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bladeRF Accessories
This page lists accessories, tools, and parts that bladeRF users may find useful. Please feel free to add your favorites!
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.
The bladeRF2-micro features a power multiplexer that will automatically select the appropriate voltage source. If 5 V is present on the DC power jack, the power mux will select the DC jack as the voltage source. Otherwise, it will use the 5 V from the USB host. If using, it is recommended to insert and power the DC jack first, followed by the USB plug.
As shown on 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:
- Power from USB Cable:
- Jumper J70 pins 2 and 3
- Jumper J70 pins 4 and 5
- Power from external DC supply
- Jumper J70 pins 1 and 2
- Jumper J70 pins 5 and 6
J70 Pinout:
4 3
5 2
6 1 <| (Pin 1 silkscreen annotation)
USB Power
| |
| |
o o <| (Pin 1 silkscreen annotation)
External DC power
o o
| |
| | <| (Pin 1 silkscreen annotation)
Legend:
o: Denotes non-jumpered pin
|: Denotes jumpered pinYou 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.
- Jameco SMB-174MM-12-R
- Amphenol-RF Division 145101-01-12.00
Combiners provide an excellent means to "hard-wire" multiple devices together for testing and evaluation.
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).
- Home Depot
- http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crown-Bolt-2-56-x-3-8-in-Phillips-Slotted-Round-Head-Machine-Screws-37011/203085930 (includes 10 screws and 10 nuts)
- Terasic Blaster Cable
- via terasIC website
- via Digi-Key
- via Mouser
- Altera USB Blaster
- via Altera
- Segger J-Link
- The J-Link PLUS (or J-Link EDU for students) are recommended
- See Segger's distributor page for a distributor near you!
An RF test enclosure is an excellent way to perform testing without causing interference. Use of a well-shielded test enclosure is highly recommended.