The RFzero™ is a multi-purpose GPS controlled RF unit. It can be used as a beacon (IBP, SPB, CW, FT4, FT8, JS8, JT9, PI4, WSPR, …), signal generator, VFO, QO-100 dual LO, low cost GPSDO, e.g. for 10 MHz, or … Furthermore, is the RFzero™ an Arduino compatible platform. So it is possible for you to write or modify the software yourself. More than 20 programs, Arduino sketches, are integrated into the Arduino IDE for easy upload to the RFzero™.

The RFzero™ can generate frequencies from 2289 Hz and beyond 200 MHz. At the same time 28 I/O pins are available and eight of those are via an ULN2803A power driver. The programming and configuration are done via the USB port.

The RFzero™ has been developed for radio amateurs, RF enthusiasts and everyone else who wants to extend their Arduino skills in combination with RF. The RFzero™ board is largely compatible with the Arduino Zero and Arduino M0+ boards. However, it has been carefully designed for flexible use in RF applications and with attention to the frequency spectrum and stability performance.

The RFzero functional block schematic.



Using the RFzero you can learn how to program an RF device and other electronic circuits or you can learn about RF circuits if you are already skilled in software development. The setup is very flexible, you can roll your own programs from scratch or you can use the RFzero library and programs together with the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

The RFzero key features are

GPS u-blox NEO-7M GPS receiver On-board pre-amplifier supply via coax SMA female input On-board header for GPS data access from other units Optional back-up from battery or super cap. Optional USB port directly to the GPS e.g. for computer time keeping

RF Si5351A clocked at 27 MHz and measured continuously for maximum accuracy Fundamental frequencies from 2289 Hz to 200 MHz – usable up to 280 MHz but outside SiLabs specifications Harmonics can also be used with reduced spectrum performance, e.g. WSPR on 1,3 GHz is possible and for PI4 on 10 GHz via x96 multiplier Frequency resolution can be as low as 1 mHz Push-pull coupled outputs for more output and lower even harmonics, or Combined outputs for two-tone signals, or Quadrature I/Q outputs via optional U.FL sockets On-board pads for custom filter On-board RF decoupling RF section can be further shielded Separate voltage regulator for the RF section Four layer PCB for optimum RF performance SMA female output 13 dBm output 400 kHz to 200 MHz

Micro controller Arduino compatible (Arduino Zero and Arduino M0+) 32 bits ARM M0+ processor running at 48 MHz and with 32 kB SRAM 1 kB EEPROM in tulip socket for easy change USB port, with ESD protection, for programming and controlling purposes ARM Cortex connector Four SPI ports Four I2C/Wire ports Five serial ports One Real Time Clock Four status LEDs (on, TX, GPS PPS and GPS valid) On-board LCD connector for either 3,3 V or 5 V LCD with contrast and backlight control 28 I/O pins Up to eight 12 bits analog inputs One 10 bits analog (DAC) output

The digital circuit has its own voltage regulator

Darlington power driver IC ULN2803A in tulip socket e.g. for controlling relays

On-board test LED

Possibility to add a shield for additional functionality or expansion

On-board ground loop for alligator clip

11 test points for easy debugging

Half Eurocard PCB size that fits into a variety of boxes including a standard metal sheet box for best RF shielding

Power supply via USB or 5 V to 9 V to a terminal block

Download an RFzero presentation here.

The RFzero has been designed with spectral performance in mind while using the cost effective Si5351A digital clock generator. However, if spectral performance is critical, e.g. for a 10 W or higher power beacon, transmitter or VFO, the Next Generation Beacons platform is the right choice but it is also in a different price range. Therefore you should see RFzero as a low cost and fair performance RF device.

The RFzero also has a user group at Groups.io.

If you want to add even more peripheral devices please feel free to get inspired from the Shop.