Advancing Deployed Software Defined Radio Systems
Engineers leveraging deployed software defined radio systems in defense and government environments face challenges beyond the lab. Prototype-to-field transitions often introduce hardware gaps, requiring costly redesign or revalidation. Field conditions demand reliability across temperature extremes, shock, and vibration, while operational requirements call for scalable volume, long-term support, and accessible integration resources.
Application Requirements
- Prototype-to-field hardware transition that preserves algorithm performance without requiring redesign or revalidation
- Scalable path from low-volume development to higher-volume production without introducing hardware variability
- Access to open design resources—mechanical drawings, CAD files, thermal and environmental specifications—for custom integration
- Deployment-ready form factors built for reliability for real-world field conditions
- Reduced time to field for applications such as C-UAS
USRPs for Any System
The NI USRP portfolio offers a range of SDRs to fit your system needs. From compatibility to software workflows, there are a range of options to increase flexibility while keeping your design intact. You can choose NI LabVIEW or use the open-source UHD driver with Python, C, C++, MathWorks® MATLAB® software, GNU Radio, and more. Below are some key solutions pulled from the overall portfolio.
- The X4xx series delivers high-frequency SDR with up to 20 GHz of flexible RF coverage and phase-coherent operation for precision deployed signal applications.
- The NI USRP B2xx series offers compact, industrial-grade SDR with USB connectivity and extended temperature support for size- and weight-constrained deployments.
- Board-only options open a broader ecosystem for custom integration—pairing with antennas, RF front-ends, signal conditioning, and compute resources.
Solution Advantages
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Prototype-to-field hardware transition without redesign or revalidation, preserving algorithm performance
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Scalable from low-volume development to higher-volume production with OEM program support and consistent hardware specifications
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Open design resources including mechanical drawings, CAD files, and thermal and environmental specifications for custom integration
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Deployment-ready form factors and reliability for real-world field conditions, supporting C-UAS and other time-sensitive deployment applications
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Long-term support for NI RF hardware performance across the full product lifecycle
3dB Labs SCEPTRE demo for the NI Ettus USRP X410
Expand SIGINT capabilities by leveraging USRPs and the robust open-source community
Demo with the NI Ettus X410 and 3dB Labs. With a signal environment transmitting via a B200, they demonstrate using the SCEPTRE software for signal analysis and processing to focus on signals of interest—ideal for signal intelligence applications.
“Using the NI Ettus USRP X410 with a customized SC2430, we operated a fully configurable 4G and 5G gNodeB supporting MIMO up to 200 MHz and 5 UEs. This setup allowed for custom frequencies, bandwidths, and standards delivering kilometers of tailored coverage and unique test conditions to better prepare soldiers for real-world challenges in the field.”
—Jeff Adelman, Vice President, DoD Programs, By Light
Build Your Solution with the NI Ecosystem
NI offers a variety of solution integration options customized to your application-specific requirements. You can use your own internal integration teams for full system control or leverage the expertise of NI and our worldwide NI Partner Network to obtain a turnkey solution.
Pixus Technologies offers MIL ruggedized versions of NI USRPs, built for shock/vibration, water/dust/sand protection, and extreme temperatures. These tunable transceivers support prototyping and deploying EW/SIG-INT applications.
The NI Partner Network is a global community of domain, application, and overall test development experts working closely with NI to meet the needs of the engineering community. NI Partners are trusted solution providers, systems integrators, consultants, product developers, and services and sales channel experts skilled across a wide range of industries and application areas.
NI partners with you throughout the life cycle of your application by delivering training, technical support, consultation and integration services, and maintenance programs. Accelerate your learning with our company-specific and geographic user groups. Build proficiency with online and in-person training options.
Learn More About Deployed USRPs
NI USRPs simplify integration and support the transition from concept to field deployment, resulting in a more capable deployed system moving at the speed of technology. If you’d like to learn more about USRPs, use cases, or how they can be used to improve your deployed system, talk to a subject matter expert about the NI USRP product family.
An NI Partner is a business entity independent from NI and has no agency or joint-venture relationship and does not form part of any business associations with NI.