LimeSDR: Flexible, Next-Generation, Open Source Software Defined Radio
LimeSDR

  
  

  
    
  
    
  

  

  
  

  







































    
  
      
  
    
    Lime Microsystems
    
        
      Software Defined Radio
        
        
      Altera
  

      
  
  
    Flexible, next-generation, open source software-defined radio


      
        
          
      
  
  
    
  


    
    
  
    
  



        
        

      
  
    
      $3,398,407 raised
    
    
      of $500,000 goal
    
    
    679% Funded!

      Order Below
    
    
  

      
  
    
      Limited items in stock. Order below.
    
  
  
      $315 - $799


    
  
    View Purchasing Options

  


  
      
    



  
  

      
    Recent Updates
    
        
          
    Jun 01, 2022

          End of Life Announcement
        
        
          
    Mar 08, 2022

          Announcing LimeSDR Mini 2.0
        
        
          
    Nov 12, 2021

          Supply Chain Crunch & New RF Filter Bank Demo
        
        
          
    Apr 15, 2021

          Limited Stock of LimeSDR USB micro Type-B
        
    
      


        

    




    
  
      











    
  
        
    
  


        
      

EE, the UK’s largest operator and with the most innovative 4G deployment, has backed the campaign at the 100-pack pledge level! They will distribute the 100 LimeSDRs to educational institutions across the UK. Read the full update here.












    
  
    
  


  

A Software Defined Radio for EveryoneLimeSDR is a low cost, open source, apps-enabled (more on that later) software defined radio (SDR) platform that can be used to support just about any type of wireless communication standard. LimeSDR can send and receive UMTS, LTE, GSM, LoRa, Bluetooth, Zigbee, RFID, and Digital Broadcasting, to name but a few.
While most SDRs have remained in the domain of RF and protocol experts, LimeSDR is usable by anyone familiar with the idea of an app store - it’s the first SDR to integrate with Snappy Ubuntu Core. This means you can easily download new LimeSDR apps from developers around the world. If you’re a developer yourself, you can share and/or sell your LimeSDR apps through Snappy Ubuntu Core as well.
The LimeSDR platform gives students, inventors, and developers an intelligent and flexible device for manipulating wireless signals, so they can learn, experiment, and develop with freedom from limited functionality and expensive proprietary devices.












    
  
      
    
  
    
  Top (left) and bottom (right) of the LimeSDR PCBA
  

From Radio Astronomy to Personal TelcosHere are just some of the applications that are possible with the LimeSDR:

Radio astronomy
RADAR
2G to 4G cellular basestation
Media streaming
IoT gateway
HAM radio
Wireless keyboard and mice emulation and detection
Tire pressure monitoring systems
Aviation transponders
Utility meters
Drone command and control
Test and measurement
Many more...

With state-of-the-art technical specs, fully open hardware and toolchain, and integration with Snappy Ubuntu Core’s app distribution platform, LimeSDR is limited only by our collective imagination.












    
  
      
    
  
    
  LimeSDR with four antennas attached
  

Features & Specifications
RF Transceiver: Lime Microsystems LMS7002M MIMO FPRF (Datasheet)
FPGA: Altera Cyclone IV EP4CE40F23 - also compatible with EP4CE30F23
Memory: 256 MBytes DDR2 SDRAM
USB 3.0 controller: Cypress USB 3.0 CYUSB3014-BZXC
Oscillator: Rakon RPT7050A @30.72MHz (Datasheet)
Continuous frequency range: 100 kHz – 3.8 GHz
Bandwidth: 61.44 MHz
RF connection: 10 U.FL connectors (6 RX, 4 TX)
Power Output (CW): up to 10 dBm
Multiplexing: 2x2 MIMO
Power: micro USB connector or optional external power supply
Status indicators: programmable LEDs
Dimensions: 100 mm x 60 mm

Antenna accessory pack pledge
Four antennas with SMA connectors included
Four U.FL to SMA cables included - 8" (~203mm) cable, not measuring connectors
Antennas are omni-directional, and bend to -90, -45, 0, 45, and 90 degrees
Antennas tuned to the major bands: 800-960MHz / 1710-2170MHz / 2400-2700MHz

Block Diagram











    
  
    
  


  

Comparisons



HackRF OneEttus B200Ettus B210BladeRF x40RTL-SDRLimeSDR 



Frequency Range1MHz-6GHz70MHz-6GHz70MHz-6GHz300MHz-3.8GHz22MHz-2.2GHz100kHz-3.8GHz 

RF Bandwidth20MHz61.44MHz 61.44MHz 40MHz3.2MHz 61.44MHz 

Sample Depth8 bits12 bits 12 bits 12 bits 8 bits12 bits 

Sample Rate20MSPS61.44MSPS 61.44MSPS 40MSPS3.2MSPS 61.44MSPS (Limited by USB 3.0 data rate) 

Transmitter Channels112 10 2 

Receivers112 112 

DuplexHalf Full Full Full N/A Full 

InterfaceUSB 2.0USB 3.0 USB 3.0 USB 3.0 USB 2.0USB 3.0 

Programmable Logic Gates64 macrocell CPLD75k100k40k (115k avail)N/A40k 

ChipsetMAX5864, MAX2837, RFFC5072AD9364AD9361LMS6002MRTL2832ULMS7002M 

Open SourceFull Schematic, FirmwareSchematic, FirmwareSchematic, FirmwareNo Full 

Oscillator Precision+/-20ppm +/-2ppm+/-2ppm+/-1ppm?+/-1ppm initial, +/-4ppm stable 

Transmit Power-10dBm+ (15dBm @ 2.4GHz)10dBm+10dBm+6dBmN/A 0 to 10dBm (depending on frequency) 

Price$299$686$1,119 $420 ($650)~$10 $299 ($289 pre-order) 















    
  
      
    
  
    
  LimeSDR housed in an aluminum case
  













    
  
      
    
  
    
  LimeSDR housed in an acrylic case
  

Free and Open SourceOver the last three years, we’ve worked on numerous open source projects, all made available through Myriad-RF. This is no different, open source is central to LimeSDR:

Board schematics: Altium project files available under CC BY 3.0 licence.
Board layout: Altium project files available under CC BY 3.0 licence.
Manufacturing: Gerbers, drill, and pick & place files are also available under CC BY 3.0 licence.
FPGA: Altera Quartus project available under CC BY 3.0 licence.
Host connectivity: Cypress FX3 USB 3.0 controller firmware sources available under Apache 2.0 licence.
Host software: driver and GUI sources available under Apache 2.0 licence.
Programming toolchain packages: GNU Radio, Pothos, SoapySDR, UHD.
Documentation: transceiver datasheets are NDA-free.
Downloadable apps: Snappy Ubuntu Core, licensing up to app developers.

Like the move to open source software with general purpose computers, the programmable, fully open source LimeSDR represents a fundamental shift away from the traditionally single-function and heavily proprietary wireless domain.












    
  
    
  


  

Huge Application Ecosystem with Snappy Ubuntu CoreWe’ve been working directly with the IoT team at Canonical, the makers of Ubuntu, to enable the use of Snappy Ubuntu Core on LimeSDR.
LimeSDR’s integration with Snappy Ubuntu Core means that you benefit from the collective work of developers around the world. With LimeSDR, we are laying the foundation for a world in which “there’s an app for that” applies not only to mobile phones, but also to the cell towers they connect to and, indeed, every wireless device or piece of infrastructure.
LimeSDR brings with it many opportunities for educational and maker communities, empowering them to learn, and create new applications and even new markets. LimeSDR puts serious power in the hands of anyone who wants to innovate in the world of wireless. We no longer have to wait for established interests to innovate on our behalf.












    
  
      
    
  
    
  LimeSDR front view
  

Already Being Integrated into Massive NetworksTo further provide the framework for developers to create the next generation of wireless applications, in addition to partnering with Canonical/Ubuntu, we are also partnering with the UK’s largest mobile carrier to deploy LimeSDRs on an experimental basis onto their network. This means that your application on LimeSDR might one day be deployed on massive networks.












    
  
      
    
  
    
  LimeSDR back view
  

We’ve put significant effort into ensuring that backers will have a first class out-of-box experience by providing support for a vast array of open source SDR ecosystem software. This is thanks to a host driver architecture that supports both the SoapySDR and UHD APIs. With this support, you can be up and running with many existing applications in no time at all. In addition to providing the streaming interface, the driver also supports advanced features such as timed TX bursts and RX sample timestamps, as required for use with GSM and other time-sensitive protocols.












    
  
      
    
  
    
  LimeSDR (left) next to a GPIO Board (right)
  













    
  
      
    
  
    
  A LimeSDR and GPIO Board housed in a Hacker Case
  

Detailed Use Case: Wireless Multi-toolLimeSDR and its toolchain have already been used to create a Wireless Multi-tool for IoT, including complete source code that demonstrates:

Bluetooth Low Energy decoding
RC mains switch control
Integration of BLE decoding with RC mains switch control

Of course, these examples don’t take advantage of the performance and high data rates available with LimeSDR, but they do demonstrate the basics.












    
  
    
  


  

Host DriverThe LimeSDR’s host driver is built on top of Lime Suite, a low level library that takes care of programming and calibration for the LMS7002M FPRF transceiver. Lime Suite also provides a GUI that lets you directly read and write to registers, update the Cypress FX3 USB 3.0 controller firmware and Altera Cyclone IV FPGA bitstream, and display FFT plots.
We used SoapySDR, the vendor/platform neutral SDR support library, to provide a C++ API with C wrapper and Python bindings. This architecture is modular and supports plugins, such as the UHD module, which lets LimeSDR use the UHDTM API, allowing access to a diverse array of existing SDR ecosystem software. The library also enables remote access support, which allows LimeSDR to be accessed transparently over the network by applications running on other hosts.
Rapid application development is further enhanced with the combination of Pothos dataflow programming software suite and GNU Radio. With an extensive collection of DSP and related blocks, together with GUI environments that allow all manner of applications — from Bluetooth and WiFi to RADAR and radio astronomy — this combo lets you rapidly and easily build an application stack.
The development environment is made even more accessible by the fact that the host driver, Lime Suite, and SoapySDR are all open source, as are Pothos and GNU Radio. The full Altium design database for LimeSDR, along with the USB controller firmware and FPGA RTL is also open source, meaning that if you need to implement some new firmware or FPGA feature, you can — in fact, you’re even free to make your own variant of the LimeSDR hardware and use elements of it in your own designs. In addition, a KiCAD recapture and layout is planned.












    
  
    
  


  

PCIe VariantIn addition to the standard LimeSDR that interfaces to the host computer via USB 3.0, there is also a variant of the LimeSDR that interfaces to the host computer via PCIe and is otherwise has the identical feature set.












    
  
      
    
  
    
  LimeSDR variant with a PCIe interface
  

Who is behind LimeSDR?Lime Microsystems has been developing field programmable RF chips for over a decade. Now, we have partnered with Canonical/Ubuntu to provide the framework for open source developers to create the next generation of wireless applications. This, along with our partnership with the UK’s largest mobile carrier, could mean that your application on LimeSDR may one day be deployed on a wide scale.
We’ve also been working on the development of a first class driver for LimeSDR with Josh Blum, the original creator of GNU Radio Companion and developer of SoapySDR and Pothos.
LimeSDR will be supported via Myriad-RF, the initiative and community founded by Lime Micro that is fully dedicated to democratising wireless communications. Join us!












    
  
    
  


  

Support & DocumentationIf you have a question about ordering, paying, or shipping, please refer to The Crowd Supply Guide.
If you have a technical question about the operation of the LimeSDR or any of its applications, please ask your question on the Myriad-RF forum.

  

    
  

    
    
        In the Press


            
          
          
          
          
          
          
          

      


      
  
      Ask a Question
      
    


      
  
        Produced by Lime Microsystems in Guildford, England.
        Sold and shipped by Crowd Supply.
      

      
  
        
  
      
      
      
        LimeSDR USB micro Type-B


        The LimeSDR is based on Lime Microsystem’s latest generation of field programmable RF transceiver technology, combined with FPGA and microcontroller chipsets. These connect to a computer via USB 3 with a micro Type-B connector. LimeSDR then delivers the wireless data and the CPU provides the computing power required to process the incoming signals, and to generate the data to be transmitted by the LimeSDR to all other devices.

        
  
  $315

            
              $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide
            
        

        
    No longer available



        

      
    

        
  
      
      
      
        LimeSDR USB Type-A


        The LimeSDR is based on Lime Microsystem’s latest generation of field programmable RF transceiver technology, combined with FPGA and microcontroller chipsets. These connect to a computer via USB 3 with a Type-A connector. LimeSDR then delivers the wireless data and the CPU provides the computing power required to process the incoming signals, and to generate the data to be transmitted by the LimeSDR to all other devices.

        
  
  $315

            
              $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide
            
        

        
    No longer available



        

      
    

        
  
      
      
      
        Acrylic Case


        A layered acrylic case to protect your LimeSDR. Antenna not included - separate purchase available.

        
  
  $99

            
              $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide
            
        

        
      In stock



        

      
    

        
  
      
      
      
        Lime AC Tetra Case

          From the Lime AC Case project.

        An aluminum case for LimeSDR USB Type-A, with one fan and 12 U.FL-to-SMA cables. This case allows for all on-board RF and CLK lines to be externally available.

        
  
  $129

            
              $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide
            
        

        
      In stock



        

      
    

        
  
      
      
      
        Ultimate LimeSDR With PCIe Interface


        Start developing apps based on Lime Microsystem’s latest generation of field programmable RF transceiver technology. The board will be delivered with turnkey support for a diverse range of SDR ecosystem software, a powerful API and rapid prototyping environment. All the boards in this category will come with a PCIe interface, cables and Antennas for a quick set up.

        
  
  $799

            
              Free US Shipping / $18 Worldwide
            
        

        
    No longer available



        

      
    

        
  
      
      
      
        LimeSDR with Aluminum Kit


        Start developing apps based on Lime Microsystem’s latest generation of field programmable RF transceiver technology. This board comes with fancy aluminum casing. The board will be delivered with turnkey support for a diverse range of SDR ecosystem software, a powerful API and rapid prototyping environment. All the boards in this category will come with a fancy Aluminum casing coated with high quality material, cables, and antennas for a quick set up.

        
  
  $599

            
              Free US Shipping / $18 Worldwide
            
        

        
    No longer available



        

      
    

        
  
      
      
      
        Multi-band 4G/3G/2G Monopole Antenna

          From the Crowd Supply Basics project.
            Use one antenna for each of LimeSDR's four channels.  Connect each antenna to the LimeSDR using a U.FL-to-SMA cable.

        A TG.09 4G/3G/2G cellular hinged SMA(M) mount monopole antenna.

        
  
  $13

            
              $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide
            
        

        
      In stock



        

      
    

        
  
      
      
      
        U.FL-to-SMA Cable

          From the Crowd Supply Basics project.
            Use one cable for each of LimeSDR's four channels.  The 100 mm version works well with the Acrylic Case.

        A Hirose U.FL to SMA (jack) bulkhead straight connector with a 1.32 mm diameter cable. Less than -2 dB cable insertion loss up to 6 GHz. Both connectors are gold-plated brass and the cable conductor is silver-coated copper.

        
  
  $8

            
              $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide
            
        

        
      Some variants in stock



        

      
    

        
  
      
      
      
        GPIO Board


        This stackable expansion board for the LimeSDR provides individually settable, bi-directional level-shifted I/O for FPGA GPIO 0-7. Each I/O has a high-voltage and power Darlington drive stage suitable for inductive loads, such as coaxial relays. LimeSDR not included.

        
  
  $169

            
              $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide
            
        

        
      In stock



        

      
    

    


    
  
      About the Team
      
  

      
    
        
  
  
    
        Christy Chuang
    
  

        
  
  
    
        Jessica Gillingham
    
  

        
  
  

        
  
  
    
  

        
  
  

        
  
  
    
        Richard Jonaitis
    
  

        
  
  
    
        Josh Blum
    
  

        
  
  
    
        Lexi Hatziharalambous
    
  

        
  
  

        
  
  
    
        Andy Chang
    
  

    

    

    
  
    





  
    
  
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