bladeRF Accessories

This page lists some recommended accessories for the bladeRF. Please feel free to add your favorites!

Table of Contents External DC Power Wall Mount AC Adapters Attenuators and Terminators Combiners Mounting Hardware RF Test Enclosures

External DC Power

The DC barrel jack on the bladeRF requires a 5V adapter, which should be rated to supply 1.5 to 2A.

The inner plug on the receptacle (on the bladeRF) is 2.5 mm and is +V. The diameter of the plug on the power supply is 5.5mm and is -V.

As shown by page 14 on the bladeRF schematic, the DC barrel jack is a Switchcraft RAPC712X. Remember that both jumpers on J70 need to be moved when switching between USB power and the DC barrel input.

Wall Mount AC Adapters

• Artesyn DA12-050US-M
  • Mouser
  • Newark
  • Amazon

Attenuators and Terminators

You should never transmit without a 50 ohm load attached to the bladeRF's TX port, whether it be an antenna or a terminator. The same goes for the outputs on the XB-200.

Similarly, you should not connect the bladeRF TX port directly to the RX port. If you'd like to externally loop TX into RX, a 30 dB attenuator is recommended.

• Minicircuits
  • Attenuator Kits
    • K1-VAT+ (Datasheet)
  • Terminators:
    • ANNE-50+ (Datasheet)

Combiners

Combiners provide an excellent means to "hard-wire" multiple devices together for testing and evaluation.

• 50PD-732 Resistive Power Divider/Combiner from JFW Industries

Mounting Hardware

The mounting holes on the bladeRF and the add-on boards are intended for use with 2-56 machine screws.

• Radio Shack
  • 2-56 Round-Head Machine Screws (Model: 64-3010 Catalog #: 6403010)
  • 2-56 Hex Nuts (Model: 64-3017 Catalog #: 6403017).

RF Test Enclosures

An RF test enclosure is an excellent way to perform testing without causing interference. Use of a well-shielded test enclosure is highly recommended. (Unless, of course, you enjoy paying large fines to the FCC.)

• Ramsey RF Shielded Test Enclosures