ATEK1001 is a software-controlled, sub-octave filter bank or "preselector" that covers a frequency range of 485-7700 MHz in seven bands. It utilizes the ATEK MIDAS ATEK950AP6 IC, which, in addition to providing filtering across seven fixed-frequency bands, has an off-chip bypass mode that can be used for full bypass, or alternatively to engage additional external filtering.

This preselector is a versatile, highly useful tool for providing programmable bandpass filtering for a software-defined radio, among other applications. In the receive path, that filtering can be used to mitigate the effect of strong blocking signals; in the transmit path, it can be used to help reduce out-of-band radiation. ATEK1001 aims to provide an affordable filter bank for radio enthusiasts and SDR users.

See ATEK1001 in Action

In the demo video above, the Lime Micro team shows ATEK1001 being used with a LimeNET Micro in the receive path while undergoing simple tests with a signal generator. The preselector is configured via USB and has a 70 MHz low-pass filter fitted in the bypass position.

The ATEK950AP6 Chip

ATEK950AP6 is a switchable, sub-octave bandpass filter bank with external bypass that covers 485-7700 MHz frequency bands. This filter bank consists of an SP8T switch followed by seven fixed-frequency bandpass filters followed by another SP8T switch. Both arms of each SP8T switch are used to send the input/output signals to two pins. This allows users to bypass the filter bank off-chip. Alternatively, additional off-chip filters or filter banks can be implemented using this bypass feature. The ATEK950AP6 chip is available for purchase in a 6 mm x 6 mm QFN-40 package.

Features & Specifications

• Frequency range: 485-7700 MHz
• Bandpass filters: 7 fixed-frequency, 1 external bypass, switchable
  • Band 1: 485-810 MHz
  • Band 2: 660-1125 MHz
  • Band 3: 960-1610 MHz
  • Band 4: 1420-2435 MHz
  • Band 5: 2070-3685 MHz
  • Band 6: 3245-5395 MHz
  • Band 7: 4660-7730 MHz
• External bypass: 2-8000 MHz, for additional off-chip filters or filter banks
• Input IP3: 43 dBm
• Sub-octave filter bank architecture: improves overall input IP2
• Insertion loss
  • Filter paths: 6 dB
  • External bypass path: 3 dB
• Switching speed: 150 ns
• Input/output resistance matching: to 50 Ω
• Package: QFN-40, 6 mm x 6 mm
• Operating temperature: -40 to 85 °C
• Operating voltage: 3.3 - 5 VDC
• Current draw: ~15 mA

Comparisons

Support & Documentation

You will find the datasheet for ATEK1001 on our website and its source code and design files in our GitHub repository:

• ATEK950AP6 datasheet
• Control software source files
• Eval board design files
• Aluminum enclosure design files

And please feel free to reach out using the Ask a technical question link below.

Manufacturing Plan

Within the ATEK950AP6 filter bank chip lies the core technology for the ATEK1001 pre-selector module. ATEK1001 samples have been evaluated and approved by a key customer for harsh field scenarios. We would like to deliver this technology to all users around the world. Both the chipset and the USB-controlled evaluation board have evolved through several versions. Their performance has been verified and they are now ready, with your support, to be mass produced. The initial production run of the chipset mask will be identical to our tested-and-verified design, but we need your support to reduce the cost of mass production and bring this technology to radio enthusiast and SDR users.

Risks & Challenges

We at ATEK have worked for some of the best and largest RF- and Microwave-chipset vendors in the world, and the productization procedure we follow meets the standards of these vendors. The core technology we use to manufacture our chipset has been around for three decades and is widely used by manufacturers in the test-and-measurement, military, and space sectors due to its robustness and RF performance. Our technology has a mean time between failures (MTBF) of a million hours at a junction/channel temperature of 150° C, which is much better than a typical CMOS chipset used in a mobile headset, computer or tablet. We do not foresee any major risks or challenges associated with our chipset or evaluation board.

Fulfillment & Logistics

After testing and packaging the production batch of ATEK1001 boards, we will send them on to Crowd Supply’s fulfillment partner, Mouser Electronics, who will distribute them to backers worldwide. You can learn more about Crowd Supply’s fulfillment service under Ordering, Paying, and Shipping in their guide.