There are a selection of software-defined radio units presently available on the market, every with its personal benefit. For example, some units commerce off efficiency for decrease price and supply customers with {hardware} that may be a good entry level to start experimenting with SDR matters. However, greater high quality units can be found that provide high-end efficiency however come at a better price. One other various has arrived on the scene seeking to strike an optimum stability between price and efficiency: the Fobos SDR, designed by Rig Professional, a small firm created by 4 Ukrainian radio amateurs.
The SDR covers a frequency vary of 100KHz to 6GHz. That is achieved by way of a direct sampling receiver structure for frequencies from 100KHz to 25MHz and a double conversion heterodyne structure to cowl frequencies 25MHz to 6GHz. The radio options three SMA connectors to interface the radio to antennas. Two connect with the direct conversion circuitry whereas the opposite routes to the heterodyne circuitry. The important thing circuits that make up the radio are RFFC5072 mixer and built-in synthesizer, MAX2830 direct conversion transceiver, and LTC2143 14-bit ADC. Moreover, the ADC is sampled at 50MSPS permitting an output IQ pattern charge of as much as 50MHz. The radio boasts a frequency stability of +/-0.5ppm and has two extra SMA connectors for 10MHz clock output or 10MHz clock enter.
Software program assist that’s presently out there consists of well-liked SDR choices resembling SDRSharp and HDSDR. As well as, the total supply code is obtainable for a receiver advanced IQ sign supply block in GNU Radio. Directions to be used in addition to software examples will be discovered by way of GitHub. It’s value mentioning that each one these examples and commits are pretty new and up to date. Which might imply assist for different software program platforms can nonetheless be coming. A whole person information can be out there to assist with powering up the unit for the primary time, putting in drivers, and putting in and configuring software program.
(📷: github.com/rigexpert)
One other level value noting in regards to the SDR is that it doesn’t comprise an FPGA or microcontroller. As a substitute, it makes use of an Infineon CYUSB3014 tremendous pace USB controller to output the advanced ADC knowledge on to the PC. This locations the processing of the advanced IQ knowledge into the fingers of the PC. This could add a level of flexibility to the skilled person, permitting them full management over the digital sign processing chain. At the moment, the radio doesn’t but appear to be out there by way of any reseller retailers. Nonetheless, Rig Professional merchandise appear well-liked at HAM Radio Retailers. With that mentioned, events can maintain an eye fixed out on HAM Radio Retailers for availability.