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 challenges Northwest DSP is set up to take on. They describe the kind of work, not completed client projects.
Detection and synchronization that hold up at low SNR.
Architecture and fixed-point changes that recover DSP slices, memory and timing margin.
Acquisition and tracking loops designed for the real frequency uncertainty.
Methodical comparison of model, RTL and captured I/Q to find where they diverge.
Word-length studies that trade resources against measured degradation.
Automated test setups that produce repeatable performance curves.
Engagements range from a focused design review to building and verifying a complete signal chain. Pick one area or combine them.
Algorithm development carried through to an implementable design.
Physical-layer design for digital links.
RF hardware plus signal processing in software and FPGA logic.
Synthesizable designs that meet timing and match the model, bit for bit.
The code that makes the signal chain usable in a real system.
Independent technical judgment when you need to decide what to build.
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.
Testing is scoped around the required frequency range, measurement accuracy, and available instrumentation. Depending on the project, equipment may be provided by Northwest DSP, furnished by the customer, or acquired specifically for the engagement. Northwest DSP does not provide accredited or certification testing.
Communications performance analysis using controlled channel and impairment models.
Waveform generation, capture, processing and automated analysis.
Measurement automation and testing with equipment provided by Northwest DSP, furnished by the customer, or acquired for the engagement.
Each stage produces something you can review and keep. You see the design converge, and nothing important lives only in one person's head.
Requirements, link budget and a floating-point reference model that defines correct behavior.
Word lengths and quantization chosen and checked against the reference, with the margins documented.
Synthesizable RTL, constraints and vendor IP configuration, closed against timing on the target part.
Bit-true comparison against the model in simulation, then on hardware in the lab.
Small-business research and development under SBIR and STTR, either directly or as part of a team with a prime contractor or university.
Subcontract support for defense, aerospace and communications programs that need focused DSP, RF or FPGA capacity.
Product companies that need a signal chain designed, implemented or reviewed, without hiring a full-time specialist.
You work directly with the person doing the work. No account managers and no handoffs between a sales team and a delivery team.
One person keeps the thread from the first equation to the bitstream, so the requirements and the implementation stay in agreement.
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.
Most work begins with one focused, fixed-scope step. Each is scoped and quoted in writing.
An independent review of a proposed or existing signal chain, with findings and recommendations in a written report.
Simulation that shows whether an approach can meet the requirement, and roughly what it will cost in hardware.
A review of an existing design's resources, timing and fixed-point choices, with ranked changes to recover margin.
Finding where a receiver loses performance by comparing the model, the RTL and measured data.
A working prototype of a waveform, modem or SDR function, carried from model to hardware within an agreed scope.
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.
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.
General inquiriesoffice@nwdsp.com
Mike directlymike@nwdsp.com
