In the world of wireless communication, flexibility and adaptability are key. Whether you’re a student exploring radio frequency (RF) systems, a researcher prototyping next-gen wireless protocols, or an engineer building real-world applications, the Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) is a powerful tool that bridges the gap between theory and practice.
At Digilent, in collaboration with NI, we’re proud to support the USRP ecosystem—one of the most widely used platforms for software defined radio (SDR) development. But what exactly is USRP, and why is it such a game-changer?
What is USRP?
USRP stands for Universal Software Radio Peripheral. It’s a family of hardware devices that enable software defined radio—a method of implementing radio systems where components traditionally built in hardware (like mixers, filters, modulators, and demodulators) are instead implemented in software.
This means that with a USRP device and the right software, you can transmit and receive a wide range of radio signals—from FM radio and Wi-Fi to GPS and cellular—using the same hardware.
Why Use USRP?
- Flexibility: One device supports multiple wireless standards and frequency bands.
- Rapid Prototyping: Ideal for research and development.
- Scalability: From entry-level to high-performance systems.
- Open Architecture: Compatible with open-source tools like GNU Radio and NI’s LabVIEW.
How Does USRP Work?
- RF Front End – Converts signals between analog and digital.
- FPGA/DSP – Handles real-time signal processing.
- Host Interface – Connects to a computer via USB, Ethernet, or PCIe.
- Software Stack – Includes:
- UHD (USRP Hardware Driver) – Open-source driver.
- GNU Radio – Visual signal processing environment.
- LabVIEW – NI’s graphical system design tool.
Who Uses USRP?
- Academia: Teaching wireless communication and RF systems.
- Research Labs: Prototyping 5G, satellite, and cognitive radio.
- Industry: Developing and testing wireless products.
- Defense & Aerospace: Secure comms, radar, and spectrum monitoring.
Explore USRP Products at Digilent
| Product | Description | Need to Know |
|---|---|---|
| USRP B200 | 1×1 SDR, 70 MHz–6 GHz, USB 3.0 | Affordable and compact |
| USRP B200mini | Miniature version of B200 | Ideal for portable setups |
| USRP B205mini-i | Industrial-grade mini SDR | Great for embedded systems |
| USRP B210 | 2×2 MIMO, 70 MHz–6 GHz | Full-duplex, high bandwidth |
| USRP N210 | Modular, high-performance | Up to 1.2 GHz bandwidth |
Also explore RF Daughterboards and Enclosure Kits for customization.
Getting Started with USRP
USRP is more than just hardware—it’s a platform for innovation. Whether you’re exploring the fundamentals or pushing the boundaries of wireless technology, USRP gives you the tools to bring your ideas to life.
Stay tuned for more updates from Digilent as we continue to expand our USRP offerings and support your journey into the world of software defined radio.
