Wavelet Lab’s xSDR is a tiny, single-sided M.2 2230 software-defined radio (SDR) module designed for integration into laptops, embedded systems, and edge computing devices. A successor to the company’s previous uSDR, the “x” in xSDR stands for “extended,” adding 2×2 MIMO support and a wider frequency range to the same tiny footprint.
The module is built around the Lime Microsystems LMS7002M RFIC and an AMD Artix-7 XC7A50T FPGA as found in the LimeNET Micro 2.0 Developer Edition board. This combination allows for a tuning range of 30 MHz to 3.8 GHz and a sample rate of up to 122.88 MSPS, making this SDR suitable for cellular research (LTE/5G), spectrum analysis, satellite tracking, and high-speed data links (with two modules).
Wavelet Lab’s xSDR specifications:
- RFIC – Lime Microsystems LMS7002M programmable RF (FPRF) transceiver IC
- FPGA – AMD Embedded XC7A50T (Artix-7) with 52,160 logic cells
- RF capabilities
- Channels – 2×2 MIMO (2x RX, 2x TX)
- Frequency Range – 30 MHz to 3.8 GHz
- Bandwidth – 0.5 MHz to 90 MHz
- Sample Rate
- SISO – 0.1 MSPS to 122.88 MSPS
- MIMO – 0.1 MSPS to 80 MSPS
- Clock Stability – 0.5 PPM
- Connectors – 4x MHF4 RF connectors
- Storage – EEPROM AT24CSW020 (2 Kbit)
- USB – USB 2.0 PHY (USB3330)
- Host Interface – M.2 2230 A+E key edge connector (supports both USB 2.0 and PCIe 2.0 x2)
- Expansion
- 12+2 pin 1.8V GPIO header (compatible with uSDR pinout)
- External clock synchronization for multi-channel phase-coherent arrays (xMASS)
- Misc
- Crystal oscillator (NT2016SA 26 MHz)
- Temperature sensor (TMP114)
- Power supply range – 2.85 – 5.5 V
- Dimensions – 30 x 22 x 2 mm (M.2 2230 form factor)
The M.2 form factor allows the device to be installed into the WiFi/Bluetooth slot of various modern laptops or SBCs. But for the devices without an M.2 slot, the board is compatible with older uSDR adapters, including USB-C, Mini PCIe, and PCIe breakout boards. However, the company warns that using older uSDR adapters will limit the device to 1x RX/1x TX unless signals are manually routed via the MHF4 connectors.
Software support includes compatibility with GNU Radio, SoapySDR, srsRAN, and other SDR tools, which ensures the xSDR works with existing open-source and commercial RF ecosystems. The platform also works with wsdr.io, a web-based SDR environment for browser-based configuration, monitoring, and RF application development without requiring complex driver installations.
This project is supported by the NLnet Foundation as part of the “WSDR cellular network initiative”. This initiative focuses on lowering the barrier to building and experimenting with LTE and 5G systems by combining open-source software, web-based tools, and compact hardware like the xSDR, uSDR, and sSDR. Furthermore, the project is fully open-source; the host libraries are released under an MIT license, and the FPGA gateware under a CERN-OHL-P-2.0 license. While full hardware schematics will be released after the campaign ends, more information about features and installation can be found on the official website.
The xSDR is available on Crowd Supply for $549. A new M.2-to-PCIe breakout board is also available for $89, which includes four MHF4-to-SMA cables. Shipping is expected to start on July 15, 2026. For those requiring even higher frequencies, Wavelet Lab is also teasing an sSDR model with a range up to 11 GHz. Note: As with all high-power SDRs, users are responsible for complying with local radio regulations regarding transmissions.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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