Overview

The Ettus Research USRP X300 is a high-performance, scalable software-defined radio (SDR) platform for designing and deploying next-generation wireless communications systems. The hardware architecture combines two extended-bandwidth daughterboard slots covering DC – 6 GHz with up to 160 MHz of baseband bandwidth, multiple high-speed interface options (PCIe, dual 10 GigE, dual 1 GigE), and a large user-programmable Kintex-7 FPGA in a convenient desktop or rack-mountable half-wide 1U form factor. In addition to providing best-in-class hardware performance, the open source software architecture of X300 provides cross-platform UHD driver support making it compatible with a large number of supported development frameworks, reference architectures, and open source projects.

Table 1: Operating systems, development frameworks, and reference applications

High-Performance User-Programmable FPGA

At the heart of the USRP X300, the XC7K325T FPGA provides high-speed connectivity between all major components within the device including radio frontends, host interfaces, and DDR3 memory.  The default FPGA core provided with UHD provides all of the functional blocks for digital down-conversion and up-conversion, fine-frequency tuning, and other DSP functions allowing it to be interchangeable with other USRP devices using the UHD architecture.  The large Kintex-7 FPGA provides additional space for developers to incorporate custom DSP blocks and is compatible with a large number of USRP-supported development frameworks, reference architectures, and open source projects.

Table 2: FPGA resource comparison

Multiple High-Speed Interface Options

The USRP X300 provides multiple interface options.  Out of the box, 1 GigE provides a convenient way to get started. For extended bandwidth and lower latency applications such as PHY/MAC research, PCIe x4 provides an efficient bus for deterministic operation. Applications using network recorders or multiple processing nodes can be best served by the 10 GigE interface option.

Additional Features- GPSDO, GPIO, 1 GB DDR3, Synchronization

The X300 includes many additional features that facilitate wireless system development.  On-board 1GB DDR3 with flexible access through the FPGA reference design supplements the FPGA resources with buffering and data storage memory.  An optional internal GPSDO provides a high-accuracy frequency reference, and global timing alignment to within 50 ns when synchronized to the GPS system.  The external GPIO connector allows users to control external components such as amplifiers and switches, accept inputs like event triggers, and observe debug signals.  The USRP X300 also includes an internal JTAG adapter that allows FPGA developers to easily load and debug new FPGA images.

*USRP X300 RF daughterboards sold separately  
 Compatible RF Daughterboards: UBX, CBX, WBX, SBX, LFRX, LFTX, Basic TX/RX)

Features

• Two wide-bandwidth RF daughterboard slots
  • Up to 160MHz bandwidth each (UBX and TwinRX)
  • Daughterboard selection covers DC to 6 GHz
• Large customizable Xilinx Kintex-7 FPGA for high-performance DSP (XC7K325T)
• Multiple high-speed interfaces
  • Dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet – 2x RX at 200 MSPs per channel
  • Dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet – 4x RX at 80 MSPs per channel
  • PCIe Express (Desktop) – 200 MS/s Full Duplex
  • ExpressCard (Laptop) – 50 MS/s Full Duplex
  • Dual 1 Gigabit Ethernet – 25 MS/s Full Duplex
• UHD architecture provides compatibility with
  • GNU Radio
  • C++/Python API
  • Amarisoft LTE 100
  • OpenBTS
  • Other third-party software and frameworks
• Flexible clocking architecture
  • Configurable sample clock
  • Optional GPS-disciplined OCXO
  • Coherent operation with OctoClock and OctoClock-G
• Compact and rugged half-wide 1U form factor for convenient desktop or rack mount usage
• Digital I/O accessible on the front panel for custom control and interfacing from the FPGA

Additional Resources

• USRP X300/X310 User Manual
• USRP X300/X310 FAQ
• USRP X300/X310 Configuration Guide
• USRP System Bandwidth
• USRP Hardware Driver (UHD) API Documentation
• UHD Stable Binaries
• UHD Source Code on Github
• FPGA Resources
• USRP Support from MathWorks Communications Toolbox

Included in This Kit:

• USRP X300
• 1 Gigabit Ethernet Cable
• SFP Adapter for 1 GigE
• Power Supply
• USB 2.0 Cable for Internal JTAG Adapter
• Four SMA-Bulkhead Cables
• Getting Started Guide

Recommended Daughterboards and Accessories:

• 160 MHz Daughterboard – UBX-160
• 80 MHz Daughterboard – TwinRX
• Board-Mounted GPSDO (OCXO)
• GPIO Expansion Kit
• 1 Gigabit SFP and PCIe Interface kits
• 1U Rackmount for USRP X300 and X310