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May. 05, 2025

USRP Hardware Driver and USRP Manual: Overview

The Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) is a flexible hardware platform that plays a crucial role in the world of software-defined radio (SDR). It provides a versatile interface between digital signal processing algorithms and the physical radio world. To ensure seamless integration, operation, and optimal performance of the USRP, two key resources are necessary: the USRP Hardware Driver (UHD) and the USRP Manual. This guide provides an overview of both of these essential components to help you understand their role and how they contribute to your SDR application development.

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1. What is the USRP Hardware Driver (UHD)?

The USRP Hardware Driver (UHD) is a software library that acts as the interface between the USRP hardware and software applications running on a host computer. It enables users to control and configure the USRP hardware and facilitates the transmission and reception of signals. UHD is crucial for enabling a wide range of SDR applications, as it provides the necessary low-level communication and interaction between the software and hardware.

UHD supports multiple versions of USRP hardware, such as the USRP B200, USRP X300, and others, and ensures compatibility across different hardware configurations. It provides users with access to hardware features, including:

Frequency control: Configuring the center frequency for both transmission and reception.
Gain control: Adjusting the amplification levels of the received and transmitted signals.
Sample rate control: Setting the rate at which samples are taken and transmitted.
Time synchronization: Synchronizing multiple USRP devices to ensure consistent and accurate data collection.
Interface with other SDR software: UHD is compatible with major SDR software frameworks, such as GNU Radio, LabVIEW, and MATLAB, providing seamless integration for advanced signal processing tasks.

In short, the UHD provides all the necessary low-level control to enable developers to build complex SDR applications and interact with the USRP hardware at a granular level. It is often updated to support new USRP hardware versions, and it is essential for unlocking the full potential of the device.

HM USRP B200mini Series

2. What is the USRP Manual?

The USRP Manual is the official documentation provided by the manufacturer (National Instruments) for the USRP hardware. This manual offers detailed information about the hardware components, setup procedures, and troubleshooting steps to help users configure and operate the device effectively. The USRP manual serves as an invaluable resource for both beginners and experienced SDR developers, offering insights into the specifications, performance characteristics, and limitations of various USRP models.

Key sections typically covered in the USRP Manual include:

Introduction to USRP hardware: Overview of different USRP models, their features, and their capabilities.
Hardware setup: Step-by-step instructions for setting up the USRP hardware, including connecting the device to the host computer and powering it on.
Configuration and calibration: Information on how to configure the device settings, such as frequency, gain, sample rate, and calibration procedures to ensure optimal performance.
Communication protocols: Details on the communication protocols used by USRP hardware to interface with host computers, including USB, Ethernet, and PCIe communication interfaces.
Compatibility: Information on which software tools and operating systems are compatible with the USRP hardware and UHD, such as supported Linux distributions, Windows versions, and SDR software packages.
Performance considerations: Best practices for maximizing performance and avoiding common pitfalls related to signal quality, power consumption, and system stability.
Troubleshooting: Common error codes, solutions for hardware malfunctions, and recommendations for resolving issues during operation.

The USRP Manual is an essential resource for ensuring that users can set up and operate their devices correctly. It acts as a guide through the installation, configuration, and optimization process, enabling users to get the best performance out of their USRP hardware.

3. How the USRP Hardware Driver and USRP Manual Work Together

While the USRP Hardware Driver and the USRP Manual serve distinct purposes, they complement each other to provide a seamless experience for users working with the USRP platform. Here’s how they work together:

For more information, please visit HM USRP B Series.

UHD provides control, while the USRP Manual provides context: The UHD library offers the low-level control needed to operate the USRP hardware. The USRP Manual, on the other hand, provides the necessary background information, best practices, and setup instructions to ensure that the hardware is correctly configured and optimized.
UHD enables functionality, while the USRP Manual guides troubleshooting: If users encounter issues with their USRP setup, the UHD might provide error codes or feedback that can be referenced in the manual. The manual offers troubleshooting tips and solutions to common problems, making it easier for users to resolve issues without needing to rely solely on trial and error.
UHD allows for advanced features, and the USRP Manual documents them: UHD enables advanced features like synchronization, time-stamping, and multiple device coordination. The USRP Manual documents these advanced features, explaining how to configure and optimize them for specific use cases.

Together, the USRP Hardware Driver and the USRP Manual form a complete ecosystem for users to interact with the USRP hardware in a powerful and efficient way, whether they are beginners or experienced SDR developers.

4. Key Benefits of Using the USRP Hardware Driver and USRP Manual

Both the USRP Hardware Driver and the USRP Manual offer a variety of benefits for users of the USRP platform:

Flexibility and scalability: UHD supports a wide range of USRP devices, allowing users to scale their SDR systems as needed and easily integrate multiple devices.
Comprehensive software integration: UHD is compatible with a variety of SDR software tools, offering users a flexible environment for signal processing and system development.
Ease of use: The USRP Manual provides clear, detailed instructions and troubleshooting guidance, making it easier for users to get started and resolve issues quickly.
Optimized performance: By following the recommendations in the manual, users can ensure that their USRP setup is optimized for peak performance in their specific application.

5. Conclusion

The USRP Hardware Driver (UHD) and the USRP Manual are essential tools for anyone working with the USRP platform. UHD provides the low-level control and integration required for building complex SDR systems, while the USRP Manual offers valuable documentation, setup instructions, and troubleshooting guidance. Together, they form the backbone of an efficient and effective SDR development environment, enabling users to maximize the capabilities of the USRP hardware and build innovative communication systems.

[USRP-users] How to implement multi_usrp (with MIMO)?

Furkan Elibol

Hi,

I tried the same code with stream command for future as the rx_timed_samples.cpp. but the result is same, I still can not receive any packet.

I think my problem is related with subdevice mapping. Because when I try the same multi usrp library and same code with only setting one usrp2, it can receive packets as expected.

And I wonder is there any test program for multi usrp setup.

Thanks...

Furkan

Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

From: Josh Blum <***@ettus.com>;

To: ;

Subject: Re: [USRP-users] How to implement multi_usrp (with MIMO)?

Sent: Tue, Jan 4, 6:28:23 PM

My first guess is that you need to issue a stream command for a time in

the _future_. If you issue a command to stream _immediately_, the packet

streams from the individual devices will not align. If the packets do

not align, they are dropped inside the uhd.

-josh

Take a look at this fun

On 01/04/ 05:16 AM, Furkan Elibol wrote:

Hi,

I try to collect sync data from 2 usrp2s with mimo cable which uhd supports. I

modified rx_samples_to_file.cpp. I can compile the new c++ code without error

but when i run the code i can not receive any packet. I need help about this

problem. Please check my code and inform me if there are any mistake. I attached

the whole code and output of the code are below;

linux; GNU C++ version 4.4.3; Boost_; UHD_..1

Warning:

error in pthread_setschedparam

Failed to set thread priority 0.5 (realtime):

Performance may be negatively affected.

See the general application notes.

Creating the usrp device with: ...

Current recv sock buff size: bytes

Current recv sock buff size: bytes

Warning:

error in pthread_setschedparam

Failed to set thread priority 0.5 (realtime):

Performance may be negatively affected.

See the general application notes.

Warning:

error in pthread_setschedparam

Failed to set thread priority 0.5 (realtime):

Performance may be negatively affected.

See the general application notes.

Using Device: Multi USRP:

Device: USRP2/N Series multi-device

Mboard 0: USRP2-REV4 mboard

Mboard 1: USRP2-REV4 mboard

RX DSP 0: USRP2-REV4 ddc0

RX Channel: 0

RX Dboard: USRP2-REV4 dboard (rx unit)

RX Subdev: WBX (0x)

RX DSP 1: USRP2-REV4 ddc0

RX Channel: 1

RX Dboard: USRP2-REV4 dboard (rx unit)

RX Subdev: WBX (0x)

TX DSP 0: USRP2-REV4 duc0

TX Channel: 0

TX Dboard: USRP2-REV4 dboard (tx unit)

TX Subdev: WBX (0x)

TX DSP 1: USRP2-REV4 duc0

TX Channel: 1

TX Dboard: USRP2-REV4 dboard (tx unit)

TX Subdev: WBX (0x)

Time sync: 1

sdev spec 0: Subdevice Specification:

Channel 0: Daughterboard 0, Subdevice

sdev spec 1: Subdevice Specification:

Channel 0: Daughterboard 0, Subdevice

Setting RX Rate: 5. Msps...

Actual RX Rate: 5. Msps...

Setting RX Freq: 120. Mhz...

Actual RX Freq: 120. Mhz...

Actual RX Freq: 120. Mhz...

Setting RX Gain: 15. dB...

Actual RX Gain: 15. dB...

Actual RX Gain: 15. dB...

LO Locked = 1

LO Locked = 1

OO

stream num samps:

stream flag: 1

OOnum acc samples=0

num rx samples= 0

max recv samp per packet: 362

buff size: 362

num acc samples=0

num rx samples= 0

max recv samp per packet: 362

buff size: 362

num acc samples=0

num rx samples= 0

max recv samp per packet: 362

.

.

.

As seen above i can not receive any packet. I use wbx as db. I can collect data

from single usrp2+wbx with original rx_samples_to_file.cpp.

Any discussion???

furkan

this is the print for mboard0

sdev spec 0: Subdevice Specification:

Channel 0: Daughterboard 0, Subdevice

this is the print for mboard1

sdev spec 1: Subdevice Specification:

Channel 0: Daughterboard 0, Subdevice

So, everything should be fine.

I guess the prints could be more clear.

-Josh

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Laurie Young Currently attempting to implement this myself using the next UHD branch
(UHD_..). Furkan, I think you need to set up the
MIMO master and slave using the "mimo_mode" arg, ie:
dev_addr["addr0"] = "192.168.10.2";
dev_addr["addr1"] = "192.168.20.2";
dev_addr["mimo_mode0"] = "master";
dev_addr["mimo_mode1"] = "slave";

Then to issue the stream command in the future do (I think):
stream_cmd.stream_now = false;
stream_cmd.time_spec = mdev->get_time_now() + 1.0;
mdev->issue_stream_cmd(stream_cmd);

However I get stuck here. I'd like to RX from both the master and slave
channels but doesn't recv() just stream from a uhd::device? So if you set up
a multi_usrp::sptr called mdev and do uhd::device::sptr dev =
mdev->get_device() how can I specify to recv() from the master/slave?

Laurie

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