This application note details how the SCT SC2430 Signal Conditioning Module (SCM) can complement an SDR to build a compliant 5G gNodeB by providing the additional power, filtering, and gain control required to meet the 3GPP PHY requirements.

Many users implementing 5G radios using an SDR note that their systems have poor performance. Performance shortcomings include limited range, throughput, and/or interference with adjacent systems and wireless users. The SC2430 SCM eliminates these issues by incorporating the functional blocks designed to meet the strict radio transmission and reception requirements of the 3GPP 5G NR standard.

This app note contains:

• An overview of SDRs and the SC2430
• Using the SC2430 with the NI X410 USRP
• Examples of Demonstrating How the SC2430 SCM Improves SDR Performance in 5G Applications

IQ mixers depend on phase and amplitude balance between the I and Q paths to achieve the best performance. Any IQ imbalance will result in LO feedthrough, RF/IF feedthrough and spurious products. However, due to manufacturing limitations, there will always be some degree of imbalance between the I and Q paths. This application note describes how to utilize the IQ DC bias feature of the SC2426 and a procedure to determine the suitable DC bias voltages to apply.

This app note contains:

• An overview of SC2426 RF Up/Down Converter
• LO Leakage Characteristics
• Support Commands & Protocols
• Detailed Procedures

This document details how to integrate the SCT SC2430 Signal Conditioning Module (SCM) with the GNU Radio Software Defined Radio (SDR) platform using Ettus USRP Hardware Driver (UHD).

The SCM is an RF front-end solution that provides signal conditioning and amplification for Software Define Radio (SDR) systems. Four independent channels are available and capable of supporting Time Division Duplex (TDD) and Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) operations. For Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) applications, configure two channels for continuous TX and RX operation.

In this app note contains:

• An introduction to signal conditioning modules and SDR integration
• Building and installing UHD, UHD extensions, and GNU Radio
• Application usage
• Additional resources for GitHub and SCT Support

The SC2250 has been designed specifically to facilitate measurements of high frequency, low level harmonics in a cost-effective manner. Typically, these measurements would require an expensive, high-frequency analyzer and a complex assortment of filters, switches and cables. Using the SC2250, the harmonic signal of interest is converted to a low-frequency so that a lower frequency analyzer, such as National Instruments’ Vector Signal Transceiver (VST), can perform the measurement.

Calibration complexity, inherent in these types of test benches, is simplified when incorporating the SC2250 into a harmonic measurement setup. The device includes internal calibration tables for all signal path combinations. These paths are characterized in the factory and accessible to the user.

In this app note contains:

• A typical harmonic test setup
• SC2250 configuration for harmonic measurements
• Physical Connections
• Measurement procedure