Overview

The PLUTOSDR NANO Software-Defined Radio Development Board (hereinafter referred to as SDR) is derived from Analog Devices’ ADALM-PLUTO. Both devices adopt an integrated design based on the AD9363 RF transceiver and the ZYNQ7010 FPGA, providing powerful software-defined radio capabilities with wide frequency coverage and strong processing performance.

The following quick start guide includes unboxing inspection, device connection, basic function tests, communication loopback testing, and GSM reception testing.

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I. Unboxing Inspection

The PLUTOSDR NANO package includes:

• Mainboard: The core device of PLUTOSDR NANO, integrating the AD9363 RF transceiver and the ZYNQ7000 series XC7Z010CLG-400C heterogeneous chip.

• USB Cable: Type-C cable used to connect the PLUTOSDR NANO to a computer.

• Antenna: 700 MHz–2700 MHz antenna for transmitting and receiving RF signals.

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II. Device Connection

1. Driver Installation:
   Run PlutoSDR-M2k-USB-Drivers.exe to install the PlutoSDR USB drivers. Restart the computer after installation.

2. Connect USB Cables:
   Connect the Type-C port marked Slave on the PLUTOSDR NANO (the other Type-C port is for UART) to a USB port on your computer—preferably a USB 3.0 port (blue, higher power capability).
   Additionally, connect the UART Type-C port to the computer using another Type-C cable.

3. Device Recognition:
   In Windows, after a short moment, the STAT LED will blink and the DONE LED will stay on—indicating the board is running properly.
   The PLUTOSDR NANO will appear as a mass storage device.
   In Device Manager, you will also find:

   • PlutoSDR USB Ethernet/RNDIS Gadget (virtual network adapter)

   • PlutoSDR Serial Console (virtual COM port)

   • USB-SERIAL CH340

   • IIO USB communications device

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III. Basic Function Tests

1. Mass Storage Function

Double-click info.html in the mass storage device to open the PLUTOSDR NANO information page in your browser.

2. Virtual Serial Port

Open Device Manager to confirm the COM port number assigned to the PlutoSDR virtual serial console.
Use a serial tool (e.g., PuTTY) to open this COM port.
Press Enter to trigger the login prompt.
Log in with:

• Username: root

• Password: analog

3. Virtual Network Interface

The virtual network adapter uses default IP 192.168.2.1.
Open a browser and visit:
http://192.168.2.1/index.html
The content is identical to the index.html file in the storage device.
Alternatively, you may run a ping test.

If the storage device repeatedly disconnects and reconnects, your PC’s USB port may not provide sufficient power. In this case, connect both Type-C ports to the computer to supply power from two USB ports.

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IV. Communication Function Test (Loopback Test)

1. Install IIO Oscilloscope:
   IIO Oscilloscope is provided by Analog Devices for hardware functionality verification of SDR devices.
   Install adi-osc-setup.exe and launch it.

   IIO Oscilloscope usually opens two windows:

   • Control Window: “ADI IIO Oscilloscope” — for configuring device parameters

   • Capture Window: “ADI IIO Oscilloscope – Capture” — for displaying waveforms and spectrums

2. Device Detection:
   After PLUTOSDR NANO is connected and recognized, click Refresh in IIO Oscilloscope.
   The device will appear along with its serial number and related information.

3. Connect the Device:
   Click Connect to enter dual-window mode.
   In the control window, switch to the DMM tab, enable the relevant options, and click the run button to view real-time sensor data of AD936X and ZYNQ7010.

4. Install Antennas:
   Attach the TX and RX antennas to the SMA connectors on the SDR board.
   Carefully align the center pin to avoid damaging the SMA interface.

5. Capture Window Setup:
   In the capture window, enable voltage0 and voltage1, click Enable All, then click the run icon to display signals.

6. Configure AD936X Parameters:
   In the control window, open the AD936X tab and configure the parameters as required for loopback testing.

7. Observe Waveforms:
   The expected loopback waveform should appear in the capture window.
   If the waveform is normal, the device’s transmit and receive paths are functioning correctly.

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V. Communication Test (Receiving GSM Signals)

To further validate reception performance, you may attempt to receive GSM signals around 940 MHz.

In the control window (AD936X tab), set the receive frequency to 930 MHz.

In the capture window, stop the current capture, adjust plotting options, then start the capture again.
A clear GSM spectrum should appear if everything is functioning properly.

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VI. Summary

Through the above procedures, we have completed unboxing inspection, device connection, basic functional tests, and communication tests. These steps lay a solid foundation for future SDR experiments and applications.
With strong performance and extensive functionality, the SDR becomes an essential tool for communication engineering students, radio enthusiasts, and professional engineers.

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Appendix 1: Development Materials (System Block Diagram)

(Framework diagram omitted)

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Appendix 2: Development Materials (Pin Constraints)

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Appendix 3: Physical Dimensions

(Dimension diagram omitted)

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Appendix 4: PlutoSDR NANO vs ADALM-PLUTO

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Appendix 5: Official Method for Extending Frequency Range

(Original Source)
https://wiki.analog.com/university/tools/pluto/users/customizing