5 Advanced GNU Radio Projects with MicroPhase E316

Project 1: 2×2 MIMO OFDM Communication System

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced | Time Required: 2-3 weeks

Implement a complete 2×2 MIMO OFDM transceiver using both RF channels of the E316. This project demonstrates spatial diversity, Alamouti space-time coding, and advanced channel estimation techniques.

• Key Components: OFDM modulation/demodulation, MIMO spatial processing, channel estimation, equalization
• GNU Radio Blocks Needed: OFDM Carrier Allocator, OFDM Serializer, Custom MIMO processing blocks
• Learning Outcomes: Understanding of spatial diversity, MIMO channel capacity, and advanced modulation schemes
• Real-World Application: Foundation for WiFi 6, LTE, and 5G NR implementations
• Hardware Setup: Use both RF channels with separate antennas spaced λ/2 apart for proper spatial separation

Project 2: Software-Defined LTE Base Station (eNodeB)

Difficulty: Advanced | Time Required: 4-6 weeks

Build a functional LTE base station using srsRAN integrated with GNU Radio and the E316. This project creates a complete cellular network testbed for research and development.

• Key Components: LTE physical layer, MAC scheduler, RRC signaling, EPC integration via ZeroMQ
• GNU Radio Integration: Use UHD source/sink blocks with E316 for RF front-end, srsRAN for protocol stack
• Learning Outcomes: Cellular network architecture, LTE air interface, network slicing concepts
• Real-World Application: Private LTE networks, cellular IoT research, network testing
• Performance Target: Support 10-20 simultaneous UEs with basic data services

Project 3: Direction Finding and Beamforming Array

Difficulty: Advanced | Time Required: 3-4 weeks

Implement MUSIC and Capon algorithms for precise direction-of-arrival estimation using the E316's dual-channel MIMO capability.

• Key Components: Phase-locked reception, correlation processing, MUSIC algorithm implementation
• GNU Radio Blocks: Custom correlation blocks, matrix operations for eigenvalue decomposition
• Learning Outcomes: Array signal processing, adaptive algorithms, phase coherency requirements
• Real-World Application: RF interference hunting, spectrum monitoring, asset tracking
• Accuracy Target: ±2-3° DOA resolution with proper antenna spacing and calibration

Project 4: Software-Defined Radar with Range-Doppler Processing

Difficulty: Advanced | Time Required: 4-5 weeks

Create a complete FMCW radar system using one E316 channel for TX and another for RX, with advanced signal processing for target detection and tracking.

• Key Components: Chirp generation, mixer design, FFT processing, CFAR detection
• GNU Radio Implementation: Custom chirp source, complex multiplication, 2D FFT for range-Doppler map
• Learning Outcomes: Radar principles, signal processing techniques, target detection algorithms
• Real-World Application: Automotive radar, security systems, industrial sensing
• Performance Target: Detect targets at 100-200m range with velocity resolution of ±1 m/s

Project 5: 5G NR Physical Layer Prototype

Difficulty: Expert | Time Required: 6-8 weeks

Implement key 5G NR physical layer features including flexible numerology, massive MIMO precoding, and mmWave beamforming algorithms.

• Key Components: Flexible OFDM numerology, LDPC coding, CSI-RS processing, beamforming weights calculation
• GNU Radio Architecture: Modular 5G PHY blocks, MIMO precoding, real-time channel adaptation
• Learning Outcomes: 5G air interface, advanced MIMO techniques, millimeter-wave propagation
• Real-World Application: 5G research testbeds, private networks, edge computing validation
• Innovation Potential: Foundation for 6G research, AI-driven radio optimization

Getting Started: Essential Setup Steps

• Network Configuration: Set E316 to 192.168.1.10, configure Gigabit Ethernet for low latency
• GNU Radio Environment: Install latest GNU Radio 3.10+ with UHD support for E316 compatibility
• Custom Block Development: Set up gr_modtool for creating project-specific processing blocks
• Hardware Calibration: Perform IQ imbalance correction and phase synchronization between channels
• Performance Monitoring: Use GNU Radio's built-in profiling tools to optimize real-time performance

Advanced Development Tips

• FPGA Integration: Leverage the Zynq-7020's FPGA for custom DSP acceleration and real-time processing
• Memory Management: Use E316's 1GB DDR3 for large buffer applications and complex signal processing
• Synchronization: Implement GPS disciplining via E316's PPS input for multi-node applications
• Debugging Techniques: Use GNU Radio's message passing and QT GUI tools for real-time parameter tuning

Get Your MicroPhase E316 Today!

Ready to build the next generation of advanced SDR applications? The MicroPhase E316's powerful FPGA and dual-channel architecture provide everything you need for professional-grade GNU Radio development.

Get your E316 today!