Summary of Epiq Solutions Develops Wideband RF Transceiver SDR Module Running Linux On Zynq SoC
Epiq Solutions introduced the Sidekiq Z2, a compact SDR module combining a Linux computer and RF transceiver. Measuring 51 x 30 x 5mm, it utilizes a Xilinx Zynq-7000 SoC to run Linux in under two seconds with power consumption below 2 Watts. The module supports frequencies from 70MHz to 6GHz and includes an AD9634 transceiver with a 61.44 Msamples/sec sample rate. It is designed for handheld testing, remote sensing, CubeSat links, and cellular network surveys, available via Evaluation or Development Kits.
Parts used in the Sidekiq Z2:
- Xilinx Zynq-7000 series Arm/FPGA SoC
- AD9634 1Rx + 1Tx transceiver
- 512MB DDR3L RAM
- 32MB QSPI flash
- 40MHz TCVCXO ref clock
- USB 2.0 OTG interface
- Serial UART interface
- JTAG interface
- GPIO signals
- U.FL antenna connectors
- Sidekiq Z2 Evaluation Kit (EVK)
- Carrier cards
- Platform Development Kit (PDK)
Epiq Solutions, a company from the USA, has included a new member of its Sidekiq line of Software-defined radio (SDR) add-on cards called the Sidekiq Z2. Dimensions of this card are only 51 x 30 x 5mm, the size of a full-size mini-PCIe card, the Sidekiq Z2 computer-on-module is advertised as “the world’s smallest wideband RF transceiver + Linux computer in a product-ready module”. The module is most suitable for handheld RF testing and measurement, remote RF sensing, wireless security applications, and CubeSat/UAS datalinks. A carrier board is also available with this module.
Unlike previous Sidekiq cards, the Sidekiq Z2 can act as a standalone computer, running Linux on a Xilinx Zynq-7000 series Arm/FPGA SoC. Like the original Sidekiq, which is available in mini-PCIe or M.2 form factors, the Sidekiq Z2 operates at 70MHz to 6GHz. There’s also a Sidekiq X2, which uses the VITA57.1 FMC form factor, which supports 1MHz to 6GHz frequencies.
Epiq claims, the new Sidekiq Z2 can boot Linux in under two seconds, with a typical system power consumption under 2 Watts. The Zynq comes with 512MB DDR3L RAM and 32MB QSPI flash. The SoC drives USB 2.0 OTG, serial UART, JTAG, and GPIO signals to a carrier board.
The shielded AD9634 1Rx + 1Tx transceiver has a 4-band Rx pre-select filter bank and an up to 61.44 Msamples/sec sample rate. The 40MHz TCVCXO ref clock features +/- 1 PPM stability. The 3.3V, 8-gram module supports -40 to 85°C temperatures. The module also offers many U.FL antenna connectors.
The company offers a Sidekiq Z2 Evaluation Kit (EVK) that includes two Sidekiq Z2 cards pre-loaded and supported by Analog Devices’ open source IIO reference design, along with two simple carrier cards. An optional Platform Development Kit (PDK) offers enhanced support and an optimized FPGA reference design to maximize processing capability of the FPGA. Epiq Solutions also presents applications for embedded RF spectrum analysis as well as 2G/3G/4G cellular network survey.
Read More: Epiq Solutions Develops Wideband RF Transceiver SDR Module Running Linux On Zynq SoC
- What makes the Sidekiq Z2 unique compared to previous Sidekiq cards?
The Sidekiq Z2 can act as a standalone computer running Linux on a Xilinx Zynq-7000 series SoC, unlike previous versions. - How fast does the Sidekiq Z2 boot Linux?
Epiq claims the new module can boot Linux in under two seconds. - What is the typical system power consumption of the Sidekiq Z2?
The typical system power consumption is under 2 Watts. - Does the Sidekiq Z2 support wideband frequency ranges?
Yes, the module operates at frequencies ranging from 70MHz to 6GHz. - What processor drives the USB 2.0 OTG and other interfaces?
The Xilinx Zynq-7000 SoC drives USB 2.0 OTG, serial UART, JTAG, and GPIO signals. - What is the sample rate of the transceiver in the Sidekiq Z2?
The shielded AD9634 transceiver offers up to a 61.44 Msamples/sec sample rate. - Can the Sidekiq Z2 be used for CubeSat datalinks?
Yes, the module is suitable for CubeSat/UAS datalinks among other applications. - What components are included in the Sidekiq Z2 Evaluation Kit?
The kit includes two Sidekiq Z2 cards pre-loaded with Analog Devices' open source IIO reference design and two simple carrier cards.
