Reuter RSR200B

Overview

The Reuter RSR200B (usually referred to simply as RSR200) is a high‑performance, direct‑digitizing, multi‑channel SDR receiver designed for professional HF/VHF monitoring, diversity reception, and extremely high dynamic‑range applications. It is one of the most advanced receive‑only SDRs available, with architecture and performance far above typical hobbyist devices. Below is a complete, structured technical profile based strictly on the official documentation and product descriptions.


Core Identity and Architecture

The RSR200B is a direct‑sampling black‑box SDR receiver capable of digitizing RF signals up to above 250 MHz and streaming them to PCs at up to 90 MS/s in 16‑bit I/Q (with optional 24‑bit lower‑rate modes).

It is built around:

  • Two independent 16‑bit ADCs, each running at 200 MHz
  • Xilinx/AMD FPGA with dual ARM Cortex‑A9 (667 MHz) processors
  • Si570 clock generator, adjustable 70–200 MHz, GPS‑disciplined
  • Heavy aluminium finned enclosure for thermal stability

This architecture allows true dual‑channel coherent reception, high dynamic range, and multi‑PC streaming.


Frequency Coverage

HF1 / HF2 (BNC):

  • DC to 71 MHz (direct sampling)
  • 50 Ω

VHF (SMA):

  • 70–250 MHz (direct sampling front‑end with filtering)
  • 50 Ω

These ranges are explicitly documented in the technical specifications.


Data Rates and Bandwidth

From the operator’s manual:

  • Maximum data rate: 90 MS/s (16‑bit I/Q)
  • Lower sample rates: up to 24‑bit resolution
  • Multi‑channel operation: supported; each interface can feed two channels to SDR software simultaneously.

This makes the RSR200 one of the highest‑throughput SDR receivers available for PC‑based processing.


Interfaces and Connectivity

The RSR200B includes two high‑speed digital interfaces:

  • USB 3.0 (USB‑C)
  • Fully populated USB‑C port
  • Supports power delivery (USB‑C PD) up to 1.5 A
  • 1 Gbps SFP‑LAN slot
  • Allows optical or copper SFP modules
  • Enables streaming to one or two PCs simultaneously

Both interfaces can independently deliver two channels of I/Q data.


Power Options

  • 9–15 V DC via standard barrel jack (2.5 mm pin)
  • USB‑C Power Delivery (all modes up to 1.5 A)


Antenna and Front‑End Features

All RF inputs support:

  • Remote powering of active antennas
  • Remote control of Reuter accessories:
  • RLA4 (active loop amplifier)
  • RFA2 (active HF amplifier)
  • RAP1 (active preselector)


The device also supports antenna diversity, implemented directly in hardware.


Clocking and Synchronization

  • Si570 programmable clock, 70–200 MHz
  • GPS‑disciplined operation 

This provides excellent long‑term stability and makes the RSR200 suitable for scientific and measurement applications.


Software Support

The RSR200 is operated using an ExtIO DLL, compatible with SDR programs such as:

  • HDSDR
  • SoDiRa
  • Custom SDR software via ExtIO quasi‑standard (Alberto di Bene)

The documentation also covers:

  • Multi‑channel operation
  • Software update procedures
  • Notes on reception and antenna control


Firmware and Drivers

Current and legacy firmware packages include:

  • Firmware V223 / V225 (new USB driver)
  • Firmware V211 (new and old USB drivers)
  • Windows 64‑bit USB driver (“WU”) with FTD3XXWU.DLL
  • Legacy FTDI USB driver for older Windows versions


Physical Characteristics

  • Dimensions: 135 × 105 × 54 mm
  • Weight: 0.6 kg
  • Housing: anodized aluminium cooling‑fin profile


Special Capabilities

1. Dual‑ADC Diversity Reception

Two independent 16‑bit ADCs allow:

  • True diversity reception
  • Multi‑antenna experiments
  • Improved fading resistance
  • Phase‑coherent dual‑channel processing


2. Remote Antenna Control

Integrated control units for Reuter active devices (RLA4, RFA2, RAP1).


3. High Dynamic Range

Direct digitization with 16‑bit ADCs provides exceptional linearity and blocking performance.


4. Multi‑PC Streaming

USB and SFP interfaces can feed two PCs simultaneously, each receiving two channels.


Practical Notes from the Documentation

  • HF1/HF2 channels are ideal for wideband HF monitoring up to 71 MHz.
  • VHF channel covers 70–250 MHz, suitable for FM broadcast, airband, VHF utility, AIS, ADS‑B (with external mixing), etc.
  • ExtIO DLL supports all standard SDR functions plus RSR200‑specific features.
  • Multi‑channel operation requires careful bandwidth planning due to high data rates.


Summary

The Reuter RSR200B is a professional‑grade, direct‑sampling SDR with:

  • Dual 16‑bit 200 MHz ADCs
  • HF coverage to 71 MHz
  • VHF coverage to 250 MHz
  • USB‑C + SFP‑LAN high‑speed interfaces
  • 90 MS/s streaming
  • Remote antenna powering and control
  • GPS‑disciplined clocking
  • Hardware diversity reception

It is designed for users who need extreme dynamic range, multi‑channel coherent reception, and industrial‑grade stability.