Ettus Research USRP's - User Opinions

... but USB3 and up to 56 MHz of bandwidth seems pretty nifty.

What is the maximum bandwidth capacity with the USRP1 and WBX daughterboard? Is it correct that around 16 MHz might be the limit?

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Gig Ethernet is the preferred option as it supports remote access, and the unit will only include it if necessary (unless poorly designed, which is rare, or partially overspecified).

To address your question:

The USRP1's WBX has a bandwidth of 40 MHz. The ADC can digitize at 64 MS/s, and the USB 2.0 interface operates at 8 MS/s (Half Duplex). A sweep of this bandwidth with a slow ADC results in an extended sweep time. You might find yourself retrieving a considerable amount of data since you will need to transmit your results via USB 2.0.

Using the USRP1 solely for DSD would be excessive, and it may not meet your expectations if you decide to pursue this hobby more seriously later on.

In short, I would recommend purchasing a USB 3.0 device instead of a USB 2.0 device, as the USB 3.0 interface is eight times faster, making it significantly more useful. Even a 100M Ethernet device would be somewhat future-proof for you. Of course, you might not want to invest in a 1GE box or the substantial costs associated with professional equipment.

Note: The actual streaming performance relies on the host computer's processing capability, the complexity of the application/DSP, and other influential factors.

Waiting is often beneficial, bringing superior options for lower costs:

Gig Ethernet is the preferred option as it supports remote access, and the unit will only include it if necessary (unless poorly designed, which is rare, or partially overspecified). To address your question: Ettus Research - Support: Knowledge Base mentions 'three parts' of the 'Black Box' (similar to how your computer functions) where "bandwidth" is concerned. If you cut corners in one area, you'll encounter a (you know this word) bottleneck (just like in your computer); therefore, choose each component wisely to match your intended use. The USRP1's WBX has a bandwidth of 40 MHz, the ADC can digitize at 64 MS/s, and the USB 2.0 interface operates at 8 MS/s (Half Duplex). A sweep of this bandwidth with a slow ADC will mean a lengthy sweep time, and if you plan to retrieve a considerable amount of data (which you undoubtedly will), it will be transmitted over USB 2.0. Using the USRP1 solely for DSD would be excessive and may not provide the satisfaction you seek if you become serious about this hobby. In short: I would definitely opt for one of the USB 3.0 devices instead of a USB 2.0 device simply because the USB 3.0 interface is eight times faster (and thus much more practical). Even a 100M Ethernet device is somewhat future-proof for you (I presume that’s not too much of a concern?), since you likely won’t want a 1GE box and the high costs associated with professional-grade equipment. The actual streaming performance ultimately depends on the processing capability of the host computer, the complexity of the application/DSP, and other factors. Patience typically yields better technology for a lower price: http://avnetexpress.avnet.com/conte...s/Avnet ZedBoard Brochure English Version.pdf. The manufacturer (Ettus) even indicates that the USRP1 is outdated, recommending a newer model instead. For the price of their other models, you can explore options such as: http://www.zedboard.org/product/zynq-sdr-ii-eval (or any number of other newer devices from various vendors). On the other hand, Ettus is much more affordable compared to NI (the manufacturer, which provides similar products at significantly higher prices).