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The Fairwaves XTRX is a compact software-defined radio (SDR) board designed for embedded systems. Its 2016 specifications describe a 2×2 MIMO radio front end, a 30×51 mm miniPCIe form factor, and a high-bandwidth, low-latency data path. Those figures are manufacturer claims, not independent measurements, and the available product-site notice does not confirm current stock or support.
What is the XTRX embedded SDR?
The XTRX is a radio board that connects to a host computer or embedded system and uses software to configure and process radio signals. Fairwaves described it as a tiny, high-performance SDR for embedded applications, massive MIMO, IoT, 4G/5G, and space applications. Those are the maker’s intended use cases, not evidence of adoption or performance in each one.
The board’s compact miniPCIe format is central to its embedded design: it can fit into a suitable host rather than requiring a separate USB-connected enclosure. That makes the host interface, electrical compatibility, and available space important parts of any integration decision.
What are the XTRX SDR specifications?
Fairwaves’ technical article, published June 17, 2016, lists these specifications and design features:
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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| Specification | Fairwaves’ 2016 claim |
|---|---|
| RF frontend | Two-channel Lime Microsystems LMS7002M, supporting 2×2 MIMO |
| Tuning range | 100 kHz–3.8 GHz |
| Board dimensions and interface | 30×51 mm miniPCIe |
| Sampling and throughput | Up to 160 MS/s at 12 bits per MIMO channel; theoretically up to 240 MS/s at 8 bits per channel in 2×2 mode |
| Bus bandwidth | 8 Gbit/s total, as stated by the maker |
| Bus latency | Less than 10 μs, as stated by the maker |
| Reference clock | 30.72 MHz |
| GPS-disciplined clock stability | Initially 280 ppb; less than 10 ppb after GPS lock, as stated by the maker |
| Other listed features | Software-controlled Rx/Tx antenna band switching; synchronization of multiple boards; onboard FPGA support for DSP offload |
All figures in the table are historical manufacturer specifications from 2016; they should not be read as independently verified results or as confirmation that a particular current revision delivers them. The 240 MS/s figure is explicitly theoretical. The article says the low-latency bus could let users offload some digital signal processing (DSP) to the onboard FPGA; it does not establish how much processing a particular application can offload.
Does the XTRX fit a miniPCIe slot?
The board’s stated size and interface are miniPCIe, but that alone does not establish compatibility with every miniPCIe slot. Before designing around or buying a board, check the exact host documentation and the XTRX revision-specific documentation.
Rank #2
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- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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- Confirm that the host exposes a compatible miniPCIe/PCIe connection, with the signal routing and power the board requires.
- Check physical clearance, mounting, and any enclosure constraints for the 30×51 mm board.
- Verify the exact XTRX hardware revision and matching documentation; the cited specification article does not provide a current revision matrix.
- Do not assume a separate carrier or adapter is available. Fairwaves mentioned a possible accessory for systems without a miniPCIe or PCIe slot, but the article does not establish that it was released.
Why did Fairwaves choose PCIe instead of USB?
Fairwaves presented PCIe/miniPCIe as a choice for embedded production systems where it wanted high bandwidth, low latency, and a mechanically robust connection for long unattended deployments. Its 2016 article contrasted that rationale with USB; this is the maker’s design argument, not proof that USB is generally unreliable or that PCIe is always the better interface. Whether the choice suits a project depends on the host, deployment conditions, and integration requirements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should you verify before purchasing?
The Fairwaves product site says it is temporarily on hold and points visitors to a Crowd Supply pre-launch page. That notice does not establish current stock, discontinuation, or ongoing support. Verify the situation directly before treating the XTRX as a purchasable or supported product.
Rank #3
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- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Check current stock, seller identity, return terms, and support arrangements.
- Ask for the board revision and revision-specific technical documentation.
- Confirm software status and compatibility with your intended host and workflow rather than assuming the 2016 specifications describe a current, ready-to-use system.
- Evaluate the sampling, latency, and clock claims as attributed specifications—not as test results for your application.
Sources: Fairwaves XTRX product site and Crowd Supply pre-launch page; technical specifications: Fairwaves’ June 17, 2016 XTRX technical article.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
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