LimeRFE
A Software-Definable RF Front End Module for LimeSDR Platforms
The Lime RF Front End (LimeRFE) is an open hardware power amplifier (PA) module with appropriate filtering and support circuitry to augment the LimeSDR, LimeSDR Mini, and LimeNET Micro platforms, providing a complete solution that addresses real life applications ranging from HAM radio to standards-compliant cellular network implementations.
LimeRFE will enhance any LimeSDR based wireless project by providing:
A single LimeRFE covers three very different sets of bands: HAM, cellular, and wideband. The exact band used at any given time is software-selectable. By making the RF front end definable in software, LimeRFE is the next step in the evolution of software-defined radio.
LimeRFE render front (left) and back (right)
| No. | Name | Frequency (MHz) | Output P1dB (dBm)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1** | HF** | 1.6 – 30** | 33 |
| 2 | 6 m, 4 m | 50 – 54, 69.9 – 70.6 | 30 |
| 3 | 2 m | 144 – 146 | 33 |
| 4 | 1.25 m | 220 – 225 | 32 |
| 5 | 70 cm | 430 – 440 | 32 |
| 6 | 33 cm | 902 – 928 | 27 |
| 7 | 23 cm | 1240 – 1325 | 27 |
| 8 | 13 cm | 2300 – 2450 | 31 |
| 9 | - | 3300 – 3500 | 24 |
* Preliminary estimates of 1-dB compression point
** See note below about HF bands
Depending upon the application and overall system configuration, additional filtering may be required for use with HF bands. In particular, HF is not one, but ten bands starting at 1.6 - 1.8 MHz and moving upward incrementally to 28.0 - 29.7 MHz. On-board filtering will attenuate signals greater than 30 MHz, but not Tx harmonics, or out-of-band Rx signals below this. You may need additional filtering, depending on the environment (if there are nearby HAMs operating on other HF bands, for example) and on whether or not you are using external power amplifiers with integrated filters, antenna tuning units, etc.
| No. | Name | Duplex | Downlink Freq. (MHz) | Uplink Freq. (MHz) | Modulated Output Power (dBm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Band 3/DCS-1800 | FDD | 1805 – 1880 | 1710 – 1785 | 24 |
| 2 | Band 2/PCS-1900 | FDD | 1930 – 1990 | 1850 – 1910 | 24 |
| 3 | Band 1 | FDD | 2110 – 2170 | 1920 – 1980 | 24 |
| 4 | Band 7 | FDD | 2620 – 2690 | 2500 – 2570 | 24 |
| 5 | Band 38 | TDD | 2570 – 2620 | 2570 – 2620 | 24 |
| No. | Frequency (MHz) | Output P1dB (dBm)* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 – 1000 | 27.5 |
| 2 | 1000 – 4000 | 25.5 |
* Preliminary estimates of 1-dB compression point
* *Output 1 dB compression values are preliminary assessments only. Final values may differ. Values are given for the driver outputs
All LimeRFE boards will be delivered to Crowd Supply’s warehouse for final distribution to backers worldwide. For more information, please see this page about ordering, paying, and shipping.
We’ve produced a number of prototype revisions to verify the performance over the RF bands detailed above. As with previous Lime Microsystems campaigns, supply chain is our biggest risk – parts shortages could delay production. LimeRFE will, however, benefit from the considerable work we’ve already put into creating various LimeSDR supply chains.
Produced by Lime Microsystems in Guildford, England.
Sold and shipped by Crowd Supply.
LimeRFE integrated power amplifier (PA), low noise amplifier (LNA) and filter solution for LimeSDR and LimeNET Micro software-defined radio applications.
LimeRFE integrated power amplifier (PA), low noise amplifier (LNA) and filter solution for LimeSDR and LimeNET Micro software-defined radio applications. Reduced cost version without support for cellular bands.
Guildford, England · LimeMicro · myriadrf · limemicro.com
Working toward the democratization of wireless communication through an open source ideology.
