SDR BladeRF Amplifier

The SDR BladeRF.

SDR BladeRF Amplifier

The XB-300 is a combination 2.4GHz power amplifier and wideband LNA.

[Compatible only with bladeRF 1.0 x40 and x115]

Description

Compatibility:

• Compatible only with bladeRF 1.0 x40 and x115

Kit contains:

• 1x Amplifier card

Documentation:

• “Getting Started” Wiki page
• Schematic

Compatible with:

• Anntenas
• XB Enclosure
• External Power Supply (recommended)

Key features:

• RX:
  • Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA):
    • Typical Gain: 21 dB at 2.0 GHz
    • Bandwidth: 500 MHz to 5 GHz
    • Typical Noise Figure: 1.4 dB at 2.0 GHz
  • 2:1 combiner for RX diversity
  • Footprint for optional Ultra Low Noise Amplifier
• TX:
  • Power Amplifier (PA):
    • Typical Gain: 20 dB at 2.45 GHz
    • Bandwidth: 100 MHz (2.4 GHz – 2.5 GHz)
    • Maximum output power: +25 dBm
  • High-resolution ADC for measuring PA output power
  • Dedicated power supply recommended for upper range of amplification
• TRX switch for receiving and transmitting from single antenna port
• Dedicated RX and TX ports
• RX/TX indicator LEDs
• Compatible with expansion board compatible case

The XB-300 is an amplifier expansion card that greatly expands the bladeRF’s RF performance. The amplifier card features an LNA and diversity combiner for RX, and a Power Amplifier, TRX switch, and high-accuracy ADC for measuring output power for TX.

The Low Noise Amplifier (TSS-53LNB+) has a wide bandwidth of 4.5 GHz, from 500 MHz to 5 GHz. The LNA is potentially suitable for applications including applications in the 900 MHz / 2.4 GHz ISM bands, many cellular bands, and ADS-B reception. Using the 2:1 combiner (SCN-2-27+), the XB-300 can be modified to combine signals from the RX ANT port, and either the RX ANT2 or the TRX port. This is advantageous for projects requiring antenna diversity.

The Power Amplifier (SE2605L) provides up to 20 dB of gain in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. The maximum output power is +25 dBm. The PA is a linear amplifier, so a dedicated power supply is recommended when operating in the upper range of amplification. The PA features an analog power out pin that is sensed using a dedicated MAX11664AUB+ ADC.