LimeRFE
LimeRFE
Lime RF Front-End (LimeRFE) is an open hardware RF front-end module with support circuitry to augment the LimeSDR family of boards and LimeNET Micro, providing a complete solution that addresses applications ranging from amateur radio to standards-compliant cellular networks.
LimeRFE will enhance any SDR based wireless solution by providing:
- A stronger, clearer signal when transmitting
- Less noise when receiving
- Improved range for both
A Software-Definable RF Front End Module for LimeSDR Platforms
A single LimeRFE covers three very different sets of bands: cellular, amateur radio and wideband. The exact band used at any given time is software selectable. By making the RF front-end definable in software, LimeRFE is the next step in the evolution of software-defined radio.
A highly integrated solution with a wealth of convenient features
LimeRFE provides not only transmit and receive amplification, but also band-specific filtering and integrates duplexers for cellular band FDD operation. In addition to which it provides power and VSWR (requires external directional coupler) metering, and configuration is possible via either USB or direct connection to a LimeSDR board.
Specifications
| Band | Duplex | Downlink (MHz) | Uplink (MHz) | Modulated Power (dBm) | Tx Gain (dB) | Tx P1dB (dBm) | Rx Gain (dB) | Rx NF (dB) | Rx IIP3 (dBm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FDD | 2110-2170 | 1920-1980 | 24 | 37 | 28 | 11 | 6.5 | 19 |
| 2 / PCS-1900 | FDD | 1930-1990 | 1850-1910 | 24 | 40 | 30.5 | 12 | 5.5 | 19.5 |
| 3 / DCS-1800 | FDD | 1805-1880 | 1710-1785 | 24 | 40 | 29.5 | 13 | 6 | 19 |
| 7 | FDD | 2620-2690 | 2500-2570 | 24 | 37 | 26 | 8 | 6 | 21 |
| 38 | TDD | 2570-2620 | 2570-2620 | 24 | 38 | 26 | 8 | 6 | 20 |
| Band | Freq (MHz) | Min Tx Gain (dB) | Max Tx Gain (dB) | Min Tx P1dB (dBm) | Max Tx P1dB (dBm) | Min Rx Gain (db) | Max Rx Gain (db) | Min Rx NF (dB) | Max Rx NF (dB) | Min Rx IIP3 (dBm) | Max Rx IIP3 (dBm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WB1000 | 1-1000 | 27 | 45 | 22.5 | 28.5 | 17 | 21.8 | 3.4 | 4.4 | 11.5 | 18 |
| WB4000 | 1000-4000 | 12 | 33 | 14 | 24 | 7.8 | 18.4 | 2.7 | 5.5 | 10 | 23 |
| Band | Frequency (MHz) | Tx Gain (dB) | Tx P1dB (dBm) | Rx Gain (dB) | Rx NF (dB) | Rx IIP3 (dBm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAM 30 / HF* | 1-5 | 38 | 33 | 21 | / | 0-14 |
| HAM 30 / HF* | 5-30 | 38 | 33 | 21 | 6 | 15 |
| HAM 50-70 / 6m, 4m | 50-54, 69.9-70.6 | 37 | 32 | 19 | 3.5 | 14 |
| HAM 145 / 2m | 144-146 | 31 | 34 | 18 | 3.7 | 12.6 |
| HAM 220 / 1.25m | 220-225 | 33 | 34 | 18 | 3.7 | 14.8 |
| HAM 435 / 70cm | 430-440 | 33 | 34 | 15 | 4 | 10 |
| HAM 920 / 33cm | 902-928 | 35 | 30 | 17 | 2.8 | 16 |
| HAM 1280 / 23cm | 1240-1325 | 31 | 31 | 16 | 2.8 | 20 |
| HAM 2400 / 13cm | 2300-2450 | 41 | 28.5 | 13 | 3.8 | 15.5 |
| HAM 3500 / 9cm | 3300-3500 | 33 | 25 | 7.5 | 4.5 | 12.5 |
- Each band has appropriate filtering both for RX & TX
- Selectable AM/FM notch filter
- Firmware
- Lime Suite integration (GUI and API)
- 1-4000 MHz RF power & VSWR meter (external directional coupler required)
- Cellular bands Tx power meter (integrated coupler)
- USB (control via PC)
- I2C (control via SDR)
- 4x bi-directional level shifted GPIO:
- 1.2 - 5.5 V
- Each I/O has a high voltage and power Darlington drive stage for inductive loads (e.g., coaxial relays)
- Individually switchable direction (input/output)
- SMA
- Micro USB
- 10-pin header (SDR)
- Pluggable terminals (GPIO)
- 16 x 15 x 4 cm
- 12VDC via barrel jack or 3-pin header
