Hardware Documentation
Detailed information about the SDR hardware supported by the platform
Overview
The USRP B200 and B210 are versatile software-defined radio platforms designed for research and development. They provide a flexible and powerful platform for wireless communications research, spectrum monitoring, and signal processing applications.
These devices connect to a host computer via USB 3.0 and can be controlled using the UHD (USRP Hardware Driver) software and GNU Radio.
Key Features
- Continuous frequency coverage from 70 MHz to 6 GHz
- Full-duplex operation with MIMO capability (B210)
- Up to 56 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth
- USB 3.0 connectivity for streaming data
- Open-source UHD driver for easy integration
- Fully integrated FPGA for signal processing
- Flexible clock architecture with external reference capabilities
- Compact form factor for portable applications
Technical Specifications
| Specification | USRP B200 | USRP B210 |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 70 MHz - 6 GHz | 70 MHz - 6 GHz |
| Bandwidth | Up to 56 MHz | Up to 56 MHz |
| MIMO | 1x1 | 2x2 |
| ADC Resolution | 12 bits | 12 bits |
| ADC Sample Rate | 61.44 MS/s | 61.44 MS/s |
| DAC Resolution | 12 bits | 12 bits |
| DAC Sample Rate | 61.44 MS/s | 61.44 MS/s |
| Frequency Accuracy | 2.5 ppm | 2.5 ppm |
| Interface | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 |
| FPGA | Spartan 6 XC6SLX75 | Spartan 6 XC6SLX150 |
| Power Consumption | ~5W | ~5W |
| Dimensions | 97mm x 155mm x 15mm | 97mm x 155mm x 15mm |
RF Performance
Receiver
- Noise Figure: 8 dB
- Maximum Input Power: -15 dBm
- Gain Range: 0-73 dB
- Gain Step: 1.0 dB
- IIP3: -20 dBm at max gain
Transmitter
- Maximum Output Power: 20 dBm
- Gain Range: 0-89.8 dB
- Gain Step: 0.2 dB
- Instantaneous Bandwidth: 56 MHz
- Typical EVM: -35 dB
Connectivity
- USB 3.0: Main data interface to host computer
- RF Connectors: SMA female (50 ohm)
- External Clock Input: SMA connector for 10 MHz reference
- PPS Input: SMA connector for timing synchronization
- GPIO: Header for digital I/O and custom interfacing
Software Support
The USRP B200/B210 is supported by the following software frameworks:
- UHD (USRP Hardware Driver): Open-source driver for controlling USRP devices
- GNU Radio: Open-source signal processing toolkit
- MATLAB/Simulink: Via the Communications Toolbox Support Package for USRP
- LabVIEW: Via the NI-USRP driver
- PySDR: Python-based SDR framework
- Pothos: Dataflow programming framework for signal processing
Lab Configuration
Our lab setup consists of multiple USRP B200/B210 devices connected to dedicated host computers. Each system is configured as follows:
- USRP B210 connected via USB 3.0 to a host computer
- Host computer running Linux with UHD and GNU Radio installed
- Remote desktop access enabled for user control
- Various antennas available for different frequency bands
- Optional RF front-ends for specific applications
Network Architecture
┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ User Browser │◄────┤ Web Server │◄────┤ Host Computer │◄────┐
│ │ │ │ │ │ │
└─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘ │
▲ │
│ │
▼ │
┌─────────────────┐ │
│ │ │
│ USRP B210 │◄─────┘
│ │
└─────────────────┘
Available Antennas
Wideband Discone
25 MHz - 1.3 GHz
Omnidirectional antenna suitable for monitoring a wide range of frequencies.
Log-Periodic
400 MHz - 1 GHz
Directional antenna with moderate gain across its frequency range.
Dual-Band
900 MHz / 2.4 GHz
Optimized for ISM bands, suitable for IoT and wireless communications.
GPS Antenna
1.575 GHz
Active antenna for GPS signal reception and timing applications.
Cellular Bands
700-2600 MHz
Covers major cellular bands for mobile communications research.
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
Optimized for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth frequency bands.
RF Front-Ends
For specialized applications, the following RF front-ends are available:
- Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA): For improving sensitivity in receive applications
- Power Amplifier: For extending transmission range
- Bandpass Filters: For various frequency bands to reduce interference
- Attenuators: For controlling signal levels
- RF Switches: For antenna selection and signal routing