How to continuously transmit large arrays with Pluto sdr

Question

I need to continuously transmit large arrays with Pluto sdr using Python. I use sample rate = 12 Msps and call sdr.tx(tx_samples). 
 The tx_samples array has size 20_000_000 bytes. When I call sdr.tx(tx_sample) I have such error: OSError: [Errno 14] Bad address. 
 I tried to chunk the array into smaller parts, for example I called sdr.tx(tx_samples) twice with the tx_samples size = 10_000_000 bytes. But the sdr.tx() function made a large delay between subsequent calls: 
 
 Can you help me with sending large arrays with Pluto sdr using Python continuously ?

IonutMuthi · Accepted Answer

Hello, To continuously transmit an array at 12 MSps using the Pluto with Python, we need to consider the hardware limitations. While the Pluto can technically sample up to 61 MHz, the practical limit for reliable transmission is around 5 MSps due to the USB 2.0 interface constraints. Therefore, transmitting at 12 MSps may lead to data loss and transmission errors. 
 The error you mentioned "OSError: [Errno 14] Bad address." can apear if the data chunks size exceeds the limitations of the Pluto hardware. 
 To be able to do what you want you are trying to try to chunk the data into smaller parts and use a circular buffer. In your case with an array size of 20_000_000 samples I suggest trying to transmit 1_000_000 chunks at 5 Msps.)

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How to continuously transmit large arrays with Pluto sdr

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