9:16 am June 25, 2019 By Julian Horsey
Users of the LimeSDR platform may be interested in a new piece of hardware launched by Lime Microsystems this month in the form of the LimeRFE. A software-definable RF front end module for LimeSDR platforms which is launched via Crowd Supply and already raised its required pledge goal with still 45 days remaining.
Pledges are available from $499 which includes free shipping throughout the United States, although international shipping is also available for an extra $20 if required. If all goes to plan shipping is expected to commence sometime during the middle of November 2019.
“The Lime RF Front End (LimeRFE) is an open hardware power amplifier (PA) module with appropriate filtering and support circuitry to augment the LimeSDR, LimeSDR Mini, and LimeNET Micro platforms, providing a complete solution that addresses real life applications ranging from HAM radio to standards-compliant cellular network implementations. A single LimeRFE covers three very different sets of bands: HAM, cellular, and wideband. The exact band used at any given time is software-selectable. By making the RF front end definable in software, LimeRFE is the next step in the evolution of software-defined radio.”
Features of the LimeRFE powerful amplifier module for LimeSDR include :
Filtering – Each band has appropriate filtering both for Rx & Tx – Selectable AM/FM notch filter Fully Open Source Software – Firmware – API support – GUI – LimeSuite integration Control & Configuration – Programmable via Arduino IDE – Arduino Nano-compatible microcontroller (ATmega328) – FT232RL USB-to-serial converter – Host serial connection via USB mini Type B connector Power & SWR Meter – 1 – 4000 MHz power & SWR meter (external directional coupler required) – Cellular bands Tx power meter (internal coupler) 10-pin Interface to SDR – Power and ground – I2C (SDA and SCL) – 2x GPIO connected to on-board microcontroller – 4x bi-directional level shifted I/O – 1.2 – 5.5 V – Each I/O has a high voltage and power Darlington drive stage for inductive loads (e.g., coaxial relays) – Individually switchable direction (input/output) Power Supply – Single 12 V supply – Optionally supply microcontroller and Rx channels via USB
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