18 December 2013: The open source RF hardware initiative, Myriad RF, has launched a new open-source interface board to connect field programmable RF (FPRF) transceiver systems directly to FPGA boards.
The mezzanine board, called Zipper, is a multi-carrier board with HSMC, FMC, general purpose pin header and USB connections. It allows the FPRF boards to interface with both Altera and Xilinx development platforms – and enables direct connection with a PC for control and calibration.
The resulting system enables wireless systems of almost any size and complexity to be easily created on any wireless standard or frequency.
Zipper was designed in collaboration between Lime Microsystems and Azio Electronics.
The Zipper board’s design files can be downloaded in KiCad format free of charge and under liberal open source licensing terms. Prebuilt versions of the interface board will soon be available via distribution partners, Azio, DigiKey, Eastel, Richardson and Vitec, priced at $199 (US dollars).
Lime has also released a new version of the control utility for use with the Zipper board, which is supported on both Windows and Linux. The utility allows for the setup and calibration of the LMS6002D transceiver, along with configuration of the board.
About Myriad RF
Myriad RF is an award winning open source initiative to advance wireless system innovation. It uses field programmable transceiver technology to enable the prototyping and creation of fully configurable wireless platforms that run on almost any communication standard and frequency.
Myriad boards are designed by the Myriad community and design files made available for anyone to build or adapt. A number of board designs are also in production for you to buy direct from their designers and other distributors.
Support is provided via an online community and forums at www.myriadrf.org.
About Lime Microsystems
Lime Microsystems is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of field programmable RF transceivers.
The company’s software configurable chips can run any mobile standard and any mobile frequency and have been used in a vast array of systems including mobile base stations and small cells, SDR platforms, indoor navigation and machine-to-machine communication systems.
The company uses a fabless semiconductor company and is backed by ACT Venture Capital and DFJ Esprit. Further information is available atwww.limemicro.com.
About Azio Electronics
Founded in 2011, Azio Electronics is an advanced product developer and semiconductor specialist distributor for the worldwide market. It provides its customers with innovative products from a worldwide network of partners and assists in system design. Azio`s products are used in a variety of markets, including consumer, industrial, wireless and CCTV. The company also provides the APP mobile software for download. By providing both hardware and software, Azio simplifies the adoption of new technologies for its partners. Azio stands for “from A to Z, connecting In and Out”. Further information is available at www.azio-tw.com
