© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI Hands-On Software Defined Radio Getting Started with Software Defined...

© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI

Hands-OnHands-OnSoftware Defined RadioSoftware Defined Radio

Getting Started

with Software Defined Radios- or -

“Now that I can spell SDR, what now?”

Scotty Cowling, WA2DFI

2008 Dayton Hamvention SDR Forum


First and Foremost:First and Foremost:Thank You!Thank You!

Eric Ellison, AA4SW

Dan Babcock, N4XWE


Presentation OverviewPresentation Overview

Brief introduction to SDR concepts

Examples of SDR RF hardware

Examples of SDR software

PC System Requirements

Musings on applications and the future

Links and Resources to get you started


What is an SDR anyway?What is an SDR anyway?SSoftware oftware DDefined efined RRadioadio

An SDR in general is a radio that has Primary functionality (mod/demodulation, filtering, etc) defined in

software DSP algorithms implemented in configurable hardware and/or PC

software

Best known examples of SDRs FlexRadio Systems SDR-1000, FLEX-5000A Tony Parks, KB9YIG’s SoftRock series of kits

An SDR is NOT: A computer-controlled conventional radio A conventional radio with a GUI integrated into its front panel A SuperHet rig with AF-DSP


Why SDR?Why SDR?

Why would you do that? (Use a PC for a radio, that is?)

Radios look more and more like computers – user acceptance

Highest performance: FlexRadio FLEX-5000A

Lowest Cost: SoftRock RXTX, US$31

Most Flexible: HPSDR, USRP

Demodulation/Filtering/Interfacing flexibility – user demands

Pervasive, inexpensive and high performance PC platforms

Open Source (GPL, OHL, NCL) builds synergy


Computer or Radio?Computer or Radio?

TenTec Orion IITenTec Orion II


Highest PerformanceHighest Performance

FlexRadio Systems FLEX-5000AFlexRadio Systems FLEX-5000A


Lowest CostLowest Cost

SoftRock RXTXv6.2SoftRock RXTXv6.2


Most FlexibleMost Flexible

HPSDR SystemHPSDR System


Most FlexibleMost Flexible

Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP)Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP)


Why SDR?Why SDR?

Why would you do that? (Use a PC for a radio, that is?)

Radios look more and more like computers – user acceptance

Highest performance: FlexRadio FLEX-5000A

Lowest Cost: SoftRock RXTX, US$31

Most Flexible: HPSDR, USRP

Demodulation/Filtering/Interfacing flexibility – user demands

Pervasive, inexpensive and high performance PC platforms

Open Source (GPL, OHL, NCL) builds synergy


Why SDR?Why SDR?

A more appropriate question would be:

Why wouldn’t you do that?

(Use a PC for a radio, that is?)


What Is SDR?What Is SDR?

How do they do that? (Make a PC into a radio, that is?)

Antenna to speaker (RX)

Microphone (or paddle, keyboard, computer) to antenna (TX)

Modulation, Demodulation and Filtering

RF generation

Operating the Radio – the Graphical User Interface (GUI)


SDR Basics - RXSDR Basics - RX

Simplified SDR Receiver Block DiagramSimplified SDR Receiver Block Diagram

SDR



Detailed SDR Receiver Block DiagramDetailed SDR Receiver Block Diagram



SDR Receiver Block Diagram (Mixer)SDR Receiver Block Diagram (Mixer)

QSD

SOUND CARDLINE(A/D)INPUT

SPKR(D/A)OUTPUT

CPU MEM VID

RF HARDWARE PC HARDWARE

RF INPUT BASEBAND I/Q(ANALOG AUDIO)

DEMODULATED AUDIO

OSC

DDS, XTAL

USER INTERFACE



SDR Receiver Block Diagram (Direct Sampling)SDR Receiver Block Diagram (Direct Sampling)

A/D

D/AOUT

CPU MEM VID

RF HARDWARE PC HARDWARE

RF INPUT DIGITAL I/QDATA STREAM DEMODULATED AUDIO

OSC

DDS, XTAL

USER INTERFACE

DigitalDownConverter

A/DIN

SOUND CARD

USB2


SDR Basics - TXSDR Basics - TX

SDR Transmitter Block Diagram (Mixer)SDR Transmitter Block Diagram (Mixer)

SOUND CARDMICINPUT

LINEOUTPUT

CPU MEM VID

PC HARDWARE

BASEBAND AUDIO(ANALOG)

AUDIO INPUT

USER INTERFACE

QSE

RF HARDWARE

OSC

DDS, XTAL

RF OUTPUT


SDR Basics - TXSDR Basics - TX

SDR Transmitter Block Diagram (Direct Up Conversion)SDR Transmitter Block Diagram (Direct Up Conversion)

D/AOUT

CPU MEM VID

PC HARDWARE

DIGITAL I/QDATASTREAM

AUDIO INPUT

USER INTERFACE

A/DIN

SOUND CARD

USB2 A/D

DDS, XTAL

DigitalUpConverter

RF HARDWARE

RF OUTPUT

OSCA/DIN

ALTERNATEAUDIOINPUT

MIC AUDIO

MODULATED RFUSBI/F


Modulation andModulation andDemodulation andDemodulation and

Filtering, Oh My!Filtering, Oh My!

Software Algorithms (e.g., DttSP)

Hardware Algorithms (e.g., inside an FPGA)

Mathematics, very dangerous!

You go first!


RF GenerationRF Generation

Putting the “Fire to the Wire” Mix audio to RF (QSE)

Synthesize RF waveform (Direct Up Conversion)


The Graphical User Interface The Graphical User Interface (GUI)(GUI)

The GUI is your window into controlling your SDR What you see is what you get!

Conventional (PowerSDR) or SDR-adapted (Rocky)

One size does NOT fit all

Controls hardware functions (obvious) PTT, antenna switching, RF power level

Controls software functions (not so obvious) Modulation/demodulation type, calibration, RX filter BW

Ancillary functions: logging, spotting, multiplier checking, grayline


SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: Hardware

Some Examples of SDR Hardware

Homebrew

SoftRock - RXTXv6.2

HPSDR - Atlas, Ozy, Janus, Penelope, Mercury, Alex

Quicksilver - QS1R (RX only now, QS1T TX coming soon)

USRP – USRP-PKG, LFRX, LFTX

FlexRadio Systems – SDR-1000, FLEX-5000A

Perseus and SDR-IQ (RX only)



Homebrew! (no beer, just roll your own)


SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: Hardware Cost: US$30 to US$38 QSD RX/QSE RX 1W RF output Crystal controlled 7 versions:

160m (1.812, 1.843, 1.919) 80m (3.514, 3.549, 3.579) 80m/40m (3.507/7.014, 3.527/7.055) 40m/30m (7.014, 7.056, 10.124) 30m/20m (10.124, 14.050) 17m/15m (21.050, 21.160) 12m/10m (user supplied xtals)

XTALLv1.1 (US$12+20) 16 DIP switch selected frequencies

Made by Tony Parks, KB9YIGSoftRock RXTXv6.2

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/softrock40


Sidebar: SoftRock HistorySidebar: SoftRock HistorySoftRocks Through Time

2005: SoftRock 40 Receiver (kit retired) 4x Xtal Osc, QSD, RX only 1,000 kits produced (800 by AmQRP, 200 by KB9YIG)

Q1-Q2 2006: SoftRock 5 Receiver (kit retired) RC phase shifter, 2 board set (QSD and BPF/Osc), RX only 1,000 kits produced

Q2-Q3 2006: SoftRock 6 Receiver (kit retired) 2 bands on one board, 4x or 8x clock, RX only 2,000 kits produced

Q2-Q3 2006: SoftRock 7 Receiver (kit retired) RC phase shifter, quadrature mixer (no QSD) for better performance on 10m, RX only 500 produced

Q4 2006: SoftRock Lite Receiver (only $10!) (kit retired) QSD similar to SoftRock 6, RX only Over 2,700 produced

Q4 2006: SoftRock RXTX (v6.1, v6.2) (current production) SoftRock 6 RX, QSE, 1W PA, transceiver Over 2,400 sold so far


Sidebar: SoftRock HistorySidebar: SoftRock History

Think SDR isn’t interesting or popular?

11,000 SoftRock owners* disagree with you!!!!

Thank You for your contribution to SDR,

Tony Parks, KB9YIG

* Well, maybe some of them own more than one kit. As a member of sAA (SoftRock Assemblers

Anonymous), I can only tell you that I own more than one.


What is the HPSDR Project…?What is the HPSDR Project…?The HPSDR Project is a modular, open source

hardware and software platform for development of all components of a Software Defined Radio.

It is also a group of volunteers dedicated to the building of a pool of open-source Software Defined Radio design information.

HPSDR specifically is a radio with the following features: Very High Performance Based upon an open source model (OHL/NCL hardware,

GPL software) Modular and expandable Contributes to the advancement the State of the Radio Art


……and why is TAPR involved?and why is TAPR involved?HPSDR is not based in Tucson

Group of dedicated volunteers with worldwide participation HPSDR group is tied together by the Internet (Teamspeak, E-mail,

Web-based Wiki)

HPSDR is not Packet Radio It could be used for that mode, since it is software defined It is predominately digital

Main components are fully assembled and tested (not traditional TAPR kits) Fine pin pitch of SMT components requires special tools and skills

for assembly Not for the faint of heart (or fuzzy-visioned) Simple boards still offered as kits, complex ones offered assembled

and tested


TAPR’s MISSIONTAPR’s MISSIONSupport HPSDR development with:

R&D funding• Breadboard prototypes• Alpha PCBs

Volume production• Put leading edge technology into many hands

Result: Ever growing pool of contributors, experimenters and subsequent advancement of the radio art

Even though HPSDR is not Packet Radio, TAPR’s mission hasn’t really changed!


The BoardsThe Boards Atlas: The Backplane (US$35 – kit)

Pinocchio: The Extender (US$18 – kit)

Ozymandias: USB gateway (US$137 a/t)

Janus: Baseband A/D and D/A Converter (US$163 a/t)

Penelope: Transmitter/Exciter (US$219 a/t) Mercury: Direct Sampling Front End (coming soon)

Alexiares: RF Bandpass Filter Board Set (coming soon)

http://tapr.org

Hamvention Booths 455-458


Atlas BackplaneAtlas Backplane

Six slots, ATX power supply input, LED power indicators


Pinocchio ExtenderPinocchio Extender

Extends Atlas backplane connector above adjacent boards


Ozymandias USB GatewayOzymandias USB GatewayUSB Interface to Atlas Bus with Parallel I/O


Janus – A/D and D/A ConverterJanus – A/D and D/A ConverterHigh Speed Full-duplex A-to D and D-to-A Converter


Penelope – Transmitter ExciterPenelope – Transmitter Exciter

Digital Up Conversion (DUC) ½ W Transmitter/Exciter


Mercury - Direct Sampling Front EndMercury - Direct Sampling Front End

0 – 65 MHz

Direct Sampling

Receiver Front End


Alexiares – RF Bandpass FiltersAlexiares – RF Bandpass Filters

RF Preselector/TX Low Pass Filter Bank(2 board set)


Atlas/Ozy/Janus, why do I need them?Atlas/Ozy/Janus, why do I need them?

If you have (or are contemplating) an SDR-1000

Sound card? We don’t need no stinkin’ sound card! Janus has a 24-bit, 192-ksps A/D input Replaces Delta-44 ($150) or Edirol FA-66 ($300)

Oops, don’t have a parallel port! Ozy has a parallel control interface Replaces USB-to-Parallel converter ($70)


Atlas/Ozy/Janus, why do I need them?Atlas/Ozy/Janus, why do I need them?

If you don’t have an SDR-1000

Why not? Want to play with low cost SDR?

Try Tony KB9YIG’s SoftRock series ($31) groups.yahoo.com/group/softrock40

How about a high-performance audio spectrum analyzer?

Ozy provides USB 2.0 for Penelope and Mercury


SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: HardwareQuicksilver QS1R VERB

VERB = VErsatile Receiver Board

16-bit 125Ms/s ADC

15kHz – 55MHz Receiver (LPF input)

15kHz – 300MHz Receiver (direct input)

No sound system required

USB 2.0 connection to computer

Very high-performance and versatile

SDRMAXII GUI, QS1RServer control/DSP software and hardware is Open Source

Cost: US$849

Designed by Phil Covington, N8VB

http://www.philcovington.com/QuickSilver

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/qs1r


SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: HardwareMore Quicksilver Boards From N8VB

QS1F – A Front-end Filter Board for the QS1R Preselctor

RF Amplifier

Attenuator

Planned availability: June/July 2008

QS1T – Direct Up Conversion Transmitter Board 15kHz – 55MHz

1 Watt Output

Planned availability: Aug/Sep 2008




SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: HardwareEttus Research USRP

USRP = Universal Software Radio Peripheral Motherboard accepts up to four daughter cards Open Source hardware and software On-board FPGA and USB 2.0 interface Ten daughter card types, and counting! GNU Radio supports Linux, Windows, Mac Cost: $700 (including enclosure & PS) Built by Matt Ettus, N2MJI

http://www.ettus.com


SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: HardwareEttus Research USRP Daughter Cards

DC to 30MHz Receiver (US$75)

DC to 30MHz Transmitter (US$75)

1MHz to 250MHz Receiver (US$75)

1MHz to 250MHz Transmitter (US$75)



750MHz to 1050MHz Transceiver (US$275)

1150MHz to 1450MHz Transceiver (US$275)

1.5GHz to 2.1GHz Transceiver (US$275)

2.3GHz to 2.9GHz Transceiver (US$275)

800MHz to 2400MHz Receiver

2.3GHz to 2.9GHz Transceiver

http://www.ettus.com



FlexRadio Systems SDR-1000

Discontinued, available used

High performance

160m – 6m band TX coverage

12kHz – 60MHz RX coverage

Available in 1W or 100W version

Requires supported sound system

Cost: US$1,000 - US$1500 used

http://www.flex-radio.com



SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: HardwareFlexRadio Systems FLEX-5000A

Very high performance

160m – 6m band TX coverage

10kHz – 65MHz RX coverage

Available 100W version


Requires Firewire connection to PC

Also available as FLEX-5000C with integrated computer

Cost: US$2799

Built by Gerald Youngblood, K5SDR





Perseus VLF- HF Receiver

14-bit 80Ms/s ADC

Step input attenuator, 10-band preselector

High IP3 preamp

10kHz – 30MHz Receiver

10kHz – 40MHz spectrum analyzer


USB 2.0 connection to computer

Perseus Control Software for Windows 2000, XP, Vista

Cost: £553 (€694, US$1075) excl vat

http://www.microtelecom.it/perseus



SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: HardwareRF Space SDR-IQ VLF – HF Receiver

14-bit 66.6Ms/s ADC

Switched input attenuators and filters

500Hz – 30MHz Receiver/Spectrum Analyzer


USB 2.0 powered – no power supply

Network Server for Linux/Windows allows remote use

SpectraVue Software for Windows 2000, XP, Vista

Cost: US$499

http://www.rfspace.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SDR-IQ


SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareSome Examples of SDR Software

PowerSDR (http://www.flex-radio.com)

Rocky (http://www.dxatlas.com/rocky)

uWSDR (http://uwsdr.berlios.de)

SDRMAXII (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/qs1r)

SDR-Shell (http://ewpereira.info/sdr-shell)

Linrad (http://www.nitehawk.com/sm5bsz/linuxdsp/linrad.htm)

Winrad (http://www.winrad.org/winrad/)

SpectraVue (http://www.moetronix.com)

DttSP (http://dttsp.sourceforge.net)


SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: Software

PowerSDR

Windows only at this time

Open Source

Support for SDR-1000, FLEX-5000A, SoftRock, HPSDR



SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwarePowerSDR




Rocky

Windows only

Support for SoftRock

Written in Delphi 5 Pro

Written by Alex Shovkoplyas, VE3NEA

http://www.dxatlas.com/rocky


SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareRocky

http://www.dxatlas.com/rocky



uWSDR

Windows, Linux, Mac OS X

Open Source hardware and software

DSP core based on DttSP

Hardware in development

Group effort, similar to HPSDR

http://uwsdr.berlios.de



uWSDR Architecture Diagram



SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareuWSDR GUI




SDRMAXII

Originally Windows only, now ported to Linux

Open Source

Support for QS1R

Written by Phil Covington, N8VB




SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareSDRMAXII





SDR Shell

Linux Only

Open Source

Developed using the Qt Toolkit under Ubuntu Linux

GUI control for DttSP SDR core

Currently RX-only (TX under development)

Written by Edson Pereira, PU1JTE, N1VTN, JF1AFN

http://ewpereira.info/sdr-shell


SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Shell Block Diagram



SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Shell




Linrad

Linux, Windows, Free BSD

Works with any soundcard for which the computer has drivers

Free Software

Written by Leif Asbrink, SM5BSZ

http://www.nitehawk.com/sm5bsz/linuxdsp/linrad.htm


SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareLinrad

http://www.nitehawk.com/sm5bsz/linuxdsp/linrad.htm



Winrad

Windows only

Implements a subset of Linrad features

Support for SDR-14, SDR-IQ, Perseus, Elektor

Written by Alberto, I2PHD and Jeffrey, WA6KBL

http://www.winrad.org/winrad


SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareWinrad

http://www.winrad.org/winrad



SpectraVue

Windows only

Linux Drivers, ActiveX Control source provided

Bundled with SDR-IQ Receiver

http://www.moetronix.com/spectravue.htm


SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareSpectraVue

http://www.rfspace.com/Support.html


SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareDttSP

Linux, Windows, (portable to Mac)

Open Source

Written in ANSI-C

Basic processes needed to operate high-performance SDR

Project Founders: Dr. Frank Brickle, AB2KT

Dr. Robert McGwier, N4HY

http://dttsp.sourceforge.net


PC RequirementsPC RequirementsHow Much Computer Do I really Need?How Much Computer Do I really Need?

Q: How much should I spend? A: How much do you have?

MoreMore is BetterBetter, but this should do:

Sound System: <spend your money here>

CPU: Pentium Class, 1GHz or faster

Memory: 1GByte (O/S dependent)

HDD: 10GByte or more

Ports: USB 2.0 if you use a USB sound card

Ports: Firewire (IEEE-1394) if you use a Firewire sound card

Display: Get a big one – you’ll be staring at it for hours


Sound System RequirementsSound System Requirements

The Sound System is the single most important part of your SDRThe Sound System is the single most important part of your SDR

Don’t: Expect your motherboard’s built-in sound system to work Buy a $9 no-name sound card Use 6 foot clip leads to feed audio to your sound system

Do: Buy the best sound system that you can afford

Use high-quality shielded cables

The Dynamic Range of your mixer-type SD RX is determined by the

SOUND SYSTEMSOUND SYSTEM


Sound System RequirementsSound System RequirementsThe Sound System is the single most important part of your SDRThe Sound System is the single most important part of your SDR ADC resolution: 24 bits

ADC sampling rate: 48K, 96K, 192K – bigger slice of the band

ADC S/N ratio – look for around 100dB

MUST have stereo line input

Computer Interface – Firewire (IEEE-1394), USB 2.0, PCI, PCMCIA

Audio Interface – multiple inputs/outputs can simplify cabling

External DC Power – may be required, even on a powered interface

Another Solution:Another Solution: Buy a DS/DUC SDR or one with a built in Sound System


Sound Card ExamplesSound Card ExamplesHigh-end Sound Systems

HPSDR Atlas/Ozy/Janus (USB 2.0) 24-bit resolution, 192kHz sample rate, >100dB S/N Will NOT work as a general-purpose Sound System Under US$400


Sound Card ExamplesSound Card Examples

HPSDRAtlasOzy

Janushttp://hpsdr.orghttp://tapr.org




Edirol FA-66 (Firewire) 24-bit resolution, 192kHz sample rate, 102dB S/N

Under US$300



Edirol FA-66http://www.roland.com




Edirol FA-66 (Firewire) 24-bit resolution, 192kHz sample rate, 102dB S/N

Under US$300

M-Audio Delta-44 (PCI) 24-bit resolution, 96kHz sample rate, 99dB S/N

Under US$150



M-Audio Delta 44http://www.m-audio.com


Sound Card ExamplesSound Card ExamplesLower-end Sound Systems

NOTE: I have not tested these, so beware! Edirol UA-1ex (USB 2.0)

24 bit, 96kHz (half duplex)/48kHz (full duplex)

Small, USB-powered, perfect for laptops

Under US$80


Sound Card ExamplesSound Card ExamplesEdirol UA-1exhttp://www.roland.com


Sound Card ExamplesSound Card ExamplesLower-end Sound Systems

NOTE: I have not tested these, so beware! Edirol UA-1ex (USB 2.0)

24 bit, 96kHz (half duplex)/48kHz (full duplex)

Small, USB-powered, perfect for laptops

Under US$80

M-Audio Transit (USB 2.0) 24-bit resolution, 96kHz sample rate, 100dB S/N

Small USB-powered, perfect for laptops

Under US$80



M-Audio Transithttp://www.m-audio.com


What Does the Future Hold?What Does the Future Hold?

Spectrum Analyzers, Test Equipment

Self Calibration (software calibrates hardware)

Steerable radio/antenna hybrid arrays

True Diversity Reception (coherent?)

Diversity Transmission

Remote Control

Most of these, if not all, are already here!


Software Defined Antenna???Software Defined Antenna???

Remember this picture?

To listen to this SDR, you need: No radio No antenna No fancy sound card No high powered software Just a PC with a browser

Location: The Netherlands, grid JO32KF

Frequencies: 3576 - 3624 kHz and 7031.5 – 7079.5 kHz

URL: http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/

(find it fast: Google “WebSDR”)



Here is a screen shot of the WebSDR control panel in a web browser



Here is a screen shot of the WebSDR users panel in a web browser


Thank you for your attention!

The free CD contains copies of the SDR Forum presentations as well as many, many useful links to SDR information on-line.

Be sure to get yours before you leave!

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© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI Hands-On Software Defined Radio Getting Started with Software Defined...

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