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  • Author Author: srutledge
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Sign Up to Review the ADI Software-Defined Radio Learning Module ADALM-Pluto

srutledge

Table of contents

RoadTest Goals

Working with the documentation, open up the box and test the out of the box experience with the product. Show us what you discovered through text, images, videos, and/or any other media, so the reads understands what is involved with using the product.

Description

ADALM-PLUTO is a software-defined radio active learning module. The easy to use ADALM-PLUTO active learning module (PlutoSDR) helps introduce electrical engineering students to the fundamentals of software-defined radio (SDR), radio frequency (RF) and wireless communications. Designed for students at all levels and from all backgrounds, the module can be used for both instructor-led and self-directed learning to help students develop a foundation in real-world RF and communications that they can build on as they pursue science, technology or engineering degrees.


• Portable self-contained RF learning module
• Based on Analog Devices AD9363--Highly Integrated RF Agile Transceiver and Xilinx® Zynq Z-7010 FPGA
• RF coverage from 325MHz to 3.8GHz, up to 20MHz of instantaneous bandwidth
• Flexible rate, 12bit ADC and DAC, GNU Radio sink and source blocks
• MATLAB®, Simulink® support, libiio, a C, C++, C# and Python API
• One transmitter and one receiver, half or full duplex
• USB 2.0 powered Interface with Micro-USB 2.0 connector

Additional Information

• Datasheet
• Product Overview
• Downloads
• Videos

Contents

• PlutoSDR active learning module
• Two antennas (824MHz to 894MHz/1710MHz to 2170MHz)
• One 15cm SMA cable
• One USB cable

Important Dates

Begin enrollment:  Apr 17 2023
End enrollment: May 17 2023
Select roadtesters:  May 18 2023
Ship unit:  June 2 2023
Begin Roadtesting:  June 8 2023
Element14 follow up: July 8 2023
Post Reviews by:  August 8 2023

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Comment List
Anonymous

  • Hi  ,

    Are the roadtesters selected for this review? 

  • in reply to spiralphenomena

    +1 on the gnuradio. I think it's the path of least resistance if you really want to tinker around with SDRs. The GUI based environment makes it very easy to use compared to writing matlab scripts Slight smile

    Speaking of gnuradio, I took a course some time ago on SDR which mostly used gruradio and which I really enjoyed (I am not from RF/commucation background). Leaving a link down here in case it helps anyone else:

    https://www.udemy.com/course/software-defined-radio-with-gnu-radio-companion-real-time-rf-systems/

    Enjoy!

  • in reply to kmikemoo

    If you’re used to simulink you could try out gnuradio, similar to simulink for programming. Drag and drop boxes and there’s a fair few YouTube videos on how to create some basic transmitter/receiver circuits. I’ve used it with my hackrf (until the front end developed a fault from being too close to a high power RF source).

  • in reply to kmikemoo

    I'm with you on Matlab, I had road tested a learning kit about 5 years ago that provided a 1 year free subscription. I loved the simulink interface for programming, but couldn't justify the $120 renewal fee. 

    For this device, my first impression is it's in the vein of teaching wireless networking & security. The local software and IT user groups here have hacking contests using sdrs, to demonstrate techniques used to hack and then thwart outside wifi attacks. Alot of their discussions are over my head, but some basic stuff does sink in. 

    Learning more of the wifi/iot details would be my road test interest. I was looking for the specific learning modules that would accompany the device. 

    After reading the road test description multiple times, I wonder if I am misunderstanding the feature "learning module". To me, it implies the lessons are embedded in the device, but Id like to see that lesson list. "Learning module" could mean something else totally different. 

  • in reply to robogary

      I am also still looking for the "self-contained learning module".  There is a plan laid out for instructors wishing to use Analog Devices' Software Derfined Radios for Engineers but it is written for MATLAB and I'm not excited about shelling out almost $200 USD for the program just to get started - and having to learn an additional software system while attempting to learn SDR.

    There seems to be a huge chasm when it comes to online resources for SDR.  They are either strictly user based or they are the aforementioned SDR for Engineers pdf - which (as I read) assumes that the reader understands the concepts and would like to see the concept displayed in real life.  I have yet to find the true introductory learning module that would bridge the gap between appliance operator and RF Engineer.

    I am many hours into online research and 3 eBooks into an attempt to find that "students at all levels and from all backgrounds" and "self-directed learning" resource that would make this device the active learning module it promotes.

    I really don't want to be this salty about the device.  I want to love it.  But I also shouldn't have to be a graduating RF Engineer to be able to use it.
    I hope I'm completely wrong and that someone can recommend a resource that bridges that gap.

  • Altho the SDRs I've fooled with have a much broader frequency range for monitoring down in the AM & FM commercial bands down to 1MHz, I'd think this one is focused more on digital applications for  students of all ages. 

    The road test says • Portable self-contained RF learning module, but looking thru the documentation and videos, it didnt seem there was a lesson plan or syllabus like I would expect from a learning module.  Please advise 

  • Super excited about this.  It is definitely on the wish list.