Re: [Discuss-gnuradio] Embedded control of USRP

[Thomas Schmid]

Hi Eric

On 4/3/06, Eric Blossom <address@hidden> wrote:
> On Mon, Apr 03, 2006 at 10:22:01AM -0700, Thomas Schmid wrote:
> > Hi Lee,
> >
> > We are also looking into similar things, though we don't have the
> > power constraints which will be difficult to meet. We are currently
> > looking at a micro-atx solution with an amd geod nx processor since
> > this one is compatible with the amd athlon mobile. this should make it
> > easy to have a running linux system.
>
> Have you tried the geode nx?

No, we didn't actually try the geode nx yet, but on paper they look
pretty good. They are completely different from the older geode, which
are less powerfull. For some more information:

http://www.amd.com/us-en/ConnectivitySolutions/ProductInformation/0,,50_2330_9863_10837,00.html


> At least on earlier geodes the performance was pretty dismal.  Perhaps
> the "nx" is a different processor than I remember.  Caveat emptor.
> Compatible means "has the same instruction set".  A 486 DX66 comes
> pretty close to meeting that requirement ;)
>
> > we were first also thinking about platforms which feature a intel
> > xscale processor, though quickly found out that it doesn't support
> > floating points. GNU Radio makes heavy use of floating point
> > operations. Thus it is key, especially if the platform is not very
> > powerfull, that it supports at least hardware floating points.
> >
> > Also, did you consider the power consumption of the usrp? I don't know
> > if someone measured it, but this might also be a problem for you,
> > i.e., finding a battery which supports the usrp over a longer time.
>
> The USRP on my bench draws about 11W.  This depends of course on the
> daughterboads you're using, and if you've got them all running.
>
> Eric
>