PlutoSDR NANO Software-Defined Radio Development Board – Unboxing & Quick Test Guide
Overview
The PLUTOSDR NANO Software-Defined Radio Development Board (hereafter referred to as SDR ) is derived from Analog Devices' ADALM-PLUTO platform. Both devices are based on the AD9363 RF transceiver and the ZYNQ7010 FPGA , offering a highly integrated and powerful SDR solution with wide frequency coverage and strong processing capabilities.
This quick start guide covers unboxing inspection, device connection, basic functionality tests, communication loopback tests, and GSM signal reception tests.
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Figure 1 Front View
Figure 2 Back View
1. Unboxing Inspection
The PLUTOSDR NANO package includes:
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Mainboard : The core of PLUTOSDR NANO, integrating the AD9363 RF transceiver and the ZYNQ7000 series XC7Z010CLG-400C SoC.
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Data Cable : Type-C cable used to connect the SDR to the computer.
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Antenna : 700 MHz–2700 MHz antennas for wireless signal transmission and reception.
Figure 3 Unboxed Items
2. Device Connection
1. Install Drivers
Run PlutoSDR-M2k-USB-Drivers.exe to install the necessary USB drivers. Restart the computer after installation.
2. Connect the data cables
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Use the included Type-C cable to connect the port labeled Slave on the SDR to a computer USB port (USB 3.0 is recommended for better power stability).
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Use an additional Type-C cable to connect the UART port for enhanced power supply stability and serial console access.
3. Device Detection
After a few seconds in Windows, the STAT LED should blink and the DONE LED remain solid, indicating normal operation.
The PLUTOSDR NANO will appear as a mass storage device (see Figure 4).
In Device Manager, you should also see:
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PlutoSDR USB Ethernet/RNDIS Gadget
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PlutoSDR Serial Console
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USB-SERIAL CH340
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IIO Generic Communication Device
Figure 4 Virtual Disk
Figure 5 Device Manager
3. Basic Function Tests
1. Mass Storage Test
Open info.html in the virtual disk root directory to view the PLUTOSDR NANO usage documentation. 
Figure 6 Information Page
2. Virtual Serial Port Test
Check the assigned COM port in Device Manager.
Open PUTTY or another serial tool, connect to the corresponding port, press Enter, and log in using:
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Username:
root -
Password:
analog
Figure 7 Serial Console Login
3. Virtual Network Interface Test
The default IP address is 192.168.2.1
You can:
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Visit:
http://192.168.2.1/index.html -
Or run
ping 192.168.2.1
This page is the same as the index.html on the virtual storage device. 
Figure 8 Virtual Network Connectivity Test
If the virtual disk repeatedly disconnects and reconnects, it may be due to insufficient USB power.
Connecting both Type-C ports (Slave + UART) to the computer is recommended.
4. Communication Function Test (Loopback Test)
1. Install IIO Oscilloscope
IIO Oscilloscope is the official hardware testing software from Analog Devices.
After installing adi-osc-setup.exe , launch the software. The scan interface is shown in Figure 9. 
Figure 9 IIO Oscilloscope – Scan Window
The software operates with two windows:
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Control Window : for configuring AD936X parameters
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Plot Window : for displaying waveforms and spectra
2. Device Detection
Once PLUTOSDR NANO boots and appears as a storage device, click Refresh to detect the SDR. The serial number and device information should be displayed (Figure 10). 
Figure 10 Device Detected
3. Connect to the Device
Click Connect to enter dual-window mode. 
Figure 11 Control Window
Figure 12 Plot Window
In the DMM tab, enable sensor readouts and click the play icon to view real-time sensor data for AD936X and ZYNQ7010. 
Figure 13 DMM Tab
4. Install the Antennas
Attach the TX and RX antennas to the SMA connectors.
Ensure proper alignment and avoid applying excessive force to prevent damage.
5. Observe the Waveform
In the plot window, check voltage0 and voltage1 , click Enable All , then click the play icon. The waveform should appear. 
Figure 14 Plot Window Waveform
6. Configure AD936X Parameters
Adjust the parameters in the AD936X tab according to Figures 15 and 16. 
Figure 15 AD936X Parameter Settings
Figure 16 AD936X Parameter Settings
7. Observe the Loopback Signal
When the expected waveform appears in the plot window, the loopback test is successful.
Figure 17 Loopback Test Waveform
Loopback test completed—transmit and receive functions are confirmed to be working properly.
5. Communication Function Test (Receiving GSM Signals)
To further evaluate SDR reception performance, you can attempt to receive GSM signals near 940 MHz .
Set the receive frequency to 930 MHz in the control window (Figure 18). 
Figure 18 Receive Frequency Configuration
Click the stop button in the plot window, apply the drawing settings as shown, and click the play icon again.
You should observe clear GSM signal peaks in the spectrum. 
Figure 19 GSM Signal Spectrum
6. Summary
This covered guide unboxing, hardware inspection, device connection, basic functional verification, loopback testing, and GSM signal reception.
With its strong capabilities and broad feature set, the PLUTOSDR NANO is an excellent tool for communications students, radio enthusiasts, and engineers.
Appendix 1: Development Resources (System Block Diagram)
Figure 20 System Block Diagram
Appendix 2: Development Resources (Pin Constraints)
Figure 21 ZYNQ Pin Constraint Table
Appendix 3: Physical Dimensions
Figure 22 Physical Dimensions
Appendix 4: PlutoSDR Nano vs ADALM-PLUTO
| Item | PlutoSDR Nano | ADALM-PLUTO |
|---|---|---|
| Main Chip | XC7Z010CLG400 | XC7Z010CLG225 |
| RF Chip | AD9363ABCZ | AD9363ABCZ |
| Memory | DDR3 512MB | DDR3 512MB |
| Current Limiting | FUSE 2A | ADM1177 |
| USB PHY | USB3320 | USB3320 |
| Storage | QSPI 32MB | QSPI 32MB |
| Balun | 10 MHz–6 GHz | 10 MHz–6 GHz |
| TCXO | 40 MHz ±0.5 PPM | 40 MHz ±25 PPM |
Figure 23 Feature Comparison Chart
Appendix 5: Official Method for Extending the Frequency Range (Original Source)
https://wiki.analog.com/university/tools/pluto/users/customizing