82 lines
3.3 KiB
ReStructuredText
82 lines
3.3 KiB
ReStructuredText
.. _blade:
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Intro to the BladeRF family
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===========================
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The BladeRF is a versatile software-defined radio (SDR) platform developed by Nuand. It is designed for a wide
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range of applications, from wireless communication research to field deployments. BladeRF devices are known
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for their high performance, flexibility, and extensive open-source support, making them suitable for both
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hobbyists and professionals. The BladeRF is based on the Analog Devices AD9361 RF transceiver, which provides
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wide frequency coverage and high bandwidth.
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Supported Models
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----------------
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- BladeRF 2.0 Micro xA4: A compact model with a 49 kLE FPGA, ideal for portable applications.
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- BladeRF 2.0 Micro xA9: A higher-end version of the Micro with a 115 kLE FPGA, offering more processing power
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in a small form factor.
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Key Features
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------------
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- Frequency Range: Typically from 47 MHz to 6 GHz, covering a wide range of wireless communication bands.
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- Bandwidth: Up to 56 MHz, allowing for wideband signal processing.
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- FPGA: Integrated FPGA (varies by model) for real-time processing and custom logic development.
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- Connectivity: USB 3.0 interface for high-speed data transfer, with options for GPIO, SPI, and other I/O.
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Hackability:
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------------
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- Expansion: The BladeRF features GPIO, expansion headers, and add-on boards, allowing users to extend the
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functionality of the device for specific applications, such as additional RF front ends.
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- Frequency and Bandwidth Modification: Advanced users can modify the BladeRF's settings and firmware to
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explore different frequency bands and optimize the bandwidth for their specific use cases.
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Limitations
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-----------
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- The complexity of FPGA development may present a steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with hardware
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description languages (HDL).
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- Bandwidth is capped at 56 MHz, which might not be sufficient for ultra-wideband applications.
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- USB 3.0 connectivity is required for optimal performance; using USB 2.0 will significantly limit data
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transfer rates.
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Further Information
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-------------------
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- Official Website: https://www.nuand.com/
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- Documentation: https://www.nuand.com/documentation/
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- GitHub Repository: https://github.com/Nuand/bladeRF
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Installation Instructions (Linux)
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---------------------------------
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Step 1: Install the base dependancies and drivers ('Easy method')
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.. code-block:: bash
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sudo add-apt-repository ppa:nuandllc/bladerf
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sudo apt-get update
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sudo apt-get install bladerf
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sudo apt-get install libbladerf-dev
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sudo apt-get install bladerf-fpga-hostedxa4 # Necessary for installation of bladeRF 2.0 Micro A4.
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Step 2: Create and/or activate your virtual environment
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.. code-block:: bash
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python3 -m venv venv
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pip install -r requirements.txt # If relevant
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source venv/bin/activate
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Step 3: from within the virtual environment, clone the bladerf host repo, then build and install the wheel for
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bladerf python bindings.
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.. code-block:: bash
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cd ~
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mkdir workarea
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cd workarea
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git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/Nuand/bladeRF.git
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cd bladeRF/host
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cd libraries/libbladeRF_bindings/python
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sudo python3 setup.py bdist_wheel
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pip install dist/*.whl
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