JamesHagerman/radio-hw-io-ratings.md

## radio-hw-io-ratings.md

      
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              radio-hw-io-ratings.md
            
          
    Radio hardware input and output limits

This is a collection of maximum input and output power ratings for a random selection of devices. It's worth double checking them again to be sure...
DOUBLE CHECK THESE

LimeSDR USB

Note: These have not been verified!
Maximum output power: 10dBm (10mW)
Maximum input power: +12dBm
BladeRF

Note: These have not been verified!
Maximum output power: 10dBm
Absolute Maximum RF Input Power (from LMS6002D datasheet): 23dBm (this seems really friggin high...)
These should all be accurate:

RTL-SDR

10dBm maximum input
YARD Stick One

20dBm (100mW) maximum output


What is the maximum transmitting power of the yardstick in mW?

Roughly it is 100 mW (20 dBm).  The transmit power is reduced a bit as
the frequency increases, and it may vary from unit to unit.  It is
approximately 20 dBm at 300 MHz, 19 dBm at 450 MHz, and 18 dBm at 900
MHz.  (Those numbers are with the TX amplifier enabled.)

Adafruit Feather M0 RFM96 LoRa Radio - 433MHz:

13-23dBm (20-200mW) maximum output
// The default transmitter power is 13dBm, using PA_BOOST.
// If you are using RFM95/96/97/98 modules which uses the PA_BOOST transmitter pin, then
// you can set transmitter powers from 5 to 23 dBm

U-Blox SARA-R410M (on Particle Boron LTE):


Maximum Output: 25dBm

Docs say the antenna should be able to take > 24 dBm... the module probably never transmits at 25dBm.
The devices is referenced as Power Class 3 User Equipment for the LTE Cat M1/NB1 bands


Maximum Input: Not documented

Safest bet: Start at documented minimum sensativity: (-114.0 and -105.0 dBm depending on the band) and slowly work up to acceptable SNR based on AT commands
Theoretical maximum during UE testing: -25 dBm
Not provided by docs; based on 3GPP TS 36.521-1 section 7.4 Maximum input level sub section 7.4.3 Minimum conformance requirements


Minimum Input that can maintain throughput without repeation: -114 dBm

Provided by docs; value depends on the band:


LTE Cat M1:

Band 12 (700 MHz): –107.0 dBm Without repetitions
Band 28 (700 MHz): –105.0 dBm Without repetitions
Band 13 (700 MHz): –105.0 dBm Without repetitions
Band 20 (800 MHz): –105.0 dBm Without repetitions
Band 5 / 18 / 19 / 26 (850 MHz): –105.5 dBm Without repetitions
Band 8 (900 MHz): –106.5 dBm Without repetitions
Band 4 (1700 MHz): –107.5 dBm Without repetitions
Band 3 (1800 MHz): –106.0 dBm Without repetitions
Band 2 / 25 (1900 MHz): –106.0 dBm Without repetitions
Band 1 (2100 MHz): –107.5 dBm Without repetitions

Footnote reads: Condition: 50 ohm source, throughput > 95%, QPSK modulation, other settings as per 3GPP TS 36.521-1
LTE Cat NB1:

Band 12 (700 MHz): –113.5 dBm Without repetitions
Band 28 (700 MHz): –112.0 dBm Without repetitions
Band 13 (700 MHz): –112.0 dBm Without repetitions
Band 20 (800 MHz): –112.0 dBm Without repetitions
Band 5 / 18 / 19 / 26 (850 MHz): –112.5 dBm Without repetitions
Band 8 (900 MHz): –113.0 dBm Without repetitions
Band 4 (1700 MHz): –114.0 dBm Without repetitions
Band 3 (1800 MHz): –113.0 dBm Without repetitions
Band 2 / 25 (1900 MHz): –113.0 dBm Without repetitions
Band 1 (2100 MHz): –114.0 dBm Without repetitions

Footnote reads: Condition: 50 ohm source, throughput > 95%, other settings as per 3GPP TS 36.521-1

Return Loss/ Output RF load mismatch allowed on ANT pin

< -10dB (VSWR < 2:1) recommended
< -6dB (VSWR < 3:1) acceptable
Max 10:1 VSWR