A software defined radio lets engineers use frequencies and signals making it easier to build and test radar satellite and wireless systems.
Emerson has announced the launch of the NI USRP X420, a software defined radio (SDR) designed to meet the demanding requirements of advanced radar systems, satellite communications, and emerging 6G research.
The X420 expands the NI Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) product line with frequency coverage up to 20 gigahertz. This opens access to higher-frequency spectrum including FR3, Ku, and X bands, supporting advanced applications such as multi-channel radar, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and integrated sensing and communications (ISAC).
The X420 delivers near instrument-grade RF performance in a flexible, software-defined platform optimized for research, prototyping and deployment. By combining wide frequency coverage, high instantaneous bandwidth, and phase-coherent multi-channel operation, the X420 enables researchers and engineers to rapidly develop and validate complex RF systems across aerospace, defense, wireless communications and academic research environments.
Key features and benefits include:
- Works up to 20 GHz: useful for radar, satellite, and 6G research
- Multi-channel design: channels stay in sync using shared LO
- High bandwidth: captures and generates wide signals
- Easy access to high RF performance: suitable for labs and research teams
- Latest USRP system: highest RF performance in the lineup
The LO sharing feature is particularly significant for aerospace and defense applications, where phase coherence is critical for beamforming, MIMO radar, and distributed sensing architectures. By minimizing external synchronization hardware, the X420 enables faster prototyping, lower system cost and more scalable multi-channel designs.
“Researchers need tools that combine flexibility with performance to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies like 6G and advanced radar,” said Sarah LaSelva, chief product marketing manager for NI RF and wireless at Emerson. “The X420 delivers that balance by providing access to high-frequency spectrum and multi-channel coherence in a software-defined platform that accelerates innovation.”
Click here for the original announcement.
