Multi-channel digital transceiver and method

An apparatus for receiving radio frequency communications comprising:

• a plurality of antennae for receiving radio frequency signals;
• means for converting the radio frequency signals to intermediate frequency signals;
• means for converting the intermediate frequency signals to digital signals;
• means for digitally down converting one of the digital signals to a baseband intermediate frequency signal, the means for digitally down converting comprises a plurality of digital down converters, each being coupled to the means for converting the intermediate frequency signals to digital signals and including means for coupling to one of the digital signals;
• and
• means for processing the baseband intermediate frequency signal operable to select one of the plurality of digital down converters for receiving one of the digital signals from the means for converting the intermediate frequency signals, for receiving a baseband intermediate frequency signal from the means for digitally down converting, and to recover a communication channel contained therein.

A method of receiving radio frequency communications comprising the steps of:

• receiving radio frequency signals at a plurality of antennae;
• converting the radio frequency signals to intermediate frequency signals;
• converting the intermediate frequency signals to digital signals;
• digitally down converting one of the digital signals to a baseband intermediate frequency signal;
• processing the baseband intermediate frequency signal to recover one of a plurality of communication channels contained therein;
• and
• selecting one of a plurality of digital down converters for receiving one of the digital signals.