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Lime Microsystems
Software Defined Radio

LimeNET Micro

A software-defined radio platform with integrated processor for creating self-contained wireless networks

$27,186 raised

of $5,000 goal

543% Funded! Order Below

Funding ended on Dec 06, 2018 at 03:59 PM PST.

Recent Updates

You'll be notified about news and stock updates for this project.

LimeNET Micro makes deploying wireless networks more accessible than ever before, by extending the LimeNET line of integrated hardware solutions via an ultra-low cost platform that is capable of supporting narrowband systems, such as GSM and IoT wireless standards, in a stand-alone configuration.

As with existing integrated LimeNET platforms, the new LimeNET Micro is built on the very same revolutionary field-programmable RF (FPRF) technology and features the LMS7002M transceiver at its heart. However, this highly cost-optimised, single board solution also integrates GPS for high-accuracy timing, Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), and embedded compute for fully standalone operation.

In utilising the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3, LimeNET Micro builds on previous platforms to further democratise wireless networks in much the same way that the Raspberry Pi has democratised embedded computing.

Given its incredibly low price point and highly integrated nature, there are endless application possibilities for LimeNET Micro, ranging from cellular networks and IoT, through spectrum monitoring, test and measurement, amateur radio, and radio astronomy.

Example Use Cases

Features & Specifications

LimeNET Micro with Raspberry Pi Compute Module (bottom)

Block Diagram

LimeNET Micro block diagram

Raspberry Pi Compute Module (CM3) Features

A Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 is included with every purchase of a LimeNET Micro (excluding early bird units). Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 Lite‘s will also work with LimeNET Micro, but would require use of the separate microSD slot.

Accessories and Configurations

LimeNET Micro with Aluminum Kit

The custom plastic and aluminum case in this kit not only physically protects your LimeNET Micro, it also helps reduce noise interference. It also looks and feels smashing. The Aluminum Kit is the only pledge level that includes a Compute Module pre-loaded with a PantaHub software stack. The aluminum case is only available for sale as a kit.

Kit includes:

LimeNET Micro with Acrylic Kit

The acrylic case is custom-designed to keep your LimeNET Micro safe. And the kit is made to give you all the components you need to get started right out of the box.

Full kit includes:

Antennas

We’re offering omni-directional antennas with SMA connectors, optimized for frequency ranges of 800-960 MHz, 1710-2170 MHz, and 2400-2700 MHz. These are the same antennas used with the LimeSDR-USB and the LimeSDR Mini.

GPS Antenna

The antenna offered during the campaign has a 3 M cable with an SMA connector and a 28 dB gain.

Adapter for Classic Raspberry Pi

A small SO-DIMM form factor board plus ribbon cable to enable use of a classic/consumer Raspberry Pi with the LimeNET Micro.

Free & Open Source

As with the LimeSDR family, the LimeNET Micro is a free and open source project. We will be releasing code, firmware, schematics, layout, and associated project files via MyriadRF shortly.

Lime Suite

The LimeNET Micro uses the same host-side software as previous LimeNET integrated systems, called Lime Suite. Lime Suite is entirely open source and supports a variety of software-defined radios and APIs. You can learn more about Lime Suite at its GitHub repository and MyriadRF project page.

PantaHub

PantaHub lets you connect your devices and transform them into bare-metal infrastructure. Designed for deeply embedded and high-grade enterprise systems alike, the Pantavisor device agent and PantaHub are the perfect choice for the management of Linux devices and their firmware lifecycles.

The PantaHub base image will be pre-loaded onto all Compute Modules included in the Aluminum Kit pledge levels.

Comparison Table

LimeSDR-USBLimeSDR-MiniLimeNET-Micro
Frequency Range100 kHz - 3.8 GHz10 MHz - 3.5 GHz10 MHz - 3.5 GHz
RF Bandwidth61.44 MHz30.72 MHz10 MHz*
Sample Depth12 bit12 bit12 bit
Sample Rate61.44 MSPS30.72 MSPS10 MSPS*
TX Channels211
RX Channels211
DuplexFullFullFull
InterfaceUSB 3.0USB 3.0N/A
Programmable Logic Gates40k16k16k
ChipsetLMS7002MLMS7002MLMS7002M
ProcessorN/AN/ARaspberry Pi Compute Module 3 (or CM3 Lite)
Open SourceFullFullFull
Oscillator Precision+/-1 ppm initial, +/-4 ppm stable+/-1 ppm initial, +/-4 ppm stable+/-5 ppb (100s measurement period)
Transmit PowerMax 10 dBm (depending on freq.)Max 10 dBm (depending on freq.)Max 10 dBm (depending on freq.)
PriceUSD 299USD 159USD 299

* - Maximum 10 MHz receive-only or 5 MHz full-duplex transmit plus receive. Actual RF bandwidth and sample rate will vary depending on any DSP or other processing also taking place on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3(L).

Risks & Challenges

As in the previous Lime Microsystems campaigns, the supply chain is the biggest risk — parts shortages could delay production. However, since the critical parts we’re using in LimeNET Micro are the same as those in the LimeSDR and LimeSDR Mini, the Micro will benefit from the considerable work we’ve already put into creating the LimeSDR supply chain.

Shipping & Fulfillment

All orders will be shipped from Crowd Supply’s warehouse in the United States. For a product of this scale, maintaining a separate fulfillment operation in Europe is not economically feasible and would actually increase the overall cost to the end customer. You can find out more about Crowd Supply’s shipping fulfillment in their Guide.

Support & Documentation

If you have a question about ordering, paying, or shipping, please refer to The Crowd Supply Guide.

If you have a technical question about the operation of the LimeNET Micro or any of its applications, please ask your question on the Myriad-RF forum.

In the Press


Produced by Lime Microsystems in Guildford, England.

Sold and shipped by Crowd Supply.

Support Us!

$10

Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.

LimeNET Micro

LimeNET Micro - the perfect way to start experimenting with and building your own wireless networks, protocols, and testers. Complete with a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3.

$269 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.

Acrylic Case for LimeNET Micro

Keep your LimeNET Micro safe in this custom acrylic case which features a fan and heatsink for the Compute Module. This pledge level is for the case kit only. LimeNET Micro and antennas not included.

$99 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.

LimeNET Micro with Aluminum Kit

This kit comes with a custom-made plastic and aluminum case, a LimeNET Micro, a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 (pre-loaded), and two antennas. The case not only keeps your LimeNET Micro safe, but it also helps reduce noise interference. Perfect to slip into your bag for all your on-the-go wireless adventures. This is at least a $30 savings over the post-campaign price.

$459 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.

Two Antennas

A pair of omni-directional antennas with SMA connectors, optimized for frequency ranges of 800-960 MHz, 1710-2170 MHz, and 2400-2700 MHz.

$45 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.

Multi-band 4G/3G/2G Monopole Antenna

From the Crowd Supply Basics project.

A TG.09 4G/3G/2G cellular hinged SMA(M) mount monopole antenna.

$13 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.

GPS Antenna

$49 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.

Adapter for Classic Raspberry Pi

A small SO-DIMM form factor board plus ribbon cable to enable use of a classic/consumer Raspberry Pi with the LimeNET Micro.

$30 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.

LimeNET Micro - Early Bird

LimeNET Micro - the perfect way to start experimenting with and building your own wireless networks, protocols, and testers. Complete with a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3.

$175 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.

About the Team

Lime Microsystems

Guildford, England  ·   limemicro.com  ·   myriadrf  ·   LimeMicro  ·   limemicro

Working toward the democratization of wireless communication through an open source ideology.

Ebrahim Bushehri
 ebrahim24
Andrew Back
 9600
Zydrunas (Zack) Tamosevicius
 ztamosevicius
Karolis Kiela
 Karoliskiela
Andy Chang
Ignas Skudrickas
 ignasjarusevicius
Christy Chuang

See Also

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