USRP B210 Setup Guide: Complete Installation & First Signal 2025

The USRP B210 is a powerful, full-duplex Software Defined Radio (SDR) platform covering 70 MHz to 6 GHz with 2×2 MIMO capability. This guide takes you from unboxing through your first successful signal, covering driver installation, UHD configuration, and performance verification.

What's in the Box

Kit Contents

• USRP B210 unit with AD9361 RFIC
• USB 3.0 cable (Type A to Micro‐B)
• 4× antennas for 70 MHz–6 GHz coverage
• External 6 V power supply for USB 2.0 operation
• Quick start documentation

Note: The B210 can run bus‐powered over USB 3.0 or require the external power supply if connected to USB 2.0.

System Requirements

Hardware Prerequisites

• CPU: Dual‐core i5 minimum; quad‐core i7 recommended
• RAM: 8 GB minimum; 16 GB+ for high sample rates
• USB Port: USB 3.0 SuperSpeed for 61.44 MSPS
• OS: Ubuntu 20.04/22.04 LTS, Windows 10/11, or macOS
• Storage: 10 GB free for UHD and FPGA images

Tip: Use AC power and set CPU governor to performance mode for maximum throughput.

Ubuntu Linux Setup (Recommended)

1. Install UHD & Dependencies

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ettusresearch/uhd sudo apt update sudo apt install libuhd-dev uhd-host gnuradio python3-uhd

Verify:

uhd_find_devices --help gnuradio-companion --version

2. Download FPGA Images

sudo uhd_images_downloader ls /usr/share/uhd/images/ | grep b210

3. Configure USB Permissions

sudo cp /usr/share/uhd/uhd-usrp.rules /etc/udev/rules.d/ sudo udevadm control --reload-rules sudo udevadm trigger sudo usermod -a -G usrp $USER

Windows Setup

1. Install UHD Drivers

1. Download UHD Windows installer from Ettus Research
2. Run as Administrator to install to C:\Program Files\UHD\
3. Connect B210 and update driver via Device Manager → Other Devices → Browse to …\UHD\share\uhd\

2. Download FPGA Images

"C:\Program Files\UHD\lib\uhd\utils\uhd_images_downloader.exe"

First Connection & Device Detection

1. Connect Hardware

• Connect USB 3.0 cable; use external power for USB 2.0
• Attach one of the included 4 antennas to each SMA port
• Ensure Power and USB LEDs indicate correct power and SuperSpeed operation

2. Verify Detection

uhd_find_devices uhd_find_devices --args="type=b200"

Expected:

Device Address: type: b200 name: MyB210 serial: 30AD012

3. Probe Device

uhd_usrp_probe

Look for successful FPGA load and register tests.

Performance Verification

Benchmark Test

benchmark_rate --args="type=b200" --rx_rate 61.44e6 --duration 30 benchmark_rate --args="type=b200" --tx_rate 61.44e6 --duration 30

Expect: ~61.44 MSPS on USB 3.0; ~8 MSPS on USB 2.0.

GNU Radio Integration

First Flowgraph

1. Launch gnuradio-companion
2. Add UHD: USRP Source, set type=b200, rate 2 MSPS, freq 98.5 MHz, gain 40 dB
3. Connect to WBFM Receive and Audio Sink
4. Generate (F5) and Execute (F6) to hear local FM radio

Advanced Tips

• Use external 10 MHz reference for multi-device sync
• Set CPU governor to performance
• Optimize USB buffer sizes with benchmark_rate flags

Conclusion

Your USRP B210 is now set up and ready for SDR experiments across 70 MHz–6 GHz. You have verified hardware detection, loaded FPGA firmware, and achieved your first signal using GNU Radio. Enjoy exploring RF applications!

Get your USRP B210 today at the lowest price!