The Lime RF Front End (LimeRFE) is an open hardware power amplifier (PA) module with appropriate filtering and support circuitry to augment the LimeSDR, LimeSDR Mini, and LimeNET Micro platforms, providing a complete solution that addresses real life applications ranging from HAM radio to standards-compliant cellular network implementations.
LimeRFE will enhance any LimeSDR based wireless project by providing:
- A stronger, clearer signal when transmitting
- Less noise when receiving
- Improved range for both
A single LimeRFE covers two different sets of bands: HAM and wideband. The exact band used at any given time is software-selectable. By making the RF front end definable in software, LimeRFE is the next step in the evolution of software-defined radio.
This is the reduced cost version without support for cellular bands.
Features:
- Filtering
- Each band has appropriate filtering both for Rx & Tx
- Selectable AM/FM notch filter
- Fully Open Source Software
- Firmware
- API support
- GUI
- LimeSuite integration
- Control & Configuration
- Programmable via Arduino IDE
- Arduino Nano-compatible microcontroller (ATmega328)
- FT232RL USB-to-serial converter
- Host serial connection via USB mini Type B connector
- Power & SWR Meter
- 1 – 4000 MHz power & SWR meter (external directional coupler required)
- 10-pin Interface to SDR
- Power and ground
- I2C (SDA and SCL)
- 2x GPIO connected to on-board microcontroller
- 4x bi-directional level shifted I/O
- 1.2 – 5.5 V
- Each I/O has a high voltage and power Darlington drive stage for inductive loads (e.g., coaxial relays)
- Individually switchable direction (input/output)
- Power Supply
- Single 12 V supply
- Optionally supply microcontroller and Rx channels via USB