Basic Information about the Airspy R2
Tuning Range: 24 - 1800 MHz
Reception Modes: CW / LSB / USB / AM / FM / WFM
Noise Figure: 3.5 dB (42~1002 MHz)
3rd order intercept point(IP3): +35 dBm
Architecture: Downconverting superheterodyne front end to
software defined back end.
Sampling Rate: up to 20 MSPS
Sampling Bandwidth: up to 10 MHz
ADC Resolution: 12 bits
Frequency Stability: 0.5 ppm
External Connections:
Antenna - SMA 50 Ohms
Micro-USB2.0
MCX (10~100 MHz frequency reference in)
Dates of Manufacture: 2017 - (still in production)
Description of the Airspy R2
The Airspy R2 SDR is a compact, USB pluggable, software defined radio receiver designed for superior VHF and UHF reception. It features a higher sampling resolution and bandwidth in comparison to near peer competitors, such as the RTL-SDR.
It has a lower noise figure than the RTL-SDR, a better clock source for the PLL oscillator, and lower quantization noise. All that adds up to much better reception of weak and distant signals than the RTL-SDR.
Wait... Doesn't the RTL-SDR use the same front end tuner circuit? How can the Airspy R2 perform so much better? Both SDRs use the Rafael Micro R820T2, which has recently been renamed to the R860. What makes the R2 SDR superior is superior circuitry external to the tuner chip. A lower noise RF amplifier in the frontend makes a difference. So does a more stable clock oscillator and higher resolution ADC.
One thing which the R2 cannot beat, due to using the same tuner, is the PLL step size and phase noise performance, It is mitigated somewhat by the clock being a more stable model in the Airspy R2, but for far better performance, it would need to be a far better (and more expensive) design.
Summary
The Airspy R2 shares a similar architecture with the RTL-SDR, as it sets a superheterodyne image-rejecting downconverter ahead of a wide intermediate frequency stage, which feeds an analog to digital converter. However, the R2 uses a superior clock oscillator and low noise RF amplifier. The ADC has a higher resolution and sampling bandwidth, which also adds up to more desirable performance.
If you are seeking professional / laboratory sensitivity and dynamic range, consider something like a genuine USRP or B210 / B220 clone.
The R2 is more expensive than the RTL-SDR, but in my most humble opinion, it is worth the price.
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