simpleFE Is an Open Source Mixed-Signal Frontend Designed for Data Conversion
The simpleFE was designed to perform high-speed analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion via a USB 2.0 (Type-B) interface.
DSP engineer Ning Wang has designed an open source mixed-signal frontend that makes data conversion a breeze and is created to act as a bridge for high-speed ADC/DAC conversion. Wang explains, “simpleFE frees your development team from the need to design, manufacture, and deploy complex digital and mixed circuits. By transparently streaming data over a USB 2.0 interface to and from the host system, simpleFE allows every bit of digital signal processing to take place on that host, which eliminates the need to port logic to an FPGA or DSP.”
That said, the simpleFE board can handle a wide range of applications, including use as a data conversion module for SBC such as the Raspberry Pi, or use with application-specific analog circuits, and much more. The board comes loaded with hardware as well, including an ICE40HX1K FPGA, MAX5863 frontend, ADA4891 DAC (10-bit, 2X channels, up to 7.5 Msps), and an AD8137 ADC (8-bit, 2X channels, up to 7.5 Msps). It also packs a USB 2.0 (Type-B) port, 16-pin GPIO header, SPI, I2C, and a pair of U.FL analog input/output antennas.
On the software end, simpleFE works with GNURadio and other signal libraries, as well as gr-simplefe out-of-tree module, and libsimplefe C library. Wang states using the software makes the simpleFE ideal for learning, prototyping, and direct in-field implementation. Wang is currently crowdfunding his simpleFE mixed-signal frontend on Crowd Supply for $99 with free shipping in the US ($7 worldwide) and has uploaded links to documentation and software for getting started with the board. Orders are expected to ship on May 22nd.
