Difference between revisions of "Modifying an X310 Chassis for External LO Sharing"

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==Application Note Number==
 
==Application Note Number==
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'''AN-123'''
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'''AN-355'''
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Note: This AN is currently in progress and is incomplete. Please contact support@ettus if the information that you expect to be in this KB is relevant to your usecase.
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==Revision History==
 
==Revision History==
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!Details
 
!Details
 
|-
 
|-
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|style="text-align:center;"| 2019-09-06    
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|style="text-align:center;"| 2019-10-02    
 
|style="text-align:center;"| Sam Reiter
 
|style="text-align:center;"| Sam Reiter
 
|style="text-align:center;"| Initial creation
 
|style="text-align:center;"| Initial creation
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==Overview==
 
==Overview==
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This document describes how to modify an X310 chassis to wire the LO to the backplane. Doing this will allow the user to export and import an LO signal as desired when using a compatible daughterboard such as the TwinRX. Tools and cables are not available for purchase from Ettus Research, but product recommendations are made. All modifications are performed at the user's own risk.  
+
This document describes how to modify an X310 chassis to wire the LO out of the back plate. Doing this will allow the user to export and import an LO signal as desired when using a compatible daughterboard such as the TwinRX. Tools and cables are not available for purchase from Ettus Research, but product recommendations are made. All modifications are performed at the user's own risk.
  
 
==Product Compatibility==
 
==Product Compatibility==
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Example Manufacturer: Cinch Connectivity Solutions Johnson
 
Example Manufacturer: Cinch Connectivity Solutions Johnson
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Example Part Number: 415-0073-MM250  
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Example Part Number: 415-0073-MM250
 +
 
 +
[[File:SMAtoMMCX.jpg|200px|center]]
  
 
==Steps==
 
==Steps==
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Its possible to put the device into an unusable state by loading bad images. Fortunately, the USRP-N Series can be booted into a safe (read-only) image. Once booted into the safe image, the user can once again load images onto the device.
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# Remove the top cover of the X310
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#* There are two Phillips head screws to remove
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The safe-mode button is a pushbutton switch (S2) located inside the enclosure. To boot into the safe image, hold-down the safe-mode button while power-cycling the device. Continue to hold-down the button until the front-panel LEDs blink and remain solid.
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#* Use the notch in the case to lift up and slide back the cover
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#:[[File:TopCover.jpg|900px|center]]
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When in safe-mode, the USRP-N device will always have the IP address 192.168.10.2.
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#:<center>''X310 Cover Screws and Notch''</center>
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# Remove the back plate of the X310
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For more information on using external tools to unbrick your device when even this fails, see the section below Unbricking an N-Series Device.
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#* There are four Torx t8 screws to remove
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#* There are 5 nuts around the PPS I/O, REF I/O, and GPS SMA connectors
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==Unbricking an N-Series Device==
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#:[[File:BackWithHW.JPG|900px|center]]
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===Required Tools===
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#:<center>''X310 Back Plate''</center>
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* JTAG programmer: please connect it to the JTAG connector on the motherboard as shown in the attachment
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#* Slide the back plate directly out from the rear of the device to remove.
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* Xilinx 'iMPACT': launch and cancel the new project wizards. You should be left with the screen which shows a single FPGA chip in the main document (auto-detected by the programmer).
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#:[[File:BackWOHW.jpg|900px|center]]
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#:<center>''X310 Back Plate Removal''</center>
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[[File:N2xx-JTAG.jpg|700px|center]]
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# Cut holes in the backplate sticker as appropriate
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<center>''N2x0 JTAG Connection''</center>
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#* There are 6 holes pre-drilled in the backplate, no need for any drilling or modifying of the aluminium case.  
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#* Note, if you don't have these pre-drilled holes, ensure your chassis P/N matches those in the "Product Compatibility" section.
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===Recovery Process===
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#* NI-Branded USRPs with TwinRX boards such as the NI-2945 and NI-2955 use these holes with a product specific sticker. A picture of this is included below, for reference.
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Download the latest FPGA images, e.g. using:
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#:[[File:backplate nohardware.jpg|900px|center]]
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#:<center>''NI-2955 Back Plate Hole Configuration''</center>
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    $ uhd_images_downloader
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#:[[File:2945backplatw hardware.JPG|900px|center]]
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#:<center>''NI-2955 Back Plate with Hardware Populated''</center>
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There is a sub-directory in the archive below the <code>firmware/images</code> called '<code>bit</code>'. Use Impact to load <code>usrp_n210_r4_fpga.bit</code> via the programmer (the filename may be different depending on your device type and revision).
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# Replace the back plate of the X310
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#* This process is the opposite of removal (see step 2)
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The USRP should now be able to communicate on the network (you'll see some LEDs light up and network link be established). The next step is to flash the device and program the serial number. Both these steps can be done with UHD (the JTAG step is complete).
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# Add the new SMA cables to the holes in the chassis
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#* Unscrew the nut from each SMA, push it through the back of the device, and replace the nut + lock washer.
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To be sure, run <code>uhd_find_devices</code> and it should appear in the list - remember this IP address for the image loader utility (should be 192.168.10.2 - make sure your network settings enable to you communicate with that subnet!).
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#:[[File:AddSMA.jpg|900px|center]]
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#:<center>''X310 Back Plate With SMA to MMCX Cables''</center>
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The first step is to flash the unit's safe-mode image, and then do a normal flash - both with the UHD Image Loader utility.
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# Connect the MMCX connectors to the TwinRX boards
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#* See the [https://kb.ettus.com/TwinRX_Getting_Started_Guides TwinRX Getting Started Guide] for details regarding connections
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Make sure you have UHD installed, and the images from before, and follow the instructions in [http://files.ettus.com/manual/page_usrp2.html#usrp2_load Load the Images onto the SD card (USRP2 only)]. You can combine the <code>--fw-path</code> and <code>--fpga-path</code> arguments into the single invocation of the image loader.
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#* When routing cables, it's recommended to place them between the daughterboard and heat sync. Cables on top of the TwinRX or heat sync may cause lid clearance issues.
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# Additional Notes
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You will probably use "<code>usrp_n210_fw.bin</code>" for the firmware and "<code>usrp_n210_r4_fpga.bin</code>" for the FPGA image parameters (use the full/relative file path if your current directory is not that of the images).
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#* Unfortunately, there is currently no replacement sticker available to add to an Ettus-branded X310. Labels will need to be DIY, if desired.
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#* Performing this change to an X310 with a part number listed in the "Product Compatibility" section will not void its warranty.
−
    $ uhd_image_loader --args="type=usrp2,addr=192.168.10.2,overwrite-safe" --fw-path=usrp_n210_fw.bin --fpga-path=usrp_n210_r4_fpga.bin
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#* If you have an X310 that is not listed in the "Product Compatibility" section and want to perform this modification, contact support@ettus.com for measurements and appropriate disclaimers.
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+
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Use the overwrite-safe option the first time, and then repeat without it for the second time. Don't forget to power-cycle the device after it has been flashed.
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You can change the normal IP address by following the instructions in Change the USRP2's IP address.
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If you run <code>uhd_usrp_probe</code>, you can see the EEPROM keys at the top. Example:
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<pre>
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Mboard: N210r4
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hardware: 2577
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mac-addr: a0:36:fa:25:34:a7
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ip-addr: 192.168.10.4
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subnet: 255.255.255.255
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gateway: 255.255.255.255
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gpsdo: none
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serial: EAR14U7UP
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</pre>
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If you need to change any of there, you should then be able to run:
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    $ usrp_burn_mb_eeprom --key=<key> --val=<val>
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to set the 'mac-addr', 'serial' and 'Mboard'.
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==Troubleshooting==
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Listed below are some specific things that you can check to verify whether or not your N200/N210 hardware is working correctly. If the answer to any of the questions listed below is "no", then there is probably a hardware problem.
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* Does the fan spin?
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* Do any of the LEDs on the front panel light up? Which ones? (http://files.ettus.com/manual/page_usrp2.html#usrp2_hw_leds)
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−
 
+
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* Are the lights on the Ethernet port flashing, when the N210 is connected to the host computer? Note that the N200/N210 must be connected to a 1 Gigabit Ethernet port. A 100 Mbps Ethernet port will not work.
+
−
 
+
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* Check the voltages on these connectors on the motherboard: J105 (should be 2.5V); J104 (should be 3.3V); J107 (should be 1.2V). Do you see the correct voltages on those connectors?
+
  
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* Does the LED at D203 on the motherboard light up? If you're holding the N210 such that the front panel is facing you, then D203 is located near the left connector for the daughterboard.
+
==Configuration Options==
 +
===8 Channel RX, Star Configuration, External LO===
 +
* Green and blue cables are external connections and components
 +
*:[[File:Star.png|1000px|center]]
  
−
==JTAG Hardware==
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===8 Channel RX, Daisy-Chain Configuration===
−
In this example, the Xilinx Platform Cable USB model DLC9G was used. This or a comparable JTAG programmer should enable device recovery.
+
* Green and blue cables are external connections and components
 +
* Make sure to measure LO power at each stage. Active splitters or amplifiers are recommended, especially with larger daisy-chain configurations.
 +
*:[[File:DaisyChain.png|1000px|center]]
  
−
* Xilinx Platform Cable USB Datasheet: https://www.xilinx.com/support/documentation/data_sheets/ds300.pdf
+
==Additional Notes==
 +
[https://kb.ettus.com/TwinRX_Getting_Started_Guides TwinRX Getting Started Guide]
  
 
[[Category:Application Notes]]
 
[[Category:Application Notes]]

Latest revision as of 14:59, 15 October 2019

Application Note Number

AN-355

Revision History

Date Author Details
2019-10-02 Sam Reiter Initial creation

Overview

This document describes how to modify an X310 chassis to wire the LO out of the back plate. Doing this will allow the user to export and import an LO signal as desired when using a compatible daughterboard such as the TwinRX. Tools and cables are not available for purchase from Ettus Research, but product recommendations are made. All modifications are performed at the user's own risk.

Product Compatibility

This guide is only for devices with following Part Numbers:

  • 156485C-09L
  • 156485C-10L
  • 156485F-09L
  • 156485F-10L
  • 156485G-09L
  • 156485G-10L

Cable Recommendation

Cable type: SMA (F) to Right-angle MMCX (M) Cable Assembly Cable Length: 25cm

Example Manufacturer: Cinch Connectivity Solutions Johnson Example Part Number: 415-0073-MM250

SMAtoMMCX.jpg

Steps

  1. Remove the top cover of the X310
    • There are two Phillips head screws to remove
    • Use the notch in the case to lift up and slide back the cover
    TopCover.jpg
    X310 Cover Screws and Notch
  2. Remove the back plate of the X310
    • There are four Torx t8 screws to remove
    • There are 5 nuts around the PPS I/O, REF I/O, and GPS SMA connectors
    BackWithHW.JPG
    X310 Back Plate
    • Slide the back plate directly out from the rear of the device to remove.
    BackWOHW.jpg
    X310 Back Plate Removal
  3. Cut holes in the backplate sticker as appropriate
    • There are 6 holes pre-drilled in the backplate, no need for any drilling or modifying of the aluminium case.
    • Note, if you don't have these pre-drilled holes, ensure your chassis P/N matches those in the "Product Compatibility" section.
    • NI-Branded USRPs with TwinRX boards such as the NI-2945 and NI-2955 use these holes with a product specific sticker. A picture of this is included below, for reference.
    backplate nohardware.jpg
    NI-2955 Back Plate Hole Configuration
    2945backplatw hardware.JPG
    NI-2955 Back Plate with Hardware Populated
  4. Replace the back plate of the X310
    • This process is the opposite of removal (see step 2)
  5. Add the new SMA cables to the holes in the chassis
    • Unscrew the nut from each SMA, push it through the back of the device, and replace the nut + lock washer.
    AddSMA.jpg
    X310 Back Plate With SMA to MMCX Cables
  6. Connect the MMCX connectors to the TwinRX boards
    • See the TwinRX Getting Started Guide for details regarding connections
    • When routing cables, it's recommended to place them between the daughterboard and heat sync. Cables on top of the TwinRX or heat sync may cause lid clearance issues.
  7. Additional Notes
    • Unfortunately, there is currently no replacement sticker available to add to an Ettus-branded X310. Labels will need to be DIY, if desired.
    • Performing this change to an X310 with a part number listed in the "Product Compatibility" section will not void its warranty.
    • If you have an X310 that is not listed in the "Product Compatibility" section and want to perform this modification, contact support@ettus.com for measurements and appropriate disclaimers.

Configuration Options

8 Channel RX, Star Configuration, External LO

  • Green and blue cables are external connections and components
    Star.png

8 Channel RX, Daisy-Chain Configuration

  • Green and blue cables are external connections and components
  • Make sure to measure LO power at each stage. Active splitters or amplifiers are recommended, especially with larger daisy-chain configurations.
    DaisyChain.png

Additional Notes

TwinRX Getting Started Guide

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