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Introducing Sidekiq™ NVM2: Small Form Factor MIMO SDR

Written by Wyatt Taylor | Jul 30, 2024 5:49:47 PM

Epiq Solutions is excited to announce the Sidekiq™ NVM2 - the latest addition to Epiq's small form factor software-defined radio (SDR) portfolio. Packaged in the compact 3042 M.2 form factor, the NVM2 integrates the Analog Devices ADRV9004 with the AMD Artix 7™ FPGA to provide a high-performance low SWaP SDR ready for deployment in a range of host platforms. Sidekiq™ NVM2 is set to enable the next generation of applications for RF spectrum monitoring, small form factor payloads, counter unmanned aerial systems (cUAS), assured precision navigation and timing (APNT), and signals intelligence.

Sidekiq™ NVM2 Feature Breakdown

  • RF Flexibility
Support for SISO and MIMO applications, with 2 transmit and 2 receive channels supported.

  • Instantaneous Bandwidth
Delivers up to 50MHz of bandwidth on all channels.

  • Fast Frequency Hopping
Achieves frequency hopping in less than 100us per hop.

  • Versatile Operational Modes
Offers both phase coherent and independent operation RF tuning modes.

  • Efficient Data Management
Interfaces to a host platform through two lanes of Gen2 PCIe.

  • Low Power Consumption
The Sidekiq™ NVM2 typically consumes between 2 to 4W depending on the mode of operation.

  • Compact Design
Designed according to the 3042 M.2 form factor requirements (same as Epiq’s Sidekiq M.2 SDR card, which has been in production since 2016).


Inside the Sidekiq™ NVM2

The NVM2 builds upon Epiq’s portfolio of M.2 and MiniPCIe form factor SDRs and shares many similarities with the Sidekiq NV100. The NVM2 leverages the core digital and RFIC architecture of the NV100, integrating both the AMD Artix7 as the on-board FPGA and the Analog Devices ADRV9004 as the RFIC. The NVM2 is optimized for the lowest possible SWaP, removing all other nonessential components from the SDR subsystem. The result is a MIMO-capable SDR measuring 30 x 42 mm and consuming 3W of typical power consumption. The NVM2 is supported by Epiq’s portfolio-wide libsidekiq API and platform development kit (PDK), allowing for rapid prototyping, development, and deployment. 

Here is a block diagram of the Sidekiq™ NVM2.

A Decade of Low-SWaP SDR Experience

Starting with the launch of the Sidekiq MiniPCIe in 2014, Epiq has remained a leader in low SWaP SDR product design. The NVM2 builds on this form factor and is Epiq’s sixth ultra-low SWaP SDR, joining in the Sidekiqs MiniPCIe, M.2, Z2, Stretch, and NV100. This portfolio provides flexibility to combine processing architecture, RF performance, and power consumption to enable RF spectrum dominance missions.

Curious to explore the full potential of Sidekiq™ NVM2? Reach out to us today. We'll be happy to answer any questions or tell you more about our tech. Just drop in your details in the contact form.