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Learn how to configure Rohde & Schwarz products to fit your application. Search our database by product, technology, or application to find relevant technical documents.
Search Application Notes & Cards
Learn how to configure Rohde & Schwarz products to fit your application. Search our database by product, technology, or application to find relevant technical documents.
736 Results
Rohde & Schwarz offers a wide range of essential lab equipment, like power supplies, LCR meters and power analyzers. To enhance the versatility of these instruments, a selection of application programs is available. These application programs typically remote-control equipment for more complex tasks like sweeps, logging and battery testing.In a larger lab there may be a larger number of such instruments present, and a selection of available application programs installed on a PC. In such a case it is desirable to have a kind of dashboard providing an overview over both, including version check and links to documentation on the Rohde & Schwarz website. The R&S® application dashboard for power supplies and meters is providing this functionality. The application document contains the description and user manual for the software. Furthermore a package is provided containing installers for all related application programs.
13-Sep-2024 | AN-No. 1GP140
This paper describes the measurement of additive/residual phase noise of power amplifiers or multipliers for example for automotive RADAR sensors at 80 GHz using the interferometric measurement approach in combination with a phase noise and VCO tester R&S FSWP. The setup provides a way to characterize the additive/residual phase noise of amplifiers down to -150 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset even in the microwave range at 80 GHz.
11-Sep-2024 | AN-No. 1EF117
With the wideband extension R&S®ESW-B1000, the R&S®ESW EMI test receiver allows never seen testing speed with up to 970 MHz of FFT bandwidth. External applications can now take advantage of the wide bandwidth. ESW firmware 3.20 adds a new method for exporting trace data from the instrument, regardless if the instrument is equipped with the wideband extension or not. SCPI commands allow live trace export of multiple traces simultaneously. This application note describes the use and applications of SCPI commands to request trace data of up to 4 traces simultaneously from the R&S®ESW receiver, even allowing CISPR detectors. The commands enable trace export while the instrument measures continuously and therefore theoretically enable infinite measurements.
25-Jul-2024 | AN-No. 1EE27
Useful tips and tricks for your first measurement experience
Resistors, capacitors and inductors are the most basic components in electric circuits. It must be ensured that they work properly and accurately. Therefore, they need to be tested thoroughly during circuit design. This is usually done using LCR meters, which have become indispensable in the lab and in production. This application note looks at how to perform basic capacitor and inductor measurements accurately and reliably.
22-Feb-2024 | AN-No. 1GP142
MIPI D-PHY is a low-power, cost-effective physical layer interface, essential in mobile devices and advanced technology systems. It's a high-speed, source-synchronous interface used in smartphone cameras, smartwatch displays, drones, in-car entertainment, automobile cameras, and radar sensors. This application note explores MIPI D-PHY's features, functionality, and testing practices for device compliance, addressing common issues. It highlights Rohde & Schwarz's equipment for ensuring compatibility and solving issues with MIPI D-PHY, aligned with MIPI D-PHY specification version 2.5.Developed by the MIPI Alliance, D-PHY connects cameras and displays to a host processor via CSI-2 or DSI protocols. It features a master-slave, asymmetrical design for reduced link complexity. Key aspects include a unidirectional clock, optional data signal directions, different data rates for half-duplex operation, point-to-point communication, and high-speed (HS) and low-power (LP) modes for data transfer and battery preservation. In HS mode, D-PHY uses differential signaling with specific impedance, while in LP mode, it operates in a single-ended manner with high impedance termination.The application note from Rohde & Schwarz provides insights into characterizing and debugging MIPI D-PHY, offering conformance verification with MIPI Alliance standards and protocol decoding options.
31-Jan-2024 | AN-No. 1SL410
This application note describes Methods of Implementation (MOI) for precise, fast, and error-free compliance testing of USB Type-C to legacy adapter assemblies supporting USB3.1 Gen1, and USB2.0. Based on 5 Gbps signaling per lane with vector network analyzers from Rohde & Schwarz.
18-Jan-2024 | AN-No. 1SL407
This application note describes Methods of Implementation (MOI) for precise, fast, and error-free compliance testing of USB Type-C to legacy cable assemblies supporting USB3.1 Gen2, USB3.1 Gen1, and USB2.0. Based on 5 Gbps signaling per lane with vector network analyzers from Rohde & Schwarz.
18-Jan-2024 | AN-No. 1SL406
This application note describes Methods of Implementation (MOI) for precise, fast, and error-free compliance testing of USB Type-C to Type-C cable assemblies supporting USB4 Gen3, USB4 Gen2, USB 3.2 Gen2, USB3.2 Gen1, and USB2.0.
30-Nov-2023 | AN-No. 1SL405
This application note describes Methods of Implementation (MOI) for precise, fast, and error-free compliance testing of USB 3.2 Legacy Cable Testing for USB Type A, Type B, and Micro family connector types. Based on 5 Gbps and 10 Gbps signaling per lane with vector network analyzers from Rohde & Schwarz.
09-Nov-2023 | AN-No. 1SL408
This application note addresses the diverse possibilities of interoperability between Rohde & Schwarz power sensors and Rohde & Schwarz signal generators. All current and many legacy Rohde & Schwarz signal generators offer the capability of directly connecting power sensors. This enables power measurements without the need of a base unit or separate PC to display the readings. Furthermore, sensors can be used for special tasks like filling a user correction table or continuously controlling levels at crucial points in the measurement configuration.
31-Aug-2023 | AN-No. 1GP141
The scope of this application note is to give a comprehensive guide on how the R&S®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer with the option R&S®FSW-K18 may be used to create a Hammerstein model for the R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator’s output stage. This model can then be applied to counteract inherent non-linearities and memory effects and improve the Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) at high output powers of the R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator.
28-Aug-2023 | AN-No. 1GP139
This application note is about creating your own battery model for the R&S®NGM200 or R&S®NGU201, beyond the standard models provided within the battery simulation option NGM-K106. The main purpose is to gradually discharge a battery or a rechargeable battery using the internal QuickArb function. The discharge of the battery can then be recorded using the fast data logging functionality FastLog. The recorded data are stored in a .CSV file. This file can then be adapted to be used as a battery model in the battery simulation mode of the R&S®NGM200. For this purpose, Rohde & Schwarz provides a tool for developers to make their work easier. This tool calculates all the data required for a battery model.Note: More advanced tools are available with application notes 1GP130 (Battery Cycle Tool) and 1GP136 (Battery Simulation).
26-Jul-2023 | AN-No. 1GP128
Test Solutions Based on R&S®CMX500 Platform
The evolution of mobile communication enters 5G New Radio (NR) era with pivotal features. Voice call service is however still considered as an indispensable element for mobile devices and worldwide network operators continue to maintain the voice service for their subscribers. In comparison to other Over-the-Top (OTT) voice services, such as WhatsApp©, Teams© etc., Voice over NR (VoNR) and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) maintain QoS, support well established handover mechanism and emergency call, and do not require to pre-install OTT app on the phone.In order to provide premium voice service and enhance the superb user experience, audio tests on mobile devices are essential before the product launch. Different audio test aspects among which acoustic, functional, performance and field tests need to be considered.This application note describes the performance test with focus on VoNR audio quality measurement via electrical interface of the mobile device. The test solution is based on R&S®CMX500 with its integrated POLQA algorithm.
26-Jul-2023 | AN-No. 1SL401
Active, high-impedance probes can be connected to spectrum analyzers, providing a practical and highly precise measurement solution to overcome an otherwise cumbersome RF testing issue. This application note provides information on how to use oscilloscope probes in RF measurements using spectrum analyzers.
04-Jul-2023 | AN-No. 1EF116
Comprehensive test solutions guide for production and R&D
Small cell is a compact base station with smaller form factor and lower transmission power in comparison to the conventional macro base station. It covers relatively small area and serves less users. Usually, small cell can be integrated into the existing mobile network. By the evolution of radio access technology, the role of small cell has been changing through the evolution path. In the 2G/3G time, its role was to provide coverage in corner cases. Later during LTE, networks are not just providing coverage but capacity too. Small cells were then used to provide the addition capacity where required without adding additional spectrum. Now in 5G era, network operators use densification as an important strategy to provide seamless 5G services which demand coverage, capacity and performance too. With use cases requiring the 5G millimeter wave (mmW) rollouts, it makes sense to use small cells for densification due to the propagation characteristics of mmW.In this application note, we will shed light on the testing aspects of a small cell throughout the product life cycle with particular focus on the production test solution for the small cell device under test (DUT) in FR2 (frequency range 2, mmW frequency band) in Over the Air (OTA) environment for option 6 split based on radio communication tester R&S®CMP200 and OTA chamber R&S®CMQ200. The document is complemented with more insights into test solutions used in typical R&D test applications towards the second half of the application note.
19-Jun-2023 | AN-No. 1SL395
In high-speed digital measurement applications, test fixtures are commonly used to connect devices under test to measurement equipment. Characterization, and analysis in the time and frequency domains that accounts for various constraints helps to remove the influence of these fixtures.
23-May-2023 | AN-No. 1SL393
Next generation technologies in radar and satellite communication with high data rates call for innovative testing solutions to develop and manufacture RF components like voltage controlled oscillators (VCO). The R&S®FSPN phase noise analyzer increases efficiency and reproducibility of VCO characterization and phase noise measurements from lab to production.Voltage controlled oscillators are oscillators whose output frequency is controlled by means of an external tuning voltage, and they are used in a wide variety of electronic and RF applications like function generators, phase-locked loops including frequency synthesizers used in communication equipment. Different VCO design approaches yield different parameters and performance, and therefore it is important to measure or characterize VCOs under different conditions. This application note provides a short technical introduction to voltage controlled oscillators and explains the most common and the most important measurements made during the VCO characterization process.
17-May-2023 | AN-No. 1SL386
This application note is about measurement accuracy of the LCR-Meters R&S®LCX100 and R&S®LCX200. On the R&S®LCX100 and R&S®LCX200, the accuracy is calculated in real time, depending on the instrument settings and on the measured impedance. It is displayed on the lower part of the instrument display. If no test instrument is available, or information about the measurement accuracy at a certain measured impedance is sought without having a DUT at hand, this accuracy calculation tool provides the desired values.The document explains the background of the calculation and the prerequisites for installing and running the program. The installer provided installs the program on your PC.
11-May-2023 | AN-No. 1GP138
Using R&S®ELEKTRA Migration Tool
The R&S®ELEKTRA EMC test software is the successor of the R&S®EMC32 EMC measurement software. Like the R&S®EMC32 EMC measurement software, the R&S®ELEKTRA offers a solution that controls complete EMC systems and automates measurements on equipment under test (EUT) that is being tested for emissions (EMI) and immunity (EMS) compliance. It has more features and test types compared to R&S®EMC32.As both software platforms use different file formats, R&S®EMC32 users who upgrade their existing software to the R&S®ELEKTRA platform need to perform a file conversion before migrating their data to the R&S®ELEKTRA platform. This is done by using the R&S®ELEKTRA Migration Tool, which is installed automatically with each R&S®ELEKTRA installation.This Application Note describes how to use the R&S®ELEKTRA Migration Tool (version 4.4 onwards) for converting the backup data into the XML format that can be interpreted by the R&S®ELEKTRA software. It also provides recommended conversion steps (Chapter 5) and troubleshooting tips (Chapter 6). For instructions on migrating the data using R&S®ELEKTRA Migration Tool below version 4.4, refer to the R&S®ELEKTRA user manual. For better user experience, we recommend using the latest software version for migration.This Application Note does not describe the steps to backup data using the R&S®EMC32 or R&S®ES-SCAN software. For procedures on how to do so, refer to their respective manuals.
04-May-2023 | AN-No. 1SL396
How to configure generic devices in R&S®ELEKTRA
R&S®ELEKTRA is able to communicate with many devices. Still, it is impossible to integrate drivers for all devices. Hence, R&S®ELEKTRA offers the possibility to integrate any device by configuring a generic driver. The configuration file contains commands that translate the language of the device for R&S®ELEKTRA and vice versa.
04-May-2023 | AN-No. 1SL398
In this document we will describe in detail how to configure and perform path calibrations with AMS32-K81 in an ATS1500C, using an AREG800A.
03-May-2023 | AN-No. 1SL399
Calibration and Verification Solution
The UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology is a short range wide-band radio technology specified for device to device communication operating in unlicensed spectrum. It is an RF positioning technology that enables accurate and secure peer-to-peer ranging between mobile devices with robust resistance to interference while consuming very low energy and coexisting well with other radio communication systems. UWB is used for a variety of different applications, such as asset tracking, secure payment, personal tracker, real time location services and keyless access and start of a vehicle etc. According to ABI Research forecasts, there will be well over 1 billion UWB annual device shipments by 2026. Almost every smart phone shipped in 2026 will support UWB services.Talking about testing aspect of a UWB device, in general two test methodologies can be adopted as other wireless products, either the traditional testing mode (so-called conducted test mode) with wired RF connection between the test measurement equipment and device under test (DUT) or over the air (OTA) test mode in an OTA anechoic chamber. Sometimes, it is not always possible or necessary to perform the tests under conducted mode due to the limiting factors, e.g. cost, space, complexity and direct access to the RF connectors of the product. In this case, OTA testing is then becoming a non-evitable approach. Moreover, OTA testing reflects the usage of DUT in a real condition.In this application note, R&S® OTA test solution covering transmitter (Tx), receiver (Rx) and Time of Flight (ToF) testing in Wireless Automated Testing (WMT) environment is described. The measurement results throughout the whole document are based on NXP Trimension™ NCJ29D5 UWB automotive IC.
12-Apr-2023 | AN-No. 1SL394
Getting started with IQ Streaming Application
The intention of this Application Note is to provide an overview of all necessary tasks for getting along with successful IQ Streaming.The necessary technical requirements are described as well as the streaming parameters of the IQ data stream.The general operation and basic setup of the MSR4 is described in the user manual and is not part of this document.
28-Mar-2023 | AN-No. 1179.7104.02
This paper describes the characterization of aluminum electrolytic capacitors specifically used in AC-DC power converter applications. It will be discussed why this capacitor technology is critical regarding lifetime and why it cannot be substituted simply by any another capacitor technology. Different aging effects of the capacitor will be discussed. Usage of the capacitor in different AC-DC converter topologies will be presented. Simulation circuits will be used to analyze the capacitor in more detail before suitable measurements will be performed to demonstrate a real example of a switching-mode power supply (SMPS).After the introduction into the aluminum electrolytic capacitor basics and theory, this paper will also present all important and possible measurements of capacitor parameters, like capacitance, equivalent series resistance (ESR) and ripple current. This includes in-circuit measurement which can be performed with an oscilloscope. An LCR-bridge is used to obtain high accuracy measurements in addition. A comparison between the two measurement methods will be presented. Furthermore, the required measurement hardware for the in-circuit measurements and the bridge measurement will be discussed and presented.Lastly, two different lifetime calculation methods are presented and a real example is used to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods.Thanks to Mr. Frank Puhane from Würth eiSos GmbH & Co. KG who provided me with all aluminum electrolytic capacitor samples including the prepared capacitor with build-in temperature sensors to perform all measurements. Furthermore, his great expertise was very beneficial and helpful to create this premium application note.
07-Feb-2023 | AN-No. 1SL388
This application note is about creating your own battery model for the R&S®NGM200 and R&S®NGU201, beyond the standard models provided within the battery simulation option NGM-K106 and NGU-K106. To get to a battery model, a few steps are required. To determine the parameters for the battery model, it is necessary to discharge a battery using a selected method, to record the data and to calculate the model on this basis. With this software, a connection can be established to the instrument, batteries can be measured using various measurement methods, and a model can then be created from these measurements. These models, which are determined from the measurements, can then be simulated with the power supply, thus creating a digital twin of the battery. Using these, test scenarios can be carried out in a safe and reproducible environment.
21-Nov-2022 | AN-No. 1GP136
This document is divided in two parts and starts with an introduction in AC-DC conversion principles in general. It will present the most common circuits used for different power levels. The switching mode power supply (SMPS) converter will be the main focus as they are used everywhere in the electronics. Especially the flyback converter design in different flavors are highlighted. Nevertheless, all measurements are also applicable for other SMPS converter designs operating at higher power levels.In the second part of this document, most relevant testing methods and procedures of an AC-DC converter are highlighted. For each testing section, a fundamental part will be upfront discussed and it is followed by a presentation of a suitable measurement method. In this second part, the device under test (DUT) is considered as black box device and thus the structure is similar. Therefore, the testing parts consists of methods related to input tests, output tests and a combination of both like efficiency. Of course, some test performed at the output of the converter are also relevant for DC-DC converter, e.g. the validation of the output ripple.
14-Nov-2022 | AN-No. 1SL387
A step by step HOW TO guide to perform manual and automated wireless coexistence testing
At the end of the year 2020, there were over 20 Billion internet of things (IoT) products in the world operating using the licensed and unlicensed frequency bands. This growth trend is projected to keep steady over the coming years as more and more people adopt to a smarter and more connected lifestyle. This will result in a much busier and challenging RF environment than the one we have today. In order to understand the complexity of the RF spectrum, a white paper was published in 2021 from Rohde & Schwarz, which featured RF spectrum activity at multiple locations observed at different times of the day. The locations were selected based on population densities and the amount of known RF transmitters & their frequencies at those locations. It was also concluded that the ISM bands on average have higher channel utilization since most IoT devices take advantage of the unlicensed spectrum. The paper recommended, that while performing wireless coexistence testing, the test conditions should reflect the operational RF environment that the device is intended to operate in. Otherwise, the characterization of RF performance would only reflect ideal case which doesn’t exist in real world operation. Since it is not always possible to test all devices in the real world, relevant test methodologies need to be setup to replicate the real world as much as possible.This will help us get a better understanding of how the receiver of the RF device will behave under different RF conditions. It is also recommended to perform measurements in order to understand the behavior of the device in the future when the spectrum will get even more challenging. Therefore, a through characterization of the capability of the RF receiver to handle in-band and out-of-band interference signals in also of interest.In terms of regulatory compliance requirements for ensuring wireless coexistence performance, the ANSI C63.27 is currently the only published test standard that provides guidance on how to perform coexistence testing on devices. The test complexity is based up on risk imposed on the user’s health in the event of a failure caused by an or a plurality of interference signal. The standard also gives device manufacturers guidance regarding test setups, measurement environments, interference signal types and strategy, performance quality measurement parameters for physical layer using key performance indicator (KPI) and application layer parameters for end-to-end functional wireless performance (FWP).In this application note, the guidance provided by the ANSI C63.27-2021 version regarding test setup, measurement parameter and interference signal have been followed. It will give the reader a clear idea on how to configure standardized test instruments from R&S in order to generate the wanted signal as well as unintended interference signals and conduct measurement to monitor device performance in terms of PER, ping latency and data throughput.This application note provides step-by-step instruction on how to perform measurements using conducted and radiated methodology. Both manual and automated instrument configuration approach is explained in this document.The automation scripts are written using python scripting language and are available for download with this application note, free of charge. Official required to run the scripts are available on the PYPI database.
10-Nov-2022 | AN-No. 1SL392
1SL391 audio, breakthrough, ETSI EN 301 489 Audio Breakthrough Assembly and Test Setup 1SL391 audio, breakthrough, ETSI EN 301 489 Related products
11-Oct-2022 | AN-No. 1SL391
For measurements of non-connectorized devices, test fixtures, probes or other structures are used to adapt from the coaxial interface of the test setup to the device under test (DUT). For accurate measurements of the DUT, these lead-ins and lead-outs need to be characterized, so that their effects can be mathematically removed, i.e. de-embedded from the measurement results.This application note provides practical hints to accurately characterize and de-embed these lead-in and lead-out structures with R&S Vector Network Analyzers ZNA, ZNB, ZNBT and ZND. As de-embedding is also essential in other test equipment like oscilloscopes, etc., this guide also describes, how lead-ins and lead-outs can be accurately characterized with a VNA and then exported as an S-Parameter file to be used by other test instruments.
19-Sep-2022 | AN-No. 1SL367
This document provides some technical background and guidance on how to optimize the measurement of one of the key performance parameters of WLAN transmitters - the Error Vector Magnitude (EVM).
IEEE 802.11be Extremely High Throughput (EHT), also known as Wi-Fi 7, is the latest amendment of the IEEE 802.11 standard and is still under development. This amendment focuses mainly on improved throughput. To do so, the most notable changes currently implemented are:► New modulation scheme: 4096-QAM (4K-QAM)► Larger bandwidth: 320 MHz► Support for 16x16 MU-MIMO► Enhanced resource allocation in OFDMAThis places special demands on the measurement equipment.
06-Sep-2022 | AN-No. 1EF114