USRP X310 Complete Unboxing and Review with UBX160 Daughterboards (2025)

Getting your hands on a USRP X310 feels like unwrapping a piece of the future. When the box arrived at our doorstep, I'll admit there was definitely some excitement in the air. This isn't just any SDR we're talking about a professional grade software defined radio that costs nearly as much as a decent used car!

Thanks to our amazing partners at Luowave for trusting us with this incredible test unit. They sent us the full setup: the X310 itself, two UBX160 daughterboards, four antennas, the power brick, a JTAG cable, SFP+ cables, and a SFP-Ge-T-H 100M switch. It's not every day you get to dive deep into hardware that's typically reserved for research labs and serious RF engineers.

What Makes the X310 Special?

Look, I've been around SDR equipment for a while now, and the USRP X310 is honestly in a league of its own. This isn't your typical RTL-SDR dongle that we usually talk about here. We're dealing with a beast that covers DC to 6 GHz with up to 160 MHz of bandwidth which is serious firepower for anyone working with wireless communications.

The heart of this machine is the Xilinx Kintex-7 FPGA, specifically the XC7K410T variant. If you're not familiar with FPGAs, think of them as programmable chips that can be configured to handle almost any signal processing task you throw at them. It's like having a custom-built processor that you can redesign on the fly.

First Impressions: Build Quality That Means Business

Right off the bat, you can tell this thing means business. The 1U-sized chassis feels solid—none of that flimsy plastic you sometimes see with cheaper gear. At 1.7 kg, it's got some weight to it, which usually indicates quality components inside.

The front panel is clean and professional. You've got your SMA connectors for the RF paths, status LEDs that actually tell you what's going on, and the overall finish just screams "professional laboratory equipment." It's the kind of device that wouldn't look out of place in a university research lab or a commercial RF testing facility.

Unboxing Experience: Everything You Need (And Then Some)

Here's what you get when you invest in this setup:

• The main event: The X310 unit itself, which honestly feels like holding a piece of cutting-edge technology. The build quality is immediately apparent—this isn't some hobbyist device thrown together in someone's garage.
• UBX160 daughterboards: These are the real stars of the show. Each one covers 10 MHz to 6 GHz with impressive performance specs. They come pre-installed and phase-aligned, saving you from what could be a pretty technical installation process.
• Four antennas: Perfect for immediate testing and experimentation, these antennas let you get started right out of the box.
• Power brick: A proper 12 V power supply ensures reliable operation for demanding applications.
• JTAG cable: Essential for FPGA development, debugging, and advanced configuration.
• SFP+ cables: For high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, so you can move data quickly and efficiently.
• SFP-Ge-T-H 100M switch: Included for flexible network setup and connectivity.
• No rack mounting hardware: Please note this unit does not include rack rails or mounting brackets.

Performance Numbers That Actually Matter

Let's talk real-world performance, because specs on paper don't always tell the whole story. The X310 with UBX160 boards delivers some impressive numbers:

Bandwidth: Up to 160 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth per channel. That's enough to capture entire LTE carriers or analyze wideband radar signals.

Frequency coverage: 10 MHz to 6 GHz means you're covering everything from HF communications up through most cellular bands and into the lower microwave frequencies.

Phase noise: At 3.5 GHz, we're looking at about 1.0 degrees RMS which is clean enough for most demanding applications.

What This Means for Real Applications

Here's where things get interesting. With specs like these, you're not just playing around with FM radio or ADS-B signals. The X310 opens up possibilities that most SDRs can't touch:

5G research: The bandwidth and frequency range make it perfect for next-generation cellular work. You can capture and analyze entire 5G carriers without breaking a sweat.

MIMO systems: With two channels that can be phase-aligned, you've got the foundation for serious MIMO research and beamforming experiments.

Radar applications: The high bandwidth and clean signal generation make it suitable for radar development and testing.

Software Integration: Where the Magic Happens

Hardware is only half the story. The X310 really shines when you pair it with the right software. The UHD (Universal Hardware Driver) architecture means it plays nicely with just about everything.

GNU Radio: This is probably where most people will start. The X310 integrates seamlessly, giving you access to all that processing power through familiar flowgraph interfaces.

MATLAB/Simulink: For the more academically inclined, direct integration with MATLAB tools means you can prototype algorithms and test them on real hardware without jumping through hoops.

Custom applications: The C++ and Python APIs give developers the flexibility to build custom solutions tailored to specific needs.

The Good, The Bad, and The Expensive

Let's be honest about what you're getting into here. The X310 is an incredible piece of kit, but it's not for everyone.

What We Love About It

Performance that delivers: When you need serious bandwidth and clean signals, this thing performs. No compromises, no "good enough for the price" just solid, professional grade performance.

Build quality: Everything about this device screams quality. From the machined chassis to the internal layout, it's clear that no corners were cut.

Flexibility: The powerful FPGA and multiple interface options mean you can adapt it to just about any application you can dream up.

Software ecosystem: The mature UHD architecture and wide software support mean you're not locked into proprietary tools or limited development options.

The Reality Check

Price point: At nearly $15,000 for the complete setup, this isn't impulse-purchase territory. You need to have a serious application in mind to justify the cost.

Complexity: This isn't beginner-friendly equipment. You need to understand RF principles, signal processing, and have some serious technical chops to get the most out of it.

Power consumption: At 45 W typical, it's not exactly energy efficient. You'll need proper power delivery and cooling in your setup.

Who Should Consider the X310?

After spending time with this system, it's clear who the target audience is. This isn't for hobbyists or casual SDR enthusiasts—it's for professionals who need uncompromising performance.

Research institutions: Universities doing cutting-edge wireless research will find the X310's capabilities perfectly matched to their needs.

Commercial developers: Companies working on next-generation wireless systems need the kind of performance and flexibility the X310 offers.

Government and defense: Applications requiring the highest performance and reliability will benefit from the X310's professional grade design.

How Does It Stack Up?

Compared to other SDR platforms, the X310 sits at the top of the pyramid. The USRP B210 is great for education and light research, but it can't touch the X310's bandwidth or processing power. The X300 is similar but with a smaller FPGA—if you need the extra processing capability, the X310 is worth the upgrade.

Commercial alternatives exist, but few offer the same combination of performance, flexibility, and software ecosystem maturity. The open source approach means you're not locked into proprietary tools or limited by vendor roadmaps.

Our Take: Professional Grade Excellence

Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat this—the X310 is expensive. But if you need what it offers, there really isn't a substitute. The performance is exceptional, the build quality is top notch, and the software ecosystem is mature and well supported.

This is the kind of equipment that enables breakthrough research and commercial development. It's not about specs on paper—it's about having the tools you need to push the boundaries of what's possible in wireless communications.

For our partners at Luowave, thanks again for the opportunity to dig into this incredible piece of technology. It's devices like the X310 that remind us why we're passionate about SDR technology and its potential to shape the future of wireless communications.

Ready to Transform Your SDR Projects?

The USRP X310 represents the pinnacle of what's possible in software defined radio today. Whether you're pushing the boundaries of 5G research, developing next-generation radar systems, or exploring the frontiers of wireless communications, this platform has the performance to match your ambition.

Interested in adding the X310 to your lab or research facility? We sell this device at the best possible price available and ensure top-quality products. We deliver via high-end carriers such as DHL or FedEx so your gear arrives safely and quickly.

If you're ready to take your SDR projects to the next level, you can find the USRP X310 and compatible UBX160 daughterboards in our product selection below. Our team of SDR experts is standing by to help you configure the perfect setup for your specific application requirements.

Want to see the X310 in action? Stay tuned for our upcoming posts where we'll be building everything from cellular base stations to advanced MIMO systems with this incredible platform.