Introducing the NI Ettus USRP X420
Wide Bandwidth, LO Sharing, and High Frequency Coverage for FR3, Ku, and X Bands
The NI Ettus USRP X420 is the latest addition to the USRP software defined radio (SDR) portfolio. Designed for researchers and developers pushing the boundaries of next‑generation wireless systems, the X420 brings together near instrument-grade RF performance, 1 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth, and LO sharing for phase coherency—all in one product.
Whether you’re exploring 6G FR3, building multi‑channel radar systems, experimenting with satellite communications or NTN systems, or prototyping integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), the X420 delivers the performance and programmability needed to help you innovate faster.
The USRP X420 features 2 transmit and 2 receive channels, each supporting 10 MHz to 20 GHz of frequency coverage. This expanded range enables seamless exploration across HF, UHF, SHF, and the critical 7–24 GHz FR3 region targeted for emerging 6G research as well as the Ku and X bands used in satellite communications. With up to 1 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth, the X420 empowers wideband spectrum analysis, ISAC applications, high‑resolution localization, and advanced waveform experimentation including carrier aggregation.
A standout capability of the X420 is its <1° RMS phase coherency with the ability to share local oscillators across channels. The X420 supports both importing and exporting LOs. This high stability is essential for forming large, synchronized radio arrays used in massive MIMO, beamforming, and multichannel radar.
The USRP X420 shares the motherboard design used across the USRP X400 series and provides the same FPGA capabilities and digital interfaces found in the X410 and X440. Powered by the AMD Zynq Ultrascale+ ZU28DR RFSoC, the X420 incorporates integrated digital up conversion and down conversion, along with onboard Soft-Decision Forward Error Correction (SD‑FEC) IP. It supports multi‑radio synchronization and timing alignment via its built‑in GPSDO (GPS‑disciplined oscillator) or through external 10 MHz reference and 1 PPS (Pulse‑Per‑Second) inputs. For high‑speed data transfer and system control, the device includes dual QSFP28 ports supporting 100 GbE, a PCIe Gen3 x8 interface, and standard command, control, and debugging connections such as USB‑C JTAG, USB‑C console, and 10/100/1000 Ethernet.
Seamless Software Integration with UHD & RFNoC
Like all USRPs, the X420 includes support for the UHD (USRP Hardware Driver)—ensuring compatibility with industry‑standard tools such as:
- C / C++
- Python
- GNU Radio
- MATLAB
- LabVIEW
For onboard real‑time signal processing, the FPGA can be programmed using the RFNoC (RF Network‑on‑Chip) framework. RFNoC gives you the ability to use the FPGA fabric without needing to know HDL coding.
Next Gen SDR for Next Gen Research
The NI Ettus USRP X420 is built to meet the demands of tomorrow’s communication systems. From 6G and NTN to radar and ISAC, its combination of frequency coverage, phase coherency features, and wide bandwidth unlocks new research paths that were previously out of reach.
If you’re ready to take your prototyping and experimentation to the next level, the X420 is ready for you.