ADALM PLUTO SDR
ADALM-PLUTO Active Learning Module
Software Define Radio
Analog Devices’ wireless communication tools with software defined radio (SDR), ARM® Cortex®-A9 for students, hobbyists, and educators
ADI’s ADALM-PLUTO is the ideal learning tool/module for radio frequency (RF), software defined radio (SDR), and wireless communications. Each ADALM-PLUTO is capable of full duplex transmit and receive capabilities and comes with two GSM antennas, covering 824-894 MHz and 1710-2170 MHz. Each unit comes with one 15 cm SMA cable for RF loopback, and is powered via USB. The self-contained RF learning module is supported by MATLAB and Simulink system objects; GNU Radio sink and source blocks, libiio, a library with C, C++, C#, and Python bindings.
The internal components of ADALM-PLUTO include AD936x RF Agile Transceiver™ and Analog Devices power solutions, Micron DDR3L and QSPI Flash, Xilinx® Zqynq® programmable SoC, and a USB 2.0 PHY. The firmware of the PlutoSDR is open source and comprises technology from Das U-Boot, the Linux Kernel, and Buildroot. The ADALM-PLUTO is the ideal learning tool for students, hobbyists, and educators wanting to explore wireless, SDR, and communications.
Features
- Portable self-contained RF learning module
- Cost-effective experimentation platform
- RF coverage from 325 MHz to 3.8 GHz
- Flexible rate, 12-bit ADC and DAC
- One transmitter and one receiver (female SMA, 50 Ω)
- Half or full duplex
- MATLAB, Simulink support
- GNU radio sink and source blocks
- Libiio, a C, C++, C#, and Python API
- USB 2.0 interface
- Plastic enclosure
- USB powered
- Up to 20 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth (complex I/Q)
Product Overview
The easy to use ADALM-PLUTO active learning module (PlutoSDR) helps introduce electrical engineering students to the fundamentals of software-defined radio (SDR), radio frequency (RF), and wireless communications. Designed for students at all levels and from all backgrounds, the module can be used for both instructor-led and selfdirected learning to help students develop a foundation in real-world RF and communications that they can build
Connecting RF Theory with RF Practice
The PlutoSDR works as a portable lab that, when used with a host, can augment classroom learning. MATLAB® and Simulink® are two of the many software packages supported by PlutoSDR, and it provides an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) so students can learn faster, work smarter, and explore more.
Made for Teachers, Students, and Self-Learners
The PlutoSDR features independent receive and transmit channels that can be operated in full duplex. The active learning module can generate or acquire RF analog signals from 325 MHz to 3800 MHz at up to 61.44 megasamples per second (MSPS). Small enough to fit in a shirt pocket, the PlutoSDR is completely self-contained and entirely USB powered with the default firmware. Because PlutoSDR is enabled by libiio drivers, it supports OS X® , Windows® , and Linux® , which allows students to learn and explore on a variety of devices.
With dozens of available online tutorials for SDR-based projects, PlutoSDR boasts labs and teaching material covering topics such as ADS-B aircraft position, receiving NOAA and Meteor-M2 weather satellite imagery, GSM analysis, listening to TETRA signals, pager decoding, and many more!
PlutoSDR Host Interface
The PlutoSDR supports the following USB device classes:
- Mass storage (for easy firmware updates)
- Serial (for interacting with the Linux kernel/userspace on PlutoSDR)
- Networking/RNDIS (for loading and controlling custom ARM® applications)
- Libiio (bulk USB for SDR data transfer and control)
- Device firmware upgrade (for backup firmware upgrades)
Open Source
The PlutoSDR open source firmware is built from Das U-Boot, the Linux kernel, and Buildroot. As part of the class materials, the firmware is able to be run, copied, distributed, studied, changed, and improved with Vivado® HL WebPACK™ Edition (license free). Supporting USB 2.0 On-the-Go, the PlutoSDR can attach to a variety of USB peripherals (wired networking, Wi-Fi dongles, audio, etc.), which extends functionality. All documentation is open and available at wiki.analog.com/plutosdr
University and Active Learning Program
ADI’s many learning activities provide faculty and students with the opportunity to further develop the theory, understanding, and practice to interpret the world around them by intelligently bridging the physical and digital realms with unmatched ADI technologies that sense, measure, and connect. From select sponsored faculty research to samples program, ADI provides faculty and student access to ADI products, information, teaching materials, and mentoring for use in research, thesis, and undergraduate projects. ADI offers co-ops and internships, and hires many new college graduates worldwide. More information can be found at analog.com/university.
