Summary of Epiq Solutions Develops Wideband RF Transceiver SDR Module Running Linux On Zynq SoC
Epiq Solutions introduces the Sidekiq Z2, a compact (51 x 30 x 5mm) Software-defined radio module integrating Linux on a Xilinx Zynq-7000 SoC. Weighing only 8 grams and consuming under 2 Watts, it supports frequencies from 70MHz to 6GHz with a boot time under two seconds. Designed for handheld testing, remote sensing, security, and CubeSat links, it features an AD9634 transceiver, 512MB RAM, and multiple U.FL connectors. Evaluation kits and development platforms are available to support FPGA optimization and spectrum analysis applications.
Parts used in the Sidekiq Z2 Project:
- 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
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 is the primary function of the Sidekiq Z2?
The Sidekiq Z2 acts as a standalone computer running Linux while serving as a wideband RF transceiver. - How fast does the Sidekiq Z2 boot up?
Epiq claims the module can boot Linux in under two seconds. - What frequency range does the Sidekiq Z2 operate at?
The module operates at frequencies ranging from 70MHz to 6GHz. - Can the Sidekiq Z2 be used for CubeSat applications?
Yes, the module is suitable for CubeSat/UAS datalinks among other wireless security 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. - What is the power consumption of the Sidekiq Z2?
The typical system power consumption is under 2 Watts. - Does the Sidekiq Z2 require a separate computer to run Linux?
No, unlike previous Sidekiq cards, the Sidekiq Z2 can act as a standalone computer running Linux on its internal SoC. - What temperature range does the Sidekiq Z2 support?
The module supports temperatures from -40 to 85 degrees Celsius.
