ADALM-PLUTO Overview

The ADALM-PLUTO Active Learning Module (PlutoSDR) is an easy to use tool available from Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) that can be used to introduce fundamentals of Software Defined Radio (SDR) or Radio Frequency (RF) or Communications as advanced topics in electrical engineering in a self or instructor lead setting. The PlutoSDR allows students to better understand the real world RF around them, and is applicable for all students, at all levels, from all backgrounds. Early learning in a hands-on manner with the PlutoSDR will ensure a solid foundation for students to build on, as they pursue science, technology, or engineering degrees.

The PlutoSDR Active Learning Module is a tool that closes the relationship between theory and practical radio frequency activities of the user. It provides a personal portable lab that, when used with a host, can augment the learning that takes place in the classroom. A variety of software packages such as MATLAB or Simulink provide an innovative graphical user interface (GUI), allowing intuitive usage and minimizing the learning curve, enabling students to learn faster, work smarter, and explore more!

The ADALM-PLUTO Active Learning Module is a learning tool for everyone.

Based on the AD9363, it offers one receive channel and one transmit channel which can be operated in full duplex, capable of generating or measuring RF analog signals from 325 to 3800 MHz, at up to 61.44 Mega Samples per Second (MSPS) with a 20 MHz bandwidth. The PlutoSDR is completely self-contained, fits nicely in a shirt pocket or backpack, and is entirely USB powered with the default firmware. With support for OS X™, Windows™, and Linux™, it allows exploration and understanding of RF systems no matter where the user is or when.

Introduction

PlutoSDR is a self contained RF lab in your hand. It's more than the combination of a few parts, but to understand the capabilities of the module, you must understand the fundamental operation of each part inside the module. Depending on who you are, and what you want to do, you may have different needs, different wants, and will use different software. It's expected that many people will stop when they solve their immediate problem and don't want to go any deeper into the stack. Before digging into the documentation, check out the module prerequisites, and try to think about how you will use the ADALM-PLUTO.

PlutoSDR will populate as a Mass Storage Device when plugged into a computer. The presented storage device contains a getting started guide (info.html), configuration control for your device (config.txt), and licensing information (LICENSE.html).

PlutoSDR Users & students
- PlutoSDR users normally interact with RF signals with MATLAB, Simulink, GNU Radio or custom C, C++, C#, or Python environment on a host (x86) Windows, Linux or Mac or embedded Linux platform (Raspberry Pi, Beaglebone, 96boards.org, insert your favorite embedded Linux platform) over USB.
- If you want to see how to generate or capture RF waveforms, this is the place.
- Everyone should read this section, as it describes the device, and describes how to get the drivers and host software installed properly.
- Most users should find all the information they need in this section.
PlutoSDR Developers:
- normally write custom software or HDL (for the FPGA) that runs directly on the PlutoSDR. This may put the PlutoSDR in different modes, and support different external USB devices (including LAN (via USB), or WiFi (via USB)), extending the capabilities of the device. This includes all the information to compile HDL projects, compile kernels, change to custom USB PID/VID and/or run custom user space applications. For example, you could set up:
  - a standalone airplane tracking station which communicates to the internet via Wifi or LAN.
  - a mobile terminal to emulate someone else's keyboard.
PlutoSDR Hackers:
- may be interested in taking the PCB out of the case and making hardware modifications, or connecting GPIO to different devices, or attempting to synchronize multiple PlutoSDRs together. Since this is pretty wide open, we don't have any examples of this - but we do provide the info needed, including all the schematics and layout.
SDR Engineers:
- Don't use PlutoSDR at all, but design their own Software Defined radios, and just want to better understand the mistakes we made (so they don't make the same), or want to reuse pieces of PlutoSDR's hardware, software, or HDL in their own products (which is great - that is one of the reasons we did PlutoSDR). You can also see how the chips inside PlutoSDR (AD9363) react to custom waveforms, to determine if it is appropriate for your system. If you want a low cost spectrum analyzer to see if your other RF projects are working properly, and you are operating in the 325 to 3800 MHz bands, and can handle the issues with the device, you may want to check this section out as well.

It's expected that most people will work their way down through each section, reading and skimming most of the content. The content is in a constant state of improvement, so if you do have a question, please ask at EngineerZone, or check the help and support page.

All the products described on this page include ESD (electrostatic discharge) sensitive devices. Electrostatic charges as high as 4000V readily accumulate on the human body or test equipment and can discharge without detection.

Although the boards feature ESD protection circuitry, permanent damage may occur on devices subjected to high-energy electrostatic discharges. Therefore, proper ESD precautions are recommended to avoid performance degradation or loss of functionality. This includes removing static charge on external equipment, cables, or antennas before connecting to the device.

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ADALM-PLUTO Overview

Introduction

Analog Devices Wiki

ADALM-PLUTO Overview

Introduction

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