HPSDRwiki - User contributions [en]

PHOENIX

2008-01-22T13:07:08Z

VK6BRO:

==PHOENIX- ISD/QSE Receiver/Transmitter Module==

The Phoenix PCB contains a ISD (Integrating Sampling Detector) based HF Receiver, a QSE (Quadrature Sampling Exciter) based HF Exciter and a supporting synthesizer.

[[Image:phoenix_bird.jpg]]

This image of a Phoenix Bird is emblazoned on 8 trams in Brisbane, Australia that were rebuilt and 'arose from the ashes' after the Paddington tram depot fire in 1962. The artist, Ken Howard, has released all rights to this drawing.

'''GENERAL DESCRIPTION:'''

The project leader is Ray Anderson, WB6TPU

The Phoenix board is envisioned to contain a receiver, a transmitter and a synthesizer on a single HPSDR (High Performance software Defined Radio) plug-in module. One of the goals is to develop a board that will enable a user to get 'on the air' with a minimal amount of extra add-ons. Currently the plan is to realize the receiver as a QSD based device and the transmitter as a similar QSE. The local oscillator will be supplied by an on-board synthesizer with an onboard reference oscillator (but with provisions for accepting an external reference if desired).

Phoenix will leverage a lot of the lessons learned in SDR (Software Defined Radio) hardware from thoughout the SDR community, hence the name 'Phoenix'. It will be a re-birth of proven circuit concepts in the HPSDR format. The Phoenix board will be an alternative choice to Horton and Mercury as a means of implementing the RF receive and transmit functions. Compared to those projects it will be 'low-end' as far as complexity goes, but definitely not low-performance. Further details will be provided as they emerge....

Inital Block diagram for discussion:

The following diagram illustrates a concept where the AK5394a A/D is colocated on the same PCB physically adjacent to the ISD as suggested by Bob N4HY to minimize the spurious pickup between the ISD and the A/D: This approach has been discarded (i.e. having the AK5394a A/D on the Phoenix board. It makes more sense to utilize the full functionality of the Janus board)

[[Image:phoenix_simplified_block2.jpg]]

The following diagram illustrates an alternate architecture proposed by Phil VK6APH where the output from the ISD is converted to a low impedance balanced signal for transport to the balanced inputs on the Janus board. This would have the advantage of minimizing the complexity on the Phoenix board by not requiring the majority of the Janus parts to reside on Phoenix. This is somewhat like the initial Phoenix concept. After further study it appears that this is the basic architecture that will be pursued for the Phoenix board.

[[Image:phoenix_simplified_block4.jpg]]

Aug. 11, 2006The following simplified schematic illustrates the architecture being pursued. Details on front-end filtering, switching, the pre-amp and the LO synthesizer are not shown at this time. Many component values are not shown and those that are are subject to change.

[[Image:Phoenix_rx_1.jpg]]

Feature List for Discussion:

There have already been a number of good suggestions made on the reflector since this project was proposed related to various aspects of the design. The following is a list (in no particular order) of some of the suggested features/circuits:

Synthesizer:

Utilize AD9951 with a divide by 4 to generate quadrature LO signals
Utilize 2 AD9951 with phase offset
Microwave PLL divided down to HF

(as a general thing, suggestions are running towards avoiding 10-bit DDS circuits due to spurious considerations)

Preamp:

A robust high dynamic range low noise preamp has been suggested to precede the detector. Suggestions include:

Norton amplifier (noiseless feedback) amplifier using BFG591
Makhinson amplifier (push-pull version of Norton amp)

Rx Filters:

Switched BPF filters
Broadband (0-30 MHz) frontend with external BPF

QSD: It is looking like either a 74auc2g53 with OPA1632 or LT1127 amps may end up being the ISD (integrating sampling detector).

The OPA1632 variant is being evaluated by Ahti OH2RZ and the LT1127 variant is being looked at by Phil N8VB.

This is a critical part of the circuit as far as overall performance is concerned.

'''Jan 2008 (Richard Hosking VK6BRO)'''

I have been working over the last 2 months or so on a schematic and PCB layout for Phoenix broadly based on the comments above.
I have used the AD9912 DDS, a CPLD to allow flexibility and mapping to the Atlas Bus and QSD/QSE based on the 74auc2g53 mixer and OPA1632 differential output opamp. Drafting has been done using the Kicad Open Source package running on Kubuntu Linux.
Note that this work is copyright to me (Richard Hosking VK6BRO) until I sort out the process of assigning it for Open Source Use - this is my intention.

Look at the various schematics at

[[Schematics]]

and the current PCB layouts are at

[[Layouts]]

Please contact me if you want to play with Kicad for the various libraries

PHOENIX

2008-01-22T13:05:46Z

VK6BRO:

==PHOENIX- ISD/QSE Receiver/Transmitter Module==

The Phoenix PCB contains a ISD (Integrating Sampling Detector) based HF Receiver, a QSE (Quadrature Sampling Exciter) based HF Exciter and a supporting synthesizer.

[[Image:phoenix_bird.jpg]]

This image of a Phoenix Bird is emblazoned on 8 trams in Brisbane, Australia that were rebuilt and 'arose from the ashes' after the Paddington tram depot fire in 1962. The artist, Ken Howard, has released all rights to this drawing.

'''GENERAL DESCRIPTION:'''

The project leader is Ray Anderson, WB6TPU

The Phoenix board is envisioned to contain a receiver, a transmitter and a synthesizer on a single HPSDR (High Performance software Defined Radio) plug-in module. One of the goals is to develop a board that will enable a user to get 'on the air' with a minimal amount of extra add-ons. Currently the plan is to realize the receiver as a QSD based device and the transmitter as a similar QSE. The local oscillator will be supplied by an on-board synthesizer with an onboard reference oscillator (but with provisions for accepting an external reference if desired).

Phoenix will leverage a lot of the lessons learned in SDR (Software Defined Radio) hardware from thoughout the SDR community, hence the name 'Phoenix'. It will be a re-birth of proven circuit concepts in the HPSDR format. The Phoenix board will be an alternative choice to Horton and Mercury as a means of implementing the RF receive and transmit functions. Compared to those projects it will be 'low-end' as far as complexity goes, but definitely not low-performance. Further details will be provided as they emerge....

Inital Block diagram for discussion:

The following diagram illustrates a concept where the AK5394a A/D is colocated on the same PCB physically adjacent to the ISD as suggested by Bob N4HY to minimize the spurious pickup between the ISD and the A/D: This approach has been discarded (i.e. having the AK5394a A/D on the Phoenix board. It makes more sense to utilize the full functionality of the Janus board)

[[Image:phoenix_simplified_block2.jpg]]

The following diagram illustrates an alternate architecture proposed by Phil VK6APH where the output from the ISD is converted to a low impedance balanced signal for transport to the balanced inputs on the Janus board. This would have the advantage of minimizing the complexity on the Phoenix board by not requiring the majority of the Janus parts to reside on Phoenix. This is somewhat like the initial Phoenix concept. After further study it appears that this is the basic architecture that will be pursued for the Phoenix board.

[[Image:phoenix_simplified_block4.jpg]]

Aug. 11, 2006The following simplified schematic illustrates the architecture being pursued. Details on front-end filtering, switching, the pre-amp and the LO synthesizer are not shown at this time. Many component values are not shown and those that are are subject to change.

[[Image:Phoenix_rx_1.jpg]]

Feature List for Discussion:

There have already been a number of good suggestions made on the reflector since this project was proposed related to various aspects of the design. The following is a list (in no particular order) of some of the suggested features/circuits:

Synthesizer:

Utilize AD9951 with a divide by 4 to generate quadrature LO signals
Utilize 2 AD9951 with phase offset
Microwave PLL divided down to HF

(as a general thing, suggestions are running towards avoiding 10-bit DDS circuits due to spurious considerations)

Preamp:

A robust high dynamic range low noise preamp has been suggested to precede the detector. Suggestions include:

Norton amplifier (noiseless feedback) amplifier using BFG591
Makhinson amplifier (push-pull version of Norton amp)

Rx Filters:

Switched BPF filters
Broadband (0-30 MHz) frontend with external BPF

QSD: It is looking like either a 74auc2g53 with OPA1632 or LT1127 amps may end up being the ISD (integrating sampling detector).

The OPA1632 variant is being evaluated by Ahti OH2RZ and the LT1127 variant is being looked at by Phil N8VB.

This is a critical part of the circuit as far as overall performance is concerned.

'''Jan 2008 (Richard Hosking VK6BRO)'''

I have been working over the last 2 months or so on a schematic and PCB layout for Phoenix broadly based on the comments above.
I have used the AD9912 DDS, a CPLD to allow flexibility and mapping to the Atlas Bus and QSD/QSE based on the 74auc2g53 mixer and OPA1632 differential output opamp. Drafting has been done using the Kicad Open Source package running on Kubuntu Linux.
Note that this work is copyright to me (Richard Hosking VK6BRO) until I sort out the process of assigning it for Open Source Use - this is my intention.

Download the various schematics at

[[Schematics]]

and the current PCB layouts are at

[[Layouts]]

Please contact me if you want to play with Kicad for the various libraries

PHOENIX

2008-01-22T13:04:57Z

VK6BRO:

==PHOENIX- ISD/QSE Receiver/Transmitter Module==

The Phoenix PCB contains a ISD (Integrating Sampling Detector) based HF Receiver, a QSE (Quadrature Sampling Exciter) based HF Exciter and a supporting synthesizer.

[[Image:phoenix_bird.jpg]]

This image of a Phoenix Bird is emblazoned on 8 trams in Brisbane, Australia that were rebuilt and 'arose from the ashes' after the Paddington tram depot fire in 1962. The artist, Ken Howard, has released all rights to this drawing.

'''GENERAL DESCRIPTION:'''

The project leader is Ray Anderson, WB6TPU

The Phoenix board is envisioned to contain a receiver, a transmitter and a synthesizer on a single HPSDR (High Performance software Defined Radio) plug-in module. One of the goals is to develop a board that will enable a user to get 'on the air' with a minimal amount of extra add-ons. Currently the plan is to realize the receiver as a QSD based device and the transmitter as a similar QSE. The local oscillator will be supplied by an on-board synthesizer with an onboard reference oscillator (but with provisions for accepting an external reference if desired).

Phoenix will leverage a lot of the lessons learned in SDR (Software Defined Radio) hardware from thoughout the SDR community, hence the name 'Phoenix'. It will be a re-birth of proven circuit concepts in the HPSDR format. The Phoenix board will be an alternative choice to Horton and Mercury as a means of implementing the RF receive and transmit functions. Compared to those projects it will be 'low-end' as far as complexity goes, but definitely not low-performance. Further details will be provided as they emerge....

Inital Block diagram for discussion:

The following diagram illustrates a concept where the AK5394a A/D is colocated on the same PCB physically adjacent to the ISD as suggested by Bob N4HY to minimize the spurious pickup between the ISD and the A/D: This approach has been discarded (i.e. having the AK5394a A/D on the Phoenix board. It makes more sense to utilize the full functionality of the Janus board)

[[Image:phoenix_simplified_block2.jpg]]

The following diagram illustrates an alternate architecture proposed by Phil VK6APH where the output from the ISD is converted to a low impedance balanced signal for transport to the balanced inputs on the Janus board. This would have the advantage of minimizing the complexity on the Phoenix board by not requiring the majority of the Janus parts to reside on Phoenix. This is somewhat like the initial Phoenix concept. After further study it appears that this is the basic architecture that will be pursued for the Phoenix board.

[[Image:phoenix_simplified_block4.jpg]]

Aug. 11, 2006The following simplified schematic illustrates the architecture being pursued. Details on front-end filtering, switching, the pre-amp and the LO synthesizer are not shown at this time. Many component values are not shown and those that are are subject to change.

[[Image:Phoenix_rx_1.jpg]]

Feature List for Discussion:

There have already been a number of good suggestions made on the reflector since this project was proposed related to various aspects of the design. The following is a list (in no particular order) of some of the suggested features/circuits:

Synthesizer:

Utilize AD9951 with a divide by 4 to generate quadrature LO signals
Utilize 2 AD9951 with phase offset
Microwave PLL divided down to HF

(as a general thing, suggestions are running towards avoiding 10-bit DDS circuits due to spurious considerations)

Preamp:

A robust high dynamic range low noise preamp has been suggested to precede the detector. Suggestions include:

Norton amplifier (noiseless feedback) amplifier using BFG591
Makhinson amplifier (push-pull version of Norton amp)

Rx Filters:

Switched BPF filters
Broadband (0-30 MHz) frontend with external BPF

QSD: It is looking like either a 74auc2g53 with OPA1632 or LT1127 amps may end up being the ISD (integrating sampling detector).

The OPA1632 variant is being evaluated by Ahti OH2RZ and the LT1127 variant is being looked at by Phil N8VB.

This is a critical part of the circuit as far as overall performance is concerned.

'''Jan 2008 (Richard Hosking VK6BRO)'''

I have been working over the last 2 months or so on a schematic and PCB layout for Phoenix broadly based on the comments above.
I have used the AD9912 DDS, a CPLD to allow flexibility and mapping to the Atlas Bus and QSD/QSE based on the 74auc2g53 mixer and OPA1632 differential output opamp. Drafting has been done using the Kicad Open Source package running on Kubuntu Linux.
Note that this work is copyright to me (Richard Hosking VK6BRO) until I sort out the process of assigning it for Open Source Use - this is my intention
Download the various schematics at

[[Schematics]]

[[PCB layouts]]

Please contact me if you want to play with Kicad for the various libraries

Phoenix Layouts

2008-01-22T13:03:40Z

VK6BRO: New page: These are a roughly scaled version of the various board layers. Note that I have used a double sided board and done as well as possible in creating a groundplane. Kicad can output in Gerb...

These are a roughly scaled version of the various board layers. Note that I have used a double sided board and done as well as possible in creating a groundplane.

Kicad can output in Gerber format for making up artwork.

[[Image:Phoenixbot.gif]]
'''Bottom Layer'''

[[Image:Phoenix_top_layer.gif]]
'''Top Layer'''

[[Image:Phoenix_solder_top.gif]]
'''Top Solder Mask'''

[[Image:Phoenix_silkscreen.gif]]
'''Silkscreen with component numbers'''

Phoenix Schematics

2008-01-22T12:52:33Z

VK6BRO:

'''Schematics'''

The root sheet schematic [[Image:Root_sheet.gif]] gives an idea of the overall layout.

'''Interface Circuit'''
[[Image:Interface.gif]]

The interface Circuit uses a small CPLD as in the other HPSDR modules to map to the bus in a programmable way. It will also allow experimentation with various clock schemes.

'''DDS circuit'''
[[Image:DDS.gif]]
The DDS circuit uses the latest device from Analog Devices - the AD9912. This has better SFDR and output freq range than previous devices. I have elected to use a PECL driver for the CPLD and a packaged LPF for convenience.

The DDS requires several regulators for best performance. [[Image:DDSpower.gif]]

'''Mixer/QSD'''[[Image:receiver.gif]]
The Mixer/QSD is based on various comments and sources.It uses the devices proposed originally.
The CPLD will be used to generate quadrature signals from the DDS. No preamp/filters have been included at this stage.

'''QSE''' [[Image:QSE.gif]]
The QSE circuit is basically the reverse of the receiver with a low level power amp

Note there is no DDS clock circuit at this point. This is still under development, though a simple crystal oscillator module will be used for prototypes.

File:Root sheet.gif

2008-01-22T12:47:29Z

VK6BRO: Root Sheet for Phoenix

Root Sheet for Phoenix

File:Receiver.gif

2008-01-22T12:47:00Z

VK6BRO: QSD Schematic

QSD Schematic

File:QSE.gif

2008-01-22T12:46:36Z

VK6BRO: QSE Schematic

QSE Schematic

File:Phoenix top layer.gif

2008-01-22T12:46:10Z

VK6BRO: Top layer PCB

Top layer PCB

File:Phoenix solder top.gif

2008-01-22T12:45:44Z

VK6BRO: Top Solder mask

Top Solder mask

File:Phoenix silkscreen.gif

2008-01-22T12:45:23Z

VK6BRO:

File:Phoenixbot.gif

2008-01-22T12:45:05Z

VK6BRO: Bottom layer PCB

Bottom layer PCB

File:DDSpower.gif

2008-01-22T12:44:35Z

VK6BRO:

File:DDS.gif

2008-01-22T12:44:18Z

VK6BRO: DDS Circuit

DDS Circuit

File:Interface.gif

2008-01-22T12:39:44Z

VK6BRO: Interface and CPLD circuit

Interface and CPLD circuit

PHOENIX

2008-01-22T09:43:58Z

VK6BRO:

==PHOENIX- ISD/QSE Receiver/Transmitter Module==

The Phoenix PCB contains a ISD (Integrating Sampling Detector) based HF Receiver, a QSE (Quadrature Sampling Exciter) based HF Exciter and a supporting synthesizer.

[[Image:phoenix_bird.jpg]]

This image of a Phoenix Bird is emblazoned on 8 trams in Brisbane, Australia that were rebuilt and 'arose from the ashes' after the Paddington tram depot fire in 1962. The artist, Ken Howard, has released all rights to this drawing.

'''GENERAL DESCRIPTION:'''

The project leader is Ray Anderson, WB6TPU

The Phoenix board is envisioned to contain a receiver, a transmitter and a synthesizer on a single HPSDR (High Performance software Defined Radio) plug-in module. One of the goals is to develop a board that will enable a user to get 'on the air' with a minimal amount of extra add-ons. Currently the plan is to realize the receiver as a QSD based device and the transmitter as a similar QSE. The local oscillator will be supplied by an on-board synthesizer with an onboard reference oscillator (but with provisions for accepting an external reference if desired).

Phoenix will leverage a lot of the lessons learned in SDR (Software Defined Radio) hardware from thoughout the SDR community, hence the name 'Phoenix'. It will be a re-birth of proven circuit concepts in the HPSDR format. The Phoenix board will be an alternative choice to Horton and Mercury as a means of implementing the RF receive and transmit functions. Compared to those projects it will be 'low-end' as far as complexity goes, but definitely not low-performance. Further details will be provided as they emerge....

Inital Block diagram for discussion:

The following diagram illustrates a concept where the AK5394a A/D is colocated on the same PCB physically adjacent to the ISD as suggested by Bob N4HY to minimize the spurious pickup between the ISD and the A/D: This approach has been discarded (i.e. having the AK5394a A/D on the Phoenix board. It makes more sense to utilize the full functionality of the Janus board)

[[Image:phoenix_simplified_block2.jpg]]

The following diagram illustrates an alternate architecture proposed by Phil VK6APH where the output from the ISD is converted to a low impedance balanced signal for transport to the balanced inputs on the Janus board. This would have the advantage of minimizing the complexity on the Phoenix board by not requiring the majority of the Janus parts to reside on Phoenix. This is somewhat like the initial Phoenix concept. After further study it appears that this is the basic architecture that will be pursued for the Phoenix board.

[[Image:phoenix_simplified_block4.jpg]]

Aug. 11, 2006The following simplified schematic illustrates the architecture being pursued. Details on front-end filtering, switching, the pre-amp and the LO synthesizer are not shown at this time. Many component values are not shown and those that are are subject to change.

[[Image:Phoenix_rx_1.jpg]]

Feature List for Discussion:

There have already been a number of good suggestions made on the reflector since this project was proposed related to various aspects of the design. The following is a list (in no particular order) of some of the suggested features/circuits:

Synthesizer:

Utilize AD9951 with a divide by 4 to generate quadrature LO signals
Utilize 2 AD9951 with phase offset
Microwave PLL divided down to HF

(as a general thing, suggestions are running towards avoiding 10-bit DDS circuits due to spurious considerations)

Preamp:

A robust high dynamic range low noise preamp has been suggested to precede the detector. Suggestions include:

Norton amplifier (noiseless feedback) amplifier using BFG591
Makhinson amplifier (push-pull version of Norton amp)

Rx Filters:

Switched BPF filters
Broadband (0-30 MHz) frontend with external BPF

QSD: It is looking like either a 74auc2g53 with OPA1632 or LT1127 amps may end up being the ISD (integrating sampling detector).

The OPA1632 variant is being evaluated by Ahti OH2RZ and the LT1127 variant is being looked at by Phil N8VB.

This is a critical part of the circuit as far as overall performance is concerned.

'''Jan 2008 (Richard Hosking VK6BRO)'''

I have been working over the last 2 months or so on a schematic and PCB layout for Phoenix broadly based on the comments above.
I have used the AD9912 DDS, a CPLD to allow flexibility and mapping to the Atlas Bus and QSD/QSE based on the 74auc2g53 mixer and OPA1632 differential output opamp. Drafting has been done using the Kicad Open Source package running on Kubuntu Linux.
Note that this work is copyright to me (Richard Hosking VK6BRO) until I sort out the process of assigning it for Open Source Use - this is my intention
Download the various schematics at

[[Schematics]]

Please contact me if you want to play with Kicad for the various libraries

File:Connectors-1.pdf

2008-01-22T07:08:54Z

VK6BRO: uploaded a new version of "Image:Connectors-1.pdf"

Phoenix Interface circuit

PHOENIX

2008-01-22T06:57:31Z

VK6BRO:

==PHOENIX- ISD/QSE Receiver/Transmitter Module==

The Phoenix PCB contains a ISD (Integrating Sampling Detector) based HF Receiver, a QSE (Quadrature Sampling Exciter) based HF Exciter and a supporting synthesizer.

[[Image:phoenix_bird.jpg]]

This image of a Phoenix Bird is emblazoned on 8 trams in Brisbane, Australia that were rebuilt and 'arose from the ashes' after the Paddington tram depot fire in 1962. The artist, Ken Howard, has released all rights to this drawing.

'''GENERAL DESCRIPTION:'''

The project leader is Ray Anderson, WB6TPU

The Phoenix board is envisioned to contain a receiver, a transmitter and a synthesizer on a single HPSDR (High Performance software Defined Radio) plug-in module. One of the goals is to develop a board that will enable a user to get 'on the air' with a minimal amount of extra add-ons. Currently the plan is to realize the receiver as a QSD based device and the transmitter as a similar QSE. The local oscillator will be supplied by an on-board synthesizer with an onboard reference oscillator (but with provisions for accepting an external reference if desired).

Phoenix will leverage a lot of the lessons learned in SDR (Software Defined Radio) hardware from thoughout the SDR community, hence the name 'Phoenix'. It will be a re-birth of proven circuit concepts in the HPSDR format. The Phoenix board will be an alternative choice to Horton and Mercury as a means of implementing the RF receive and transmit functions. Compared to those projects it will be 'low-end' as far as complexity goes, but definitely not low-performance. Further details will be provided as they emerge....

Inital Block diagram for discussion:

The following diagram illustrates a concept where the AK5394a A/D is colocated on the same PCB physically adjacent to the ISD as suggested by Bob N4HY to minimize the spurious pickup between the ISD and the A/D: This approach has been discarded (i.e. having the AK5394a A/D on the Phoenix board. It makes more sense to utilize the full functionality of the Janus board)

[[Image:phoenix_simplified_block2.jpg]]

The following diagram illustrates an alternate architecture proposed by Phil VK6APH where the output from the ISD is converted to a low impedance balanced signal for transport to the balanced inputs on the Janus board. This would have the advantage of minimizing the complexity on the Phoenix board by not requiring the majority of the Janus parts to reside on Phoenix. This is somewhat like the initial Phoenix concept. After further study it appears that this is the basic architecture that will be pursued for the Phoenix board.

[[Image:phoenix_simplified_block4.jpg]]

Aug. 11, 2006The following simplified schematic illustrates the architecture being pursued. Details on front-end filtering, switching, the pre-amp and the LO synthesizer are not shown at this time. Many component values are not shown and those that are are subject to change.

[[Image:Phoenix_rx_1.jpg]]

Feature List for Discussion:

There have already been a number of good suggestions made on the reflector since this project was proposed related to various aspects of the design. The following is a list (in no particular order) of some of the suggested features/circuits:

Synthesizer:

Utilize AD9951 with a divide by 4 to generate quadrature LO signals
Utilize 2 AD9951 with phase offset
Microwave PLL divided down to HF

(as a general thing, suggestions are running towards avoiding 10-bit DDS circuits due to spurious considerations)

Preamp:

A robust high dynamic range low noise preamp has been suggested to precede the detector. Suggestions include:

Norton amplifier (noiseless feedback) amplifier using BFG591
Makhinson amplifier (push-pull version of Norton amp)

Rx Filters:

Switched BPF filters
Broadband (0-30 MHz) frontend with external BPF

QSD: It is looking like either a 74auc2g53 with OPA1632 or LT1127 amps may end up being the ISD (integrating sampling detector).

The OPA1632 variant is being evaluated by Ahti OH2RZ and the LT1127 variant is being looked at by Phil N8VB.

This is a critical part of the circuit as far as overall performance is concerned.

'''Jan 2008 (Richard Hosking VK6BRO)'''

I have been working over the last 2 months or so on a schematic and PCB layout for Phoenix broadly based on the comments above.
I have used the AD9912 DDS, a CPLD to allow flexibility and mapping to the Atlas Bus and QSD/QSE based on the 74auc2g53 mixer and OPA1632 differential output opamp. Drafting has been done using the Kicad Open Source package running on Kubuntu Linux.
Note that this work is copyright to me (Richard Hosking VK6BRO) until I sort out the process of assigning it for Open Source Use - this is my intentiuon
Download the various schematics at

[[Schematics]]

Please contact me if you want to play with Kicad for the various libraries

Phoenix Schematics

2008-01-22T06:57:03Z

VK6BRO: New page: The '''Interface Circuit''' uses a small CPLD as in the other HPSDR modules to map to the bus in a programmable way. It will also allow experimentation with various clock schemes. The '''...

The '''Interface Circuit''' uses a small CPLD as in the other HPSDR modules to map to the bus in a programmable way. It will also allow experimentation with various clock schemes.

The '''DDS circuit''' uses the latest device from Analog Devices - the AD9912. This has better SFDR and output freq range than previous devices. I have elected to use a PECL driver for the CPLD and a packaged LPF for convenience.

The '''Mixer/QSD''' is based on various comments and sources.It uses the devices proposed originally.
The CPLD will be used to generate quadrature signals from the DDS. No preamp/filters have been included at this stage.

The '''QSE''' is similar setup in the opposite direction.

Note that there is no DDS clock circuit at this point. This is still under development, though a simple crystal oscillator module will be used for prototypes.

File:Connectors-1.pdf

2008-01-22T06:35:02Z

VK6BRO: Phoenix Interface circuit

Phoenix Interface circuit

PHOENIX

2008-01-22T06:29:32Z

VK6BRO:

PHOENIX

2008-01-22T06:26:33Z

VK6BRO: Upload of schematic and PCB files for reader comment

==PHOENIX- ISD/QSE Receiver/Transmitter Module==

The Phoenix PCB contains a ISD (Integrating Sampling Detector) based HF Receiver, a QSE (Quadrature Sampling Exciter) based HF Exciter and a supporting synthesizer.

[[Image:phoenix_bird.jpg]]

This image of a Phoenix Bird is emblazoned on 8 trams in Brisbane, Australia that were rebuilt and 'arose from the ashes' after the Paddington tram depot fire in 1962. The artist, Ken Howard, has released all rights to this drawing.

'''GENERAL DESCRIPTION:'''

The project leader is Ray Anderson, WB6TPU

The Phoenix board is envisioned to contain a receiver, a transmitter and a synthesizer on a single HPSDR (High Performance software Defined Radio) plug-in module. One of the goals is to develop a board that will enable a user to get 'on the air' with a minimal amount of extra add-ons. Currently the plan is to realize the receiver as a QSD based device and the transmitter as a similar QSE. The local oscillator will be supplied by an on-board synthesizer with an onboard reference oscillator (but with provisions for accepting an external reference if desired).

Phoenix will leverage a lot of the lessons learned in SDR (Software Defined Radio) hardware from thoughout the SDR community, hence the name 'Phoenix'. It will be a re-birth of proven circuit concepts in the HPSDR format. The Phoenix board will be an alternative choice to Horton and Mercury as a means of implementing the RF receive and transmit functions. Compared to those projects it will be 'low-end' as far as complexity goes, but definitely not low-performance. Further details will be provided as they emerge....

Inital Block diagram for discussion:

The following diagram illustrates a concept where the AK5394a A/D is colocated on the same PCB physically adjacent to the ISD as suggested by Bob N4HY to minimize the spurious pickup between the ISD and the A/D: This approach has been discarded (i.e. having the AK5394a A/D on the Phoenix board. It makes more sense to utilize the full functionality of the Janus board)

[[Image:phoenix_simplified_block2.jpg]]

The following diagram illustrates an alternate architecture proposed by Phil VK6APH where the output from the ISD is converted to a low impedance balanced signal for transport to the balanced inputs on the Janus board. This would have the advantage of minimizing the complexity on the Phoenix board by not requiring the majority of the Janus parts to reside on Phoenix. This is somewhat like the initial Phoenix concept. After further study it appears that this is the basic architecture that will be pursued for the Phoenix board.

[[Image:phoenix_simplified_block4.jpg]]

Aug. 11, 2006The following simplified schematic illustrates the architecture being pursued. Details on front-end filtering, switching, the pre-amp and the LO synthesizer are not shown at this time. Many component values are not shown and those that are are subject to change.

[[Image:Phoenix_rx_1.jpg]]

Feature List for Discussion:

There have already been a number of good suggestions made on the reflector since this project was proposed related to various aspects of the design. The following is a list (in no particular order) of some of the suggested features/circuits:

Synthesizer:

Utilize AD9951 with a divide by 4 to generate quadrature LO signals
Utilize 2 AD9951 with phase offset
Microwave PLL divided down to HF

(as a general thing, suggestions are running towards avoiding 10-bit DDS circuits due to spurious considerations)

Preamp:

A robust high dynamic range low noise preamp has been suggested to precede the detector. Suggestions include:

Norton amplifier (noiseless feedback) amplifier using BFG591
Makhinson amplifier (push-pull version of Norton amp)

Rx Filters:

Switched BPF filters
Broadband (0-30 MHz) frontend with external BPF

QSD: It is looking like either a 74auc2g53 with OPA1632 or LT1127 amps may end up being the ISD (integrating sampling detector).

The OPA1632 variant is being evaluated by Ahti OH2RZ and the LT1127 variant is being looked at by Phil N8VB.

This is a critical part of the circuit as far as overall performance is concerned.

Jan 2008 (Richard Hosking VK6BRO)
I have been working over the last 2 months or so on a schematic and PCB layout for Phoenix broadly based on the comments above.
I have used the AD9912 DDS, a CPLD to allow flexibility and mapping to the Atlas Bus and QSD/QSE based on the 74auc2g53 mixer and OPA1632 differential output opamp. Drafting has been doen using the Kicad Open Sorce package running on Kubuntu Linux.