Difference between revisions of "HERMES"

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''' Hermes - A DUC/DDC Transceiver '''
 
''' Hermes - A DUC/DDC Transceiver '''
  
[[Image:Hardware_Block_Diagram_V1_7.jpg|thumb|500px|Hardware block diagram. Click to enlarge.]]
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[[Image:Hardware_Block_Diagram_1_8.JPG|thumb|500px|Hardware block diagram. Click to enlarge.]]
 
Project Leader: Kevin M0KHZ
 
Project Leader: Kevin M0KHZ
  
Following the outstanding success of [[MERCURY|Mercury]] and [[PENELOPE|Penelope]], and while investigating the verilog code for both, I had the insane idea of merging the verilog code of Mercury and Penelope into a single fpga! I played around with this idea for a while and the more I thought about it the more I liked the idea.
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====Update 11 July 2012====
  
So here is '''<u>the proposal</u>''', '''to develop a single board HPSDR based on the hardware of Mercury and Penelope and a single large fpga.'''
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Hermes is a single board Digital Up and Down Conversion (DUC/DDC) full duplex HF + 6m multi-mode transceiver.
  
This board would have PC connectivity by USB. I’m planning to squeeze this all onto Euro Card sized PCB (100 x 160 mm), and if I utilize both sides I might even have room for a [[PENNYWHISTLE|Pennywhistle]] type PA  :).  
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It is basically the [[MERCURY|Mercury]], [[PENNYLANE|Pennylane]], [[METIS|Metis]] and [[EXCALIBUR|Excalibur]] (less TCXO) boards rolled into one PCB. The board communicates to an associated PC via 100T/1000T Ethernet.
  
Basic specs so far (nothing cast in stone)
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Hermes has the following features and facilities:
  
*Fpga EP3C25Q240C or EP3C40Q240 (I think this is the largest without BGA pin out)
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* Continuous, uninterrupted, receive coverage from 10kHz to 55MHz.
*Mercury receive chain
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* Supports Real-Time display of entire spectrum from 0-55MHz (with suitable PC software)
*Penelope transmit chain, possible small change to gain distribution
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* Supports 7 fully independent receivers (sharing the same antenna - and with suitable PC software)
*USB2 to PC data transfer
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* Each receiver can display 48/96/192kHz of spectrum
*Pennywhistle PA (if there’s room)
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* Blocking Dynamic Range (ARRL Method) - no detectable gain compression below ADC overload
*10Mhz ext an option
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* High performance receiver – same specifications as the HPSDR Mercury receiver (ie Dynamic Range typically 125dB)
*Alex filter switching header
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*2.8W stereo audio PA
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*13.5V supply
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Following the tradition of the HPSDR naming convention, I thought Hermes was appropriate as he was known for his invention and theft!
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====Update 8 May 2010====
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A working Hermes plus built Apollo board will be on display on the TAPR booth at the Dayton Hamvention 14-16th May 2010.  The Hermes board is a Beta PCB built by Kjell Karlsen, LA2NI.  The Apollo is an Alpha board, designed and built by Kjell.
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The Beta Hermes board incorporates a new ultra low noise Switching Power Supply designed by Kjell. This eliminates the heat that would otherwise be generated by a conventional linear power supply. It also reduces the power drawn from a 13.8v supply to less than 500mA.
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A photo of the boards in a Hammond enclosure is shown below.
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The current feature list for Hermes is as follows:
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* Uninterrupted coverage from 50kHz to 54MHz
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* Transmit and receiver image rejection > 110dB
 
* Transmit and receiver image rejection > 110dB
* Full duplex operation, any split over entire 160m to 6m range
+
* Full duplex operation, any split over entire 160m to 6m range.
* Eight independent receivers using the same antenna
+
* Transmitter two-tone 3rd order IMD of -50dBc on 20m @ 400mW output
* 500mW RF output on 160 – 6m amateur bands
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* 500mW RF output on 160 – 10m amateur bands, 350mW on 6m
 
* Built-in high performance preamp, with a noise floor typically -135dBm in 500Hz
 
* Built-in high performance preamp, with a noise floor typically -135dBm in 500Hz
* Software-selectable 20dB input attenuator
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* Software-selectable 31dB input attenuator in 1dB steps
* High performance receiver – same specifications as the HPSDR Mercury receiver (ie Blocking Dynamic Range typically of about 125dB)
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* FPGA code can be updated via the Industry Standard TCP/IP network Ethernet connection
* Built-in Altera USB Blaster(TM) for updating of FPGA code via USB
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* Seven user-configurable open-collector outputs, independently selectable per band and Tx/Rx (for relay control, etc - with sequencing via PC code)
* Seven user-configurable open-collector outputs,independently selectable per band and Tx/Rx (for relay control, etc - with sequencing via KISS Konsole)
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* Separate open-collector PTT connection for amplifier control, etc, with sequencer
 
* Separate open-collector PTT connection for amplifier control, etc, with sequencer
 
* Microphone PTT jumper-selectable from tip or ring connection
 
* Microphone PTT jumper-selectable from tip or ring connection
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* Four user-configurable 12 bit analogue inputs (for ALC, SWR etc)
 
* Four user-configurable 12 bit analogue inputs (for ALC, SWR etc)
 
* Three user-configurable digital inputs (for linear amplifier over temperature, etc)
 
* Three user-configurable digital inputs (for linear amplifier over temperature, etc)
* Optional in-built switch mode power supply – less than 500mA (receive) from a 13.8V supply
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* Can operate from a 13.8v DC supply or +12v and +5v supplies
 +
* Jumper selected in-built low noise and high efficiency switch mode power supply designed by Kjell Karson,LA2NI – less than 600mA (receive - one receiver) from a 13.8V supply
 
* I2C bus connector for control of external equipment
 
* I2C bus connector for control of external equipment
* Full QSK using the Kiss Konsole software, since digital signal processing is not used in the controlling PC for CW carrier generation
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* Full QSK operation (performance dependant on associated PC and control software)
* Provides up to eight simultaneous receivers from one antenna if suitable PC software is used
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* Low-level transmitter output for transverter use via user-selectable output attenuator
* Diode-protected USB interface
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* Low-level transmitter output for transverter use (0dBm) as well as user-selectable output attenuator
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* Stereo audio outputs at line and headphone levels
 
* Stereo audio outputs at line and headphone levels
 
* In-built 1W stereo audio amplifier for directly driving speakers
 
* In-built 1W stereo audio amplifier for directly driving speakers
 
* Direct, de-bounced connections for a Morse key (straight or iambic) and PTT
 
* Direct, de-bounced connections for a Morse key (straight or iambic) and PTT
* 122.88MHz master clock, which can be phase-locked to an internal 10MHz TCXO or external frequency reference
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* Low phase noise (-140dBc/Hz @ 1kHz at 14MHz) 122.88MHz master clock,which can be phase-locked to an internal 10MHz TCXO or external frequency reference
* Jumper-selectable external frequency reference, with signal processing, to suit numerous GPS-locked 10MHz reference sources
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* Direct ribbon cable interface to [[Apollo]] 15W power amplifier, low pass filters and automatic ATU or ANAN-10 10W power amplifier and low power filters [http://www.apache-labs.com http://www.apache-labs.com]
* Direct ribbon cable interface to Apollo 15W power amplifier, low pass filters and automatic ATU.
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* Industry Standard TCP/IP network Ethernet interface supports static, APIPA or DHCP IP address
 +
* Hermes responds to ping and ARP requests and auto senses network connection speed
 +
* PCB is 160mm x 120mm, 8 layers
  
[[Image:hermesapolloincase.jpg|thumb|500px|Hermes and Apollo in enclosure - photo copyright Kjell Karlsen 2010.]]
 
  
 
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[[Apollo]] is a combined 15w PA, Low Pass Filter bank and Automatic ATU. The Apollo project is led by Kjell Karlsen LA2NI.
 
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====Update 8 January 2010====
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Both Alpha Hermes boards are now working 100%. Phil, VK6APH has had over 100 QSOs into Europe using his board and a 100W external amplifier. All the FPGA code is written and tested and KISS Konsole and PowerSDR(TM) have been modified to support Hermes.
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We are currently waiting for a couple of components to arrive that we wish to evaluate prior to correcting a few small errors on the Alpha PCB.
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This should be completed in then next few days. We will then manufacture Beta release PCBs for the evaluation builders to build and test.
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Once complete we will move to production.  We are currently negotiating with a number of potential manufacturers and will announce the successful one shortly.
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Both blank and fully assembled and tested PCB's will be available.
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Ken, K9VV, has a lot on information regarding Hermes on his web site here  http://www.n9vv.com/hamradio.html
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====Update 16 December 2009====
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[[Image:VK6APH-Hermes-Prototype-RIMG0130.png|thumb|500px|center|caption (click for larger image) photo courtesy Phil Harman VK6APH]]
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[[Image:P1010663.JPG|thumb|300px|The enclosure I intend to use for the prototype, the euro card will slide in, regulators and PA transistors will be bolted directly to the case and there is plenty of room for additional hardware (LPF's, Beagleboard??? - who knows :))]]
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Current status ( 20 April 09 ), Project proposal [[HERMES - Design Discussions|open for comment]]. Looking to nail ‘major’ hardware decisions by the end of the month. Initial draft schematics will then be produced and placed here on the Wiki for comment.
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Update (13 September 09) the initial schematics have been created and can be found here : [[Media:Hermes_RevA5-3.pdf|Hermes_RevA5-3.pdf]]
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Update (27 September 09) following comments regarding the initial schematics, the design has now been frozen for Alpha board development, thank you to all who have contributed, through an HPSDR community effort, Hermes is one step closer to becoming a reality. The updated schematics can be found here :
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[[Media:Hermes_RevA7-3.pdf|Hermes_RevA7-3.pdf]]
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Update (9 October 09) Just to wet your appetite, here are the current top & bottom layout details for Hermes.
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* [[Media:Hermes_top.pdf|Hermes_top.pdf]]
 
  
* [[Media:Hermes_bottom.pdf|Hermes_bottom.pdf]]
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Hermes can be used as a Vector Network Analyzer: [[VNA]]
  
Although not quite finished you can gain an appreciation of the beautiful and artful skills from Tony.
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[[Image:hermesapolloincase.jpg|thumb|500px|Hermes and Apollo in enclosure - photo copyright Kjell Karlsen 2010.]]
He is doing a fantastic job laying out the 6 layers needed to bring Hermes alive, current plans are to finalise the layout this weekend, shortly followed by an order for the Alpha PCB’s.
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Update (14 October 09) I've uploaded the Alpha PCB foils, costings are being sort and we are planning to order the Alpha boards in the very near future.
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* [[Media:Bottom.pdf|Bottom.pdf]]
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* [[Media:VCC.pdf|VCC.pdf]]
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* [[Media:L4.pdf|L4.pdf]]
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* [[Media:L3.pdf|L3.pdf]]
 
  
* [[Media:GND.pdf|GND.pdf]]
 
  
* [[Media:Top Layer.pdf|Top Layer.pdf]]
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====Update 7 August 2011====
  
* [[Media:SilkScreen Bottom.pdf|Silkscreen Bottom.pdf]]
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The primary PCB layout team member of Hermes, Abhi has a blog on Hermes at [http://hpsdrhermes.blogspot.com/ http://hpsdrhermes.blogspot.com/ ]. --[[User:KV0S|KV0S, Dave]]
  
* [[Media:SilkScreen Top.pdf|Silkscreen Top.pdf]]
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====Update 7 July 2011====
  
Update (2 November 09) The Alpha PCB's have just been released from the manufacture and are currently in transit to Bill for kitting, pictures can be found here:
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A prototype board has been built and tested. The board is fully functional and meets or exceeds the performance of the Mercury/Penelope/Metis/Excalibur boards the design is based on.
  
* [[Media:DSC00142.jpg|DSC00142.jpg]]
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Some minor board layout issues are currently being addressed and a pre-production layout is presently being prepared.  
 +
The KD5TFD and W5WC versions of PowerSDR(TM) as well as KISS Konsole have been modified to provide native Hermes support.
  
* [[Media:DSC00143.jpg|DSC00143.jpg]]
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Ken, N9VV, has a lot of information regarding Hermes on his web site here  http://www.n9vv.com/hamradio.html
  
Tony has started populating the first board, supplies and FX2 all correct and working, he is now building up the receive chain in preparation for some initial test code Phil is in the process of developing.
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[[Image:Hermes.jpg|thumb|500px|center| (click for larger image) photo courtesy Abhi Arunoday ]]
 +
There are also the [[Hermes Board Build Notes]]
  
Further updates to follow shortly.
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====Update 2 December 2012====
  
[[Apollo]] is a combined 15w PA and Low Pass Filter bank. The Apollo project is led by Kjell Karlsen LA2NI .
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A useful website for Hermes users can be found at [http://www.k9ivb.net/hermes/ www.k9ivb.net/hermes/] by Dick K9IVB. --[[User:KV0S|KV0S, Dave]]
  
''' Please see [[HERMES - Design Discussions]]'''
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There are the [[Hermes Board Build Notes]] as well.
  
 
[[Category:Hermes| ]]
 
[[Category:Hermes| ]]

Latest revision as of 05:50, 28 December 2012

Hermes - A DUC/DDC Transceiver

Hardware block diagram. Click to enlarge.

Project Leader: Kevin M0KHZ

Update 11 July 2012

Hermes is a single board Digital Up and Down Conversion (DUC/DDC) full duplex HF + 6m multi-mode transceiver.

It is basically the Mercury, Pennylane, Metis and Excalibur (less TCXO) boards rolled into one PCB. The board communicates to an associated PC via 100T/1000T Ethernet.

Hermes has the following features and facilities:

  • Continuous, uninterrupted, receive coverage from 10kHz to 55MHz.
  • Supports Real-Time display of entire spectrum from 0-55MHz (with suitable PC software)
  • Supports 7 fully independent receivers (sharing the same antenna - and with suitable PC software)
  • Each receiver can display 48/96/192kHz of spectrum
  • Blocking Dynamic Range (ARRL Method) - no detectable gain compression below ADC overload
  • High performance receiver – same specifications as the HPSDR Mercury receiver (ie Dynamic Range typically 125dB)
  • Transmit and receiver image rejection > 110dB
  • Full duplex operation, any split over entire 160m to 6m range.
  • Transmitter two-tone 3rd order IMD of -50dBc on 20m @ 400mW output
  • 500mW RF output on 160 – 10m amateur bands, 350mW on 6m
  • Built-in high performance preamp, with a noise floor typically -135dBm in 500Hz
  • Software-selectable 31dB input attenuator in 1dB steps
  • FPGA code can be updated via the Industry Standard TCP/IP network Ethernet connection
  • Seven user-configurable open-collector outputs, independently selectable per band and Tx/Rx (for relay control, etc - with sequencing via PC code)
  • Separate open-collector PTT connection for amplifier control, etc, with sequencer
  • Microphone PTT jumper-selectable from tip or ring connection
  • Bias for electret microphones via jumper
  • Four user-configurable 12 bit analogue inputs (for ALC, SWR etc)
  • Three user-configurable digital inputs (for linear amplifier over temperature, etc)
  • Can operate from a 13.8v DC supply or +12v and +5v supplies
  • Jumper selected in-built low noise and high efficiency switch mode power supply designed by Kjell Karson,LA2NI – less than 600mA (receive - one receiver) from a 13.8V supply
  • I2C bus connector for control of external equipment
  • Full QSK operation (performance dependant on associated PC and control software)
  • Low-level transmitter output for transverter use via user-selectable output attenuator
  • Stereo audio outputs at line and headphone levels
  • In-built 1W stereo audio amplifier for directly driving speakers
  • Direct, de-bounced connections for a Morse key (straight or iambic) and PTT
  • Low phase noise (-140dBc/Hz @ 1kHz at 14MHz) 122.88MHz master clock,which can be phase-locked to an internal 10MHz TCXO or external frequency reference
  • Direct ribbon cable interface to Apollo 15W power amplifier, low pass filters and automatic ATU or ANAN-10 10W power amplifier and low power filters http://www.apache-labs.com
  • Industry Standard TCP/IP network Ethernet interface supports static, APIPA or DHCP IP address
  • Hermes responds to ping and ARP requests and auto senses network connection speed
  • PCB is 160mm x 120mm, 8 layers


Apollo is a combined 15w PA, Low Pass Filter bank and Automatic ATU. The Apollo project is led by Kjell Karlsen LA2NI.


Hermes can be used as a Vector Network Analyzer: VNA

Hermes and Apollo in enclosure - photo copyright Kjell Karlsen 2010.


Update 7 August 2011

The primary PCB layout team member of Hermes, Abhi has a blog on Hermes at http://hpsdrhermes.blogspot.com/ . --KV0S, Dave

Update 7 July 2011

A prototype board has been built and tested. The board is fully functional and meets or exceeds the performance of the Mercury/Penelope/Metis/Excalibur boards the design is based on.

Some minor board layout issues are currently being addressed and a pre-production layout is presently being prepared. The KD5TFD and W5WC versions of PowerSDR(TM) as well as KISS Konsole have been modified to provide native Hermes support.

Ken, N9VV, has a lot of information regarding Hermes on his web site here http://www.n9vv.com/hamradio.html

(click for larger image) photo courtesy Abhi Arunoday

There are also the Hermes Board Build Notes

Update 2 December 2012

A useful website for Hermes users can be found at www.k9ivb.net/hermes/ by Dick K9IVB. --KV0S, Dave

There are the Hermes Board Build Notes as well.