bladeRF Accessories
This page lists accessories, tools, and parts that bladeRF users may find useful. Please feel free to add your favorites!
The DC barrel jack on the bladeRF requires a 5 V adapter, which should be rated to supply at least 1.5 A. Many supplies will experience significant voltage droop as the current draw approaches as little as 50% of the rated maximum. If the voltage droops too low, it will degrade the performance of the bladeRF.
When selecting a power supply, look for a load current / output voltage plot. For best results, the voltage should remain above 4.5 V at the expected current draw. If such a plot is not available, it is advisable to choose a supply with more output current to compensate. The recommended OMNIHIL supply can source 3 A, which is more than enough for any application. It is also a medical-grade supply and the voltage droop occurs much closer to the rated maximum current draw compared to typical power supplies with similar specifications.
- Voltage: 5 V
- Current: 1.5 - 3 A
- Plug inner diameter: 2.5 mm (V+)
- Plug outer diameter: 5.5 mm (GND)
- Over-voltage, over-current, short-circuit protection: recommended
Shown on page 14 of the bladeRF schematic, the DC barrel jack is a Switchcraft Inc RAPC712X. Remember that both jumpers on J70 need to be moved when switching between USB power and the DC barrel input.
J70 Pinout:
4 3
5 2
6 1 <| (Pin 1 silkscreen annotation) - Jumper J70 pins 2 and 3
- Jumper J70 pins 4 and 5
- Jumper J70 pins 1 and 2
- Jumper J70 pins 5 and 6
Shown on page 17 of the schematic, the bladeRF 2.0 Micro features a TPS2115A power multiplexer that will automatically select the appropriate voltage source. If 5 V is present on the DC power jack, the power mux will select the DC jack as the voltage source. Otherwise, it will use the 5 V from the USB host. If using, it is recommended to insert and power the DC jack first, followed by the USB plug.
You should never transmit without a 50 ohm load attached to the bladeRF's TX port, whether it be an antenna or a terminator. The same goes for the outputs on the XB-200.
Similarly, you should not connect the bladeRF TX port directly to the RX port. If you'd like to externally loop TX into RX, a 30 dB attenuator is recommended.
- Jameco SMB-174MM-12-R
- Amphenol-RF Division 145101-01-12.00
Combiners provide an excellent means to "hard-wire" multiple devices together for testing and evaluation.
The mounting holes on the bladeRF and the add-on boards are intended for use with 2-56 machine screws.
- Radio Shack
- 2-56 Round-Head Machine Screws (Model: 64-3010 Catalog #: 6403010)
- 2-56 Hex Nuts (Model: 64-3017 Catalog #: 6403017).
- Home Depot
- http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crown-Bolt-2-56-x-3-8-in-Phillips-Slotted-Round-Head-Machine-Screws-37011/203085930 (includes 10 screws and 10 nuts)
- Terasic Blaster Cable
- via terasIC website
- via Digi-Key
- via Mouser
- IntelFPGA USB Blaster
- via Intel
- Segger J-Link
- The J-Link PLUS (or J-Link EDU for students) are recommended
- See Segger's distributor page for a distributor near you!
An RF test enclosure is an excellent way to perform testing without causing interference. Use of a well-shielded test enclosure is highly recommended.