Jupiter vs. Pluto

A common question is: “How does Jupiter differ from Pluto?” Pluto (ADALM-PLUTO) is a software-defined radio platform that is geared toward flexibility and teaching electrical engineering topics like SDR, RF, and communications. The PlutoSDR is self-contained and is entirely USB-powered with the default firmware. It comes in at about $300 and is based on the AD9363 transceiver and the Zynq Z-7010 SoC. In contrast, the Jupiter SDR is about $4k, has a more powerful SoC, and allows for multiple-unit synchronization, where the Pluto does not. Another difference is that Pluto is more customizable, allowing easier changes to the LOs. While Pluto is typically used for education, Jupiter is typically used for industry applications in aerospace, defense, and communications.

Feature	AD-JUPITER-EBZ	ADALM-PLUTO
Transceiver	ADRV9002	AD9363
Multi-Chip Sync	Yes	No
DPD	Yes	No
Channels	2Tx / 2Rx	1Tx / 1Rx
Frequency Range	30 MHz – 6 GHz	325 MHz – 3.8 GHz
IBW	12 KHz – 40 MHz	200 kHz - 20 MHz
FPGA/SoC	Zynq Ultrascale+ MPSoC	Zynq Z-7010
Form Factor	Ruggedized aluminum case	Small USB dongle
Power	USB-C or PoE	USB

When should I choose Jupiter?

Jupiter is a good choice if you:

• Need multi‑channel or multi‑device coherent operation

• Are experimenting with beamforming, MIMO, or spatial processing

• Require deterministic timing and synchronization

• Are prototyping systems for aerospace, defense, or communications

• Need higher RF performance and system scalability

When should I choose Pluto?

Pluto is a good choice if you:

• Are learning SDR, RF, or communications concepts

• Need a low‑cost, portable SDR

• Want a simple USB‑powered setup

• Are developing or teaching basic waveforms and protocols

• Do not require multi‑device synchronization or coherence

Note

For questions or help with the Jupiter SDR, please visit:
EngineerZone