Main Content

Radio I/O

R2026b
Configure hardware to transmit and receive IQ data

Use functions, System objects, and blocks to:

  • Update firmware and query information about your radio and firmware.

  • Find radios connected to the host computer.

  • Apply radio hardware parameters and tune radio properties.

  • Configure a radio to transmit and receive IQ data over the air.

For details on supported hardware and how to connect and set up your radio, see Radio Management.

Use examples to:

  • Calibrate frequency offset and characterize a transmitter-to-receiver link.

  • Analyze spectrum and perform FM reception.

  • Transmit and receive digitally modulated waveforms.

  • Transmit and receive standards-compliant signals, including 5G NR, LTE, and WLAN.

  • Implement multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems and medium access control (MAC) layer protocols.

  • Decode ADS-B and AIS signals over the air.

Objects

comm.SDRuReceiverReceive data from USRP device
comm.SDRuTransmitter Send data to USRP device

Blocks

SDRu Receiver blockSDRu ReceiverReceive data from USRP device
SDRu Transmitter blockSDRu TransmitterSend data to USRP device

Functions

expand all

sdruloadLoad FPGA and firmware images for USRP radio
setsdruipSet IP address for USRP radio
findsdru Status of USRP devices connected to host computer
findsdrStatus of software-defined radios (SDRs) connected to host computer (Since R2026a)
getSDRuDriverVersionUHD version number of installed radio
probesdruDetailed USRP radio information
infoCurrent USRP radio settings
referenceLockedStatusLock status of USRP radio to 10 MHz clock signal
gpsLockedStatusLock status of GPSDO to GPS constellation
getRadioTimeGet current USRP radio time (Since R2023b)
captureCapture RF data using SDRu receiver (Since R2023b)
transmitRepeatTransmit waveform repeatedly in the background (Since R2026a)
isTransmittingStatus of transmission running in background (Since R2026a)
stopTransmissionStop background transmission (Since R2026a)

Topics

Radio Management

Create Standalone Application

Time of Arrival

Frequency Offset Calibration

Spectrum Analysis

  • Spectrum Analysis of Signals
    Perform spectral analysis of signals using either recorded data or real-time reception with RTL-SDR, ADALM-PLUTO, or USRP radios, tuning to specific bands and utilizing a spectrum analyzer for viewing and measurements.
  • Spectrum Analysis of Signals in Simulink
    Perform spectral analysis of signals using either recorded data or real-time reception with RTL-SDR, ADALM-PLUTO, or USRP radios, tuning to specific bands and utilizing a spectrum analyzer for viewing and measurements.

Digital Modulation

MAC Modeling

  • Packetized Modem with Data Link Layer
    Implement a packetized modem featuring a packet-based physical layer and an ALOHA-based Data Link Layer, with options for system simulation or operation with software-defined radio (SDR) hardware.

MIMO Modeling

FM Modeling

  • FM Broadcast Receiver
    Build an FM mono or stereo receiver using recorded data or real-time signals with an RTL-SDR, ADALM-PLUTO, or USRP radio.
  • FM Broadcast Receiver in Simulink
    Build an FM mono or stereo receiver using recorded data or real-time signals with an RTL-SDR, ADALM-PLUTO, or USRP radio.
  • RDS/RBDS and RadioText Plus (RT+) FM Receiver
    Extract program or song information from FM radio stations using RDS or RBDS, and optionally RT+, standards by processing previously captured signals or receiving over-the-air signals in real time with an RTL-SDR, ADALM-PLUTO, or USRP radio.
  • RDS/RBDS and RadioText Plus (RT+) FM Receiver in Simulink
    Extract program or song information from FM radio stations using RDS or RBDS, and optionally RT+, standards by processing previously captured signals or receiving over-the-air signals in real time with an RTL-SDR, ADALM-PLUTO, or USRP radio.

Wireless Standards Modeling

ADS-B and AIS Modeling

  • Ship Tracking Using AIS Signals
    Track ships by processing automatic identification system (AIS) signals, using either previously captured signals or real-time reception with an RTL-SDR, ADALM-PLUTO, or USRP radio, and display the tracked ships on a map with the Mapping Toolbox™.
  • Airplane Tracking Using ADS-B Signals
    Track planes by processing automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) signals, using either previously captured signals or real-time reception with an RTL-SDR, ADALM-PLUTO, or USRP radio, and visualize them on a map with the Mapping Toolbox.
  • Airplane Tracking Using ADS-B Signals in Simulink
    Track planes by processing automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) signals, using either previously captured signals or real-time reception with an RTL-SDR, ADALM-PLUTO, or USRP radio, and visualize them on a map with the Mapping Toolbox.