The ARGOS ARTIC R2 satellite communication chipset in Thing Plus format.
SparkX ARGOS Satellite Transceiver Shield (SPX-17236)
Dimensions are in inches 
The ARTIC-R2 is an integrated low power small size ARGOS 2/3/4 single chip radio. ARTIC-R2 implements a message based wireless interface. For satellite uplink communication, ARTIC-R2 will encode, modulate and transmit provided user messages. For downlink communication, ARTIC-R2 will lock to the downstream, demodulate and decode it and extract the satellite messages.
The ARTIC-R2 can transmit signals in frequency bands around 400MHz and receive signals in the bands around 466MHz, in accordance with the ARGOS satellite system specifications. The ARTIC-R2 is compliant to all ARGOS 3 and ARGOS 4 RX and TX standards. It contains a RF transceiver and frequency synthesizer and a digital baseband modem. The ARTIC-R2 contains an on-chip power amplifier delivering 1mW [0dBm] output power, that serves as an output for connecting an external high efficient PA. The (de)modulation algorithms run on an on-chip DSP. This software approach allows for retargeting the ARTIC for other applications. The DSP program can be retained on an external flash or the MCU.
- Serial interface (SPI) for communication with MCU
- Programmable DSP core on board to ensure flexibility
- RX frequency : 466MHz – TX frequency: 400MHz
- Fractional N frequency synthesis
- Supported TX standards:
- BPSK: PTT-A2 (ARGOS 2), PTT-VLD (ARGOS 4)
- QPSK: PTT-A3, PTT-ZE (ARGOS 3)
- GMSK: PTT-HD (ARGOS 3), PTT-MD (ARGOS 4), PTT-HD (ARGOS 4)
- Supported RX standards:
- BPSK: PMT-A3 (ARGOS 3)
- DSSS OQPSK: PMT-A4 (ARGOS 4) not available
- Dedicated flash Interface to retain Firmware
- Support COSPAS-SARSAT standard
- Operates on external 26MHz reference clock
- Dual supply, 1.8V and 3.3V
- Integrated PA (0dBm) to combine with external PA
An RFPA0133 programmable gain power amplifier boosts the 0dBm (1mW) output from the ARTIC by up to 26dB, producing a maximum transmit power level of 400mW. The transmit power can be adjusted via the G8 breakout pin.
The ARGOS satellite system is currently restricted to specific programs and applications. Please check that your project meets these requirements before buying hardware. CLS (France) and the Woods Hole Group (America) will be able to advise if your project meets the requirements.
- "To meet system use requirements, all programs using Argos have to be related in some way or other to environmental protection, awareness or study, or to protecting human life."
- /Documents - Datasheets, test certificates etc.
- /Hardware - Eagle PCB, SCH and LBR design files
- LICENSE.md - contains the licence information
- Arduino Library - SparkFun ARGOS ARTIC R2 Arduino Library
- Hookup Guide - a hookup guide for the SparkFun ARGOS Satellite Transceiver Shield - ARTIC R2
The SparkX ARGOS Satellite Transceiver Shield is a remix of the reference design kindly provided by the Arribada Initiative and Icoteq Ltd.
This product is open source!
Please review the LICENSE.md file for license information.
If you have any questions or concerns on licensing, please contact technical support on our SparkFun forums.
Distributed as-is; no warranty is given.
- Your friends at SparkFun.