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

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(Unbricking an N-Series Device)
(Troubleshooting)
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[[File:N2xx-JTAG.jpg|700px|center]]
 
[[File:N2xx-JTAG.jpg|700px|center]]
 
<center>''N2x0 JTAG Connection''</center>
 
<center>''N2x0 JTAG Connection''</center>
 
==Troubleshooting==
 
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.
 
 
* Does the fan spin?
 
 
* Do any of the LEDs on the front panel light up? Which ones? (http://files.ettus.com/manual/page_usrp2.html#usrp2_hw_leds)
 
 
* 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.
 
 
* 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?
 
 
* 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.
 
  
 
==JTAG Hardware==
 
==JTAG Hardware==

Revision as of 14:48, 24 September 2019

Application Note Number

AN-123 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.

Revision History

Date Author Details
2019-09-06 Sam Reiter Initial creation

Overview

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.

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

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
  2. Remove the back plate of the X310
    • There are four Torx t5 screws to remove
    • There are 5 nuts around the PPS I/O, REF I/O, and GPS SMA connectors
    • Slide the back plate directly out from the rear of the device to remove.
  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.
  4. Replace the back plate of the X310
    • This process is the opposite of removal
  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.
  6. Connect the MMCX connectors to the TwinRX boards
    • See the guide below for I/O connections
  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

8 Channel RX, Daisy-Chain Configuration

  • Green and blue cables are external connections and components
  • Make sure to measure power
N2xx-JTAG.jpg
N2x0 JTAG Connection

JTAG Hardware

In this example, the Xilinx Platform Cable USB model DLC9G was used. This or a comparable JTAG programmer should enable device recovery.