LimeSDR XTRX (v1.3) via USB to Laptop

Projects LimeSDR
1

Hi All,

I am currently working with the LimeSDR XTRX (v1.3) and would like some guidance on getting started.

Based on my current understanding, the board can be powered and programmed by using the following interfaces:

  • USB 3.0

  • mPCIe

My Initial Plan

At this stage, my goal is to:

  1. Connect the SDR to my laptop via USB.

  2. Power up the board and establish basic communication via LimeSuite

  3. Program the device and run some standard example applications (if available).

  4. Establish communication between two LimeSDR XTRX boards.

Clarification Needed

I would like to confirm the following:

  • Is my understanding of the available interfaces correct?

  • Can USB 3.0 be used for communication with the board initially, even if the bandwidth is lower compared to PCIe?

  • If so, what would be the recommended steps or tools to get started (e.g., drivers, software, example projects)?

Any guidance or references to documentation/examples would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

2

Not quite. The USB interface is 2.0 and not 3.0, and IIRC it can only be used for programming the board — not controlling it and streaming samples. Generally speaking you should ignore the USB 2.0 interface.

No.

There is no USB 3.0.

As to using the USB 2.0 interface for such applications, I’m not sure this would be possible. Maybe with custom gateware. @VytautasB could advise.

3

Hi,

There appears to be a misunderstanding regarding the available data interfaces on the LimeSDR XTRX (v1.3). Specifically, the USB 2.0 interface is not a functional pathway for data streaming in the standard configuration.

  • mPCIe: This is the primary and required interface for both power and high-speed data streaming.

  • USB 2.0: While the physical interface exists, streaming samples via USB 2.0 is currently not supported. Enabling this would require developing a custom bridge within the FPGA gateware to interface with the USB PHY via the ULPI protocol. The LimeSDR XTRX does not feature a USB 3.0 controller

  • Power & Communication: You cannot communicate with the board via a USB cable. You must use an mPCIe slot.

  • Programming: Your board comes pre-programmed from the factory. If you need to update the gateware, this is done through LimeSuiteNG via the mPCIe connection. Or if you plan do develop some gateware features you can use mPCIe to PCIe adapter and program it via JTAG pins.

To get started:

  • Hardware: Ensure the LimeSDR XTRX is seated in a compatible mPCIe host or a PCIe-to-mPCIe adapter card for desktop use.

  • Software: Install the latest version of LimeSuiteNG. This is the current driver and toolset for the LimeSDR XTRX.

  • Verification: Use the limeDevice or limeConfig utilities within LimeSuiteNG to confirm the board is detected over the PCIe bus.

  • Examples: Once detected, you can utilize the C++ or Python API examples provided in the LimeSuiteNG repository to begin streaming.

4

Hi @andrewback & @VytautasB

Thank you so much for the prompt reply!

  1. The powering up assumption via USB comes from the below mentioned screenshot. However, thanks a ton for the clarification and I shall take note of it.

image
image1363×225 22.4 KB

  1. I dont have Desktops available as of yet, I intend to use the SDR XTRX Platform with Jetson Xavier. Do you have any know adapters that can help me with the mini PCIe to M.2 M/E Key?
    And which one is suggested since miniPCIe works on single lane anyway?

Thank you again for your help.

Kind Regards,

Khyaati