Richardson RFPD RADIOCARBON-13 User manual

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Origination Date:1/2023
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Date: 1/2023
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RADIOCARBON-13 4.4-5.0 GHz, 2W Linear
SDR Design Accelerator
Quick Start Guide

RFPD-RC-4450-50 Design Accelerator –User Guide
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1Contents
2 Introduction - About This Document...........................................................................................................4
3 Additional Heatsink .....................................................................................................................................5
4 RADIOCARBON-13™Overview ....................................................................................................................8
4.1 RFPD-RC-4450-50 Initial Configuration –BytePipe Attached......................................................................8
4.2 RF Bench Setup –Transmit...........................................................................................................................9
4.3 Hardware Setup –Transmit.......................................................................................................................10
4.3.1 DC Power Supply Connection........................................................................................................................10
4.3.2 Digital/Control - USB/TTL Cable Connection.................................................................................................11
4.3.3 RF Port Connections......................................................................................................................................12
4.4 Software Setup –Transmit........................................................................................................................12
4.4.1 Launch RFPD-RC-4450-50 Software App.......................................................................................................12
4.4.2 Sequencing RFPD-RC-4450-50 PA .................................................................................................................14
4.4.3 Turn RF signal ON..........................................................................................................................................15
4.5 RF Detector Calibration and Measurements.............................................................................................16
4.6 Observation RX..........................................................................................................................................20
4.7 Transmitter Turn OFF Sequence................................................................................................................20
5 Hardware Setup –Receiver Operation......................................................................................................21
5.1 Software Setup –Receiver Operation .......................................................................................................22
5.2 RX Frontend configuration ........................................................................................................................22
5.3 RX Tunable Bandpass filter........................................................................................................................24
5.4 Turn ON Receiver.......................................................................................................................................25
5.5 Turn Receiver OFF......................................................................................................................................25
6 Reference Information ..............................................................................................................................25

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List of Figures
Figure 1: High-level RFPD-RC-4450-50 system block diagram................................................................................ 5
Figure 2: Additional heatsink with thermal tape and screws for additional heat dissipation ............................... 6
Figure 3: Heatsink Alignment.................................................................................................................................. 6
Figure 4: Tighten Screws......................................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 5: Final Assembly ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 6: RFPD-RC-4450-50 with BytePipe ............................................................................................................. 8
Figure 7: RFPD-RC-4450-50 RF Front end with Input/Output interfaces ............................................................... 9
Figure 8: Suggested configuration for RFPD-RC-4450-50 transmit evaluation. ..................................................... 9
Figure 9: DC Voltage VIN connection.................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 10: ISB to TTL/UART cable.......................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 11: Serial cable connection to J15 ............................................................................................................. 11
Figure 12: Software icon ....................................................................................................................................... 12
Figure 13: Main Screen ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 14: COM port highlighted. ......................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 15: Auto refresh box checked.................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 16: PA = OFF →Control box is Green ........................................................................................................ 14
Figure 17: PA = ON →PA Control box is Red........................................................................................................ 15
Figure 18: Main Screen –Detector calibration..................................................................................................... 16
Figure 19: Default calibration ............................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 20: Power detector calibration.................................................................................................................. 18
Figure 21: Calibration of all 3 frequency points saved and stored....................................................................... 18
Figure 22: Forward RF detector frequency selection and power level readout .................................................. 19
Figure 23: PA Power-Down................................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 24: Receiver test bench setup ................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 25: RFPD-RC-4450-50 RF Front End: Receive Section –Standalone Mode............................................... 22
Figure 26: Main Window –Click Frontend Tab..................................................................................................... 23
Figure 27: GUI configuration for receiver front end............................................................................................. 23
Figure 28: Main Window –Rx filter ...................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 29: Filter tuning screen.............................................................................................................................. 24
List of Tables
Table 1: GUI Initial Settings..................................................................................................................................... 8

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2Introduction - About This Document
This document serves as a Quick Start Guide to assist users in powering up and performing bench level
testing/evaluation of the RADIOCARBON-13 which is a RFPD-RC-4450-50 RF Frontend (Figure 1) integrated with
the BytePipe™RF SoM (0.03-6 GHz Transceiver IC + FPGA). For the full User Guide, please refer to the USB
drive included in the RADIOCARBON-13 kit. This serves as a “Design Accelerator” platform targeting RF
Transceiver applications in the 4.4 –5.0 GHz frequency band. The document mostly covers the RFPD-RC-4450-
50 portion of the system as it is currently controlled separately and the documentation for the BytePipe™can
be found on the NextGen RF GitHub site. Please visit the NextGen RF GitHub here to update the BytePipe with
the latest software images. The design was intended for lab use only and the user may need to attach the
included heatsink if they plan on using it for non-pulsed high average power applications over an extended
time.

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Figure 1: High-level RFPD-RC-4450-50 system block diagram
3Additional Heatsink
When using the RADIOCARBON-13 for applications where the PA is likely to exceed its maximum temperature
(for example CW signals with an average input power higher than 3dBm), an additional heatsink (with thermal
tape applied) and 4 screws (shown in Figure 2) has been included in the kit.

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Figure 2: Additional heatsink with thermal tape and screws for additional heat dissipation
The additional heatsink was designed to attach directly to the RFPD-RC-4450-50. To attach, remove the blue
tape from the thermal tape, insert the 4 screws into the holes in the heatsink, and stand on end. Align PCB
assembly on end and slide close enough to heatsink to start threading screws into PCB assembly standoffs as
shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Heatsink Alignment

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Tighten screws equally and PCB assembly will pull towards heatsink, as shown in Figure 4. Once screws are
tightened, press PCB assembly firmly down onto heatsink for proper adhesion of thermal tape.
Figure 4: Tighten Screws
The final assembly should look like Figure 5.
Figure 5: Final Assembly

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4RADIOCARBON-13™Overview
The BytePipe™is a credit card sized 0.03-6 GHz Software Defined Radio (SDR) System on Module (SoM) that
uses the Analog Devices ADRV900x integrated transceiver IC and an FPGA. It is mounted on the RFPD-RC-4450-
50 Frontend board (4.4 –5.0 GHz 4W linear RFFE) and a heatsink with fan is placed on it as shown in Figure 6.
4.1 RFPD-RC-4450-50 Initial Configuration –BytePipe Attached
The RFPD-RC-4450-50 GUI controls the TX PA / driver biasing, power detector calibration, LNA bypass, receive
filter center frequency and receive protection/power detection. When the board is brought up, it has the initial
setting listed in Table 1.
Parameter/Component
Default Setting
RX/Power Detector Switch
Power Detector
LNA Bypass Switch
LNA
Tunable Filter Center Frequency
3.25 GHz
GaN PA IDS
150 mA
GaN Driver IDS
60 mA
Power Detector Calibration Level
0.0 dBm
•The Bandwidth for the tunable filter is currently change by presenting a voltage on connector J11 so initial setting is 0V unless it is supplied a voltage.
Table 1: GUI Initial Settings
Figure 6: RADIOCARBON-13 with BytePipe

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Figure 7: RADIOCARBON-13 with Input/Output interfaces
4.2 RF Bench Setup –Transmit
The recommended Hardware Bench setup required to properly test RADIOCARBON-13 in transmit mode is
shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8: Suggested configuration for RADIOCARBON-13 transmit evaluation.

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Figure 9: DC Voltage VIN connection
For optimum RF performance it is recommended that high quality, low loss 50 Ohm cables, adaptors and
connections are used. All RF interfaces on the RADIOCARBON-13 are 50 Ohms. The RF output attenuator needs
to have at least 30dB attenuation and be able to handle 50W CW power.
4.3 Hardware Setup –Transmit
This section outlines the sequence of steps required for proper hardware connections on the RFPD-RC-4450-50
for transmit operation.
4.3.1 DC Power Supply Connection
DC Power to the module is provided via an external DC Power Supply and is applied at the DC Voltage (VIN) port
J2 (Figure 7). This power supply input feeds a series of on-board switching regulators that generate the
additional voltages required for the individual circuits used (including MCU and PA Bias Controller ICs) onboard
the RFPD-RC-4450-50 as well as the BytePipe SoM. Connect the “DC Power Jumpers provided in the KIT at the
2-PIN Input Voltage Terminal block (J2) as shown in Figure 9.
The nominal Input DC voltage to the RFPD-RC-4450-50 is 45V, but input voltages ranging between 42V and
47V DC can be used.
* IMPORTANT: Make sure the VIN power supply meets the Minimum/Maximum Voltage and Minimum Current
capacity requirements listed below:

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Figure 10: ISB to TTL/UART cable
Figure 11: Serial cable connection to J15
MIN/MAX DC Power Supply requirements:
DC Input Voltage (VIN) Range: 42V (MIN) to 47V (MAX)
Recommended (nominal) VIN: 45V DC
Set up current limit on your bench power supply to 3.5A
* IMPORTANT: Keep DC Power Supply Turned OFF at this point
4.3.2 Digital/Control - USB/TTL Cable Connection
Software control is provided via a RFPD-RC-4450-50 software APP running on a PC so a serial USB to UART/TTL
cable needs to be connected between the PC and the module, as illustrated in Figure 11. Note, this is only for
the RFPD-RC-4450-50 control, as the BytePipe™has its own control. Information on the configuration and
control of the BytePipe™can be found on BytePipe™GitHub.
oConnect the USB to TTL/UART Serial Cable provided (Figure 10) between USB port on the PC to the 6-pin
header (J15) on the RFPD-RC-4450-50 as shown in Figure 11.

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Figure 12: Software icon
4.3.3 RF Port Connections
oMake all 50 Ohm RF Output connections between the RADIOCARBON-13 at ANT Port (J13) and the test
equipment shown in Figure 8. Note: Make sure to insert a 30 dB (or higher) Attenuator Pad capable of
handling 50W CW, from the ANT port to the test equipment.
* IMPORTANT: Keep the RF input source (signal generator) turned OFF at this point.
4.4 Software Setup –Transmit
Currently both the BytePipe™and the RFPD-RC-4450-50 have their own Control/GUI’s and are controlled by
their own processor/FPGA. The RFPD-RC-4450-50, with or without the BytePipe™,will operate with default
settings out of the box, without being connected to a PC. The GUI will only serve the purpose of monitoring
and making changes to the default settings.
NOTE: This RFPD-RC-4450-50 software App is designed to run on Windows based PC’s running a 64-Bit OS
4.4.1 Launch RFPD-RC-4450-50 Software App
oCopy the RFPD-RC-4450-50 Software App ZIP file from the USB thumb drive (provided with the RFPD-RC-
4450-5- KIT) to a folder and extract files.
oTurn ON the 45V power supply input to the module at VIN (J2).
oOpen the App for the RFPD-RC-4450-50 Frontend by clicking on the icon (Figure 12) in the RFPD-RC-4450-
50 folder created.
Once the App is launched, the Main Window (Figure 13) appears.

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Figure 13: Main Screen
oVerify that the appropriate COM port (Figure 14) shows up and that the Attached Box is Checked as
highlighted in Figure 14.
Note: If COM port is not visible, check the serial USB/TTL cable, USB driver, and hardware connection on RFPD-
RC-4450-50 at the 6-pin header J15 (as shown in Figure 11).
Check the “Auto refresh” box (Figure 15) on the GUI. This provides for real-time updates to the GUI every
second.
Figure 14: COM port highlighted.
Figure 15: Auto refresh box checked.

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4.4.2 Sequencing RFPD-RC-4450-50 PA
The sequencing and biasing of the GaN driver and final stage devices is done via the RFPD-RC-4450-50 software
GUI. When the 45V VIN is applied to the RFPD-RC-4450-50, the Vgs (gate voltages) to the driver and final stage
devices will be set to any previously stored values. If no values were stored, the default voltage is set so the PA’s
IDS is 150 mA and the drivers IDS is 60 mA. However, in either case the 40V Drain voltage will not be applied
until the PA is turned on.
To turn on the PA, click the Green PA Control Box (Figure 16). This will result in the PA Control Box turning Red
as shown in Figure 17. Also, the “PA ON” Box should be checked as indicated in Figure 17.
Figure 16: PA = OFF →Control box is Green

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Figure 17: PA = ON →PA Control box is Red
With the PA now ON, 40V is applied to the drains of the driver stage device as well as the two final stage
devices.
4.4.3 Turn RF signal ON
Turn ON the RF input signal coming from the BytePipe™. It’s recommended to start with a lower input power
level (PIN) than required and ramp PIN up until the final desired RF output power level (Pout) is reached as
measured at SMA port J13.
Note: The typical Gain of the RFPD-RC-4450-50 TX chain is 42 dB, so for an AVG Pout of 2W, an RF input
signal level of only -9dBm from the BytePipe is needed.

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4.5 RF Detector Calibration and Measurements
Monitoring of forward RF Power is also possible on the RFPD-RC-4450-50 as it includes an onboard 30 dB
directional coupler and a dual RF Detector IC. Calibration of the onboard RF detectors is required. Reverse /
reflected power monitoring is included in the hardware and will be included in future GUI revisions.
oTo calibrate the forward power detection, select the “Detector Calibration” tab from the Main Window
as shown in Figure 18.
Figure 18: Main Screen –Detector calibration
oThe “Uncalibrated” Detector window pictured in Figure 19 opens.

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Figure 19: Default calibration
Note - The default calibration power level is 0.0 dBm for all 3 frequencies. The recommended RF output power
level (at J13) for calibrating the RF Detector is the maximum average power you will be transmitting. We will
be using 27.0 dBm as an example.
Note - The user must calibrate each of the 3 Frequencies (4.4GHz, 4.7GHz and 5.0 GHz) separately.
oFrom the Detector Calibration window shown in Figure 20, enter 27.0 dBm for each of the 3 frequencies.
oWith RF ON, set the RF input signal of the RFPD-RC-4450-50 to one of the 3 frequencies (4.7 GHz used
in this example) and increase the input Power (PIN) from the BytePipe until RFout = 27.0 dBm as
measured at SMA port J13, then click the Red SAVE button shown in Figure 20 and labeled Step 2. The
save box will turn Green.
oRepeat the Calibration steps above for both 4.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz.

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oOnce all 3 frequencies are calibrated, and saved (SAVE buttons are Green), store the settings by clicking
the “Store Values” button as indicated in the in Figure 21. This will store the values for the next time
you turn on the system.
Step 2. With RF_IN at 4.7GHz,
Ramp PIN until
RF_Out = 27.0 dBm,
Hit SAVE, button turns Green
Hit “Store Values”once all 3
frequency calibration points
are Saved and are Green.
Step 1. Set Calibration
power level to 27.0 dBm
Figure 20: Power detector calibration
Figure 21: Calibration of all 3 frequency points saved and stored

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oGo Back to the Main Window and select the Frequency Pull Down (for example 4.7GHz) as shown in
Figure 22.
The resulting power level (in dBm) that appears in the Forward Detector field corresponds to the power level
measured at the RF output port (J13).
Figure 22: Forward RF detector frequency selection and power level readout

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4.6 Observation RX
The onboard Directional Coupler (CP3) provides a 30dB coupled signal from the output of the PA. This signal
goes through a 3 dB splitter, is further attenuated using a 10 dB resistive pad and connected to the BytePipe™
port RX2A through the RFPD-RC-4450-50 SMPM connector J22.
This RF coupled signal can serve as the Observation RX signal, that’s required for closed loop operation of the
BytePipe’s DPD engine. The RadioCarbon SDR kit can achieve better than -50dBc ACPR with a 4W output, using
a LTE signal with a 9dB peak to average ratio and the BytePipe™DPD. For additional information on the
BytePipe™DPD, NextGen RF Design has an Application Note on their GitHub site.
4.7 Transmitter Turn OFF Sequence
The following steps outline how to properly Turn OFF the RFPD-RC-4450-50 Transmitter and GUI:
oTURN OFF the RF input from the BytePipe™.
oTurn Off the PA by clicking the Red “PA Control” box on the Main GUI screen (Figure 23). This action
performs the power-down sequencing of the Gate/Drain voltages.
Figure 23: PA Power-Down
Once the PA is OFF, the PA Control Box is Green
oTo save the VGS Bias voltage , Hit the “Store Settings”button
oExit the GUI by clicking the “close wondow” X
oTurn OFF the 45V DC Power supply input.