BladeRF 2.0 Micro XA9 Software Defined Radio

The bladeRF 2.0 micro xA9 represents the pinnacle of compact software defined radio (SDR) technology, covering 47MHz to 6GHz with 61.44MSPS sampling (expandable to 122.88MSPS) and full 2×2 MIMO streaming capability. Featuring the largest FPGA in its class—a massive 301KLE Cyclone V (292KLE user programmable)—this SDR is engineered for accelerating complex wireless modems, 5G/LTE prototyping, and advanced DSP applications directly in HDL.

Built around the proven Analog Devices AD9361 RF transceiver and driven by a Cypress FX3 USB 3.0 controller, the xA9 delivers professional-grade performance in a tiny form factor. An integrated RF shield provides EMI protection and thermal management for sustained operation, while all four SMA ports support software-controlled bias-tee power for external amplifiers like the BT-100 TX PA and BT-200 RX LNA.

Key Features

• Frequency range: 47MHz – 6GHz continuous coverage
• Sample rate: 61.44MSPS standard, up to 122.88MSPS wideband
• MIMO: Full 2×2 TX/RX streaming capability
• FPGA: Intel Cyclone V xA9, 301KLE total (≈292KLE user programmable)
• RF: Analog Devices AD9361 wideband transceiver
• Interface: USB 3.0 Superspeed (5Gbps full duplex)
• Clocking: 38.4MHz fundamental with 10MHz reference I/O and VCTCXO+PLL
• Bias-tee: Software controlled power on all RF ports for external LNA/PA
• Headless: On-board flash stores FPGA images for standalone operation

Software Ecosystem

• libbladeRF: Cross-platform host library
• Applications: GNU Radio, GQRX, SDR#, SDR-Radio, gr-fosphor, SoapySDR
• Platforms: Windows, Linux, macOS
• Development: Fully open-source host, firmware, and HDL on GitHub

Advanced Architecture

• Power: Sophisticated PDN with USB/external DC auto-switching
• Thermal: RF shield doubles as heat spreader for demanding applications
• Clock management: External reference synchronization and distribution
• Optional accessories: Micro Enclosure, BT-100 TX amp, BT-200 RX LNA

Kit Contents

• 1 × bladeRF 2.0 micro xA9 (301KLE Cyclone V FPGA)
• 1 × USB 3.0 Superspeed cable