SDR module for indoor/outdoor location, navigation and comms development
Loctronix, a provider of unified positioning solutions for “GNSS-challenged” environments, has announced the ASR-2300 SDR module for developing high-performance positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) and communication applications.
The ASR-2300 is a multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) transceiver module incorporating two wideband Field Programmable RF (FPRF) transceivers (300 MHz to 3.8 GHz) from Lime Microsystems, 10-axis accelerometer/gyro/compass/barometer sensors, and a large programmable FPGA capable of over 300 MiB/sec sustained communications with a host processor via USB 3.0 interface. The module’s nine integrated RF path options and low size, weight, and power characteristics contribute to ease of integration and portability. Accommodating both internal 1 PPM TCXO or external frequency reference, multiple ASR-2300s can be interconnected via an expansion port and/or UART interface, supporting real-time reception / transmission of 4, 6, 8 or more signals without the need for significant additional hardware.
With on-board flash for storing developer-customisable firmware and FPGA logic, the ASR-2300 can be configured to operate in a variety of different power profiles, maximising battery life without requiring a host processor. The modules will be factory-programmed with only the RF receiver capabilities enabled. Developers can enable transmit functionality by modifying the firmware and waveforms.
“The ASR-2300 delivers advanced SDR capabilities in a small, mobile form-factor enabling developers to readily create and field complex SDR-based solutions. The module moves SDR out of the lab and into production, providing the critical piece for tapping advanced, multi-sensor/signals of opportunity for high-performance PNT,” stated Michael Mathews, Loctronix’ CEO and Founder, adding, “The ASR-2300 is unique amongst the growing number of SDRs, having multiple, fully-integrated RF paths supporting reception of GNSS, cellular, ISM band, and UHF signals of opportunity. The ASR-2300 will benefit SDR developers working on demanding scientific, military, aerospace and commercial/industrial applications.”
The A2300 Open Source Project at Myriad RF
To encourage innovation in PNT and communications applications, Loctronix has partnered with Lime Microsystems to provide the source materials for the ASR-2300 module under open source licensing at the Myriad RF project (www.myriadRF.org).
The open source software package includes basic drivers for Linux and Windows environments enabling both GNU Radio and embedded C/C++ developers to interface with the ASR-2300 module. Developers can obtain source code and design documents for modifying the ASR-2300 to suit their own applications.
“Developers can make their own boards using the documents and design database contained in the A2300 project and/or purchase hardware, development kits, support services, and licensed waveforms directly from Loctronix,” Mathews said.
According to Lime Microsystems’ CEO Ebrahim Bushehri, “Encouraging collaboration between the open source community and industry is a natural way to promote innovation and accelerate growth of SDR technology.”
The ASR-2300 will be available from Loctronix in November 2013, priced initially at $1500 in single unit quantities. Adaptors, antennas, and a housing kit will also be available that provide a variety of configuration options supporting bench-top testing to wearable, battery-operated field demonstrations.
Loctronix; www.loctronix.com
Lime Microsystems; www.limemicro.com
Myriad project; www.myriadRF.org
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
