Epiq Solutions Sidekiq M.2 001 Instructions for use

Sidekiq™ M.2
RF Transceiver • Low SWaP
HARDWARE USER MANUAL
V1.5 - NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual
CHANGELOG
Revision Date Description Author
0.1 2014-04-07 Pre-release draft, initial version Barry L
0.3 2016-07-04 Completed all sections of document Barry L
0.4 2016-07-08 Updated with Rev B hardware details/images Barry L
0.5 2016-07-13 Updated with dimensioned mechanical drawings Barry L
0.6 2016-08-07 Updated M.2 pinout table -Updated annotated I/O diagram Barry L
0.7 2016-11-25
Corrected Figure 3 to show the proper PPS and GPIO I/O allocation -Added
component temperature rating in 8.3 -Added details on thermal management
recommendations in 9.11 and 10.4 -Added section 10.6 to clarify use of internal vs
external reference clocks -Added details for Rev C of hardware: -Enumeration of
TDD-capable RF antenna connectors -Updated M.2 edge connector pinout -Support
for both Key B and Key M
Barry L
0.8 2017-11-02 Added section 10.7 on maximum acceptable Rx input power levels -Updated power
consumption numbers Barry L
0.9 2018-05-11
Added section 12 accelerometer axis orientation & temp sensor location, device part
numbers -Added nominal tolerance of the 3.3V rail to section 10.3 -Added Rev C
maximum recommended signal level of 3.3V to section 9.7 External PPS Input and
section 9.9 FPGA GPIO#1 -Added libsidekiq handles / RF port mapping information
to sections 9.1 – 9.4. -Updated table 3 input level 0dBm -Updated section 8.2 Gain
Control Range -Added Port Mapping Table 7 -Removed Appendix A (empty)
Barry L
1.0 2018-07-12
Replaced rev b with rev c pics -Added links to section 5 & updated section 6 -
Updated URLs & added hyperlinks -Updated sections 10.1.3 & 10.5 Windows OS
support -Updated section 10.1.4 FPGA boot flash programing time over PCIe -
Moved section 12 content to section 9.3 -Added Appendix A & B
Barry L
1.1 2020-01-02 Updated Appendix B and section 9.9 Barry L
1.2 2020-03-04 Added Appendix C, section 12, updated Appendix B Barry L
1.3 2020-09-04 Markdown conversion Barry L
1.4 2020-11-10 table updates and format cleanup Barry L
1.5 2021-11-10 added NUC 8 and NUC 11 GPIO tables, format cleanup Barry L

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual
DISCLAIMER
Epiq Solutions is disclosing this document (“Documentation”) as a general guideline for development. Epiq
Solutions expressly disclaims any liability arising out of your use of the Documentation. Epiq Solutions
reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to change the Documentation without notice at any time. Epiq
Solutions assumes no obligation to correct any errors contained in the Documentation, or to advise you of any
corrections or updates. Epiq Solutions expressly disclaims any liability in connection with technical support or
assistance that may be provided to you in connection with the Information. THE DOCUMENTATION IS
DISCLOSED TO YOU “AS IS” WITH NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. EPIQ SOLUTIONS MAKES NO
OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESSED, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, REGARDING THE
DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. IN NO EVENT WILL
EPIQ SOLUTIONS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL, OR
INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOSS OF DATA OR LOST PROFITS, ARISING FROM YOUR
USE OF THE DOCUMENTATION.

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Legal Considerations
Proper Care and Handling
Overview
References
Terms and Definitions
System Overview
Hardware Specification
RF Receiver Specification
RF Transmitter Specification
Hardware Specification
Hardware Interfaces
Tx1
Rx1
Rx2
Tx2
User Status LED #1
User Status LED #2
External PPS Input
External Reference Clock Input
FPGA GPIO #1
External PCIe Access Connector
Primary Thermal Relief (RF Shield)
Sidekiq Accelerometer & Temperature Sensor
M.2 Edge Connector
Basic Usage in a Host System
Host System Compatibility
USB/PCIe Signal Availability in Host Platform
BIOS Compatibility
Operating System Compatibility
FPGA Reconfiguration/Reprogramming Options
RF Interfaces
System Interface Options
M.2 Slot
MiniPCIe Slot
PCIe Slot
Power Consumption

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Thermal Dissipation
Proper Detection of Sidekiq in a Host System
Internal/External Reference Clock Options
Maximum RF Power Input at RF Input Connector
Support for Host System Sleep/Hibernation
JTAG Access on Sidekiq
JTAG Board Usage Notes
Sidekiq M.2 Mechanical Outline
Sidekiq M.2 NUC Platform Development Kit (PDK)
Sidekiq M.2 NUC PDK Overview
Sidekiq M.2 NUC PDK Setup
Sidekiq M.2 NUC RF Ports
Sidekiq M.2 NUC GPIO Connector
Sidekiq M.2 NUC JTAG Connector
Accessing Sidekiq M.2 NUC JTAG Connector
Appendix A – Sidekiq M.2 Rev B Edge Connector Pinout
Appendix B – Sidekiq M.2 Statement of Volatility
Appendix C – Failure Rate & MTBF

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual Introduction
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 6
This document provides an overview of Epiq Solutions' Sidekiq M.2 SDR [1], an M.2 card with
integrated RF transceiver, FPGA, and PCIe/USB interfaces to a host. This card is similar in concept
to the original Sidekiq MiniPCIe card developed by Epiq Solutions, while complying with the new M.2
card specification. Sidekiq M.2 also provides enhanced capabilities to help customers perform more
advanced radio signal processing. The following topics will be discussed:
Overview of the Sidekiq M.2 hardware interfaces
Sidekiq M.2 usage/integration options
Sidekiq M.2 JTAG breakout board usage
All documentation and support for Sidekiq M.2 is provided through Epiq Solutions' support website
which can be found at: support.epiqsolutions.com
Please note that it is necessary to register prior to accessing the relevant information for your
purchase.
INTRODUCTION

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual Legal Considerations
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 7
The Sidekiq M.2 is distributed all over the world. Each country has its own laws governing reception
and transmission of radio frequencies. Each user of Sidekiq M.2 and associated software is solely
responsible for insuring that it is used in a manner consistent with the laws of the jurisdiction in
which it is used. Many countries, including the United States, prohibit the transmission and reception
of certain frequency bands, or receiving certain transmissions without proper authorization. Again,
the user is solely responsible for the user's own actions.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual Proper Care and Handling
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 8
Each Sidekiq M.2 unit is fully tested by Epiq Solutions before shipment, and is guaranteed functional
at the time it is received by the customer, and ONLY AT THAT TIME. Improper use of the Sidekiq
M.2 unit can cause it to become non-functional. In particular, a list of actions that may cause
damage to the hardware include the following:
Handling the unit without proper static precautions (ESD protection) when the housing is
removed or opened up
Inserting or removing Sidekiq M.2 from a host system when power is applied to the host system
Connecting a transmitter to the RX port without proper attenuation – A max input of -10 dBm is
recommended
Executing custom software and/or an FPGA bitstream that was not developed according to
guidelines
The above list is not comprehensive, and experience with the appropriate measures for handling
electronic devices is required.
PROPER CARE AND HANDLING

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual Overview
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 9
This guide provides an overview of the Sidekiq M.2 software defined radio hardware platform,
associated capabilities, and basic usage. This includes the following:
System level block diagram of the platform
Overview of the externally accessible hardware ports
Powering the system up and down
All documentation and support for Sidekiq M.2 is provided through Epiq Solutions' website:
Sidekiq M.2 Documentation
Please note that it is necessary to register prior to accessing the relevant information for your
purchase.
OVERVIEW

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual References
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 10
1. Sidekiq Product Page
epiqsolutions.com/rf-transceiver/sidekiq
2. Epiq Solutions Support Page
support.epiqsolutions.com
3. Berquist Thermal Gap Pad Material
https://www.bergquistcompany.com/thermal_materials/gap-pad.htm
4. PCI-SIG PCIe M.2 Specifications
https://pcisig.com/specifications/pciexpress/
REFERENCES

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual Terms and Definitions
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 11
Term Definition
A/D Analog to Digital converter
COTS Commercial Off The Shelf
D/A Digital to Analog converter
dB Decibel
dBm Decibels referenced to one milliwatt (mW)
ESD ElectroStatic Discharge
FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array
GHz gigaherz
GPIO General Purpose Input / Output (I/O)
GPS Global Positioning System
HSC Murata brand of micro-miniature RF coax connector, manufactured for use as the antenna interface on M.2
cards
IF Intermediate Frequency
I/Q In-Phase / Quadrature Phase
JTAG Joint Test Action Group
kHz kilohertz
LED Light Emitting Diode
MHF4 Micro miniature RF coax connector, manufactured for use as the antenna interface on M.2 cards
MHz megahertz
MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output
ms millisecond
PDK Platform Development Kit
PPS Pulse Per Second
PPM Parts Per Million
RF Radio Frequency
Rx Receive
SDK Software Development Kit
SDR Software Defined Radio
TCVCXO Temperature Compensated Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual Terms and Definitions
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 12
TDD Time-division duplex
Tx Transmit
UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter
USB Universal Serial Bus
W.FL Micro-Miniature RF coaxial connector manufactured by Hirose
Table 1: Terms and Definitions

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual System Overview
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 13
Sidekiq M.2 is a miniature software defined radio card in a 3042 M.2 card form factor, providing a
flexible wideband RF transceiver that can be used by a host system. The M.2 form factor is being
adopted as the standard add-on card form factor for commercial tablets and laptops, where physical
volume is aggressively being minimized. The features of the platform include the following:
Compliant with M.2 3042-D3-B card form factor (30mm x 42mm x 4mm), Module Key B/M,
Socket 2 (Note: Key M was added to the card starting with Rev C)
RF transceiver covering 70 MHz to 6 GHz, with independent Tx and Rx frequencies (Analog
Devices AD936x RFIC)
Supports RF channel bandwidths up to 50 MHz
Supports either 1x1 or 2x2 MIMO operation (depends on model; see product table below)
A/D and D/A quadrature sample rates from 200 Ksamples/sec up to 61.44 Msamples/sec, with
12-bit precision
User programmable FPGA for signal processing applications (Xilinx Artix XC7A50T-2CPG236I)
SPI flash for storage and automatic FPGA bitstream loading at boot-up (Micron
N25Q064A11EF640E or equivalent)
On-board 40 MHz TCVCXO with +/- 1PPM accuracy; support for optional external 40 MHz
reference clock input
8051-compatible microcontroller providing a USB 2.0 high speed interface to the host platform
(Cypress FX2-based CY7C68053)
PCIe Gen 2.0 (5 Gbps) x1 interface to the host platform
Support for external 1PPS input signal for sample time alignment across multiple Sidekiq units
Weight: 6 grams
Power: ~2 W (application dependent)
SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual System Overview
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 14
Figure 1: Sidekiq M.2 front side and back side
To accommodate different applications, there are multiple variants of Sidekiq available to customers.
These variants provide options for the number of Tx and Rx interfaces available, as well as how the
PCIe transport interface is accessed, since certain host platforms may not include the PCIe signals
at the edge connector. The following model table defines the different part numbers and their
associated options. In addition, the Basic Usage in a Host System section provides additional
detailed information on these options.
Epiq
Solutions
Part #
Description Typical Usage
ES014-
101
Supports 1Rx + 1Tx (1x1), with USB 2.0 and PCIe routed
to edge connector per M.2 standard. This corresponds to a
“-002” Sidekiq card as defined by the libsidekiq API.
Custom M.2 carriers where PCIe is
guaranteed to be available on the edge
connectors-Commercial platforms where
PCIe has been verified to be present on the
edge connector.
ES014-
102
Supports 1Rx + 1Tx (1x1), with USB 2.0 routed to the edge
connector per M.2 standard, and PCIe routed to low profile
board connector for external access. This corresponds to a
“-002” Sidekiq card as defined by the libsidekiq API.
Commercial platforms that include a 3042
M.2 slot with only USB 2.0 wired up, along
with a 2230 M.2 slot with PCIe wired up (i.e.,
typical of WiFi M.2 cards).

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual System Overview
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 15
ES014-
103
Supports 2Rx + 2Tx (2x2 MIMO), with USB 2.0 and PCIe
routed to edge connector per M.2 standard. This corresponds
to a “-001” Sidekiq card as defined by the libsidekiq API.
Custom M.2 carriers where PCIe is
guaranteed to be available on the edge
connectors-Commercial platforms where
PCIe has been verified to be present on the
edge connector.
ES014-
104
Supports 2Rx + 2Tx (2x2 MIMO), with USB 2.0 routed to the
edge connector per M.2 standard, and PCIe routed to low
profile board connector for external access. This corresponds
to a “-001” Sidekiq card as defined by the libsidekiq API.
Commercial platforms that include a 3042
M.2 slot with only USB 2.0 wired up, along
with a 2230 M.2 slot with PCIe wired up (i.e.,
typical of WiFi M.2 cards).
Table 2: Breakdown of different Sidekiq M.2 card variants
For the purposes of this document, the remaining documentation will be in reference to the 2x2
variant of Sidekiq M.2. A block diagram of Sidekiq M.2 is shown below.
Figure 2: Sidekiq M.2 block diagram

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual Hardware Specification
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 16
RF Input HSC miniature coaxial connector (50 ohms)
Architecture Zero-IF (direct conversion)
Tuning Range 70 MHz to 6 GHz
Tuning Step Size ~2.4 Hz
Tuning Time ~1 ms
Typical Noise Figure 4-6 dB below 3 GHz, 6-9 dB from 3 GHz to 6 GHz
Typical IIP3 -10 dBm
Gain Control Range 0 to 76 dB, 1 dB steps
A/D Converter Sample Rate 200 Ksamples/sec to 61.44 Msamples/sec
A/D Converter Sample Width 12 bits
Typical I/Q balance > 60 dB
On-board Reference Clock 40 MHz, +/- 1PPM accuracy (shared with Tx)
Table 3: RF Receiver Spec
RF Input HSC miniature coaxial connector (50 ohms)
Architecture Zero-IF (direct conversion)
Tuning Range 70 MHz to 6 GHz
Tuning Step Size ~2.4 Hz
Tuning Time ~1 ms
Gain Control Range 0 to 89.75 dB, 0.25 dB steps
RF Output Power +13 dBm < 2 GHz, +10 dBm above 2 GHz
D/A Converter Sample Rate 200 Ksamples/sec to 61.44 Msamples/sec
D/A Converter Sample Width 12 bits
Typical I/Q balance > 60 dB
HARDWARE SPECIFICATION
RF RECEIVER SPECIFICATION
RF TRANSMITTER SPECIFICATION

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual Hardware Specification
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 17
On-board Reference Clock 40 MHz, +/- 1PPM accuracy (shared with Rx)
Table 4: RF Transmitter Spec
M.2 slot type 3042-D3-B/M card form factor (30mm x 42mm x 4mm), Module Key B/M, Socket 2
FPGA Xilinx Artix 7 XC7A50T-2CPG236I with x1 PCIe interface to host
USB Cypress FX2 microcontroller (CY7C68053 ) with USB 2.0 high-speed interface to host
FPGA
Reprogramming Over USB and PCIe
Accelerometer 3-axis
Temperature
Sensor -55 deg C to +125 deg C (+/- 2 deg C resolution)
Component
Temperature Rating
-30 deg C* to + 85 deg C *Operation down to -40 deg C is supported, though the TCVCXO will
operate outside of the +/- 1PPM accuracy specification.
Table 5: HW Spec
HARDWARE SPECIFICATION

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual Hardware Interfaces
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 18
Sidekiq M.2 provides a variety of different hardware interfaces for use by an end user. Each of these
hardware interfaces is shown and defined below.
Figure 3: Annotated diagram of Sidekiq M.2 hardware I/O interfaces
The Tx1 interface is an HSC jack connector that provides an RF output path for the Tx1 antenna port
in Sidekiq M.2. HSC is the standard interface utilized for the antenna interface on M.2 cards. This Tx
port supports RF output frequencies between 70 MHz and 6 GHz. Note: HSC is similar to MHF4, but
provides better mating with typical laptop antennas. These are both similar to, but not compatible
with, W.FL. The libsidekiq software library TxA1 handle (sidekiq_tx_hdl_A1) is mapped to the Tx1
interface.
HARDWARE INTERFACES
TX1

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual Hardware Interfaces
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 19
The Rx1 interface is a HSC jack connector that provides an RF input path for the Rx1 antenna port
in Sidekiq M.2. HSC is the standard interface utilized for the antenna interface on M.2 cards. This Rx
port supports RF input frequencies between 70 MHz and 6 GHz. Note 1: HSC is similar to MHF4,
but provides better mating with typical laptop antennas. These are both similar to, but not compatible
with, W.FL. Note 2: For TDD applications, this port can provide access to both Tx1 and Rx1, where
the operating mode can be selected through software. The ability to switch between Tx and Rx on
this antenna port is controlled from the FPGA, and is accessible via the libsidekiq software library.
The libsidekiq software library RxA1 handle (sidekiq_rx_hdl_A1) is mapped to the Rx1 interface.
The Rx2 interface is a HSC jack connector that provides an RF input path for the Rx2 antenna port
in Sidekiq M.2. HSC is the standard interface utilized for the antenna interface on M.2 cards. This Rx
port supports RF input frequencies between 70 MHz and 6 GHz. Note 1: HSC is similar to MHF4,
but provides better mating with typical laptop antennas. These are both similar to, but not compatible
with, W.FL. Note 2: This antenna port is only utilized for Sidekiq M.2 variants that support 2x2 MIMO
operation. Note 3: For TDD applications, this port can provide access to both Tx2
(sidekiq_tx_hdl_A2) and Rx2 (sidekiq_rx_hdl_A2), where the operating mode can be selected
through software. The ability to switch between Tx and Rx on this antenna port is controlled from the
FPGA, and is accessible via the libsidekiq software library. The libsidekiq software library RxA2
handle (sidekiq_rx_hdl_A2) is mapped to the Rx2 interface.
The Tx2 interface is a HSC jack connector that provides an RF output path for the Tx1 antenna port
in Sidekiq M.2. HSC is the standard interface utilized for the antenna interface on M.2 cards. This Tx
port supports RF output frequencies between 70 MHz and 6 GHz. Note 1: HSC is similar to MHF4,
but provides better mating with typical laptop antennas. These are both similar to, but not compatible
with, W.FL. Note 2: This antenna port is only utilized for Sidekiq M.2 variants that support 2x2 MIMO
operation. The libsidekiq software library TxA2 handle (sidekiq_tx_hdl_A2) is mapped to the Tx2
interface.
RX1
RX2
TX2

Sidekiq™ M.2 | Hardware User Manual Hardware Interfaces
Epiq Solutions Proprietary Page 20
Handle RF Port [Fixed-Mode] RF Port [TRX-Mode]
skiq_rx_hdl_A1 skiq_rf_port_J2
skiq_rx_hdl_A2 skiq_rf_port_J3
skiq_tx_hdl_A1 skiq_rf_port_J1 skiq_rf_port_J2
skiq_tx_hdl_A2 skiq_rf_port_J4 skiq_rf_port_J3
Table 6: RF Port Mapping introduced in libsidekiq v4.6.0
The User LED #1 provides a visual status indicator that can be controlled through the libsidekiq
software API. By default, this LED is used to provide an indication that the FPGA has successfully
loaded and is running an FPGA bitstream.
The User LED #2 provides a visual status indicator that can be controlled through the libsidekiq API.
By default, this LED is used to provide an indication that a PCIe link has been successfully
negotiated between the host CPU and the FPGA on Sidekiq. When this LED is illuminated, a PCIe
link is being negotiated, and once the LED is no longer illuminated, a PCIe link has been
established. During FPGA reprogramming, PCIe link is lost and then re-established after the
bitstream has been successfully loaded.
USER STATUS LED #1
USER STATUS LED #2