RTL-SDR Radio Parameters and Supported Ranges

Since R2026a

To configure RTL-SDR radios, you need to set the parameters so that the hardware can tune and transmit or receive the signals. This topic lists the key parameters of RTL-SDR radios supported by Communications Toolbox™ Support Package for RTL-SDR Radio and shows the valid ranges.

Center Frequency

Center frequency is the frequency at which the RTL-SDR radio receives signals. The center frequency depends on the tuner variant used in the RTL-SDR radio.

Tuner	Valid Range (Hz)
Elonics E4000	52 – 2200 MHz with a gap from 1100 MHz to 1250 MHz (varies)
Rafael Micro R820T/2/R860	24 – 1766 MHz
Rafael Micro R828D	24 - 1766 MHz
Fitipower FC0013	22 – 1100 MHz
Fitipower FC0012	22 – 948.6 MHz
FCI FC2580	146 – 308 MHz and 438 – 924 MHz (gap in between)

Gain

Gain determines the level of amplification applied to the signal. The valid range of gain values depends on the tuner variant used in the RTL-SDR radio.

Tuner	Valid Range (dB)
Elonics E4000	-1.5 to 49.6 dB
Rafael Micro R820T/2/R860	0 to 49.6 dB
Rafael Micro R828D	0 to 49.6 dB
Fitipower FC0013	-9.9 to 19.7 dB
Fitipower FC0012	0 to 20 dB
FCI FC2580	0 to 32 dB

Baseband Sample Rate

The baseband sample rate of an RTL-SDR is the speed (in samples per second) at which the digital converter samples the zero-IF radio signal, capturing its complex I/Q components.

Parameter	Valid Range (Samples per second)
Baseband Sample Rate	65105 to 61.44e6