SDRPlay RSPDX Radio Receiver Review and Demonstration

RSPdx Multi antenna port 14 bit SDR

The SDRplay RSPdx is a complete redesign of the popular RSP 2 and RSP 2 pro multi antenna receiver. It’s a wideband full featured 14 bit SDR which covers the entire RF spectrum from 1 kHz to 2 GHz. Combined with the power of readily available SDR receiver software (including SDRuno supplied by SDRplay) you can monitor up to 10 MHz spectrum at a time. The RSPdx provides three software selectable antenna inputs, and an external clock input. All it needs is a computer and an antenna to provide excellent communications receiver functionality. A documented API allows developers to create new demodulators or applications around the platform.

KEY BENEFITS & FEATURES:

Covers all frequencies from 1kHz through VLF, LF, MW, HF, VHF, UHF and L band to 2GHz, with no gaps
Receive, monitor and record up to 10MHz of spectrum at a time
Performance below 2MHz substantially enhanced improved dynamic range and selectivity
Software selectable choice of 3 antenna ports
Enhanced ability to cope with extremely strong signals
External clock input for synchronisation purposes, or connection to GPS reference clock for extra frequency accuracy
Excellent dynamic range for challenging reception conditions
Free use of windows based SDRuno software which provides an ever increasing feature set
Strong and growing software support network
Calibrated S meter/ RF power and SNR measurement with SDRuno (including datalogging to .CSV file
Documented API provided to allow demodulator or application development on multiple platforms

APPLICATIONS:

Amateur

Shortwave Radio Listening
Broadcast
DXing (AM/FM/TV
Panadaptor
Aircraft (ADSB and ATC)
Slow Scan TV
Multi-Amateur Band Monitoring
WSPR & Digital Modes
Weather Fax (HF and satellite)
Satellite Monitoring
Geostationary Environmental Satellites
Trunked Radio
Utility and Emergency Service Monitoring
Fast and Effective Antenna Comparison

Industrial

Spectrum Analyser
Surveillance
Wireless Microphone Monitoring
RF Surveying
IoT Receiver Chain
Signal Logging
RFI/EMC Detection
Broadcast Integrity Monitoring
Spectrum Monitoring
Power Measurement

Educational/Scientific

Teaching
Receiver Design
Radio Astronomy
Passive Radar
Ionosonde
Spectrum Analyser
Receiver for IoT Sensor Projects
Antenna Research

SPECIFICATIONS:

General

Weight 315g
Size: 113mm x 94mm x 35mm
Low current consumption:
- 190mA @ >60MHz excl Bias T)
- 120mA @ <60MHz excl Bias T)

Connectivity

USB 2.0 (high speed) type B socket

Frequency Range

Continuous coverage 1kHz 2GHz

Antenna A Port Characteristics

1kHz 2GHz operation
50 Ohm input impedance
SMA female connector

Antenna B Port Characteristics

1kHz 2GHz operation
50 Ohm input impedance
SMA female connector
Selectable 4.7V DC out (see Bias T)

Antenna C Port Characteristics

1kHz 200MHz operation
50 Ohm input impedance
BNC female connector

Reference Clock Input

MCX female connector

Bias T (Antenna B Port only)

Software selectable 4.7V @ 100mA

IF Modes

Zero IF, All IF bandwidths
Low IF, IF bandwidths ≤ 1.536MHz

IF Bandwidths (3dB)

200kHz
300kHz
600kHz
1.536MHz
5.0MHz
6.0MHz
7.0MHz
8.0MHz

ADC Characteristics

Sample frequency 2 10.66MSPS
14 bit native ADC (2 6.048MSPS)
12 bit (6.048 8.064 MSPS)
10 bit (8.064 9.216MSPS)
8 bit (> 9.216 MSPS )

Maximum Recommended Input Power

0dBm continuous
10dBm for short periods

Reference

High temp stability 0.5PPM TCXO
In field trimmable to 0.01ppm.

External Reference Clock

When an external 24MHz clock is applied, auto detect will switch to the external reference. Ideally the external clock source should be connected to the RSPdx before power up

Typical Noise Figures