Getting Started

To test the Satlab SRS-3 transceiver, you need a lab power supply and a development computer running Linux. The communication interfaces can be tested using either an adapter connected to the development computer or an external subsystem.

../_images/srs3-overview.svg

Attention

The SRS-3 can transmit with up to 30 dBm ouput. A 50 Ω load capable of handling this power must be connected to the transmit (TX) connector of the system. Transmitting without a load could permanently damage the system.

If you are transmitting using an antenna, make sure you have the proper licenses to transmit on the configured frequency.

To power on the system:

  • Connect a 50 Ω load rated at minimum 1 W to the TX connector (e.g. a satellite receiver, spectrum analyzer, or dummy load). Use suitable attenuators if the maximum power handling capability of your load is 1 W or lower.

  • Connect the supplied JTAG/serial USB cable to the P2 connector and open the USB serial device as described in Debugging Shell.

  • Connect the desired communication interface (CAN-bus, RS-422, Ethernet) to the appropriate pins in the P1 connector.

  • Connect the supply power to the VIN/GND pins in the P1 connector. Set the power supply to 5V with a 2.0 A current limit, preferably using a fused output. The input voltage can be higher (see the datasheet for electrical specifications), but we recommend starting with 5 V.

Once power is applied to the board, the system will output a boot log on the serial interface.

To test the communication interfaces, the satctl Linux application can be installed on the development system. For CAN-bus interface, Satlab recommends the PEAK-System PCAN-USB dongle. For RS-422, the FTDI USB-RS422-WE-1800-BT is recommended. Please ensure that the communication interfaces on the system are configured as described in CSP Interfaces. Note that CAN-bus is used by default.

For RF testing, a signal generator or antenna can be connected to the RX connector. Ensure that the maximum input power of the device is not exceeded.

Attention

Although all external interfaces on the system are protected against ESD, proper precautions must still be observed when handling the device. Ensure proper grounding, either through an antistatic wrist strap and/or floor mat.

JTAG/Serial Adapter

The supplied JTAG/serial adapter uses USB. To avoid running with root priviledges to communicate and firmware upgrade the board, please add the following contents to /etc/udev/rules.d/99-satlab-jtag.rules. Create the file if it does not exist:

# Satlab JTAG/serial adapter
ATTRS{idVendor}=="0403", ATTRS{idProduct}=="6010", MODE="0666"

Then run the following command to reload the udev rules:

satlab@satlab:~$ sudo udevadm control --reload

Note that this allows all users on the machine to communicate with the JTAG/Serial adapter. Please refer to the official udev documentation documentation for more advanced configurations and permission settings.