USRP Software Radio

[AAL]

Dear Sir/Madam

What is the difference between NI and native Ettus modules? Can Ettus modules be supported via LabVIEW, like NI's board USRP-2921?

Thank you

Regards

Albert

[Sarah_Y]

Hi Albert,

The NI modules and the native Ettus modules are very similar.  The main difference between them from a user perspective is the FPGA image and the firmware.  Currently, the NI-USRP driver for LabVIEW provides support for 3 Ettus motherboards.  It will work with the N200, N210, and the USRP2.  There are currently 7 daughterboards that are supported as well.  You can find a list of them in the driver readme.  If you have and Ettus USRP and would like to use it with LabVIEW, you will need to update the FPGA image and the firmware.  You can find more information about how to do this on page 16 of the Getting Started Guide.  The process is a little different between the N2xx and the USRP2, but both are described in the Getting Started Guide.

Let me know if that doesn't answer your question, I'd be happy to help.

[AAL]

Thank you, Sarah. My understanding of your reply is that there is no hardware differences and that the software is fully upgradable and one can choose between Ettus' original firmware and NI's.

Best regards

Albert

[ErikL · Accepted solution]

Hello Albert -

It is true that NI USRP hardware is based on Ettus Research products. NI USRP hardware has gone through additional engineering review and in some cases PCB revision.  They have been fully assembled, tested and CE certified.  The hardware is strictly version controlled and supported by NI's application engineering technical support team and product warranty program. NI does not guarantee compatibility between NI USRP motherboards and Ettus Research USRP daughter board modules. While the NI-USRP driver is compatible with Ettus Research USRP hardware little testing has been done and we can not guarantee a seamless user experience.  If you plan to use LabVIEW we strongly recommend NI USRP to ensure your success.