USRP - Universal SDR Devices

   USRP (Universal Software Radio Peripheral) is the generic name for Xilinx's line of high quality SDR open source FPGA devices.

   USRPs are shipped as off-the-shelf NI USRP-29xx devices running LabVIEW for speedy system creation, and as separate components, motherboards, daughterboards, ruggedized cases, and more. for the most flexible assembly of devices and systems.

Diversity of USRPs from NI and Ettus Research

   The compact low-cost B200 / B210 and NI 2900/2901 based on the RFIC AD9364 / AD9361 are USB-controlled and do not require a separate power supply.

   The standalone USRP-2974 with Xilinx Kintex-7 and Intel Core-i7  running NI Linux RT enable UE prototyping for new communications networks and other tasks that require a combination of autonomy and mobility.      

 Standalone N3xx with Xilinx Zynq and 10 Gigabit Ethernet are designed to create autonomous and distributed systems, including those with synchronization from GPS or White Rabbit.

   The USRP-294x / 295x series models form the backbone of most multi-channel systems. In these models, the X310 motherboard provides Kintex-7 FPGAs and connectivity to the host computer via PCI Express and 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and the radio cards determine the radio path capabilities, device bandwidth and channel, phase synchronization capabilities using LO Sharing.

 

USRP-294x / 5x Series Appliances

   Most models contain two full duplex transceiver channels. Models USRP-2945/55 are 4-channel phase-locked receivers thanks to superheterodyne architecture and LO Sharing.

 

   The front panel of the USRP-294x / 5x series devices contains input-output lines: radio channel connectors and additional digital lines connected directly to the FPGA.

   The rear panel contains digital connectors for connecting to a PC or PXI via PCI Express and 10G / 1G Ethernet, as well as synchronization connectors: input and output of 10 MHz reference signals, trigger signals and PPS, GPS antenna connector.

   On models supporting LO Sharing, the required connectors are also located on the rear panel.

 

USRP Synchronization with Octoclock-G CDA 2990

   An Octoclock block has been created to simplify USRP synchronization. It distributes 10 MHz and 1 PPS reference signals in star topology to 8 channels and also supports GPS referencing.