EE backs Lime Micro SDR platform

Lime Micro, a UK open source technology innovator, has announced that mobile operator EE is backing its LimeSDR software initiative to bring its software defined radio (SDR) platform into full-scale production.

EE are signing up for a 100-unit bundle of LimeSDR kit, an application-enabled SDR platform that can be programmed to support a wide range of wireless standards, through a crowd-funding campaign. These kits will be given to five UK universities nominated by EE. The universities will receive the kits to develop wireless applications on the hardware and share with the wider research community and encourage further open source wireless innovation.

The campaign aims to raise $500,000 (£344,000) to fund the final stages of development and mass production of platform. LimeSDR has introduced a total of 20 pledge-level 100-unit bundles, each for $99,000 (£68,000). Each bundle includes units with high quality enclosures with the logo of the sponsor organisation.

The bundles also have a complete suite of software and set of accessories. The offering includes a support package provided directly from Lime Micro. The platforms connectivity includes Wi-Fi, ZigBee and Bluetooth through to cellular standards such as UMTS, LTE and GSM and to the emerging IoT communication protocols such as LoRa. Network operators can create and deploy wireless network infrastructure “almost anywhere at a fraction of today’s costs”, claims Lime Micro.