Sidekiq™ Multi-Channel RF Transceiver – X2 and X4
The programmable Sidekiq X2 and X4 from Epiq Solutions are multi-channel RF transceiver cards that introduce a new level of RF integration and capability, reducing product development times and improving wideband range, versatility, and performance. Sidekiq creates a flexible, high-capacity RF transceiver solution that is designed for pairing (as shown in photo) with a high-performance WILDSTAR FPGA Baseboard.
Sidekiq X2 and X4 cards provide up to four phase-coherent RF transceivers covering 1 MHz to 6 GHz, all within a VITA 57.1 FPGA Mezzanine Card (FMC) form factor. RF performance is enhanced with 16-bit A/D converters and 14-bit D/A converters.
Sidekiq is readily integrated into COTS 3U or 6U VPX carrier cards. Both conduction- and convection-cooled options are supported.
The Sidekiq Platform Development Kit (PDK) provides customers with access to both a software API for interfacing to the card, as well as the source code for the FPGA reference design.
See all of the Annapolis Mezz Cards.
RF Receiver Specifications
- Number of Receivers
- X2 – 2 with SSMC interfaces, with an additional independently tunable receiver
- X4 – 1 to 4 configurable as independent or phase coherent. SSMC interface, with MMCX option.
- RF Tuning Range
- 1 MHz to 6 GHz
- RF Tuning Step Size
- < 5 Hz
- RF Channel Bandwidth
- X2 – Up to 100 MHz
- X4 – Up to 200 MHz (400 with reduced channel count)
- Typical Rx Noise Figure
- 8 dB
- Typical Input IP3 (at 8 dB noise figure)
- +8 dBm
- Max A/D Converter Sample Rate
- X2 – 122.88 Msamples/sec
- X4 – 245.76 Msamples/sec
- A/D Converter Sample Width
- 16 bits
- Rx Gain Modes
- Manual or automatic (AGC)
- Pre-Select Filter
- Seven bandpass RF filters on each RF receiver
RF Transmitter Specifications
- Number of Phase Coherent Transmitters
- X2 – Two with SSMC interface
- X4 – Four operated as phase coherent or as two phase coherent pairs. SSMC interface, with MMCX option.
- RF Tuning Range
- 1 MHz to 6 GHz
- RF Tuning Step Size
- < 5 Hz
- RF Channel Bandwidth
- X2 – Up to 100 MHz
- X4 – Up to 200 MHz
- Typical RF Output Power
- Up to +5 dBm
- Max D/A Sample Rate
- X2 – 122.88 Msamples/sec
- X4 – 245.76 Msamples/sec
- D/A Converter Sample Width
- 14 bits
Digital Specifications
- A/D and D/A interface to Host System
- JESD204b
- Additional I/O from Host
- I2C + singled-ended GPIO
- PPS Interface
- X2 – SSMC
- X4 – SSMC, with MMCX option
- PPS Input
- Direct to host system FPGA (for timestamping)
- 10 MHz Reference Input Interface
- X2 – SSMC
- X4 – SSMC, with MMCX option
- 10 MHz Reference Input
- For phase locking card to external system
Mechanical Specifications
- Form Factor
- VITA 57.1 High Pin Count FPGA Mezzanine Card (FMC)
- Thermal Management
- Convection cooled (conduction option on request)
- Typical Power Consumption (depends on # of channels in use)
- X2 – 4-10 Watts
- X4 – 7-14 Watts
- Component Temperature Rating
- -40 to +85 degrees C
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Technical Documents
