bladeRF 2.0 micro xA4 THERMAL 47MHz–6GHz 2x2 MIMO USB 3.0 Software Defined Radio SDR

The bladeRF 2.0 micro xA4 THERMAL is a next‑generation software defined radio (SDR) that covers 47MHz to 6GHz with a standard 61.44MSPS sample rate and support for up to 122.88MSPS in wideband modes. With full 2×2 MIMO, USB 3.0 Superspeed, and a compact form factor, it is built for both high‑performance lab work and mobile RF applications.

At the RF front end, the bladeRF 2.0 micro xA4 uses the proven Analog Devices AD9361 wideband transceiver, capable of handling everything from simple FM and AIS to LTE, 5G experimentation, GNSS, and custom waveforms. A thermal RF shield can reduces EMI and improves heat dissipation, allowing continuous operation in challenging environments. The board is driven by a Cyclone V xA4 FPGA (≈49kLE, ≈32kLE user‑programmable), ideal for accelerating custom modems, DSP pipelines, and real‑time PHY work in HDL.

Key Features

• Frequency range: 47MHz – 6GHz wideband coverage
• Sample rate: 61.44MSPS nominal, up to 122.88MSPS (wideband mode)
• MIMO: 2×2 transmit/receive streaming
• RF transceiver: Analog Devices AD9361 high‑performance integrated RF IC
• FPGA: Intel (Altera) Cyclone V xA4, ~49k logic elements (~32kLE user space)
• Interface: USB 3.0 Superspeed via Cypress FX3 (ARM9, up to 5Gbps full‑duplex)
• RF shield & thermal design: RF can shield for EMI protection and extra thermal dissipation
• Bias‑tee on all RF SMA ports: software‑controlled power for external LNAs and PAs (e.g. BT‑100 TX PA, BT‑200 RX LNA)

Clocking & Power Architecture

• Clocking: advanced architecture with 38.4MHz fundamental; can receive/provide clock to other devices
• Reference handling: on‑board PLL can discipline the VCTCXO to a 10MHz reference
• Oscillator: highly accurate and stable VCTCXO, trimmed by on‑board DAC to a factory‑calibrated value
• Power Distribution Network: mix of low‑noise linear and efficient switch‑mode regulators for clean rails
• Power input: operates from USB bus power or external DC for maximum linearity on bias‑tee peripherals
• Auto selection: PDN automatically manages and holds over between USB and external power sources

Software & Compatibility

• Host library: libbladeRF
• SDR applications: compatible with GNU Radio, GQRX, SDR‑Radio, SDR#, gr‑fosphor, SoapySDR and more
• Operating systems: Windows, Linux, macOS
• Use cases: LTE/5G prototyping, wireless security research, spectrum analysis, satellite and GNSS experimentation, academic teaching labs

Headless Operation & FPGA Images

• On‑board flash: large enough to store FPGA bitstreams for the xA4
• Headless mode: can boot FPGA image and run without needing a PC or SBC attached

For users who require even more FPGA resources for complex PHYs or multi‑standard modems, an upgrade path to the bladeRF 2.0 micro xA9 THERMAL is available, featuring a significantly larger Cyclone V FPGA. For most portable SDR, test, and research needs, however, the xA4 THERMAL offers an excellent balance of capability, size, power consumption, and price.