79 Results
R&S®VISA is a standardized software library that allows fast communications over diverse interfaces with a wide variety of T&M instruments that are detected on the network from PC applications. R&S®VISA also includes a trace tool that simultaneously monitors communications between multiple applications and T&M instruments, and permits targeted analysis with the aid of efficient filters.
26-May-2020 | AN-No. 1DC02
The Bluetooth® wireless standard has been an unparalleled success. It has found its way into virtually all smartphones, PCs, cars, entertainment hardware and wearables. Bluetooth SIG reports that more than 8 billion devices are currently in use. Bluetooth supports Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and direction finding methods, making it a sure bet for the future as well.This white paper summarizes the various Bluetooth technologies with a focus on the physical layer in line with core specification version 5.1.
05-Jun-2019 | AN-No. 1MA108
The ARB Toolbox is an easy-to-use, feature packed software package that is used for many ARB waveform related tasks. Use this software for creating ARB waveform files from custom IQ data; import data from MATLAB .mat files; evaluate waveform content graphically; resample or filter waveforms; create analog modulated signals as ARB files; edit marker data in waveform files; use the composer for the creation of complex multi carrier scanarios.
13-Dec-2018 | AN-No. 1GP88
Miloslav Macko 1MA196 1MA196, Forum, Application, Instrument, Remote, Control, Python, Scripting, R&S Forum, RS Forum, R&SForum, RSForum, Windows, Mac OS Using R&S®Forum Application for Instrument Remote Control Using R&S®Forum Application for Instrument Remote Control Miloslav Macko 1MA196 1MA196, Forum, Application, Instrument, Remote, Control, Python, Scripting, R&S Forum, RS Forum, R&SForum, RSForum
28-Jun-2018 | AN-No. 1MA196
eCall is deployed in Europe and is required by law in new cars as of March 2018. Next generation eCall (NG eCall) is built on LTE and 5G.
06-Jun-2018
The R&S®SMBV100A is both, a versatile general-purpose vector signal generator and a powerful GNSS signal simulator. It can simulate up to 24 satellites in realtime for testing GNSS receivers flexibly, reliably, and cost-efficiently. The R&S®SMBV100A supports receiver testing under realistic conditions by offering features such as obscuration simulation and automatic multipath generation. Out of a multitude of possible test scenarios – with predefined or user-specific settings – this application note presents some examples to give an impression of the instrument’s capabilities.
19-Apr-2018 | AN-No. 1GP101
Automotive Infotainment Testing
19-Feb-2018
Emergency Road Assistance (ERA-GLONASS) is a service provided in the Russian Federation with thegoal of reducing response times for accidents or other emergencies on the roadways. This application note briefly describes the technology behind ERA-GLONASS and presents conformance tests for ERAGLONASS using the R&S®CMW500 RF tester and the R&S®SMBV100A vector signal generator. A Test software for ERA-GLONASS makes it quick and easy to perform these tests with the GSM or WCDMA wireless communications standard. It also shows a test solution for GNSS performance tests for ERAGLONASS using the R&S®SMBV100A vector signal generator and the option R&S®SMBV-K360 together with CMWrun.
24-Jan-2018 | AN-No. 1MA251
Versatile Software Tool for Rohde & Schwarz Instruments
RSCommander is a versatile software tool for a wide range of Rohde & Schwarz spectrum-, network analyzers, signal generators and oscilloscopes. It allows for automatic instrument discovery, making screenshots, reading traces, file transfer and simple script creation.
24-Dec-2017 | AN-No. 1MA074
Before devices can be used in a LoRaWANTM network, they must among other things meet country-specific wireless communications regulations. This application note shows developers and manufacturers of devices with LoRa wireless technology how transmitter measurements are conducted in line with FCC Part 15.247. It also describes how important receiver characteristics can be verified by metrological means. In this context, battery life in particular plays a key role in IoT applications. A further chapter describes how current consumption of LoRa wireless modules can be measured reliably.
29-Nov-2017 | AN-No. 1MA295
The application note guides developers and manufactures of Sigfox Devices to perform the required and recommended measurements with test solutions from Rohde & Schwarz. The note will help bring ultranarrowband IoT devices and applications using Sigfox technology to the market as fast as possible and help ensure the desired quality and performance.For R&D, Pre-certification and QA, all currently defined Uplink- and Downlink- measurements are shown using the compact R&S®FPL1000 Spectrum Analyzer and R&S®SMBV100A Vector Signal Generator.For Production, use of the R&S®CMW100A Communications Manufacturing Test Set is shown for the most essential Uplink RF tests on Sigfox Devices.Python scripts for giving example SCPI commands demonstrate how measurements shown in manual use can easily be automated.
15-Nov-2017 | AN-No. 1MA294
The R&S®Pulse Sequencer software offers a powerful mechanism to model sequences that are often required for meaningful radar receiver test cases. The sequences can consist of many individual elements, such as pulses defined by the software or imported waveform segments. The software’s powerful interpulse modulation mechanism gives the user full control of each single element.
03-Oct-2017
Rohde & Schwarz signal generators can generate standard-compliant WLAN IEEE 802.11ax signals for high efficiency (HE) receiver testing.This application note helps to choose the right generator test solutions and explains step-by-step how to generate 802.11ax SISO and MIMO signals. Measurements, such as EVM, are presented to illustrate the signal performance. Furthermore, this document shows how to test 802.11ax receiver specifications and the newly introduced HE trigger-based PPDU specifications according to the IEEE P802.11ax/D1.3 specification draft.
16-Aug-2017 | AN-No. 1GP115
The R&S®Pulse Sequencer software together with any Rohde & Schwarz vector signal generator offers an easy and convenient way to generate pulses. For the first time, one package helps you define all the test cases you need in the lab for your entire product development cycle. Test cases extend from simple pulse scenarios for initial component testing to complex 3D radar emitters for acceptance testing of complete systems.
27-Jul-2017
This application note provides a brief introduction into the capabilities of the Rohde & Schwarz Vector Signal Generators (VSG) to create user defined digitally modulated signals called Custom Digital Modulation (CDM). Additionally an in depth description of the functions and the operation of the CDM-Toolbox is provided. The CDM-Toolbox is application software which allows an easy remote configuration of CDM signals on Rohde & Schwarz VSGs but also the creation of data list and control list files which are most useful to further extend the application area of CDM signals.
24-Jul-2017 | AN-No. 1GP96
More and more everyday items such as household appliances, vehicles, lights, etc. are now connected to the Internet, forming what is known as the "Internet of Things". Even clothing with sewn-in sensors to measure vital functions can now connect to the Internet and transmit data to cloud services. These different things use a variety of wireless technology standards to establish a connection. Due to its popularity, one of the most important standards is Bluetooth (or Bluetooth Low Energy). Before a new product with Bluetooth functionality can be launched, the qualification process defined by the Bluetooth SIG must be successfully completed. To save time and money, performance tests need to be performed in the development stage. This application note describes how to use the R&S CMW platform to perform the measurements defined in Bluetooth test specification version 5. As an alternative solution, we also cover how to perform almost all of the measurements with a spectrum analyzer and signal generator.The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Rohde & Schwarz is under license.
19-Jun-2017 | AN-No. 1MA282
This application note outlines two different approaches for remote-controlling Rohde & Schwarz instruments out of MathWorks MATLAB:The first one uses VISA connection and direct SCPI commands.The second approach takes advantage of Rohde & Schwarz VXI plug&play instrument drivers and MATLAB Instrument Control Toolbox.
12-Jun-2017 | AN-No. 1MA171
What used to be the car radio has evolved from adding a cassette player to state of the art entertainment on the move. All this while keeping driver & passengers connected. The design challenge is to bring all the communication and broadcast standards into a small form factor that fits in the dashboard of the car. The RF modules need to support multiple standards in a single assembly and multiple modules are placed next to each other. The frequencies defined by the RF standards are in very close proximity and hence need to co-exist with each other. Moreover, the antennas inside the car are subjected to cross-coupling effects with mobile devices of passengers. To ensure the RF performance of the infotainment system, all of these scenarios need to be thoroughly tested.This application note highlights some of the RF measurement challenges and introduces Rohde & Schwarz equipment required for relevant RF characterization of car infotainment devices.
08-May-2017 | AN-No. 1MA275
The need to properly represent the ever changing complexities of the RF environment across communications, surveillance, electronic support measures (ESM) and signal intelligence system (SIGINT) with the advances of signal complexity and bandwidth, requires an enormous test and measurement effort.Extensive field tests are often applied to verify the performance and capabilities under preferably natural but controlled conditions. This is both costly and requires a great deal of time.RF signal environment generation using Test & Measurement equipment brings field tests into the laboratory, where a controlled, cost-effective and reproducible environment exists. The R&S®Pulse Sequencer software is a versatile tool to generate arbitrary and realistic RF signal scenarios ensuringsystem readiness for the real operational world.This application note introduces the R&S®Pulse Sequencer software, explains several examples that are applicable for research, development, before operational and during life-time test in detail, and guides you through the necessary steps, to generate a self-defined, arbitrary real life RF signal environment.
17-Jan-2017 | AN-No. 1MA288
Rohde & Schwarz recognizes the potential risk of computer virus infection when connecting test instrumentation to Windows®-based computers via local area networks (LANs), or using removable storage devices.This white paper introduces measures to minimize malware threats and discusses ways to reduce risks while ensuring that instrument performance is not compromised. The paper also discusses the use of anti-virus software in combination with Embedded Linux based instruments.
23-Nov-2016 | AN-No. 1GP112
5G networks will need to offer more capacity and flexibility while lowering the operational expenses of the system. Two new technologies can simultaneously address both the increase in capacity and the increase in energy efficiency: Virtualization & Massive MIMO. This white paper provides an overview of test solutions addressing current and future requirements for antenna verification including both conducted and over-the-air (OTA) test methods, which result from applying Massive MIMO antenna technology.This white papers complements the white paper (1MA276) from Rohde & Schwarz, which introduces fundamental theory behind beamforming antennas and provides calculation methods for radiation patterns, a number of simulation results as well as some real world measurement results for small linear arrays.
11-Nov-2016 | AN-No. 1MA286
The R&S®SMBV100A vector signal generator offers a remote emulation feature that makes it possible to control the instrument by commands other than the built-in native SCPI commands. This feature allows the user to replace signal generators, e.g. from other manufacturers, with the R&S®SMBV100A without having to change the remote control code. This application note describes how to use the remote emulation feature in general. Furthermore, it describes in detail the remote emulation for each supported instrument, limitations of the individual emulations and the remaining differences between the emulated and the original commands.
11-Oct-2016 | AN-No. 1GP91
Rohde & Schwarz signal generators present a compact easy-to-use solution for generating phase coherent signals. Different generator models can be coupled to optimally fit user requirements in terms of number of phase coherent channels and RF frequency range.This application note explains how to generate phase coherent signals, details what to consider and how to best calibrate the relative phases and timing between the individual channels. This document also presents various measurements of the phase stability over time for different RF frequencies.
07-Sep-2016 | AN-No. 1GP108
3GPP TS36.141 defines conformance tests for EUTRA base stations (eNodeB). Release 14 added several tests, especially for enhanced License Assisted Accsess (eLAA).This application note describes how all required transmitter (Tx) tests (TS36.141 Chapter 6) can be performed quickly and easily by using signal and spectrum analyzers from Rohde & Schwarz. A few tests additionally require signal generators from Rohde & Schwarz.Examples illustrate the manual operation. A free software program enables and demonstrates remote operation.The LTE base station receiver (Rx) tests (TS36.141 Chapter 7) are described in Application Note 1MA195.The LTE base station performance (Px) tests (TS36.141 Chapter 8) are described in Application Note 1MA162.
11-May-2016 | AN-No. 1MA154
Signal generators play a vital role in electrical test and measurement. They generate the test signals that are applied to components such as filters and amplifier, or even to entire modules, in order to ascertain and test their behavior and characteristics. The first part of this educational note presents the applications for and the most important types of signal generators. This is followed by a description of the construction and functioning of analog and vector signal generators. To permit a better understanding of the specifications found on data sheets, a closer look at the most important parameters for a signal generator is provided.Beyond the output of spectrally pure signals, a key function of RF signal generators is the generation of analog- and digitally modulated signals. The second part of this note therefore presents the fundamentals for the most significant analog and digital modulation methods.The third part of this educational note contains exercises on the topics of analog and digital modulation. All described measurements were performed using the R&S®SMBV100A vector signal generator and the R&S®FSV spectrum analyzer.
03-May-2016 | AN-No. 1MA225
This application note describes how to create and generate standard-conform IEEE 802.15.4 test signals with the Rohde & Schwarz Vector Signal Generators (VSG).
08-Jan-2016 | AN-No. 1GP105
Noise Power Ratio Signal Generation and Measurement
Noise Power Ratio (NPR) is an add-on tool for WinIQSIM™ to generate noise power ratio stimulus signals and measure the resulting noise power ratio of a device under test (DUT) using Rohde & Schwarz instruments via LAN or GPIB bus.
06-Nov-2015 | AN-No. 1MA29
Current Radar development is focusing the area of signal processing. This is taken into account by this educational note, where the R&S®SMW / SMBV instruments on the transmitter side and R&S®FSW / FSV instruments on the receiver side are combined to a closed loop Radar system, performing radar detection by means of pulse compression and digital signal processing. Appropriate Rohde & Schwarz sofware tools for such applications are described as well as the interface between the tools and the test instruments. Target reader group are engineering students who want to perform tests using pulsed or chirped signals.
20-Nov-2014 | AN-No. 1MA234
Test time is a critical parameter when it comes to evaluating the cost of test.This application note describes typical spectrum analyzer measurements in production environments and discusses different approaches to speed them up.
17-Nov-2014 | AN-No. 1EF90
This application note introduces the IVI High Speed LAN Instrument Protocol (HiSLIP) and outlines its features. HiSLIP is the successor to the VXI-11 LAN remote control protocol. This document also describes guidelines for using this protocol.
12-Nov-2014 | AN-No. 1MA208
3GPP TS25.141 defines conformance tests for W-CDMA base stations (including HSPA+ features). This application note describes how transmitter (Tx) tests (TS25.141 Chapter 6) can be performed quickly and easily by using signal and spectrum analyzers from Rohde & Schwarz. A few tests additionally require vector signal generators from Rohde & Schwarz. Example illustrates manual operation. A free software program enables and demonstrates remote operation. The W-CDMA base station receiver (Rx) tests (TS25.141 Chapter 7) are described in Application Note 1MA114.
21-Oct-2014 | AN-No. 1MA67
3GPP TS25.141 defines conformance tests for W-CDMA base stations (including HSPA+ features). This application note describes how all required receiver (Rx) tests (TS25.141 Chapter 7) can be performed easily and quickly by using vector signal generators and CW sources from Rohde & Schwarz. One test additionally requires a spectrum analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz.Example illustrates manual operation. A free software program enables and demonstrates remote operation. The W-CDMA base station transmitter (Tx) tests (TS25.141 Chapter 6) are described in Application Note 1MA67.
21-Oct-2014 | AN-No. 1MA114
LTE-Advanced comprises multiple features enhancing the basic LTE technology firstly specified in 3GPP Release 8. LTE including the LTEAdvanced improvements was approved by ITU to comply with IMT-Advanced requirements and thus being a true 4G mobile communication system. The different technology components of LTE-Advanced have different market priorities and require different testing strategies. This application note summarizes the Rohde &Schwarz test solutions for LTE-Advanced (Release 10) using Vector Signal Generators, Signal and Spectrum Analyzers and the Wideband Radio Communication Tester.
03-Sep-2014 | AN-No. 1MA166
Testing global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers can be done easily, reliably and cost-efficiently by using the R&S®SMBV100A vector signal generator. This GNSS simulator can generate GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and BeiDou signals for up to 24 satellites in real time.This application note explains how to perform automated receiver tests using the R&S®SMBV100A. The presented tests include TTFF, sensitivity, and location accuracy measurements, moving receiver and interference tests, and many more. Basic remote control examples are provided for the individual tests to ease programming. This application note further includes a short guide for parsing NMEA data.
29-Jul-2014 | AN-No. 1GP86
Satellite Navigation became quite common during the recent years. In addition to the established U:S: GPS system, China has develloped its own navigation system called BeiDou. Since BeiDou receivers are not yet wide spread on the market, this MATLAB based application can be used to analyze and process BeiDou signals. The free application enables and demonstrates remote operation of Rohde & Schwarz instruments using SCPI commands and attribute based drivers directly out of MATLAB scripts and functions.
19-May-2014 | AN-No. 1MA203
Air Traffic Control (ATC) radar, military Air Traffic Surveillance (ATS) radar and meteorological radar operate in S-Band frequency range. In fact 4G communication systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) make also use of these frequencies. Test and measurement of their coexistence is absolutely essential as performance degradation of mobile devices and networks and even malfunction of ATC radars has been proven.This application note describes LTE and S-Band radar coexistence test and measurement. It addresses LTE user equipment, base stations and S-Band radars and presents test solutions.
28-Mar-2014 | AN-No. 1MA211
For several years, automobile makers and government agencies have sought ways to improve safety on roadways and effectively manage traffic flow. As wireless communication systems are advancing, the vision of automobiles talking to each other and to roadside units is becoming a reality. These planned automotive wireless communication systems are known as ITS (Intelligent Transportation System). This paper will provide an overview of the current status of the ITS worldwide with a focus on the IEEE 802.11p PHY. Additionally, the paper provides information on test and measurement solutions for devices and components used in ITS.
23-Jan-2014 | AN-No. 1MA152
More and more mobile radio networks implement remote radio equipment (RE) that is connected to the base station main unit via a digital interface using standardized transmission protocols such as CPRI. For testing RE devices Rohde & Schwarz offers a complete test solution based on the R&S®EX-IQ-BOX [Model K04]. This key component is a configurable digital interface module that is used to connect Rohde & Schwarz test equipment to a RE under test using CPRI data transmission. This application note explains in detail the instrument setup and configuration needed to successfully test your remote radio head.
05-Aug-2013 | AN-No. 1GP78
Nearly all tests in accordance with the Bluetooth low energy test specification V4.0 [1] can be performed using the R&S®CBT alone. Some tests additionally call for signal generators to provide interference signals. This application note describes the tests performed with additional equipment and presents straightforward solutions based on the R&S®CBTgo software.
18-Jul-2013 | AN-No. 1MA200
This application note explains how to synchronize the signals from multiple R&S®SMBV100A vector signal generators in time.The synchronization of the instruments is based on a master-slave principle where one R&S®SMBV100A acts as master and supplies all necessary synchronization signals to the other instruments (slaves). The setup is simple and provides highly synchronized test signals. Time synchronous signals are needed in several applications. The master-slave setup is ideal for basic MIMO tests, certain GNSS test scenarios and WLAN IEEE 802.11ac non-contiguous channel generation. Furthermore, synchronous baseband signals are the basis for generating phase coherent RF signals with the R&S®SMBV100A.
09-Jul-2013 | AN-No. 1GP84
Offering bandwidths up to 160 MHz, the signal generators and analyzers from Rohde & Schwarz are ideal for testing IEEE 802.11ac signals
27-Jun-2013
This application note helps the user to configure a Rohde & Schwarz vector signal generator for LTE FDD repeater conformance testing. It explains step by step how to set up the baseband signal for the various test cases defined in the 3GPP Technical Specification 36.143.The R&S®SMx vector signal generators provide predefined, LTE-conform test models and are therefore ideal for LTE repeater conformance testing. The test cases in TS 36.143 can be set up with a single instrument which provides all necessary test signals including the four specified repeater stimulus signals.
26-Apr-2013 | AN-No. 1GP85
Rohde & Schwarz signal generators can be connected in various ways to system controllers (typically PCs) and external PC peripherals. Although most of these connection operations are also explained in the instrument manuals, it is not always easy to maintain an overview. Operating manuals commonly focus on explaining a dedicated feature of a single instrument. This application note examines a range of typical user tasks and how to solve them with the different instruments.
26-Apr-2013 | AN-No. 1GP72
This application note is a programming guide. It briefly summarizes basic tips and information about SCPI programming for remote-controlling Rohde & Schwarz signal generators.
26-Apr-2013 | AN-No. 1GP79
Rohde & Schwarz signal generators can generate standard-compliant WLAN IEEE 802.11ac signals up to 160 MHz bandwidth with excellent EVM performance. This application note demonstrates the generator test solutions and explains step-by-step how to configure a test signal. Several measurements are presented to illustrate EVM performance.
26-Apr-2013 | AN-No. 1GP94
The R&S MATLAB® Toolkit for Signal Generators provides routines for remote controlling these instruments. Additional MATLAB® scripts turn I/Q vectors into the Rohde & Schwarz waveform file format for use with an ARB. This application note describes the installation and use of the R&S MATLAB® Toolkit on Microsoft Widows and Linux based systems.
26-Apr-2013 | AN-No. 1GP60
TETRA, the TErrestrial Trunked RAdio, is the professional mobile radio standard (PMR) used world wide by governmental safety and security authorities and organizations, as well as by private utilities from energy suppliers through to transport. Rohde & Schwarz provide test instruments idealy suited for both the development and production of TETRA base stations and user equipment, as well as for network planning, network coverage and quality of service, network monitoring and optimization, maintenance, and service. This Application Note shows examples for measurements with R&S instruments covering the entire range of TETRA test requirements.
26-Apr-2013 | AN-No. 1MA189
Multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology is an integral part of 3GPP E-UTRA long term evolution (LTE). As part of MIMO, beamforming is also used in LTE. This application note provides a brief summary of the transmission modes (TM) in LTE and describes the beamforming measurements for base stations (BS) and user equipment (UE). The T&M options using various Rohde & Schwarz instruments are also presented.
26-Apr-2013 | AN-No. 1MA187
LTE – the fastest growing mobile radio standard – had its beginnings in 3GPP Release 8. Initial improvements and new features were implemented in Release 9. This Application Note describes the T&M methods for LTE Release 9 features using Rohde & Schwarz instruments.
26-Apr-2013 | AN-No. 1MA210
This application note discusses WLAN standard IEEE 802.11n. It first describes the most important amendments to previous releases and the ambitious new measurement tasks. Then, it describes how to deal with these tasks using Rohde & Schwarz instruments. The main focus here is on transmission over several TX and RX antennas (MIMO). Building multistandard signals using Rohde & Schwarz generators is also described. Screenshots from the analyzer taken on 802.11n signals complete the document.
26-Apr-2013 | AN-No. 1MA179
High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) optimize UMTS for packet data services in the downlink and uplink, respectively. Together, they are referred to as High Speed Packet Access (HSPA). Within 3GPP Release 7, 8, 9 and 10, further improvements to HSPA have been specified in the context of HSPA+ or HSPA evolution. This Application Note describes how HSPA+ features can be tested using Rohde & Schwarz instruments.
26-Apr-2013 | AN-No. 1MA121
Nearly all tests in accordance with the test specification* can be performed with the R&S® CMU200/CBT alone. Some tests additionally call for signal generators to provide interference signals and also require spectrum analyzers. This application note describes the tests performed with additional equipment and presents straightforward solutions based on the CBTgo software.
06-Mar-2013 | AN-No. 1MA106
This application note examines both the theory and practice of state-of-the-art spectrum analysis by discussing specific measurements taken on an integrated RF amplifier.The theoretical portion of this document first describes how modern spectrum analyzers are designed and how they work. That is followed by a brief characterization of today's signal generators, which are needed as a stimulus when performing amplifier measurements. The effects on the spectrum that are caused by the nonlinearity of real devices under test are derived mathematically.The practical portion of this application note contains detailed test and measurement tasks that are suitable for use as lab exercises performed in small groups. The purpose of these tasks is to illustrate the explanations provided in the theoretical section and to provide a deeper understanding of the principles explained there.
05-Mar-2013 | AN-No. 1MA201
The aim of this application note is to provide information regarding Rohde & Schwarz instrument drivers. This paper shall help application engineers and software developers to easily get an understanding of advanced techniques to develop test and measurement (T&M) applications by utilizing Rohde & Schwarz instrument drivers. Furthermore the nomenclature used for Rohde & Schwarz instrument drivers will be explained.
01-Jan-2013 | AN-No. 1MA153
The use of Rohde & Schwarz device drivers under VEE software is not complicated. However, a number of factors are involved, the errors that occur are often difficult to diagnose. This application provides easy and detailed support for installation and troubleshooting using National Instruments or Agilent GPIB boards.
20-Dec-2012 | AN-No. 1MA035
During the design process of chipsets or modules, FPGA-based hardware emulators are utilized to perform early tests with real test and measurement instruments. These hardware emulators usually run at artificially reduced speed, but apart from that function like the finished design. In this application note we explain how to test FPGA-based hardware emulators using Rohde & Schwarz vector signal generators for creating suitable real-time test signals at reduced sample rates. We further explain how to correctly adapt AWGN signal generation and fading simulation for “slow I/Q”.
10-Dec-2012 | AN-No. 1GP95
This document provides an introduction to SDR as used for military radios and presents the relevant T&M solutions offered by Rohde & Schwarz.
15-Sep-2012 | AN-No. 1MA206
Recording, converting and playing back real-world signals
13-Jul-2012
3GPP Release 9 Technical Specification (TS) 37.141 covers multistandard radio base station conformance testing. Multistandard radio includes four standards of mobile communications: GSM, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, and LTE. This application note introduces the concept of multistandard radio base stations as well as solutions for transmitter and receiver tests based on Rohde & Schwarz signal generators and Rohde & Schwarz signal and spectrum analyzers.
06-Jul-2012 | AN-No. 1MA198
This white paper provides a brief technology introduction on the 802.11ac amendment to the successful 802.11-2007 standard. 802.11ac provides mechanisms to increase throughput and user experience of existing WLAN and will build on 802.11n-2009.
23-May-2012 | AN-No. 1MA192
Sequencing of waveforms is a technique used to play back multiple test signals fast and flexibly using an arbitrary waveform generator (ARB). Multiple ARB waveforms can be combined to generate all kinds of test signals sequences. Switching from one waveform to the subsequent waveform in the sequence is instantaneous, which enables high-speed operation for production testing. This application note explains how to generate such signal sequences using vector signal generators from Rohde & Schwarz. The examples provided show the required instrument settings and possible fields of application for waveform sequencing.
29-Feb-2012 | AN-No. 1GP53
Femtocells or Home base stations are an important development for cellular networks. This application note describes the tests commonly used during the production of Femtocells, focusing on WCDMA, HSPA, and HSPA+ technology. Tests, test plans and hardware setups for Femtocells with and without receiver diversity are detailed. Find hints about the instrument settings and have a look at typical measurement results. An introduction to simulating GPS / A-GPS signals for testing the GPS receiver of a Femtocell completes the paper.
02-Feb-2012 | AN-No. 1MA139
A GPS L1-frequency signal is recorded using a receiver such as an R&S®TSMW or an R&S®FSV. Then the I/Q data is stored via the digital I/Q interface on an R&S®IQR device. Playback is realized using an R&S®SMBV signal generator that is also connected to an R&S®IQR via a digital I/Q interface.
10-Nov-2011 | AN-No. 1SP16
This application note provides a guide through the measurements for IEEE 802.11ac WLAN transmitter signals using the general purpose OFDM analysis software R&S FS-K96. Step-by-step instructions for performing the measurements are provided and the different result types available with the FSK96 Software are discussed.
22-Sep-2011 | AN-No. 1EF82
Existing GSM mobile communication systems have the potential to double voice capacity by adding the “Voice services over Adaptive Multi-user channels on One Slot” (VAMOS) feature as specified in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN) Release 9 specifications. This application note describes the VAMOS feature from an air interface perspective in detail and specifically illustrates the VAMOS testing solution offered by Rohde & Schwarz test equipment.
17-Aug-2011 | AN-No. 1MA181
The aim of channel sounding is to characterize a radio channel by decomposing the radio propagation path into its individual multipath components. This application note provided by Neul describes how channel sounding can be performed using the R&S SMBV100A Vector Signal Generator and the R&S FSL Spectrum Analyzer. To illustrate the procedure reference is made to 8 MHz wide white space channels in the UK.
13-Jul-2011 | AN-No. 1MA199
This Application Note describes a software program that provides easy creation and transfer of Pulse Trains between a PC and the R&S SMB100A, R&S SMA100A and R&S SMF100A analog signal generators with the Pulse Train option; or between a PC and the ARB of R&S SMBV100A, R&S SMJ100A or R&S SMU200A vector signal generators.
10-May-2011 | AN-No. 1MA148
The foregoing application note is intended for everyone who desires to become more familiar with the use and upload of custom data in ARB, digital modulation and RF list mode. Particularly, this note describes the instruments R&S® SMW200A, R&S® SGT100A, R&S® SMBV100A, R&S® SMU200A, R&S® SMJ100A and R&S® SMATE200A and provides an overview of already available solutions as well as it gives hints for the writing of own applications. Please also see the application note 1GP88 for the ARB Toolbox software and the application note 1GP96 for the CDM-Toolbox software.
22-Dec-2010 | AN-No. 1GP62
This Application Note describes the generation of radio frequency signals from wideband I/Q waveforms using the R&S®AFQ100B UWB signal and I/Q modulation generator in combination with the R&S®SMBV100A vector signal generator.
28-May-2010 | AN-No. 1GP75
This application note describes how to connect R&S® test and measurement products quickly and seamlessly to AWR® Visual System Simulator™ (VSS) via a GPIB or LAN interface. Using AWR® Connected™ customized for Rohde & Schwarz hardware and R&S® WinIQSIM2™ signal simulation software, the flexibility of digital radio standards is highlighted and its integration into VSS is demonstrated.
20-May-2010 | AN-No. 1MA174
This Application Note describes signal generation with carrier aggregation for 802.16m based on 802.16e signals in practical important configurations using one or more Vector Signal Generators R&S SMU200A or R&S SMBV100A. Various examples illustrate how to analyze these signals using the Vector Signal Analyzer R&S FSQ, R&S FSG or R&S FSV.
22-Mar-2010 | AN-No. 1MA173
Multiple antenna systems, known as MIMO systems, form an essential part of today’s wireless communications standards. This multi-antenna technology efficiently boosts the data throughput without requiring additional bandwidth, and has thus become a key technology. Rohde & Schwarz offers high-performance MIMO test solutions which provide static conditions without fading as well as simulation of complex fading scenarios.This application note explains how to set up 4x4 and 8x8 MIMO systems using the R&S®SMBV100A signal generator for measurements under static conditions without fading.For simulation of complex fading scenarios please refer to application note 1GP97.
10-Mar-2010 | AN-No. 1GP50
Multiple antenna systems, known as MIMO systems, form an essential part of today’s wireless communications standards. The multi-antenna technology efficiently boosts the data throughput without requiring additional bandwidth or transmit power and has thus become a key technology. Rohde & Schwarz offers compact and versatile MIMO test solutions with realtime fading including simulation of channel correlations.This application note explains how to set up Rohde & Schwarz signal generators for 2x2, 4x2 and 2x4 MIMO tests with a focus on signal routing, synchronization of the generators, and leveling. Please note that there is a successor application note available: 1GP97. It explains how to use the R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator for testing higher order MIMO systems such as 3x3 and 4x4.
14-Oct-2009 | AN-No. 1GP51
This application note explains the fundamentals of the cell search and cell selection and reselection procedures required for both modes of UMTS Long Term Evolution: FDD and TDD. It describes how to generate and analyze the required signals using Rohde & Schwarz test and measurement solutions. The application note also shows how to perform interoperability tests and terminal conformance tests according to the baseline of the 3GPP specifications for protocol conformance and Radio Resource Management (RRM).
17-Sep-2009 | AN-No. 1MA150
Vector signals at microwave frequencies can easily be generated by the direct upconversion of I/Q baseband signals. A versatile and cost-efficient solution consists of an R&S®SMF100A microwave signal generator combined with a baseband source (e.g. the R&S®AFQ100A) and an external I/Q mixer. This application note describes how to perform the frequency upconversion.
28-Jul-2009 | AN-No. 1GP76
This application note describes how to use the Rohde & Schwarz software tool ‘RsBatchConvert.exe’ for the conversion of binary data or WinIQSIM generated AMIQ waveforms into the new waveform format. The tool not only rescales I/Q data contained in the file but also changes the K-option requirement from WinIQSIM Kxx to the new WinIQSIM2 K2xx options. Thus, new instruments with installed K2xx options may be used to continue using existing waveform files.
18-Jun-2009 | AN-No. 1GP64
This application note shows how to run 3GPP WCDMA BER and BLER tests according to standard TS 25.141 with the Vector Signal Generators R&S®SMBV100A, R&S®SMJ100A, or R&S®SMU200A. The description of hardware test setup is followed by detailed instructions on how to configure the R&S® generators and how to run a BER or BLER test step by step. Remote control commands for the generators are included, to simplify integrating the BER/BLER tests into your proprietary test suite.
06-Mar-2009 | AN-No. 1MA144
A vector-modulated microwave signal can be generated by mixing an I/Q-modulated signal with a microwave carrier. This Application Note describes the frequency upconversion using a standard passive mixer. The basics of mixer operation are introduced and the conversion process is demonstrated in detail with a test setup and corresponding measurements. The mixer selection guide will make it easier to choose a proper mixer for individual applications.
18-Dec-2008 | AN-No. 1GP65