Home Shop Wireless Design and Test What is a USRP Software Defined Radio?

What Is a USRP Software Defined Radio Device?

A USRP Software Defined Radio Device provides a software-defined RF architecture to design, prototype, and deploy wireless systems with custom signal processing. Hardware options range from low-cost devices with fixed FPGAs to high-performance radios with large, open FPGAs.

Create a Custom I/O Configuration for SDR Applications

Compared with other commercial off-the-shelf software defined radios (SDRs), USRP SDRs offer the broadest selection of RF I/O. With a large assortment of frequency ranges and up to 160 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth, NI RF hardware provides the relevant frequency bands you need to keep up with the latest industry standards.

Simplify FPGA Programming

Program FPGAs more easily using integrated design software which enables you to program processors, FPGAs, and I/O in one intuitive environment. As bandwidths widen and latency requirements grow more stringent, programming USRP with LabVIEW makes FPGA programming more approachable by abstracting the low-level design tasks associated with custom hardware design.

Use the Software of Your Choice

No matter your development tool preferences, you can be confident in USRP hardware, which is compatible with the broadest range of software workflows on the market. You can choose LabVIEW for a unified, dataflow programming style or use the open-source driver with support for C, C++, MathWorks MATLAB®, GNU Radio, and more.

Scale for Multichannel Operation

USRP hardware offers a variety of synchronization options so you can easily expand your RF channel count for Massive MIMO and other multichannel applications. Choose between hardware, GPS, or Ethernet-based synchronization using the White Rabbit standard.

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Need More Real-Time Processing?

PXI FlexRIO Coprocessor Modules feature high-performance FPGAs that add signal processing capability to PXI systems. These modules leverage the latest FPGAs from Xilinx, streaming technologies such as PCI Express, and NI Peer-to-Peer Streaming for high-bandwidth data communication with other modules over the backplane. When paired with an SDR, PXI FlexRIO Coprocessor Modules provide the additional FPGA resources required to run complex algorithms in real time.

 

FlexRIO Feature Highlights:

  • Implement custom signal processing on large, UltraScale FPGAs
  • Multi-FPGA systems can easily be built in PXI to meet any digital signal-processing need
  • FlexRIOs have been combined with SDRs to create cutting edge testbeds

Hardware Services

Service Program Options

Every USRP purchase includes the following services:

  • One-year warranty for basic repair coverage
  • Basic assembly and functional test
  • 30-day technical support trial*

 

NI offers additional hardware services as part of expanded service programs that can improve uptime and lower maintenance costs.

 

*You can extend access to technical support by purchasing a Standard Service Program for software.

PRODUCT SUPPORT RESOURCES

Find complete product documentation to learn how to get started and use the product.

Locate supported instrument drivers and downloads for the product.

Explore a wide range of support content, including examples and troubleshooting information.

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