The multilayer pcb looks very good and the whole package is a good fit. My expectation is that I dont want to develop this part on my own - the way this controller is designed is more than I need. The only issue is the size. it is huge. technically bigger than my PA board, and it defines the dimensions of the PA package. While looking into the thing I found DJ0ABR SWR metering cirquit also highly accurate and robust design. Therefore I added two SWR meters of that type. The third meter will be placed on the Driver and protection board, finally looking at 3 SWR meters which adds a great extra on security if I mess it up or anything happens to the filters / antenna should not catch a fire when operated unattended
I had to fix a flickering screen. For that I raised the PLL multiplier from 117Mhz to 280Mhz as specified in the display datasheet. Now it is fine for me, stable screen and pretty fast. The board has very good signal conditioning and the SWR readings are fast but still stable. It is a good measurement tool. That is what I expected for my experiment to be easier.
SWR and power measurements. very few radically diferent designs exist. I also gave the wide range and accurate SWR design based on AD8307 of DJ0ABR a chance. I need to hone my winding skills before starting the radio BPF and LPF massacre. Link to the source
To find and place the parts on the board, one must search them on the eagle design supplied by DJ0ABR. I have no eagle and remember it was hard to use. Lucky me, easyEDA works perfect for that purpose. easyEDA link to the design