bladeRF x115 USB 3.0 Software Defined Radio 300MHz–3.8GHz 40MSPS 115KLE Cyclone IV FPGA SDR

The bladeRF x115 is a professional‑grade USB 3.0 software defined radio (SDR) covering 300MHz to 3.8GHz with full‑duplex 40MSPS 12‑bit quadrature sampling. Built around a 115KLE Altera Cyclone IV FPGA, the bladeRF x115 delivers the performance and flexibility needed for custom RF modems, cellular base stations, satellite and GNSS experiments, and advanced SDR research.

Out of the box, the bladeRF x115 connects via USB 3.0 Superspeed using a Cypress FX3 controller, providing high‑throughput, low‑latency streaming that can saturate the 5Gbps link. With support for GNU Radio, SDR#, GQRX and other popular SDR applications, it can be used immediately as a wideband RX/TX front end. All host software, firmware, and HDL are open‑source and available on GitHub, making it ideal for education, research, and commercial development.

Key Features

• Frequency range: 300MHz – 3.8GHz without extra boards
• Sample rate: Full‑duplex 40MSPS, 12‑bit I/Q
• FPGA: 115KLE Altera Cyclone IV with DSP blocks and embedded memory
• RF transceiver: LimeMicro LMS6002D wideband RF IC
• TX power: typically around +6dBm
• Clock: factory‑calibrated VCTCXO trimmed to within 1Hz of 38.4MHz
• RF shields: removable‑cap RF shielding for improved sensitivity and isolation
• Clocking architecture: flexible for arbitrary sample rates and external sync
• Expansion: GPIO expansion port (compatible with GPIO Expansion Board)
• Headless mode: on‑board SPI flash for standalone, PC‑free operation

Software & Applications

• Open‑source ecosystem: host software, firmware, and HDL on GitHub
• Supported tools: GNU Radio, live images, and other common SDR stacks
• Example uses: GSM/LTE picocell, GPS receiver, ATSC transmitter, Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi client, custom RF protocols

Performance & Expansion

• Bandwidth: up to 28MHz of clean RF bandwidth over the operating range
• HF/VHF support: extended coverage with the optional XB‑200 Transverter Board
• Mechanical & design files: schematics and DXF mechanical files available for integration

Kit Contents

• 1 × bladeRF x115 (115KLE Cyclone IV FPGA)
• 1 × USB 3.0 Superspeed cable
• 2 × SMA RF cables

With its combination of wide tuning range, high sample rate, open‑source toolchain and a large Cyclone IV FPGA, the bladeRF x115 is a proven platform for SDR labs, wireless research, protocol development, and serious RF hobby work.