SDR-Kits.net
Welcome to the SDR-Kits USB Synthesizer Kit
Updated 24th November 2011
QRP2000 USB-Controlled Synthesizer - Now available with Si570BBB000141DG covering up to 810 MHz as specified by
Silicon Labs - In practice the Si570BBB can be used up to 945 MHz. -
Stand Alone Operation supported - Synthesizer remembers last frequency entered, when not connected to PC
Three Power Supply options: USB - powered by PC, or standalone operation from +5V Battery or +7 to +13.8V External Power Supply
Provision for Transformer on PCB for matching into 50 Ohm Load:
Scroll down for Pricing and Ordering information
USB-Synthesizer Assembly Manual Latest QRP2000 v2.6 documentation as from January 2011 updated with Windows 7 and Vista Certified Driver installation information.
Download latest Digitally Certified Driver Windows 7, Vista (64 bits and 32 bits) - This is the latest driver required for Windows 7 and Vista which also suitable for older Microsoft OS courtesy of Fred Krom (PE0FKO) Link to PE0FKO website - additional advice on driver installation.
Download original Windows XP USB-Synthesizer Driver and Firmware - This is older driver for Windows XP, ME, 2000 and Windows 98 OS.
Download the USB-Synthesizer AVR Trouble Shooting Guide
Developed by QRP2000-Design team: Tom - DG8SAQ, John (SK)- G8BTR, Alan - M0PUB, Guido - PE1NNZ, Steve - G0XAR & Jan - G0BBL
Fig 1: Top view of USB Synthesizer PCB
This Kit uses the Silicon Labs Chip SI570, an "ANY-RATE I2C PROGRAMMABLE XO", which is a 7x5mm² 8 pin integrated frequency synthesizer,
that can generate almost any frequency between 3.5MHz and up to 945 MHz depending on the Si570 chip used. The Si570CAC CMOS version is specified for 160 MHz, max freq 210 MHz, , The Si570BBC LVDS version is specified up to 280 MHz and the Si570BBB LDS version is specified at 810 MHz with 945 MHz as maximum. The Si570 chips are programmable via an I2C Interface.
The ready programmed ATMEL connects to the PC via the USB port.
Main Applications
Full Band or Multi Band coverage of Softrock RXTX V6.1 and V6.2 transceivers (use Kit 1 CMOS version)
Standalone Operation (without PC connection) with Last Frequency Remember supported (Modification required)
External Local Oscillator for other SDR hardware Projects – using PowerSDR application
Wide range test oscillator – output frequency programmable in steps < 1 Hz.
Basic Specification:
Frequency Range Kit 1: 3.5 MHz to 210 MHz for Kit 1 (10-160 Mhz specified by Silabs) and Kit 2: 3.5 MHz up to 280 MHz (10-280 MHz) specified by SiLab for C-grade LVDS device supplied) New!! New!! Si570BBB Device up to 945 MHz (810 MHz specified by Silabs) available!
Stability +/- 50 ppm CMOS or +/- 20 ppm LVDS versions
Output: Square wave : CMOS version 2.6V pk-pk 15pF , LVDS version 0.7V pk-pk into 100 Ohm
Power Supply: USB Powered or +5V to +12V Power Supply – approx 100mA
PCB size 41 x 48 mm
Suitable for constructors with some previous experience of kit building experience like Softrock Projects
Fig 2 : Component Placing - U2 Si570 is mounted at the other side of the PCB
Kits & Parts Pricing - Webshop Ordering Link
Complete Kits contain a quality double sided PCB, a programmed Atmel ATTiny85 micro-controller and other parts including the SiLabs Si570CAC000141DG CMOS device, Si570BBC000141DG or Si570BBB000141DG will be supplied as ordered.
UNITED STATES AND CANADA Kit orders: - USA Orders via KM5H
USB-Synthesizer kits (with $ pricing) may be ordered direct from Tom Hoflich KM5H (thanks to Tom for bringing the Si570 to attention of Radio Amateurs)
QRP2000 USB-controlled Synthesizer Documentation and Applications
Older PCB V1.0 Build Documentation and Circuit diagram PCB can be downloaded here:
PCB V1.1 SDR-Synthesizer Kit Documentation (PDF File)
Field Bulletin for PCB V1.1 PCB error correction.
PowerSDR Software Release
Current version of PowerSDR application with Softrock extensions provided by Guido PE1NNZ through Sourceforge can be downloaded here.
Current PowerSDR Software for SDR
Updated PE1NNZ PowerSDR Documentation can be downloaded from here:
Latest PowerSDRSR40 Installation Documentation
USB - AVR Troubleshooting Guide – Use this guide to trace your problem.
AVR Si570 Troubleshooting Guide by DG8SAQ
DG8SAQ USB_SYNTHESIZER APPLICATION
Latest V4 USB_SYNTH - Stand alone application to set Si570 Frequency
· Tom DG8SAQ has written a cute application to set the frequency of the Si570 which may be downloaded from the link above.
The frequency may be set to the nearest Hz......
Or a Multiplication factor (in fractions) or Frequency offset (IF offset) may be specified ..
Applications include RX Local Oscillator and VXO for TX applications, Test Oscillator or QRSS Beacon etc.
Picture below shows the Setup screen and the configuration options.
Last Frequency Remember - Option for Standalone applications
SI570 Speed grade can be set for optimum use of C-grade devices
Links -
USB AVR Project Home page of Tom Baier DG8SAQ.
Tom developed the AVR firmware for this project and also had a big input into the hardware design of the AVR-Synthesizer. The LATEST Released AVR firmware may be downloaded from Tom’s website:
PowerSDR SDR Software: This is the link to download the freeware version of PowerSDR which supports the USB-Synthesizer produced by Guido PE1NNZ and Alan M0PUB & others who provided this great software
Rocky V3.6 SDR Application Software:
Use this link to download Alex VE3NEA Rocky 3.6 Program with USB AVR support
Thanks to Alex for providing this Support!!
Publications -
This Project was published in:
SPRAT 135 - Summer 2008 - Journal of the G-QRP Club:
USB-Controlled Synthesizer for Softrock RXTX and Local Oscillator Applications by Jan Verduyn G0BBL
FunkAmateur Funk Amateur June 2008 Pages 622-624
"Minimalistischer hochwertiger Synthesizer mit USB-Steurung" by Thomas Baier DG8SAQ:
Copyright notice: The USB-Synthesizer project design on this page is Copyright 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 by QRP2000 Design team.All rights reserved.
Kit of parts produced by SDR-Kits.net under licence from QRP2000 Design Team
Website Copyright 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 by SDR-Kits.net