Use PCIe connector for front-end flexibility. Inexpensive 2-layer daughter boards with edge connector on the daughter board can be made to plug directly into the PCIe connector. This will allow for TR switches, power amplifiers, alternate power supplies, antenna tuning, preselectors, etc. A template will be provided. See discussion in the google group.
This is a new untested feature, so the PCB will be designed such that this connector can be left off, RF transformers wound and soldered so that they straddle where the PCIe connector would be, places for 2 BNC connectors on the side. The transformers will be wind-your-own as off the shelf devices are expensive and do not handle the bias currents for TX.
Attempt to route all RF pairs (3) through connector, 3.3/5/12V power, SPI interface, 1-2 signals for simple TR.
Route the 3.3 power before the ferrite beads, so that power can be fed into the motherboard through this connector if desired.
Reserve spot for termination resistor on TX if desired.
softerhardware
commented
9 years ago
Changes planned for rev 1.1: