Spectrum Analysis with the Prime Factor Algorithm on Embedded Systems

This paper details the purpose, difficulties, theory, implementation, and results of developing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) using the prime factor algorithm on an embedded system. Many applications analyze the frequency content of signals, which is referred to as spectral analysis. Some of these applications include communication systems, radar systems, control systems, seismology, speech, music, sonar, finance, image processing, and neural networks. For many real-time applications, the speed at which the spectral analysis is performed is crucial. In order to perform spectral analysis, a Fourier transform is employed. For embedded systems, where spectral analysis is done digitally, a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is employed. The main goal for this project is to develop an FFT for a 36-point DFT on the Nuvoton Nu-LB-NUC140V2. In this case, the prime factor algorithm is utilized to compute a fast DFT.