ThinkRF

The ThinkRF series of spectrum analyzers and software-defined radio platforms are designed for advanced RF signal monitoring, analysis, and wireless research. These devices combine high-performance RF front ends with flexible software interfaces for a wide range of applications, including spectrum monitoring, signal intelligence, and wireless testing.

ThinkRF devices offer wide frequency coverage, deep dynamic range, and real-time analysis capabilities. They are built for professional and research-grade environments, offering Ethernet-based connectivity and software APIs for remote control and integration into automated systems.

Supported Models

  • ThinkRF R5550: A real-time spectrum analyzer with frequency coverage from 9 kHz to 27 GHz, 160 MHz real-time bandwidth, and 100 MHz instantaneous FFT bandwidth.

Key Features

  • Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 27 GHz (depending on model).

  • Bandwidth: Up to 160 MHz real-time bandwidth.

  • Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet interface for high-throughput streaming and remote control.

  • Software Support: Compatible with ThinkRF APIs, GNU Radio, MATLAB, and third-party spectrum analysis software.

  • Real-Time Analysis:

    • Enables full-band, real-time spectral visibility for dynamic signal environments.

    • Supports trigger-based capture and event-driven recording.

  • Remote Operation:

    • Designed for distributed deployments and networked operation through Ethernet.

    • Can be integrated into automated RF monitoring systems or deployed for field data collection.

Limitations

  • Requires external host for processing (no onboard CPU for user applications).

  • Dependent on ThinkRF software drivers and API for device control.

  • High data rate operation may require optimized network settings or storage systems.

Set up instructions (Linux)

ThinkRF devices require the pyrf package, which is written in Python 2 syntax and must be patched after installation to work with Python 3.

Note

lib2to3 was fully removed in Python 3.13. ThinkRF support is currently limited to Python 3.12 and below.

  1. Install lib2to3:

On some distributions (including Ubuntu 24.04+), lib2to3 is not included by default:

sudo apt install python3-lib2to3

  1. Install pyrf:

pip install pyrf

  1. Patch pyrf for Python 3:

The pyrf package contains Python 2 syntax throughout (e.g., dict.iteritems(), print statements). Run the following to automatically convert the entire package to Python 3:

python -c "
from lib2to3.refactor import RefactoringTool, get_fixers_from_package
import pyrf, os
pyrf_path = os.path.dirname(pyrf.__file__)
fixers = get_fixers_from_package('lib2to3.fixes')
tool = RefactoringTool(fixers)
tool.refactor_dir(pyrf_path, write=True)
print('Done')
"

Note

This patches the entire pyrf package in place, which is required for the driver to fully load.

Further Information