BladeRF BT100 PA

BladeRF BT100 PA: Bias-tee Power Amplifier

The BladeRF BT100 PA: Bias-tee powered Power Amplifier (TX) for the bladeRF 2.0 micro.

Key features:

• Features Mini-Circuits PHA-1H+ MMIC Amplifier – 50MHz to 6GHz MMIC
• Power consumption: 200mW
• Blue LED power indicator
• Typ Gain: +15.6dB @ 200MHz, +10.7dB @ 2.4GHz
• Low TX Noise Figure
• High output IP3 point

Kit contains:

• 1x BT-100 Bias-tee Power Amplifier

Documentation:

• “Getting Started” Wiki page
• Schematic

Compatible with:

• bladeRF xA5 & bladeRF xA9
• Micro Enclosure
• Frequently Asked Questions

bladeRF-cli command:

• Enable module: set biastee tx on
• Disable module: set biastee tx off
• Query system power consumption: print hardware

The BT-100 is a wideband bias tee TX Power Amplifier (PA) that draws its current from the bladeRF 2.0 micro’s SMA connectors. The BT-100 is versatile PA that is an ideal intermediary or final stage amplifier in a TX chain. bladeRF-cli and the libbladeRF API can be used to enable and disable the bias-tee when it is needed. Care should be taken to avoid overdrawing current when powering the bladeRF 2.0 micro from USB bus power and enabling multiple bias-tee amplifiers simultaneously. In case the power budget (print hardware in bladeRF-cli) is a concern, the bladeRF 2.0 micro can be powered by an external DC power supply.

NOTE: The BT-100 can only be plugged into the TX ports.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I tell if the PA is enabled?
A green light will appear on the BT-100 if the program or tool you are using enables the bias-tee. In addition to the command line commands listed above, add “biastee=tx” to gr-osmosdr sink blocks to enable BT-100 from within GNU Radio.

How many BT modules can be added to the bladeRF 2.0 micro?
All 4 ports of the bladeRF 2.0 micro are powered, so any and all RF ports can have a bias-tee module installed and powered.