RigExpert© FOBOS SDR Receiver

Overview

The RigExpert© FOBOS SDR Receiver is a versatile and high-performance Software Defined Radio designed for a broad range of applications including SIGINT/COMINT, spectrum surveys, wideband waveform digitizing, HAM radio (HF + VHF/UHF), test and measurement, wireless communication, cellular, IoT, media streaming, radio astronomy, and high-performance telemetry.

Key Features

• Wideband Reception: Covers frequency ranges from 100 kHz to 25 MHz (direct sampling) and 25 MHz to 6 GHz (double conversion heterodyne).
• Advanced Technology: Utilises a double frequency conversion heterodyne and two HF direct sampling channels for optimal signal processing.
• High-Resolution ADC: Equipped with a 14-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) ensuring precise signal conversion.
• USB 3.0 Interface: Facilitates a fully continuous IQ data stream with a robust USB 3.0 Type-B socket.
• Clock Options: Features both internal and external clock sources with clock-in and clock-out options.
• Low Power Consumption: Operates efficiently without the need for auxiliary external power supply or cooling facilities.
• Compact Design: Lightweight and compact PCB design with EMI shielding for the RF part, ensuring minimal interference and high performance.

Specifications

• Operation Modes: Double conversion heterodyne, two-channel direct sampling
• Frequency Range: 100 kHz – 25 MHz (direct sampling), 25 MHz – 6 GHz (double conversion heterodyne)
• IQ Sample Rate (Bandwidth): 4 - 50 MHz
• ADC Resolution: 14 bits
• Frequency Stability: ±0.5 ppm
• Blocking Dynamic Range: 82 dB UHF/VHF, 86 dB in HF
• Selectivity: -110 dBm combined selectivity
• IQ Image Rejection: 52 dB (software)
• Maximum RF Input: +10 dBm
• Power Source: USB Plug, 3.8 - 5.5 V nominal
• Current Consumption: 450 mA (idle), 670 mA (direct sampling mode), 850 mA (full band operating mode)
• Clock Source: Internal or external, selectable within API
• Operating Temperature: 0 to +60°C
• Dimensions: PCB - 110 mm x 60 mm, Outline - 130 mm x 60 mm x 16 mm
• Weight: 48 g

Connectivity

• USB 3.0 Type-B Plug: For power, control, and data streaming
• RF Inputs: 1x primary Rx path (25 MHz – 6 GHz, SMA female), 2x auxiliary Rx path (100 kHz – 25 MHz, SMA female)
• Clock Inputs/Outputs: 1x Clock input (SMA female), 1x Clock output (SMA female)

Software and Compatibility

• Drivers and API: Lightweight, open-source multi-platform API library for Windows and Linux. Compatible with libusb/WinUSB driver for Windows and native libusb support for Linux.
• Software Examples: Includes application examples for setup and tuning, IQ data acquisition, TCP streaming, and recording.
• Plugin Interfaces: Compatible with SDRSharp via C# plugin and HDSDR via C/C++ plugin.
• Supported Software: Native support by μSDR software v.1.7 and later.

For the latest software releases, drivers, API library, and demos, visit the RigExpert website.