uSDR module

A compact single-channel Software Defined Radio module designed for embedded RF systems, portable spectrum monitoring, and browser-based SDR applications.

uSDR module

Introduction

The uSDR is an embedded Software Defined Radio (SDR) module designed for integration into compact RF systems, edge computing platforms, industrial devices, and portable wireless applications.

Featuring a dedicated HF receive path from 1 MHz to 250 MHz and full RX/TX operation from 250 MHz to 3.8 GHz, the uSDR provides broad frequency coverage in a compact M.2 form factor.

By combining the uSDR with the wsdr.io WebSDR platform, users can deploy SDR applications directly from a web browser, remotely access hardware, stream IQ data, and build distributed RF systems without complex software installation.

Key Features

  • Single-channel SDR architecture

  • Dedicated HF receive path from 1 MHz to 250 MHz

  • RX/TX coverage from 250 MHz to 3.8 GHz

  • Up to 65 MSps sample rate

  • Up to 40 MHz channel bandwidth

  • Compact M.2 2230 A+E key form factor

  • USB 2.0 and PCIe 2.0 x2 host interface

  • Low-power embedded operation

  • Compatible with WebSDR, GNU Radio, SoapySDR, SDR++, CubicSDR, and GQRX

General Specifications

FPGA

  • AMD Artix-7 XC7A35T

  • AMD Artix-7 XC7A50T

Power Consumption

  • 2.1 W Typical

  • 3.6 W Max

Interface

  • M.2 2230 A+E key

  • USB 2.0

  • PCIe 2.0 x2

Power Supply Range

  • 2.85 V to 5.5 V

Form Factor

  • Single-sided M.2 2230 A+E key

RF Specifications

RFIC

  • LMS6002D

HF Receiver

  • LTC5562-based receive path

  • Dedicated HF input

  • Integrated 7th-order 250 MHz low-pass filter

Frequency Range

  • RX/TX: 250 MHz to 3.8 GHz

  • RX-only: 1 MHz to 250 MHz

Sample Rate

  • 0.1 MSps to 65 MSps

Channel Bandwidth

  • 0.5 MHz to 40 MHz

RF Architecture

  • Single RX / Single TX

  • Full-duplex operation in UHF band

Temperature Range

Standard Version

  • 0°C to +85°C

Extended Temperature Version

  • -40°C to +105°C, on request

Pinout

uSDR Pinout Diagram

Embedded Integration

The uSDR is designed for applications where compact size, low power consumption, and flexible RF access are critical.

Typical deployment targets include:

  • Embedded Linux systems

  • Industrial computers

  • Portable RF analyzers

  • Wireless gateways

  • Edge computing platforms

  • Educational and research systems

  • Mini PCIe platforms using an adapter

WebSDR Platform

The uSDR integrates directly with the Wavelet Lab WebSDR platform, enabling browser-based SDR operation without software installation or driver configuration.

Using wsdr.io, users can:

  • Run SDR applications directly in a browser

  • Access hardware remotely

  • Stream and share IQ data

  • Deploy RF applications in minutes

  • Build distributed RF sensor networks

  • Collaborate across multiple locations

Target Applications

Cellular Communication

  • Develop LTE and cellular research systems using platforms such as srsRAN and Amarisoft

Spectrum Monitoring

  • Build compact RF monitoring and signal analysis systems

HF and Shortwave Reception

  • Monitor HF communications, amateur radio bands, and shortwave signals through the dedicated HF receive path

Embedded Applications

  • Integrate SDR functionality into compact embedded products and edge devices

Data Link

  • Build wireless communication links and remotely connected SDR systems through the WebSDR platform

Education and Research

  • Learn SDR concepts, develop custom protocols, and accelerate RF experimentation

Software Support

Web Platform

  • wsdr.io WebSDR Platform

Native Applications

  • GNU Radio

  • SoapySDR

  • SDR++

  • CubicSDR

  • GQRX

  • srsRAN

  • Custom SDR applications

Licensing

Host Software

  • MIT License

FPGA Gateware

  • CERN-OHL-P-2.0