ria-toolkit-oss/docs/source/sdr_guides/blade.rst
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Update SDR guides and fix Sphinx warnings for release
Fix Sphinx build errors:
- Add missing blank lines in rtlsdr.rst code-block directives
- Rename duplicate label in examples/sdr/index.rst
- Fix field list indentation in usrp.py and hackrf.py docstrings

Update SDR setup guides (all guides now cover both pip/venv and Radioconda):
- rtlsdr: switch to rtl-sdr-blog fork (required for rtlsdr_set_dithering
  symbol), add pyrtlsdr==0.3.0 and setuptools==69.5.1 version pinning,
  preserve Radioconda blacklist and udev symlink paths alongside new steps
- pluto: simplify primary path to apt install libiio, add Avahi network
  discovery note, preserve Radioconda udev symlink as alternative
- hackrf: note out-of-box support, preserve Radioconda udev symlink
- blade: note no extra Python packages needed, preserve Radioconda udev symlinks
- usrp: add build-from-source path for pip/venv users with cmake flags,
  Python binding copy step, and version mismatch warning; keep conda install
  as primary option; preserve Radioconda udev symlink
- thinkrf: add lib2to3 install step, Python <=3.12 restriction, and full
  Python 3 patching command to replace internal script reference

Update copyright year to 2026 in conf.py
2026-04-21 12:29:18 -04:00

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.. _blade:
BladeRF
=======
The BladeRF is a versatile software-defined radio (SDR) platform developed by Nuand. It is designed for a wide
range of applications, from wireless communication research to field deployments. BladeRF devices are known
for their high performance, flexibility, and extensive open-source support, making them suitable for both
hobbyists and professionals. The BladeRF is based on the Analog Devices AD9361 RF transceiver, which provides
wide frequency coverage and high bandwidth.
Supported Models
----------------
- **BladeRF 2.0 Micro xA4:** A compact model with a 49 kLE FPGA, ideal for portable applications.
- **BladeRF 2.0 Micro xA9:** A higher-end version of the Micro with a 115 kLE FPGA, offering more processing power in a small form factor.
Key Features
------------
- **Frequency Range:** Typically from 47 MHz to 6 GHz, covering a wide range of wireless communication bands.
- **Bandwidth:** Up to 56 MHz, allowing for wideband signal processing.
- **FPGA:** Integrated FPGA (varies by model) for real-time processing and custom logic development.
- **Connectivity:** USB 3.0 interface for high-speed data transfer, with options for GPIO, SPI, and other I/O.
Hackability
-----------
- **Expansion:** The BladeRF features GPIO, expansion headers, and add-on boards, allowing users to extend the
functionality of the device for specific applications, such as additional RF front ends.
- **Frequency and Bandwidth Modification:** Advanced users can modify the BladeRF's settings and firmware to
explore different frequency bands and optimize the bandwidth for their specific use cases.
Limitations
-----------
- The complexity of FPGA development may present a steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with hardware
description languages (HDL).
- Bandwidth is capped at 56 MHz, which might not be sufficient for ultra-wideband applications.
- USB 3.0 connectivity is required for optimal performance; using USB 2.0 will significantly limit data
transfer rates.
Set up instructions (Linux)
---------------------------
No additional Python packages are required for BladeRF beyond the base RIA Toolkit OSS installation.
1. Install the system library:
.. code-block:: bash
sudo apt install libbladerf-dev
For a more complete installation including CLI tools and FPGA images, use the Nuand PPA:
.. code-block:: bash
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:nuandllc/bladerf
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install bladerf libbladerf-dev
sudo apt-get install bladerf-fpga-hostedxa4 # Necessary for BladeRF 2.0 Micro xA4
2. Install udev rules:
For most users:
.. code-block:: bash
sudo udevadm control --reload
sudo udevadm trigger
For **Radioconda** users, create symlinks from your conda environment instead:
.. code-block:: bash
sudo ln -s $CONDA_PREFIX/lib/udev/rules.d/88-nuand-bladerf1.rules /etc/udev/rules.d/88-radioconda-nuand-bladerf1.rules
sudo ln -s $CONDA_PREFIX/lib/udev/rules.d/88-nuand-bladerf2.rules /etc/udev/rules.d/88-radioconda-nuand-bladerf2.rules
sudo ln -s $CONDA_PREFIX/lib/udev/rules.d/88-nuand-bootloader.rules /etc/udev/rules.d/88-radioconda-nuand-bootloader.rules
sudo udevadm control --reload
sudo udevadm trigger
Further Information
-------------------
- `Official BladeRF Website <https://www.nuand.com/>`_
- `BladeRF GitHub Repository <https://github.com/Nuand/bladeRF>`_
- `BladeRF Setup with Radioconda <https://github.com/radioconda/radioconda-installer?tab=readme-ov-file#bladerf>`_