HackRF One SDR 1 – 6000 MHz

The HackRF One is a test equipment module for RF related experiments and measurements which covers a frequency range from 1 to 6000 MHz. It is used for experiments and measurement setups with open source programs for SDRs, own software development for radio communications and measurements in amateur radio. The hardware was developed by Michael Ossmann (USA) as an open source device, backed by a strong Kickstarter funding project. It is now sold as a commercial product as well.

The system covers a wide frequency range from 1 to 6000 MHz, and covers many licensed and unlicensed as well as ham radio bands. The hardware offers a maximum sample rate of 20MS/s, which is sufficient to measure even wide band signals like WFM, DECT, Wifi and others. The ADC works with 8 bit data width and offers a dynamic range of 48dB. The digitised I/Q data is handled by a Xilinx CPLD and an integrated ARM Cortex processor. Due to the design and component ѕelection the device supports only half-dulplex operation.

The entire circuitry is designed for low power consumption, supply is done over USB only. The board has a Micro-B USB socket, a suitable cable is included. To synchronise several HackRF One boards, the system offers connectors for clock input and output. These signals can be used to use multiple boards in parallel, for example for measurements on MIMO systems or full duplex systems. Two push buttons and several diagnostic LEDs are provided for easy operation.

The PCB is professionally manufactured with 4 layers. All components are SMD parts. To support own hardware development and extensions, many signals are available on jumper sockets. These connectors offer GPIO pins as well as parameter in- and outputs from the CPLD. A JTAG connector can be used to program the ARM Cortex processor.

• Included in shipment is:
• HackRF One Board
• Case
• USB-Cable

Software for the HackRF One Board

Currently (Autumn 2014) the HackRF One board is working with ´SDR-Radio´, ´GNU Radio´ and ´SDR#´´ (SDR Sharp). Due to the open source and license fee free nature of the project, other software project can join at any time. Several authors already have announced their support for the HackRF One. Up to date information about software is found on the manufacturers Wiki site.

18. Aug. 2014: Now the software SDR-Radio by Simon Brown supports the HackRF Board (from version 2.x on).

18. Aug. 2014: Here is a first review of the HackRF One with SDR# by rtl-sdr.com.