Epiq Solutions, an engineering firm specialising in the development of flexible wireless communications systems, has announced Matchstiq, billed as the world's smallest commercially available software defined radio (SDR) capable of tuning from 300 MHz to 3.8 GHz. Measuring just 5.6 × 12 × 2.3 cm, the Matchstiq combines a broadband RF transceiver with a flexible baseband processing engine running under the Linux operating system.
Matchstiq includes an Atlas-I-LPe computer module developed by iVeia Inc, which combines a Xilinx Spartan-6 LX45 FPGA with a Texas Instruments 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor running under Linux. This platform supports a wide range of advanced signal processing tasks while consuming as little as 3 watts in typical receive-only use.
When combined with the library of signal processing applications available from Epiq Solutions or other software suites, such as GNU Radio, Matchstiq enables an array of capabilities including operation as a point-to-point data modem, LTE survey tool, or portable spectrum analyzer. A development kit is also available for users who wish to create their own custom applications.
Key Features
- Single RF transceiver covering 300 MHz to 3.8 GHz
- Supports RF channel bandwidths up to 28 MHz
- Integrated CPU/FPGA for signal processing applications
- Integrated GPS receiver with 1PPS
- Run-time loadable/executable software applications
- Full suite of specialty applications available
- SDK available for custom application development
- uSD provides up to 32 GB of on-board data and application storage
- USB interface to host for system access
- Size: 2.2" × 4.6" × 0.9" (5.58cm × 11.68cm × 2.28cm)
- Power: <3 W (typical)
- Optional external rechargeable battery
- Availability: December 2011
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RF Specification
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Receiver
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RF Input
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SMB (50 Ω)
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Architecture
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Zero-IF (direct conversion)
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Tuning range
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300 MHz to 3800 MHz
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Tuning step-size
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1 kHz
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Tuning time
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<2 mS
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Pre-select filter bank
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sub-octave from 300 MHz to 3800 MHz
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Typical noise figure
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8 dB
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Typical IIP3
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-10 dBm
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RF gain control range
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0 to 25 dB
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Baseband gain control range
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0 to 30 dB
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Baseband configurable low-pass filter
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0.75 MHz to 14 MHz
(RF channel bandwidths from 1.5 MHz to 28 MHz) |
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Typical I/Q balance
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>40 dB (with digital correction)
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A/D converter sample rate
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Up to 40 MHz with 1 Hz resolution
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A/D converter sample width
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12 bits
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Power consumption (stand-alone)
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1.1 W
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ESD protection at RF input
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20 kV (human body model)
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Max safe RF level at RF input (at max gain)
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-5 dBm
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Transmitter
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RF Output
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SMB (50 Ω)
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Architecture.
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Zero-IF (direct conversion)
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Tx tuning range
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300 MHz to 3800 MHz
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Tuning step-size
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1 kHz
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Tuning time
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<2 mS
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Baseband transmit gain control range
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0 to 31 dB
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Baseband configurable low-pass filter
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0.75 MHz to 14 MHz
(RF channel bandwidths from 1.5 MHz to 28 MHz) |
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RF transmit gain control range
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0 to 25 dB
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Max Tx output power
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+10 dBm
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D/A converter sample rate
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Up to 40 MHz with 1 Hz resolution
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D/A converter sample width
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12 bits
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Power consumption (stand-alone)
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1.0 W (@ 0 dBm power output)
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Digital Specification
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CPU/DSP
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TI DM3730 @ 1 GHz (ARMv7/Cortex A8 + TI C64x DSP)
(ARM Cortex A-9 Dual Core in 2Q 2012) |
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FPGA
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Xilinx Spartan-6 LX45
(Xilinx Zynq-7000 in 2Q2012) |
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Non-volatile memory
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32 GB (microSDHC card for storage and applications)
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RAM
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512 MB LPDDR2
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Operating System
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Linux 2.6.35 kernel (with real-time extensions)
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System Interface
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microUSB 2.0 OTG (host or device)
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Typical Power Consumption (stand-alone)
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2 W (dependent on FPGA usage)
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GPS Specification
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Number of Channels
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51 (acquisition), 14 (tracking)
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Sensitivity
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-161 dBm
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Accuracy
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<2.5 meters
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Hot Start
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1 second
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Cold Start
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29 seconds
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RF Input
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SMB
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Support for active antennas
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Yes (3V bias default, additional bias voltages possible)
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Data Interface
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NMEA sentences over UART (9600 baud, N81)
1 PPS signal GPS Lock LED indicator |
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Typical power consumption (stand-alone)
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150 mW (acquisition), 84 mW (tracking)
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System Reference Clock Specification
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Type
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Temperature Compensated, Voltage Controlled Crystal
Oscillator (TCVCXO) |
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Frequency
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30.72 MHz
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Frequency Accuracy
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±0.5 ppm @ 25° C,
±2 ppm from -30° C to +85° C |
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Frequency Warping
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±8 ppm over range of 0.5 VDC to 2.5 VDC
(using on-board D/A converter) |
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Frequency Aging
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±1.0 ppm (first year @ 25° C)
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Alternate Clock Input Option
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External clock in via U.FL connector
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Temperature Sensor Specification
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Temperature Sensing Range
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-55° C to +125° C
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Temperature Accuracy
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±2° C from -25° C to +85° C
±3° C from -55° C to +125° C |
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Power Input Specification
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Power Input Connector
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Lemo EGG.00.302.CLL (locking)
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Power Input Voltage Range
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6V to 28V DC
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Physical Specification
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Dimensions
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2.2" x 4.6" x 0.9"
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Weight
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4 oz
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Operating Temperature
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0° C to +50° C (without external cooling)
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Battery Specification (Optional)
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Dimensions
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2.2" x 2.2" x 0.9"
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Chemistry
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Lithium Polymer (Rechargeable)
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Capacity
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7.4V @ 1000 mAH
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Runtime (Typical)
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2 Hours
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Matchstiq will start shipping in December 2011 with single unit pricing set at USD 4,500.
