AFE822x SDR-VHFx2 ( Dual Channel ) Features

● Synchronized (diversity) or separated (independent) Dual Channel reception mode
● 100 kHz to 35.00MHz and 35MHz to 1450MHz continuous frequency range
● 2-x Direct sampling receivers
● Digital down-conversion
● Dual 12- bit 76.8 MSPS A/D conversion
● Up to 1100kHz recording and processing bandwidth for each channel in dual channel mode or 2.2MHz in single channel mode
● Waterfall display functions, when used with appropriate software
● Recording and playback, when used with appropriate software
● USB 2.0  interface (Full Speed)
● LAN (network) interface for remote access
● Compatible with: Linrad, MAP65, Winrad, HDSDR, SDR Console
SDR-radio, CuteSDR, Studio1, SdrDX, Quisk, PowerSDR_mrx
● Powered from USB or  7-10VDC from External Power Supply
● Box dimensions are 127mm x 78mm  x 27mm (lenght x wide x height)
● Price -  399$ (boxed only)

AFE822x SDR-VHFx2  is a Dual Channel direct sampling Software Defined Receiver  it is composed by AFE822x SDR-Net rev.3.0 + VHFx2 extension board, that allows to have extended reception frequency range.

All main SDR parameters and properties are exactly equal to parameters of AFE822x SDR-Net rev.3.0 plus, in addition to HF frequencies range, possibility to receive signal in VHF/SHF bands.

AFE822x SDR-VHFx2  Dual Channel receiver has the following specification:

Frequency Coverage:

0.1MHz-35MHz (on HF antenna input) and

35MHz-1450MHz (on VHF antenna input)

Dual channel coherent signal is warranted in the next frequency ranges:

0.1MHz-35MHz, 35MHz-450MHz, 1295MHz-1297MHz.

*the coherency also is possible on some frequencies outside listed above limits.

Noise Figure: ~11dB (in 1MHz-30Mhz range and maximum gain 35dB)

~9dB on (on 50MHz band and maximum  LNA+Mix. gain)

~7.3dB on (on 70MHz band and maximum LNA+Mix. gain)

~5.6dB on (in 144MHz-438MHz range and maximum  LNA+Mix. gain)

~12dB on (on 1296MHz band and maximum LNA+Mix. gain)

Output data format:

 1. four 16-bit I/Q channels (in dual channel mode)

 2. two 16-bit I/Q channels (in single channel mode)

Maximum Receiving Bandwidth:

BW = up to 1100kHz for each channel (for 1200 ksamples/s sample rate) -  using Network connection in Dual Channel mode

BW = up to 2100kHz (for 2400k samples/s sample rate) -  using Network connection in single Channel mode

BW = up to 110kHz (for 125k samples/s sample rate) -  using USB connection and Dual Channel Mode

BW = up to 230kHz (for 250k samples/s sample rate) -  using USB connection and Single Channel mode

 

*Notes: The real sample rate value can be little bit different from the numbers printed above and depends mostly on Main Clock value

 RF ADC sampling rate: 76.800MHz

 Power Supply Voltage Requirements:

5V (supplied from the PC's USB bus or from external) or  from external power supply able to provide 5VDC +/-0.2V).

 7-10V DC to the DC power connector.

Power Supply Current Requirements:

~ 550mA (when tuned to HF bands)

~ 850mA (when tuned to VHF/SHF bands)

from USB or external 7.5V power supply. Mini-USB Y-cable is used to get power from USB line.

 

 

AFE8220 SDR-VHFx2  is based on the AFE822x SDR-Net plus VHFx2 extension board (see picture below):

VHFx2  rev.1.0 extension board

 

AFE822x SDR-VHFx2  rev.3.1 Dual Channel ( no box, AFE822x + VHFx2 stacked PCBs)

 

 

AFE822x SDR-VHFx2 (Dual Channel) rev.3.1 in 1455J1201 box

 

 Exactly like AFE822x SDR-Net rev.3.0 the AFE822x SDR-VHFx2 is designed to be connected to Personal Computer (PC) by two alternative interfaces:

1. Ethernet Network connection.

2. Full Speed USB

For more information about AFE822x SDR-VHFx2 functionality,  please read AFE822x-Net description.

 


When the AFE822x SDR-VHFx2 is connected to a PC using network interface, it is compatible with the following PC SDR software:

In addition there is software plugin - SDR Network Control Box plugin , that can be used with Winrad, HDSDR  this allows control of the AFE822x SDR-Net/AFE822x SDR-VHFx2  parameters (frequency, RF gain/attenuation etc...) and reception of the UDP I/Q data stream.

The SDR Network Control Box software can be used as stand alone application for SDR configuration and/or as plug-in for Winrad/HDSDRsoftware (under Windows).

 

The block Diagram of AFE822x SDR-VHFx2  can be found on the picture below:

There is short structure diagram description:


AFE822x SDR-Net related blocks:

LPF - Low Pass Filter, in default configuration is using as anti-aliasing filter for from DC to ~35MHz.

VGA - Variable Gain Amplifier, it is built using AD8369 IC from Analog Devices, and adjusted in in this design to give amplification/attenuation of input signal from -10dB up to 35dB.

Direct Sampling Receiver Front End - i.e Analog Front End is built on AFE8220 integrated circuit, it is heart of SDR, that providing Input RF signal ADC sampling, mixing and digital filtering, base-band signal data is outputs through specific serial interface, that very similar to I2S but not 100% compatible, for example used in my design CPU, need external help from CPLD, to accept data incoming data. More information about you can find in datasheet. Please pay attention that this device is not recommended  by Texas Instruments for new design, but there is many way to achieve this integrated cuicuits from different sources. And I am sure HAM radio society can use it in their applications.   

CPLD - main function of this device to adopt AFE8220 integrated circuit base-band (output data) serial protocol to  communication protocol that is supported by microprocessor.

CPU - it ARM Cortex-M4 architecture microprocessor - STM32F427VC , from ST Microelectronics, it controls DDC chip by dedicated SPI interface and VHF/SHF front ends by two I2C lines, also receives processed base-band data from Front End and transfer it to PC using Network interface or USB link and software USB Audio Device and HID device emulation.

Ethernet (RMII PHY) - Ethernet physical layer transceiver, working as interface between LAN (network) and CPU

Power Supply - Whole receiver is supplied from 5V voltage of USB line, and there is three voltages +1.8V -digital, 3.3- digital and 3.3V analog, that generated from single supply voltage.

External Power Supply - Is used as alternative power supply from external DC source, like battery or transceiver power supply, it is  linear power supply, can work from external sources that gives DC voltage in range 7VDC-10VDC

Power Switch - automatically switches between USB or external voltage source.


VHFx2 extension board related blocks:


RF switch - high frequency SPSD UltraCMOS RF switch (couple of switches are located on the AFE822x SDR-Net PCB and all others on the VHFx2 extension board).

Calibration source - calibration signal circuits used for automatic or manual coherency calibration.

HPF - couple of high pass filters, with corner frequency 35MHz

Reject Filter - Reject filters used to attenuate signals from Broadcast FM stations in the frequency range 80MHz-108MHz 

VHF/SHF Front End - two VHF/SHF based on R820T2 chip used as down converter that feeds signals to DDC stages.

TCXO - high stability Thermal Compensated Crystal oscillator, used as reference signal for VHF/SHF front end embedded pll.

VHF/SHF Power supply - linear low drop out 3.3VDC stabilizer.

 

The mechanical size of the AFE822x SDR-VHFx2 are same as for AFE822x SDR-Net i.e. designed for installing two stacked PCB into aluminum  box  manufactured by Hammond:

There is lot of files on my download page, software sources and  firmware for your attention.

You can visit also groups.io AFEDRI SDR user group

Any question? Please ask me by email. alex(*)4z5lv.net or alex(*)afedri-sdr.com

- to really send me email - please replace (*) by @ :-) , and please put in email subject

Please check it periodically for latest version.

Further information will be later.

LAN-IQ SDR Features

Stand Alone Software Defined Radio

 

● 50 kHz to 1700.00MHz continuous frequency range

● Direct sampling

● DDC - Digital Down-Conversion

● 12- bit 76.8 MSPS A/D conversion

● Stand Alone mode (AM, SAM, CW, SSB, NFM, WFM stereo, BPSK, QPSK , RTTY, FT8 demodulators)

● Up to 2.2MHz recording and processing bandwidth

● Waterfall display functions, when used with appropriate software

● Recording and playback, when used with appropriate software

● Sensitivity -  MDS -136 dBm at 500Hz bandwidth (0.03MHz-35MHz)

● Sensitivity -  MDS -143.5 dBm at 500Hz bandwidth (50MHz-435Mhz)

· USB 2.0 (Full Speed) interface

● LAN interface for remote access

● Compatible with: Linrad, Winrad, HDSDR, Studio1,  SDR Console

   (SDR-radio), CuteSDR, SdrDX, Quisk, PowerSDR_mrx

● Powered from USB or external power supply 7-10VDC

● Dimensions 120mm deep x 78mm wide x 27mm high

● 3.5'' LCD screen, with resistive touchscreen

● Unit cost - $374 (default configuration, optical tuning knob)

 

 

 LAN-IQ SDR  rev1.0 with optical encoder option installed (SMA)

 

LAN-IQ SDR  rev1.0 with (BNC, no encoder)

There is some video related to LAN-IQ SDR:

-     


-      


 

LAN-IQ SDR is stand-alone, direct sampling Software Defined Receiver (see picture above)  it has ability to send it's received I/Q stream in three different modes:

- Stand-Alone (Digital processing, filtering , decoding is implemented inside SDR)

- Network (LAN)

 - USB

LAN-IQ SDR has the following specification:

Frequency Coverage:

0.03MHz-35MHz & 35MHz-1700MHz

Noise Figure: ~11dB (for 1MHz-35Mhz range and maximum RF gain 35dB)*

*input VGA (Variable Gain Amplifier) has variable Gain from -10dB up to +35dB

Noise Figure: ~3.5dB (for 50MHz-435Mhz range and maximum LNA/MIX gain )

MDS: -136 dBm at 500Hz bandwidth (0.03MHz-35MHz)

MDS: -143.5 dBm at 500Hz bandwidth (50MHz-435Mhz)

Output data format: two 16-bit I/Q channels (audio stereo stream emulation)

Maximum Receiving Bandwidth:

BW = up to 2200kHz (for 2400kHz sample rate) -  using Network connection

BW = up to 706kHz (for 768kHz sample rate) -  in stand-alone mode

BW = up to 230kHz (for 250k samples/s sample rate) -  using USB connection

RF ADC sampling rate: 76.800MHz

 

Power Supply Voltage Requirements:

5V (supplied from the PC's USB bus or from external) or  from external power supply able to provide 5VDC +/-0.2V).

7.0-10V DC to the DC power connector.

Power Supply Current Requirements:

- up to 850mA (max. LCD brightness, network cable connected, VHF/SHF band)

 

The LAN-IQ SDR is designed to be used in stand-alone mode , i.e. without need to use  any additional computer and software.

 In same time the SDR can be connected and used with  Personal Computer (PC) by two interfaces:

1. Ethernet Network connection.

This can now provide up to 2400kHz sample rate

2. Full Speed USB

From PC point of view, the SDR-Net can be used alternatively as:

1. Network device using two IP protocols: TCP and UDP.

- TCP protocol is used to control the SDR parameters.

- UDP protocol is used to send received I/Q stream from SDR to PC

2. Or exactly like the  AFEDRI SDR-Net -USB Composite Device, that contains two USB functions:

     GenericUSB Audio device - to transfer baseband I/Q signal, as an audio stereo stream

     USB HID device - used to control AFEDRI SDR-Net

All the USB functionality of the LAN-IQ SDR is identical to the earlierAFEDRI SDR-Net,

For more information about USB functionality of the device please readAFEDRI SDR description.

Listed below are the new feature that have been added with network interface.

When the LAN-IQ SDR is connected to a PC using network interface, it is compatible with the following PC SDR software:  Linrad,Winrad,HDSDR,SDR Console v.3.0  (SDR Radio),CuteSDR, SdrDX, Quisk,ghpsdr3/QtRadio,PowerSDR_mrx

 

In addition, there is software plugin - SDR Network Control Box plugin , that can be used with Winrad,HDSDR,  SDRUno , this allows control of the LAN-IQ SDR parameters (frequency, RF gain/attenuation etc...) and reception of the UDP I/Q data stream.

The SDR Network Control Box software can be used as stand alone application  and/or as plug-in for Winrad/HDSDR software (under Windows). This enables the SDR's frequency to be displayed and changed directly from Winrad GUI (please check my Download page).


 

LAN-IQ SDR is based on sameAFEDRI8201 integrated circuit, like AFEDRI SDR-Net , so you can get more information fromAFEDRI SDR-Net description page:

Please see the picture below:

There is short block diagram description:

LPF - Low Pass Filter, in default configuration is using as anti-aliasing filter for from DC to ~35MHz (or any frequency located below Nyquist limit).

VGA - Variable Gain Amplifier, it is built usingAD8369 IC from Analog Devices, and adjusted in in this design to give amplification/attenuation of input signal from -10dB up to 35dB.

RF Switch - is used in VHF/SHF SDR versions to switch analog  signal path between HF VGA and VHF Front End.

VHF/SHF Front End - Analog Font End chip for VHF/SHF band, based on R820T2 chip

HPF - High Pass filter for VHF/SHF bands R820T2 front End chip

TCXO - Thermal Compensated Crystal +/- 0.5ppm Oscillator, used as reference oscillator for R820T2 Front End chip

VHF/SHF Power Switch - used to switch on or off 3.3V voltage for R820T2 Front End (when VHF/SHF band is enabled)

DDC Front End - i.e Analog Front End is built onAFEDRI8201PBF integrated circuit. More information about you can find indatasheet.

FPGA - main function of this device to convertAFEDRI8201 base-band (output data) serial protocol to Serial or Parallel data transfer protocol, that can be received by used in design CPU.

CPU - it ARM Cortex-M7 architecture microprocessor -STM32H743VI , fromST Microelectronics.

Ethernet (RMII PHY) - Ethernet physical layer transceiver, working as interface between LAN (network) and CPU

Power Supply - Whole receiver is supplied from 5V voltage of USB line, and there is three voltages +1.8V -digital, 3.3- digital and 3.3V analog, that generated from single supply voltage.

External Power Supply - Is used as alternative power supply from external DC source, like battery or transceiver power supply, it is  linear power supply, can work from external sources that gives DC voltage in range 7.5VDC-10VDC

Power Switch - automatically switches between USB or external voltage source.

LCD - provides support of Graphic user interface, spectrum imaging, signal measurements etc.

CODEC – used to listen decoded audio on headphones.


The mechanical size of the LAN-IQ SDR is same like for AFEDRI SDR-Net: 120x73mm. It was designed for installing in one two of aluminum  boxes  manufactured byHammond the manufacturer part number of boxes is:

     1455J1201

 

There is lot of files on my download page, software sources and  firmware for your attention.

You can visit also groups.io AFEDRI SDR user group

Any question? Please ask me by email. alex(*)4z5lv.net

- to really send me email - please replace (*) by @ :-) , and please put in email subject

Please check it periodically for latest version.

Further information will be later.

 

Afedri SDR-Net Features

● 100 kHz to 35.00MHz continuous frequency range (for HF only version)
● 100 kHz to 1700.00MHz continuous frequency range (for VHF/SHF version)
● Direct sampling
● DDC - Digital Down-Conversion
● 12- bit 80 MSPS A/D conversion
● Up to 1.85MHz recording and processing bandwidth
● Waterfall display functions, when used with appropriate software
● Recording and playback, when used with appropriate software
● Sensitivity -  MDS -136 dBm at 500Hz bandwidth
● USB 2.0 (Full Speed) interface
● LAN interface for remote access
● Compatible with: Linrad, Winrad, HDSDR, Studio1,  SDR Console
SDR-radio, CuteSDR, SdrDX, Quisk, PowerSDR_mrx
● Powered from USB or external power supply 7-10VDC for AFEDRI SDR-Net rev.3.0
● Dimensions 120mm deep x 78mm wide x 27mm high
● Low cost - $269

AFEDRi SDR-Net v.2.3a HamRadioScience review

AFEDRI SDR-Net rev.2.3a Youtube video, HamRadioScience review


Youtube video: AFEDRI SDR-Net + SDR Console (SDR-Radio.com) (thanks to Mauro).

Youtube video: AFEDRI SDR-Net + SDR Console + DRM (thanks to Mauro)

Youtube video: AFEDRI SDR-Net + CW Skimmer + IC-746pro integration for QRP QSO. (thanks to Vasiliy K3IT)

AFEDRI SDR-Net is a direct sampling Software Defined Receiver (see picture below)  it has ability to send it's received I/Q stream trough two different interfaces:

- Network (LAN)

 - USB

The first versions of the AFEDRI SDR receivers supported only a USB interface

AFEDRI SDR-Net has the following specification:

Frequency Coverage:

0.1MHz-35MHz:  Short Wave only, standard  configuration

0.1MHz-35MHz & 35MHz-1700MHz:  VHF/SHF  configuration

Per user request the special SDR revision can be assembled that is able to work  in aliased mode (40Mhz-80Mhz or 80Mhz-120Mhz) , in this revision the 30MHz LPF is not assembled and external Band Pass Filters (BPF) have to be added by user.

Noise Figure: ~11dB (for 1MHz-35Mhz range and maximum gain 35dB)*

*input VGA (Variable Gain Amplifier) has variable Gain from -10dB up to +35dB

Noise Figure: ~3.5dB (for 50MHz-435Mhz range and maximum LNA/MIX gain )

MDS: -136 dBm at 500Hz bandwidth

Output data format: two 16-bit I/Q channels (audio stereo stream emulation)

Maximum Receiving Bandwidth:

BW = up to 2300kHz (for 2500k samples/s sample rate) -  using Network connection (for AFEDRI SDR-Net Rev.5.0 )

BW = up to 1850kHz (for 2000k samples/s sample rate) -  using Network connection (for AFEDRI SDR-Net Rev.3.0 and up)

BW = up to 1225kHz (for 1333k samples/s sample rate) -  using Network connection (for AFEDRI SDR-Net Rev.2.0 up to 2.3)

BW = up to 460kHz (for 500k samples/s sample rate) -  using Network connection (for AFEDRI SDR-Net Rev. 0.0 and 1.0)

BW = up to 230kHz (for 250k samples/s sample rate) -  using USB connection

RF ADC sampling rate: 80.000MHz

 

Power Supply Voltage Requirements:

5V (supplied from the PC's USB bus or from external) or  from external power supply able to provide 5VDC +/-0.2V).

7.0-10V DC to the DC power connector.

Power Supply Current Requirements:

- 370mA from USB

- 440mA form external 7.5V power supply (revisions 5.0 short reception) 

 

- 600mA form external 7.5V power supply (revisions 5.0 VHF/SHF band reception ) 

 

AFEDRI SDR-Net rev2.1 in Box

AFEDRI SDR-Net (Rev. 5.0) - short wave only, default configuration

 

The AFEDRI SDR-Net is designed to be connected to Personal Computer (PC) by two alternative interfaces:

1. Ethernet Network connection.

This can now provide up to 2500kHz sample rate for Rev.3.0

2. Full Speed USB

This interface is identical to the one in earlier AFEDRI SDR versions. It sends  to PC two quadrature channels I/Q with sample rate up to 250k samples per second 16-bit each channel

You can download following audio files recorded in Winrad:

- I/Q with 1333.333 ksamples/s sample rate - Network

 

- I/Q with 500 ksamples/s sample rate - Network

- I/Q with 444 ksamples/s sample rate - Network

- I/Q with 250 ksamples/s sample rate 14Mhz band - USB

- I/Q with 250 ksamples/s sample rate 7Mhz band - USB

 

From PC point of view, the SDR-Net can be used alternatively as:

1. Network device using two IP protocols: TCP and UDP.

- TCP protocol is used to control the SDR parameters.

- UDP protocol is used to send received I/Q stream from SDR to PC

2. Or exactly like the earlier AFEDRI SDR - USB Composite Device, that contains two USB functions:

All the USB functionality of the AFEDRI SDR-Net is identical to the earlier AFEDRI SDR, the only difference being in USB Audio Device realisation - it this case it uses a non standard  sample rates, for audio, that is result of an integer division of main clock frequency 80.0Mhz.

For more information about USB functionality of the device please read AFEDRI SDR description.

Listed below are the new feature that have been added with network interface.

When the AFEDRI SDR-Net is connected to a PC using network interface, it is compatible with the following PC SDR software:  Linrad, Winrad, HDSDR, SDR Console (SDR Radio), CuteSDRSdrDX,  Quisk, ghpsdr3/QtRadio, PowerSDR_mrx

In addition to this there is software plugin - SDR Network Control Box plugin , that can be used with Winrad, HDSDR,  this allows control of the AFEDRI SDR parameters (frequency, RF gain/attenuation etc...) and reception of the UDP I/Q data stream.

The SDR Network Control Box software can be used as stand alone application  and/or as plug-in for Winrad/HDSDR software (under Windows). This enables the SDR's frequency to be displayed and changed directly from Winrad GUI (please check my Download page).

When working together with Linrad  - no additional software or plug-ins are required - you need only to configure this software as you would for using with it with an SDR-IP receiver.

AFEDRI SDR-Net can be used together with MAP65 software when working with Linrad  software.


SDR Ntetwork Control Box screen-shot.

The SDR Control software was written using Qt Cross-platform application framework from Nokia, so both Windows and Linux software versions can be compiled and have similar Graphical User Interface (GUI) under both operating systems .

 


 

AFEDRI SDR-Net is based on same AFEDRI8201 integrated circuit, like AFEDRI SDR of previous revisions, so you can get more information from AFEDRI SDR description page:

Please see the picture below:

There is short block diagram description:

LPF - Low Pass Filter, in default configuration is using as anti-aliasing filter for from DC to ~28MHz (or any frequency located below Nyquist limit).

Can be easily replaced by band-pass filter (BPF) for desired band in under-sampling acquisition mode when received signal is lying over Nyquist frequency (for example 50MHz, 70MHz band, 108MHz). I tested undersampling mode with this receiver on WFM band (88-108MHz), there is some degradation in sensitivity, so it will be better to add external low noise amplifier (LNA) for DX SWL on WFM band.

VGA - Variable Gain Amplifier, it is built using AD8369 IC from Analog Devices, and adjusted in in this design to give amplification/attenuation of input signal from -10dB up to 35dB.

RF Switch - is used in VHF/SHF SDR versions to switch analog  signal path between HF VGA and VHF Front End.

VHF/SHF Front End - Analog Font End chip for VHF/SHF band, based on R820T2 chip (like in RTL dongles)

HPF - High Pass filter for VHF/SHF bands R820T2 front End chip

TCXO - Thermal Compensated Crystal +/- 0.5ppm Oscillator, used as reference oscillator for R820T2 Front End chip

VHF/SHF Power Switch - used to switch on or off 3.3V voltage for R820T2 Front End (when VHF/SHF band is enabled)

DDC Front End - i.e Analog Front End is built on AFEDRI8201PBF integrated circuit, it is heart of SDR, that providing Input RF signal ADC sampling, mixing and digital filtering, base-band signal data is outputs through specific serial interface, that very similar to I2S but not 100% compatible, for example used in my design CPU, need external help from CPLD, to accept data incoming data. More information about you can find in datasheet. Please pay attention that this device is not recommended  by Texas Instruments for new design, but there is many way to achieve this integrated cuicuits from different sources. And I am sure HAM radio society can use it in their applications.   For example I have some quantity of AFEDRI8201PBF in my stock.

FPGA - main function of this device to convert AFEDRI8201 base-band (output data) serial protocol to Serial or Parallel data transfer protocol, that can be received by used in design CPU.

CPU - it ARM Cortex-M3 architecture microprocessor - STM32F207VC (or STM32F207VC), from ST Microelectronics, it controls Analog Frond End by additional SPI control channel, receive processed base-band data from Front End and transfer it to PC using Network interface or USB link and software USB Audio Device and HID device emulation.

Ethernet (RMII PHY) - Ethernet physical layer transceiver, working as interface between LAN (network) and CPU

Power Supply - Whole receiver is supplied from 5V voltage of USB line, and there is three voltages +1.8V -digital, 3.3- digital and 3.3V analog, that generated from single supply voltage.

External Power Supply - Is used as alternative power supply from external DC source, like battery or transceiver power supply, it is  linear power supply, can work from external sources that gives DC voltage in range 7.5V-10V

Power Switch - automatically switches between USB or external voltage source.

Optional LCD - there is optional parallel LCD interface exists in SDR, LCD is not supported by current firmware yet, cause I am not sure do someone really need it, but can be easily implemented in the future on user request.

The full AFEDRI SDR-Net schematic  can be found on my Download page.

 


The mechanical size of the AFEDRI SDR-Net PCB is same like for AFEDRI SDR: 120x73mm. It was designed for installing in one two of aluminum  boxes  manufactured by Hammond the manufacturer part number of boxes is:

Second one has biggest height.

AFEDRI SDR-Net rev. 2 in 1455J1201 box

There is lot of files on my download page, software sources and  firmware for your attention.

You can visit also Yahoo AFEDRI SDR user group

Any question? Please ask me by email. alex(*)4z5lv.net

- to really send me email - please replace (*) by @ :-) , and please put in email subject

Please check it periodically for latest version.

Further information will be later.

AFEDRI SDR it is direct sampling Software Defined Receiver (see picture below)

AFEDRI SDR has next parameters:

RX frequencies:

0.1MHz-30MHz (Low Pass filter assembled (LPF) - default assembly configuration)

Special , non standard SDR revision can be assembled to provide aliased reception mode 40MHz - 80MHz or 80MHz-120MHz (In aliased mode, LPF is not assembled, external Band Pass Filter (BPF) have to be used instead)

Noise Figure: ~17dB (for 1MHz-30Mhz range)*

*input VGA (Variable Gain Amplifier) is tuned to have variable Gain from -6dB up to +44dB

Output data format: two 16-bit I/Q channels (audio stereo stream emulation)

Maximum Receiving bandwidth:

BW = up to 240kHz (for 250 ksamples/s sample rate) - 192k version (current design revision)

BW = 90kHz (96ksamples/s) - 96k version (old design revision)

 

 

RF ADC sampling rate: 76.800MHz (or alternatively 79.872MHz)

 

Power Supply Voltage: 5V (supplied from USB bus)

Power Supply current: 330mA

Latest news is: In new HW revision it is possible to combine two AFEDRI SDR (one fully assembled and second containing only RF Front-End) to build Dual Channel (Diversity) Receiver, that can be used together with Linrad and MAP65 applications!


 


AFEDRI SDR in box

 

The Newest High-Speed AFEDRI SDR-USB-HS  revision

The SDR is designed to be connected to Personal Computer (PC) by Full Speed USB link and supplies to PC two quadrature channels I/Q with sample rate up to ~250k samples per second 16-bit each channel for latest revision on SDR design. Published on this site schematic can use STM32F105xxx processor to get maximum RX bandwidth, it needs little schematic changes, plus new firmware.

You can download recorded in Winrad audio files:

- I/Q wave files recorded with different applications

- I/Q with 192ksamples/s sample rate

- I/Q with 250ksamples/s sample rate 14Mhz band (contest)

- I/Q with 250ksamples/s sample rate 7Mhz band (contest)

 

From PC side of view, the SDR is presenting USB Compisite Device, that contains two USB functions:

The SDR doesn't need any additional driver installation on most of Operational Systems (OS) used on PC today it was successfully tested under next OS Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista 32 bit, Windows 7 32 bit, Linux Fedora 12.

The SDR compatible and working with most PC SDR software that working with PC Spund Card device, like Wirad (and its different clones), Linrad, SDR Console, Rocky etc...

Additional  SDR Control software is need to control over the AFEDRI SDR frequency, RF gain/attenuation and additional parameters.  SDR Control software can be used stand alone with any SDR software, or as plug-in for Winrad and/or Linrad (only Windows version yet) software, so SDR's frequency can be displayed and changed directly from Winrad GUI (please check my Download page).


The SDR Control software was written using Qt Cross-platform application framework from Nokia, so both Windows and Linux software versions can be compiled and have similar Graphical User Interface (GUI) under both OS-es.

 


 

 

AFEDRI SDR is based on AFEDRI8201 integrated circuit, it is Analog Front End (AFE) from Texas Instrument Company (this part obsolete now, but can be found on the market). I know two SDR-s published in the web that are using same chip:

First design from OH2NLT, was one that pointed me to this interesting Integrated Circuits – AFEDRI8201. It has nice design but it was built as stand alone receiver that does all signal processing in its "DSP like" chip dsPIC30F6014A from Microchip Company. This design has very limited usability in my opinion, due to using for RX audio output 12 bit DAC, and 40-MHz signal processing DSP.

Second design, much more robust and can use Personal Computer (PC) for signal processing, but need additional FPGA evaluation board to transfer baseband signal from front end to PC.

My target was - to use AFEDRI8201 as direct sampling receiver and connect it to PC trough USB interface. From PC’s “point of view”  the SDR is looking like usual USB Audio Device, that don’t need any additional driver and bring to PC two 16-bit basebandI and Qchannels at up to 250k sample rate, like in multiple existing today Sound Card based SDR (sftrock40, Flex 1000 etc…). And this SDR can be used with existing SDR software like Linrad or/and Winrad (or any of Winrad1.32 branches, like HDSDR), running under Windows and/or Linux OS.

Please see the picture below:

There is short block diagram description:

LPF - Low Pass Filter, in default configuration is using as anti-aliasing filter for from DC to ~28MHz (or any frequency located below Nyquist limit).

Can be easily replaced by band-pass filter (BPF) for desired band in under-sampling acquisition mode when received signal is lying over Nyquist frequency (for example 50MHz, 70MHz band, 144MHz). I tested undersampling mode with this receiver on WFM band (88-108MHz) and on 144MHz band, there is some degradation in sensitivity, so it will be better to add external low noise amplifier (LNA).

VGA - Variable Gain Amplifier, it is built using AD8330 IC from Analog Devices, and adjusted in in this design to give amplification/attenuation of input signal from -6dB up to 44dB.

Direct Sampling Receiver Front End - i.e Analog Front End is built on AFEDRI8201PBF integrated circuit, it is main device of SDR, that providing Input RF signal ADC sampling, mixing and digital filtering, base-band signal data is outputs through specific serial interface, that very similar to I2S but not 100% compatible, for example used in my design CPU, need external help from CPLD, to accept data incoming data. More information about you can find in datasheet. Please pay attention that this device is obsolete on Texas Instruments, but there is many way to achieve this integrated cuicuits from different sources. And I am sure HAM radio society can use it in their applications.   For example I have some quantity of AFEDRI8201PBF in my stock.

CPLD - main function of this device to convert AFEDRI8201 base-band (output data) serial protocol to SPI protocol, that can be received by used in design CPU.

CPU - it ARM Cortex-M3 architecture microprocessor - STM32F103R8, from ST Microelectronics, it controls Analog Frond End by additional SPI control channel, receive processed base-band data from Front End and transfer it to PC using USB link and software USB Audio Device and HID device emulation.

Power Supply - Whole receiver is supplied from 5V voltage of USB line, and there is three voltages +1.8V -digital, 3.3- digital and 3.3V analog, that generated from single supply voltage.

Optional UART - SDR contains also RS232 serial interface, in present firmware I am using it for additional debug command shell interfacing, filters coefficients upload and it is possible to upload firmware to CPU trough this interface.

Optional LCD - there is optional parallel LCD interface exists in SDR, LCD is not supported by current firmware yet, cause I am not sure do someone really need it, but can be easily implemented in the future on user request.

The full AFEDRI SDR schematic  can be found on my Download page.

 


The mechanical size of the SDR PCB is 120x73mm. It was designed for installing in one two of aluminum  boxes  manufactured by Hammond the manufacturer part number of boxes is:

Second one has biggest size.

 

There is lot of files on my download page, software sources and  firmware for your attention.

You can visit also Yahoo AFEDRI SDR user group

Any question? Please ask me by email. alex(*)4z5lv.net

- to really send me email - please replace (*) by @ :-) , and please put in email subject

Please check it periodically for latest version.

Further information will be later.

AFE822x SDR-Net ( Dual Channel ) Features

● Synchronized (diversity) or separated (independent) Dual Channel reception mode
● 100 kHz to 35.00MHz continuous frequency range
● 2-x Direct sampling receivers
● Digital down-conversion
● Dual 12- bit 76.8 MSPS A/D conversion
● Up to 1100kHz recording and processing bandwidth for each channel in dual channel mode or 2.2MHz in single channel mode
● Waterfall display functions, when used with appropriate software
● Recording and playback, when used with appropriate software
● Sensitivity -  MDS -136 dBm at 500Hz bandwidth
● USB 2.0  interface (Full Speed)
● LAN (network) interface for remote access
● Compatible with: Linrad, Winrad, HDSDR, SDR Console
SDR-radio, CuteSDR, Studio1, SdrDX, Quisk, PowerSDR_mrx
● Powered from USB or   7-10VDC from External Power Supply
● Dimensions 120mm deep x 78mm wide x 27mm height
● Price - 319$ (no box) 369$ (boxed)

AFE822x SDR-Net  is a Dual Channel direct sampling Software Defined Receiver (see picture below)  it has ability to send it's received I/Q stream trough two different interfaces:

- Network (LAN)

- USB

AFE822x SDR-Net  Dual Channel receiver has the following specification:

Frequency Coverage:

0.1MHz-35MHz: 35MHz Low Pass Filter (LPF) assembled  - standard  configuration

Per user request the special SDR revision can be assembled that is able to work  in aliased mode (36Mhz-72Mhz or 72Mhz-108Mhz) , in this revision the 30MHz LPF is not assembled and external Band Pass Filters (BPF) have to be added by user.

Noise Figure: ~11dB (in 1MHz-30Mhz range and maximum gain 35dB)*

*input VGA (Variable Gain Amplifier) has variable Gain from -10dB up to +35dB

MDS: -136 dBm at 500Hz bandwidth

Output data format:

 1. four16-bit I/Q channels (in dual channel mode)

 2. two 16-bit I/Q channels (in single channel mode)

Maximum Receiving Bandwidth:

BW = up to 1100kHz for each channel (for 1200 ksamples/s sample rate) -  using Network connection in Dual Channel mode

BW = up to 2100kHz (for 2400k samples/s sample rate) -  using Network connection in single Channel mode

BW = up to 110kHz (for 125k samples/s sample rate) -  using USB connection and Dual Channel Mode

BW = up to 230kHz (for 250k samples/s sample rate) -  using USB connection and Single Channel mode

 

*Notes: The real sample rate value can be little bit different from the numbers printed above and depends mostly on Main Clock value

 RF ADC sampling rate: 76.800MHz

 Power Supply Voltage Requirements:

5V (supplied from the PC's USB bus or from external) or  from external power supply able to provide 5VDC +/-0.2V).

 7-10V DC to the DC power connector.

Power Supply Current Requirements:

~ 580mA from USB or  external 7.5V power supply. Mini-USB Y-cable is used to get power from USB line, so two free USB connectors required to get power for AFEDRI SDR-Net-x2 from USB line.

 

AFE822x SDR-Net  Dual Channel rev0.1 in Box  (SMA and BNC connector's assembly)

 

AFE822x SDR-Net (Dual Channel) rev.0.1 in 1455J1201 box (SMA and BNC connectors assembly)

 

AFE822x SDR-Net  Dual Channel rev.0.1 in Box back panel

The AFE822x SDR-Net is designed to be connected to Personal Computer (PC) by two alternative interfaces:

1. Ethernet Network connection.

This can now provide up to 2000kHz sample rate (in single channel mode two quadrature channels, 2 x I/Q 16-bit sample size) and up to 1000kHz for each reception channel (in Dual Channel mode, 4 x I/Q 16-bit sample size)

 2. Full Speed USB

This interface is identical to the one in earlier AFEDRI SDR versions. It sends  to PC two quadrature channels I/Q with sample rate up to 250k samples per second 16-bit sample size - equivalent to two audio channel ( in single channel mode) or 125k samples per second - equivalent to four audio channels (in Dual Channel mode).

For more information about USB functionality of the device please read AFEDRI SDR description.

 

Dual Channel Reception Mode (two HDSDR instances for two different bands)


When the AFE822x SDR-Net is connected to a PC using network interface, it is compatible with the following PC SDR software:

In addition to this there is software plugin - SDR Network Control Box plugin , that can be used with Winrad, HDSDR  this allows control of the AFE822x SDR-Net parameters (frequency, RF gain/attenuation etc...) and reception of the UDP I/Q data stream.

The SDR Network Control Box software can be used as stand alone application for SDR configuration and/or as plug-in for Winrad/HDSDR software (under Windows). 

When working together with Linrad  software - no additional software or plug-ins are required.

AFE822x SDR-Net can be used together with MAP65 software when working with Linrad  software.

SDR Network Control Box screen-shot.

The SDR Control software was written using Qt Cross-platform application framework from Nokia, so both Windows and Linux software versions can be compiled and have similar Graphical User Interface (GUI) under both operating systems .

 


 

AFE8220 SDR-Net  is based on the new  integrated circuit AFE8220 and uses same PCB size as  single channel AFEDRI SDR-Net of previous revisions.

The difference between AFE822x SDR-Net and  AFEDRI SDR-Net x2 Dual Channel versions is next:

1. Single Dual Channel AFE8220 Front-End is used in new design. 

The Structure Diagram of AFE822x SDR-Net  can be found on the picture below:

 

There is short structure diagram description:

LPF - Low Pass Filter, in default configuration is using as anti-aliasing filter for from DC to ~28MHz (or any frequency located below Nyquist limit).

VGA - Variable Gain Amplifier, it is built using AD8369 IC from Analog Devices, and adjusted in in this design to give amplification/attenuation of input signal from -10dB up to 35dB.

Direct Sampling Receiver Front End - i.e Analog Front End is built on AFE8220 integrated circuit, it is heart of SDR, that providing Input RF signal ADC sampling, mixing and digital filtering, base-band signal data is outputs through specific serial interface, that very similar to I2S but not 100% compatible, for example used in my design CPU, need external help from CPLD, to accept data incoming data. More information about you can find in datasheet. Please pay attention that this device is not recommended  by Texas Instruments for new design, but there is many way to achieve this integrated cuicuits from different sources. And I am sure HAM radio society can use it in their applications.   

CPLD - main function of this device to convert AFE8220 integrated circuit base-band (output data) serial protocol to  communication protocol that is supported by microprocessor.

CPU - it ARM Cortex-M3 architecture microprocessor - STM32F207VC , from ST Microelectronics, it controls Analog Frond End by additional SPI control channel, receive processed base-band data from Front End and transfer it to PC using Network interface or USB link and software USB Audio Device and HID device emulation.

Ethernet (RMII PHY) - Ethernet physical layer transceiver, working as interface between LAN (network) and CPU

Power Supply - Whole receiver is supplied from 5V voltage of USB line, and there is three voltages +1.8V -digital, 3.3- digital and 3.3V analog, that generated from single supply voltage.

External Power Supply - Is used as alternative power supply from external DC source, like battery or transceiver power supply,it is  linear power supply,  can work from external sources that gives DC voltage in range 7VDC-10VDC

Power Switch - automatically switches between USB or external voltage source.

 


The mechanical size of the AFE822x SDR-Net PCB  was designed for installing two stacked PCB into aluminum  box  manufactured by Hammond the manufacturer part number of boxes is:

 

There is lot of files on my download page, software sources and  firmware for your attention.

You can visit also Yahoo AFEDRI SDR user group

Any question? Please ask me by email. alex(*)4z5lv.net or alex(*)afedri-sdr.com

- to really send me email - please replace (*) by @ :-) , and please put in email subject

Please check it periodically for latest version.

Further information will be later.