Software-defined radio kit leverages commodity hardware, Linux

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Nov. 14, 2005

Pentek is shipping a "low-cost" kit for developing software-defined radios (SDRs) compliant with the architecture mandated by the JTRS (joint tactical radio system) for future US military radios. The SCA 2510 kit includes a Linux PC, SDR transceiver on a PCI card, and software tools.

(Click for larger view of Pentek 7640)

Pentek calls the SCA 2510 kit "a complete development solution for radio and waveform designers." It says the kit leverages Linux, along with commodity PC hardware, to lower cost-related entry barriers to developing equipment that complies with the Software Communications Architecture (SCA) specification from JTRS

The SCA 2510 kit uses Pentek's 7640 transceiver, a PCI card based on the same architecture as the company's 7140 PMC/XMC module (pictured at right). The 7140 offers a migration path to large, multi-channel VME and cPCI systems, the company says.

The 7640 transceiver card

Pentek's Model 7640 dual channel transceiver PCI board is based on a Virtex-II Pro VP50 FPGA. The FPGA runs a core based on SCARI++, a C++ implementation of the SCA Core Framework version 2.2 from Communications Research Centre (CRC) of Canada.

The Model 7640's FPGA serves as its control and status engine, and is supported by 512MB of DDR SDRAM for buffering functions, such as data capture and delay. The transceiver digitizes HF (high frequency) or IF (intermediate frequency) input signals using a pair of 14-bit, 105 MHz A/D converters, and generates output signals with two 16-bit, 500 MHz D/A converters.

Pentek's SCA 2510 kit and 7640 diagram
(Click to enlarge)
Additional on-board resources include a four-channel digital downconverter, a digital upconverter, and a clocking and synchronization system.

Software side

According to Pentek, the 7640 PCI card in the SCA 2510 kit comes pre-configured with drivers and libraries. Additionally, software tools on the included Linux PC have been integrated with the PCI card's SCA-compatible BSP (board support package), the company says.

The SCA 2510 comes with CRC's SCARI++ SCA Core Framework, Component Development Library, and Software Defined Radio (SDR) Development Toolset. Pentek additionally offers a GateFlow FPGA design kit for those interested in extending the base functionality of the Model 7640's Virtex-II Pro FPGA.

Pentek VP Rodger Hosking said, "Creating a reconfigurable radio that's adaptable to many radio standards -- without the need to replace hardware -- is what JTRS is all about."

CRC's acting VP of radio propagation research said, "SCA technology is a key enabler to facilitate communications interoperability among military, police, and rescue-relief teams."

Availability

The SCA 2510 Development Platform is available now with a 12-week lead time. The first seat is priced at $85,000, with discounts for additional seats. It comes with first-line hardware and hardware-software integration support from Pentek, and with training, upgrades, and tool maintenance from CRC, the companies say.

The companies are demonstrating the product at this week's SDR 05 technical conference in Orange County, Calif.

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