668800 04 Jul 2013 12:23

EEWeb EEWeb

Anonymous

Post #1
21668800 04 Jul 2013 12:23

Hello Sir,

we are currently working on a cell phone detection project which detects GSM 900 and 1800 MHz. we want to first design our circuit on some software, but we are at a fix about the selection of software.

we tried on proteus, but could not find any way to generate 900/1800 MHz radio frequency.

Please suggest some software or some way to generate this frequency in software, which is then detected by the circuit.

thanking in anticipation

Regards.
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#2 21668801 04 Jul 2013 13:58

Steve Lawson Steve Lawson

Anonymous

Post #2
21668801 04 Jul 2013 13:58

I assume you are talking about _simulating_ an RF signal at 900/1800 MHz (to be "received" by a simulated cell phone detection circuit). If so, why not just use a simulated sinwave source set to 900/1800 MHz (and adjust the amplitude in terms of micro volts and the impedance to match that of whatever antenna you will be using)? Apply that to the input. I may be _talking through my hat_, though, since I've never used Proteus. But, thought I'd mention it in case it helps.
#3 21668802 04 Jul 2013 15:39

EEWeb EEWeb

Anonymous

Post #3
21668802 04 Jul 2013 15:39

[User comment deleted]
#4 21668803 04 Jul 2013 21:45

Jimmy Babida Jimmy Babida

Anonymous

Post #4
21668803 04 Jul 2013 21:45

If you are using microcontroller prescaler or any other component which divide the frequency of the external clock or reference frequency, you may incorporate a Phase Lock Loop (PLL) and Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) in order to generate the required frequency.Or maybe you can try Marconi test instrument signal generator.
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#5 21668804 04 Jul 2013 23:45

Mark Harrington Mark Harrington

Anonymous

Post #5
21668804 04 Jul 2013 23:45

That’s a good idea use a Marconi off air test Only £3000 Or there’s the Slumberger another £3 to 4K don’t forget you also have to have the messaging adaptor that’s another £3000 By the time you’ve finished with this that’s 6K before you’ve even got the project off the ground never mind detecting 1800mhz I’m sure there are far cheaper easier methods myself don’t you

Example this is the easy answer
http://www.extech.com/instruments/resources/datasheets/480846data.pdf
#6 21668805 05 Jul 2013 00:21

NIHKIL GUNDAGE NIHKIL GUNDAGE

Anonymous

Post #6
21668805 05 Jul 2013 00:21

hi .
for this application u have to do direct component test. and choose all components of correct value.implement it on breadborad pr pcb you will get result . make a good antenna for s/g receptions.
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#7 21668806 06 Jul 2013 11:40

EEWeb EEWeb

Anonymous

Post #7
21668806 06 Jul 2013 11:40

[User comment deleted]
#8 21668807 06 Jul 2013 23:17

NIHKIL GUNDAGE NIHKIL GUNDAGE

Anonymous

Post #8
21668807 06 Jul 2013 23:17

where is the link. i wishing to see that..
#9 21668808 07 Jul 2013 06:42

Mark Harrington Mark Harrington

Anonymous

Post #9
21668808 07 Jul 2013 06:42

Try a tuned circuit to respond to 900mhz to 1200Mhz then utilize a pic micro with adc and serial out into a pc possibly the easiest answer probably the best way to tackle that problem or attach the pic micro to an lcd and do you readouts that way Best cheapest solution within a tight budget
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#10 21668809 07 Jul 2013 06:44

Mark Harrington Mark Harrington

Anonymous

Post #10
21668809 07 Jul 2013 06:44

Beats the Six grand touch doesent it ? and teaches you the basics of field strength meters

There you go try this
http://www.utaharc.org/rptr/wdr_fsm1.html

http://www.m0vts.co.uk/sadars/attachments/022_fsm_instructions.pdf
#11 21668810 07 Jul 2013 08:27

Mark Harrington Mark Harrington

Anonymous

Post #11
21668810 07 Jul 2013 08:27

Theres another one for you All you have to do is adapt to suite Page 11 of the download

Not that difficult is it ?
#12 21668811 07 Jul 2013 09:54

EEWeb EEWeb

Anonymous

Post #12
21668811 07 Jul 2013 09:54

[User comment deleted]
#13 21668812 07 Jul 2013 09:59

EEWeb EEWeb

Anonymous

Post #13
21668812 07 Jul 2013 09:59

[User comment deleted]
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion addresses the challenge of simulating GSM 900/1800 MHz RF signals for a cell phone detection circuit design. Proteus was found inadequate for generating these high-frequency RF signals directly. Suggestions include using a simulated sine wave source at 900/1800 MHz with appropriate amplitude and impedance settings to mimic antenna input. Incorporating a Phase Locked Loop (PLL) and Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) is recommended for frequency generation when using microcontroller prescalers. Practical alternatives involve using hardware signal generators such as the Marconi or Slumberger test instruments, though these are costly (around £3000-£4000). Cheaper, hands-on approaches include building tuned circuits responsive to the target frequencies combined with microcontrollers (e.g., PIC microcontrollers) with ADC and serial output for detection and readout. Several DIY field strength meter designs and resources were shared to facilitate low-cost implementation. Emphasis was placed on direct component testing, correct component selection, and antenna design for effective signal reception and detection.
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Best Simulation Software for GSM 900/1800 MHz RF Detector Circuit Design

FAQ

TL;DR: For GSM 900/1800 MHz detector design, simulate with a sinewave source, microvolt-level input, and 50 Ω match; full RF generators can cost ~£6,000. “Use a simulated sinewave source.” [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21668801]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps students and RF hobbyists choose practical tools and workflows to test GSM detectors before building hardware.

Quick Facts

Software-first: Inject a 900/1800 MHz sine source into your simulated RF front end; set microvolt-level amplitude and match impedance. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21668801]
Hardware cost reality: Marconi/Schlumberger RF generators are ~£3,000 each; messaging adaptor adds ~£3,000 (≈£6k total). [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21668804]
Budget build path: Use a tuned circuit for 900–1200 MHz plus a PIC with ADC for readout. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21668808]
Calibration aid: DIY field-strength meter references and instructions are available for quick validation. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21668809]
Frequency synthesis tip: If you divide a reference clock, add a PLL and VCO to reach 900/1800 MHz. [Elektroda, Jimmy Babida, post #21668803]

What’s the simplest way to simulate a GSM 900/1800 MHz RF signal?

Place a sinewave source at 900 or 1800 MHz in your simulator. Set amplitude in microvolts and match source impedance to your antenna or LNA input. Drive your detector’s input with this source. As one expert put it, “use a simulated sinewave source.” This approach validates gain, filtering, and detection thresholds before buying RF gear. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21668801]

Can Proteus generate a 900/1800 MHz test signal for my circuit?

Yes, by adding an AC source configured to 900 or 1800 MHz and choosing a realistic small-signal amplitude. Ensure the source and input impedances match to reduce reflections in the model. This mimics an RF generator closely enough for detector bring-up in simulation. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21668801]

What if my design uses a prescaler or divided clock—how do I still reach 900/1800 MHz?

Add a PLL with a VCO. The PLL multiplies your reference, while the VCO tunes to the GSM bands. This combination overcomes division losses and locks the target frequency. Mismatch here is a common failure case; the loop must cover your desired channels. [Elektroda, Jimmy Babida, post #21668803]

How much does lab-grade RF generation for GSM testing cost?

Expect about £3,000 for a Marconi or Schlumberger signal generator. Some setups need an additional messaging adaptor around £3,000. That’s roughly £6,000 before other accessories, so plan budgets accordingly. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21668804]

What’s a lower-cost path without high-end RF gear?

Build a tuned RF front end covering roughly 900–1200 MHz and use a PIC microcontroller with an ADC for measurements. Output to a PC or LCD for live readouts. This path trades money for learning and can validate detection thresholds effectively. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21668808]

Do you have example resources for a DIY field-strength meter?

Yes—community references include step-by-step notes and schematics you can adapt for GSM-band checks. These help you verify relative field strength during bench tests and antenna tweaks without pricey instruments. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21668809]

What is a PLL and why do GSM detectors care?

A Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) locks an oscillator to a reference, multiplying or dividing to reach target RF. Pair it with a VCO to synthesize 900/1800 MHz test carriers or local oscillators. It’s essential when clock dividers alone miss the band. [Elektroda, Jimmy Babida, post #21668803]

What is a VCO?

A Voltage-Controlled Oscillator changes frequency with a control voltage. In GSM test setups it tunes across the cellular bands under a PLL’s control. Correct tuning range and stability determine whether your detector sees realistic signals. [Elektroda, Jimmy Babida, post #21668803]

How can I read detector output without a full RF lab?

Route the detector’s envelope or RSSI to a PIC microcontroller ADC. Stream values over UART to a PC or display on an LCD. This gives rapid feedback when sweeping frequency or adjusting the antenna. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21668808]

Is there a quick three-step way to validate my design in simulation first?

Insert a sine source at 900 or 1800 MHz with microvolt-level amplitude. 2. Match impedances at the source and detector input. 3. Sweep amplitude and log the detector output threshold. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21668801]

I’m on a tight budget—should I buy a generator or prototype first?

Prototype first. Build the tuned front end and use microcontroller-based readouts and DIY field-strength tools. Only move to pricey generators if your design needs calibrated absolute levels for certification or advanced demodulation. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21668804]

Any gotchas when covering both 900 and 1800 MHz?

Broadband front ends can lose selectivity. A single tuned circuit from 900–1200 MHz won’t fully span 1800 MHz. Use switched tanks or dual paths, or rely on a PLL/VCO source to evaluate each band separately. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21668808]

Should I test on breadboard or PCB at these frequencies?

Expect instability with casual wiring. Keep leads short, ground well, and enclose sensitive sections. If a prescaler divides too far, your detector may miss-target; verify with a synthesized source. [Elektroda, Jimmy Babida, post #21668803]

Can I validate results without absolute-calibrated power levels?

Yes. Use a DIY field-strength meter to compare relative changes while you tune filters and antennas. Once behavior is consistent, consider renting lab gear for calibration. This staged approach saves thousands. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21668809]

What brands or tools were suggested in the discussion?

Marconi and Schlumberger RF generators were noted for lab-grade work. For budget builds, a PIC micro with ADC plus simple tuned circuits and field-strength references were highlighted. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21668804]

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