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.
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.
1104 Results
Power converter and inverter designs for higher power levels are usually based on hard switching half bridge configurations. In such setups, users must pay particular attention to proper switching operations to prevent shoot-through events. Setting up complex real-time trigger conditions using the R&S®RTE and R&S®RTO oscilloscopes increases the test coverage and robustness of converter and inverter systems.
10-Aug-2020
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
The R&S®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer is a high-performance instrument capable of measuring many key system and component parameters. Using the bit error rate (BER) functionality of the R&S®FSW-K70P option, the raw data error performance of a component or system can be accurately determined.
26-Sep-2018
This application note is based on collaborative work between Cadence and Rohde & Schwarz.The focus is on understanding as early as possible in the design process performance enhancements through linearization of non-linear devices, in our case the RF power amplifier (PA). In other words, what performance benefits can be reached with linearization techniques such as digital predistortion (DPD). Typically, this is investigated when the device is available and physical RF measurements are conducted. In this application note, it is looked at earlier in the design process while using electronic design automation (EDA) such as Cadence® AWR® Visual System Simulator™ (VSS) software. The goal is to allow an RF designer to evaluate the linearizability of his design without in-depth knowledge of DPD algorithms. In the end, the designer can get closer to the optimal efficiency with earlier access to DPD, while at the same time improving time-to-market.The application note brings code examples and an exemplary setup for VSS software to provide an easy start to replicate and use the described procedure.
20-Apr-2022 | AN-No. 1SL383
- not available -
20-Jul-2001 | AN-No. 7BM25
This white paper describes the basic functionality of antennas. Starting with Hertz's Antenna model followed by a short introduction to the fundamentals of wave propagation, the important general characteristics of an antenna and its associated parameters are explained. A more detailed explanation of the functionality of some selected antenna types concludes this white paper.
04-Nov-2014 | AN-No. 8GE01
This application note introduces the program GPIB-Bus Device Finder GPIB FIND.The GPIB-Bus Device Finder GPIB FIND helps you identify the devices connected to a GPIB (IEC or IEEE) bus. It shows the addresses of these devices and their response to the identity query (*idn?). Additionally GPIB FIND helps you to locate GPIB problems with GPIB card installation, incorrect address setting or broken cables. GPIB FIND includes an additional program to send (write) a message to a device or to receive (read) a message from the device.
28-Oct-2009 | AN-No. 1MA17
Noise-Power-Ratio (NPR) measurements are a common procedure and a simple but useful tool to characterize the performance of power amplifiers for satellites or other multi-channel communication systems. The main advantage is the use of wideband signals like noise, multi-carrier CW tones or I/Q modulated signals, which leads to a better simulation of the real environment. This application note provides information how to generate these signals with a vector signal generator and perform NPR measurements with spectrum analyzers. With the R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator any desired test signal can be created. The R&S®FSW spectrum and signal analyzer offers an automated function for NPR measurements. The limiting factors of both a vector signal generator and a spectrum analyzer are explained. Measurement examples show the practical results of NPR measurements.
24-Jun-2019 | AN-No. 1EF108
A simple concept with Azure IoT
Cloud development, microservice architectures and container virtualization are becoming more and more standard. Software components are repacked into containers, networked with each other and then brought into the cloud. The topic is also becoming increasingly interesting for test & measurement.But how do you connect your existing measurement equipment to the cloud, with instruments in some cases not even having an internet connection?This document describes an approach how to establish a remote connection between the instrument and the cloud using an IoT broker. The implementation is done using an Azure IoT Hub and software in .NET Core.
15-Dec-2020 | AN-No. GFM319
LTE-M (also known as Cat M1) is a machine type communication (MTC) standard for IoT applications, specified by 3GPP. This application note provides and overview of the technology, the details of the standard and summarizes the R&S®TSMx scanner features for LTE-M measurements.
26-Jul-2019 | AN-No. 8NT04
This application note explains how to perform LTE base station measurements over the air (OTA) using the R&S®FSH4/8/13/20 handheld spectrum analyzer. It describes the required measurement setup and explains the results obtained with the different measurement modes.
12-Sep-2013 | AN-No. 1EF87
The R&S®SMW-K546 software option aids the optimum design of multiple path amplifiers, including Doherty Amplifiers.This application note provides guidance on the use of the software option, both for direct control and programming via the touchscreen, and for remote control using SCPI.The software and associated techniques may similarly be used to develop other quasi-linear, multi-path amplifiers; including Balanced, Anti-Phase (so-called Push-Pull), Distributed, Spatially Combined, Load Modulated Balanced and many more.
13-Jul-2020 | AN-No. GFM345
Well-matched RF ports are a crucial aspect to any RF system. Matched ports, for example, protect amplifier output ports from reflected power overload. This undesired reflected power could destroy the whole amplifier. Matched ports also maximize power transmission, effectively extending the battery life of wireless products such as those made for the internet of things (IoT).
05-Mar-2020
conducted conformance testing according to TS 38.141-1, Rel. 16
3GPP defines the Radio Frequency (RF) conformance test methods and requirements for 5G NR Base Stations (BS) in the technical specifications TS 38.141. This application note describes how all mandatory RF performance tests (TS 38.141-1, chapter 8), according to Release 16, can be performed quickly and conveniently with signal generators from Rohde & Schwarz by either choosing manual operation or a remote control approach.In Addition, a new Python software library comes with this application note to enable the remote control approach of base station testing. This example requires the RsInstrument module which can be found on pypi.org or installed via 'pip' and is provided as is.
24-Oct-2019 | AN-No. GFM315
PAM-4 (4-level pulse amplitude modulation) has been introduced in high-speed serial data technology to reduce the bandwidth demands of ultra-high data rates. It uses only half the bandwidth per bit that would be required of conventional NRZ (non-return to zero) modulation. But at the same time, PAM-4 signaling complicates design and test at every turn. Evaluation of channels is now just as important to system development as serializer / deserializer (SerDes) testing and the challenges presented require a higher level of test and measurement performance than ever before. This paper investigates the evaluation complexities of PAM-4 interconnects at high data rates.
22-Oct-2020 | AN-No. GFM355
For several years, vehicle manufacturers and government agencies have sought ways to increase road safety, manage traffic efficiently and, in the future, make driving more comfortable, convenient and safe. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) is a new generation of information and communication technology that connects vehicles to everything and can support these objectives. V2X is designed to offer low-latency vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-roadside infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communications to add a new dimension to future driver assistance systems.Cellular V2X (C-V2X) is defined as the communications standard by 3GPP in Release 14 and uses LTE technology as the physical interface for communications.The LTE C-V2X Scanner provides customers an opportunity to verify, test, and optimize ITS traffic systems that are being deployed or are already established. The scanner accomplishes this by passively listening to PC (5.9GHz) messages that are being broadcast from RSU (roadside units), vehicles or any other C-V2X enabled device. Traditional scanner measurements regarding RF signal power and quality such as RSRP, RS-CINR and RSSI, are provided for each physical channel (PSCCH and PSSCH) as well as decoded ITS message content for all three regions (North America, EU, China).
21-Oct-2022 | AN-No. 8NT07
Deembedding, often a necessary and complex task, is made easier with an integrated hardware and software solution.
25-Sep-2018
Although the commercialization of LTE technology began in end 2009, the technology is still being enhanced in order to meet ITU-Advanced requirements. This white paper summarizes these necessary improvements, which are known as LTE-Advanced.
20-Aug-2012 | AN-No. 1MA169
The R&S®Pulse Sequencer software offers an easy way to simulate moving radar emitters and a moving receiver for EW receiver tests. The software together with the R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator is a powerful radar simulator. It enables engineers to generate highly dynamic 3D scenarios in the lab.
18-Sep-2018
A new calibration method, presented by John R. Juroshek (NIST), offers fast and accurate determination of the equivalent source match of three-port devices like power-splitters and directional-couplers. The measurement result is directly displayed as normal trace on the R&S ZVM or R&S ZVK and can be stored in the most common data-formats for further processing and documentation.
13-Dec-2002 | AN-No. 1EZ51
Unique automatic level controlled (ALC) based test setup using the R&S®ZVA vector network analyzer and R&S®BBA150 broadband amplifiers provides highly accurate and reproducible results in minimum test time.
27-Sep-2013
Modern societies worldwide depend on the performance, reliability and security of critical infrastructures and networks. There is a plethora of “new verticals” such as manufacturing, warehouse, mining, ports or other critical infrastructure, just to name a few. These “new vertical” use cases all have one common requirement: the mobile network needs to provide a superior performance compared to a commercial mobile network. In such environments 5G brings new capabilities to build fast and secure campus or private networks tuned to higher performance, which can increase productivity and efficiency. To be successful in these business-critical use cases, the wireless networks need to be as reliable as the wired ones. This educational note describes the different test methods to be able to verify the superior network performance and to help finding root causes of potential problems limiting the performance. We distinguish between passive tests and active tests.
11-Aug-2023 | AN-No. 8NT09
Gated spectrum method with the R&S®PR200
03-Feb-2020
- not available -
20-Jul-2001 | AN-No. 7BM19
This application note describes an effective method for generating test setups, performing measurements and producing test reports with the hand-held Spectrum Analyzer R&S FSH3
31-Jan-2003 | AN-No. 1EF50
The present application note describes the possibilities of the Stream Explorer to be remotely controlled by some peripheral program via OLE. Extensions are also discussed, widening the fields of application of such a Client-Server architecture.
31-Mar-1999 | AN-No. 7BM02
This application notes introduces the Multi-Standard Radio Analyzer function of the R&S®FSW and shows how it performs the measurement on multi-standard radio transmitters. It reveals interactions caused by the coexistence of signals of different cellular standards and localizes the root cause. With an example of a base station signal consisting of three radio access technologies (GSM/WCDMA/LTE FDD) it shows how easy interactions can be found. The R&S®FSW is the ideal tool for trouble shooting tasks with its combination of a large bandwidth and the versatile Multi-Standard Radio Analyzer in one measurement instrument.
17-Jul-2012 | AN-No. 1EF83
More frequency bands and larger dynamic ranges increase the number of test points required in characterization and production of the latest RF frontends (RFFE). Actively managing test time and cost while maintaining quality is more important than ever before.
08-Jun-2020