InSpectRF

A superheterodyne receiver solution offering wide dynamic range and linearity for spectrum monitoring applications.

inspectrf

Introduction

InSpectRF is a high-performance spectrum monitoring receiver, designed with a superheterodyne architecture for exceptional dynamic range and linearity.

With an integrated Raspberry Pi 5 module, it operates autonomously, sending only triggered events when necessary. InSpectRF can be configured to run through Ethernet or WiFi (5 GHz) and is fully compatible with the WSDR platform, allowing for autonomous data storage.

General Specifications

Architecture

  • High-speed 16-bit ADC connected via PCIe to Raspberry Pi 5

Power Consumption

  • <1W Idle

  • 9W Typical

  • 15W Max

Interface

  • Ethernet or WiFi 5 GHz

Extended Power Supply Range

  • 8 - 13 V

RF Specifications

Frontend

  • 2-stage superheterodyne with preselector and filter bank

ADC

  • 250 MSps RF Sampling ADC operating in 3rd Nyquist zone (312.5 MHz center)

Frequency Range

  • 20 MHz - 5000 MHz (up to 6000 MHz in extended range version)

Sample Rate

  • 125 MSps Complex, with decimations: - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 24, 32, 48, 64

Channel Bandwidth

  • 100 MHz filtered usable bandwidth

Target Applications

Cellular Communication Monitoring

  • Real-time 4G/5G base station spectrum monitoring

  • Up to 100 MHz analog bandwidth

  • Indoor mapping and link quality control

Instrumentation

  • High linearity and dynamic range ideal for lab usage

  • RF sampling architecture eliminates RX LO & RX IQ imbalance calibration

  • Superior EVM out of the box

Data Acquisition

  • Built-in Raspberry Pi 5 enables onboard data analysis and storage

  • Seamless integration with WSDR for automated data acquisition systems

Legacy Software Support

  • GNU Radio and many more through SoapySDR