The new Icom IC-7300 Direct-Sampling SDR HF/6m Transceiver

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The Icom IC-7300 SDR HF/6m Transceiver

by Adam Farson VA7OJ/AB4OJ

******** Hot News! Icom Japan has released Firmware V1.40. ********

The IC-7300 is the first direct-sampling/DUC SDR transceiver from a Japanese amateur radio manufacturer.

IC-7300 front panel. — Fig.1: IC-7300 front view.

Fig.5: Internal speaker, baffled by die-cast chassis.

Top interior view: RF, PA & SDR Units. — Fig.6: Top interior: RF, PA & SDR Units.

Bottom interior view: ATU & RF Unit. — Fig.7: Bottom interior: ATU & RF Unit.

Fig.8: Simplified IC-7300 RX & TX block diagram.

IC-7300 RMDR & phase noise. — Fig.9: IC-7300 RMDR & phase noise curves.

Fig.10: Audio spectrum analyser/oscilloscope screen.

Fig.12: Band/frequency entry keypad menu.

Fig.13: Frequency change on touch-screen.

Fig.14: The IC-7300 at Orlando HamCation 2016.

Fig.15: Audio SA & scope, at Orlando Hamcation.

Fig.17: Screenshot capture: SWR graph, 75Ω load.

Fig.18: Screenshot capture: Spectrum scope resolution BW ≤ 50 Hz.

Fig.19: Spectrum scope with Dave N9EWO's settings.

We are pleased to announce the new IC-7300, which was unveiled at Tokyo HamFair 2015 (August 22-23, 2015).

Here are some salient features:

HF/6m, 100W output on all bands
EU version: HF/6m/4m (50W on 4m)
SSB/CW receiver sensitivity, preamp on: (2.4 kHz, 10dB S+N/N): HF 0.15μV (-123 dBm), 6m 0.12μV (-125 dBm)
Separate HF and 6m receiver preamps (Preamp 1 for HF, Preamp 2 for 6m)
Modes: SSB (J3E), CW (A1A), RTTY (F1B), AM (A3E), FM (F3E)
Frequency stability: 5 * 10^-7 (-10...+60°C)
Direct-sampling SDR (software-defined radio) receiver architecture
ADC: Linear Technology LTC2208-14. ADC driver: Linear Technology LTC6401-20. FPGA: Altera EP4CE55F2317N. DSP: TI TMS320C6745 (375-456 MHz, low power consumption). DAC: Intersil ISL5857IAZ.
ADC sampling rate: 124.033 megasamples/sec
Receiver signal path: RF preselector - ADC - FPGA - DSP - DAC - AF stage
15 bandpass filters in RF preselector
New "IP+" feature turns on ADC dither and randomizer to extend ADC dynamic range when strong signals are present
Selectable 16 dB attenuator for LF/MF RX range (30 kHz - 1.6 MHz)
ADC overflow (clip) indicator: OVF displayed on screen
Turn down RF GAIN when OVF display appears
Digital up-conversion (DUC) transmitter architecture using FPGA driving DAC
Transmitter signal path: Baseband amplifier - ADC - DSP - FPGA - DAC - RF BPF - ALC - PA - LPF
FPGA also performs digital down-conversion, frequency control and decimation (RF sub-band to baseband) digitally
FPGA executes TX functions: digital up-conversion (baseband to RF band) and frequency control
Improved phase noise performance due to low-noise ADC clock source (typ. RMDR: 97 dB at 1 kHz offset)
Fully-digital FFT spectrum scope and digitally-generated screen image; FPGA drives display processor via digital bus
Real-time, high-resolution spectrum scope includes waterfall
Scope span range ±5 kHz to ±1 MHz; amplitude range 80 dB; peak hold (continuous or 10 sec. hold time)
Scope features: selectable reference level (-20 to +20 dB), sweep speed, averaging & VBW (video bandwidth)
Audio spectrum analyser/oscilloscope screen (as in IC-7851, IC-7800, IC-7700)
Large colour TFT touch-screen display; screen selection via menu
Frequency change by touching scope screen
Screenshot capture to SD card in PNG or BMP format by pressing POWER key (configurable via menu)
Multi-dial knob opens on-screen menus; menu items selected by touching screen
Band selection and 10-key numeric "keypad" via touch-screen menus
Familiar Icom NR, NB, Twin PBT, DSP filtering and notch controls
RTTY decoder/display function
Built-in relay-type high-speed autotuner with latching relays
Tuner matching range: 16.7 - 150Ω (3:1 VSWR)
"Enforced tuning" function for emergency operation with poorly-matched antennas (reduced output)
Rear-panel socket for AH-4 external autotuner
Rear-panel SEND and ALC RCA jacks.
ALC control voltage 0 ~ -4V. ALC input resistance 3 kΩ.
Acoustically-baffled speaker for excellent receive sound
Front-panel SD card slot
Rear-panel USB port for CI-V and audio/baseband/12 kHz DRM IF input/output
RS-BA1 compatibility (the spectrum scope with the waterfall can be observed on the PC screen)
Compact size: 240(W)×238(D)×95(H) mm, 4.1 kg.

*Note on Firmware:

The latest IC-7300 firmware release is V1.30 (20 July 2018).

Sidebar: A note on the new IP+ feature

From the Japanese-language IC-7300 Instruction Manual. Translated by N. Oba JA7UDE

IP plus (IP+) Feature:

This feature improves the receiver IMD (Intermodulation Distortion) by making the best use of the direct sampling architecture.

It optimizes the level of the ADC (Analogue/Digital Converter) for strong input signals in order to reduce distortion. It also minimizes the reduction in sensitivity for weak signals and improves IP3 (3rd order intercept point).

IP+ softkey. Courtesy Icom Inc. — Fig.20: IP+ Softkey. Courtesy Icom Inc.

Push FUNCTION.
The FUNCTION window opens.
Touch IP+.
Every touch toggles the IP+ feature ON or OFF.
ON for better IP (linearity), OFF for better sensitivity.

IP+ indicator. Courtesy Icom Inc. — Fig.21: IP+ Indicator. Courtesy Icom Inc.

Push EXIT to close the FUNCTION window.

The IC-7300 IP+ (Intercept Point Plus) feature activates on-chip Dither and Randomization in the ADC. IP+ has two selectable modes; ON (optimum linearity) and OFF (optimum sensitivity).

FCC ID: AFJ376500, granted 24 February 2016

Industry Canada Certification: 202D-376500.