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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.
735 Results
Solutions and Tipps for NR FR1 in TDD Downlink Mode
5G New Radio (NR) is a radio technology specified by 3GPP and was first released in 3GPP release 15. It is designed to target three use cases, i.e. enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC) and ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC). Among these three use cases, eMBB represents actually a further evolution of mobile broadband communication from LTE standard. According to the technical performance requirement defined by IMT-2020, by deploying 5G technology, peak data rates of eMBB application are expected to reach 20 Gbps in downlink (DL) and 10 Gbps in uplink (UL) direction, respectively. Typical use cases of eMBB are data hungry applications, such as high resolution 8K video streaming, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) etc.Verification of a 5G capable user equipment (UE) with respect to its achievable maximum data throughput under controllable and deterministic test conditions is an essential process during the design phase of the product. Performance centric verification through identification of the data throughput bottleneck, product benchmarking against a golden device enhances tremendously the user experience in the end.This document focuses on 5G NR frequency range 1 (FR1) with TDD duplex mode in E-UTRAN New-radio Dual Connectivity (ENDC) operating mode. As 5G NR physical layer offers a plethora of flexibility, the motivation here is to provide a kind of guideline of relevant parameter settings to stimulate device under test (DUT)'s max throughput capacity. The status quo of the R&S solutions at the time when the application note is created are described. Shown feature sets are constantly evolving, so the screenshots used and the parameters shown may change.
07-Jul-2022 | AN-No. 1SL379
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles rely on a complex hardware and software architecture to gather and exploit information from numerous radar sensors. To generate reliable data, the sensors require an unobstructed view of the surroundings. The bumpers or radomes mounted in front of the sensors must not impair radar functionality. This requires extensive testing of the deployed plastic parts and their underlying polymer structure. The R&S®QAR50 is the ideal tool to characterize the material properties of polymers and their influence on the quality of the radar signal at an early design stage and in quality control of material development.
24-Jun-2022
This application note provides basic information about settling time measurements and describes how frequency settling time measurements can be easily and convenient performed using a modern spectrum analyzer with integrated signal analysis capabilities.The analog demodulation measurement application R&S®FSxx-K7 performs frequency and phase settling time measurements using a modern wideband concept, and results are obtained easily and convenient with an integrated settling time measurement capability.
18-Jun-2022 | AN-No. 1EF112
Noise sources used for noise figure and gain measurements are typically controlled by the spectrum analyzer or noise figure meter instruments and are calibrated with their ENR value (Excess noise ratio). While this external control and the use of ENR values is common in noise figure test, it may be difficult in system applications where the noise source control is not available, and the use of ENR values is replaced with the values for the noise output power of the noise source. The calculation of the output power for the noise source requires to know the P_hot value (hot power) which is not a common specification for noise sources used in test and measurement applications.This application note describes a technique to perform a calibrated noise power measurement (P_hot) with spectrum analyzers and noise sources. The next sections will give further details.
31-May-2022 | AN-No. 1EF113
This application note applies to DC power supplies R&S®NGL200, R&S®NGM200, R&S®NGP800, R&S®NGU201 and R&S®NGU401, as well as LCR meters R&S®LCX100 and R&S®LCX200. It provides an overview over ethernet-based remote services provided by the referenced R&S® instruments. These services comprise an instrument web page, VNC remote control and FTP file transfer between the instrument and a remote computer. The application note gives instructions on how to set up the instrument and the remote computer in order to be able to utilize these services.
19-May-2022 | AN-No. 1GP135
The R&S®CMW500 and R&S®SMBV100B are the ideal team for motor vehicle type approval testing of your eCall and ERA-GLONASS cellular modems and their GNSS receivers in line with the EU2017/79 regulation.
02-May-2022
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
Automating measurement setups is advantageous for multiple reasons. It saves time in case of repeated measurements and in hazardous environments, instruments can be operated from a distance. The measurements are repeatable because they are always performed with a defined procedure, leading to higher test confidence.But in remote control applications, users often perceive synchronization and binary transfers as challenging. Therefore, this application note focuses on binary transfer of data to and from the instrument and shows code example to demonstrate the ease of use.
31-Mar-2022 | AN-No. 1SL381
The present R&S®SMW-K506 Interface Control Document contains information on► the R&S descriptor word format, including ARB descriptor words and control descriptor words in deterministic and instant mode► Timing requirements and limitations of the interface► Properties of the network interface (Connector designation: HS DIGIQ).It is intended for use by customers using descriptor words to control the R&S®SMW200A in real-time. The interface control document specifies the interface between the customer’s hardware used for provision of descriptor words and the R&S®SMW200A HS DIGIQ interface. Additional information on descriptor word processing inside the R&S®SMW200A is provided.
17-Mar-2022 | AN-No. 1GP134
The LCR meters R&S®LCX100 and R&S®LCX200 precisely measure the complex impedance and the resulting components values over a wide frequency range. Dynamic impedance measurements allow to perform these measurements while sweeping the test signal frequency or other parameters like test signal level and DC bias. This application note provides a PC-based software tool for comfortably setting the sweeps and displaying the results in numerous charts.
14-Mar-2022 | AN-No. 1GP132
A high frequency transformer is a key component when designing isolated switching mode power supplies (SMPS). Leakage inductance is essential in the control of many design parameters including efficiency, maximum voltage rating for switching elements and EMI when it comes to designs using customized transformers. Accurate measurement of this parasitic element is mandatory. The R&S®LCX LCR meter is ideal for this challenging measurement task.
15-Feb-2022
Battery life time is usually one of the most important specifications for battery-powered devices. Depending on the application, life time requirements can range from tens of hours for typical wearables like smart watches to ten years for smart sensors. Understanding where and when energy is used in order to minimize power consumption is therefore key for any of these devices.The power consumption analysis tool was developed to make it easier for customers to analyze power consumption data collected with either the NGL, NGM or NGU power supplies from Rohde & Schwarz. It allows to easily capture power consumption data and analyze using basic measurements.
31-Jan-2022 | AN-No. 1SL380
Software tool for fast and repeatable optimization of signal analyzer RF front-end settings
The signal conditioning in the RF front-end of signal analyzers is crucial to achieve the best performance with respect to image-suppression, noise-floor, dynamic range and other RF-key parameters.Precise signal levelling is especially important for complex measurements like Error-Vector-Magnitude (EVM). To minimize the measurement uncertainty from test system contributions over a wide range of different levels, the RF front-end needs to be adapted continuously according to the signal characteristics, signal power and frequency - ideally using an automatic levelling algorithm.This document describes the approach of a waveform specific, on-site characterization of the signal analyzer: For each waveform and frequency of interest, the instrument is evaluated in a first step. With this additional data, a fast and repeatable auto-levelling can be performed during the actual measurement.
24-Jan-2022 | AN-No. 1EF111
This application note demonstrates the use of the Measurement Receiver to calibrate the signal output level of a Signal Generator.Calibration in this application is a two-step process.► The absolute output level of the signal source, at a fixed level, is measured using a thermal power sensor (e.g. NRP50T), which in turn outputs its reading to the FSMR.► Output power calibration over a wider dynamic range (to lower power) is performed by connecting the FSMR to the signal source directly, and sweeping the power of the signal source.The FSMR offers a nominal total measurement uncertainty of <0.015 dB +/- 0.005 dB per 10dB step. At 1GHz, the power measurement range covers -152 dBm to +30 dBm. It is this intrinsic linearity, that the accuracy of the calibration relies upon.Absolute power measurement uncertainty, for the NRP50T thermal power sensor used in this Application Note, is 0.040 dB to 0.143 dB.This process may be repeated at multiple frequencies. Calibration values are automatically stored and managed by the FSMR. Measurement frequencies for calibrations are stored, will be automatically recalled by the FSMR, by re-selection of those frequencies.
31-Dec-2021 | AN-No. 1SL377
The R&S®FSMR3000 (hereinafter FSMR) is a three-in-one instrument incorporating a Measurement Receiver, a Signal and Spectrum Analyser, and a Phase Noise Analyser.This application note demonstrates the use of the FSMR, including the Cross-correlation option (R&S®FSMR3-B60), to measure the Phase Noise characteristics of a raw Signal Generator (R&®SMA100B).The Cross-correlation phase noise measurement improves sensitivity by 5 · log(n) dB, compared with measurements that do not use this option. For example, a measurement using 10 correlations, improves the phase noise floor by 5 dB.
31-Dec-2021 | AN-No. 1SL376
Noise figure is an important parameter that describes the noise contribution of an electronic device. A classical approach to measure the noise figure is to use a noise source which delivers two different input noise powers by switching between a “hot” and a “cold” state and a noise receiver (e.g. a spectrum analyzer).In contrast to this approach, using a vector network analyzer with the “Cold Source” approach eliminates the need for a noise source. A cold source noise power measurement followed by an available gain measurement of the device under test is sufficient to determine the noise figure of the device. This application note describes the “Cold Source” technique for measuring noise figure on the R&S®ZNA family of vector network analyzers.Background equations are provided for an analysis of noise factor, noise figure and noise temperature on a device under test and a cascade of devices.Based on a measurement example the user will be guided through the process of setting up a noise figure channel and performing a noise figure measurement. In addition, various measurement options are reviewed, providing guidance as to when and how each option should be utilized to improve the noise figure results.
23-Dec-2021 | AN-No. 1SL378
EW receivers are tested in the lab at RF to discover problems before flight testing. This eliminates cost and schedule risk. Flight testing can cost tens of thousands of dollars per hour and must be scheduled many months in advance. In contrast, using test equipment to test at RF might require a certain upfront cost but provides a readily-accessible capability to simulate radar threats at RF for a long time. This application note explains how the angle-of-arrival (AoA) capabilities of EW receivers can be tested with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) RF test equipment. Topics covered are the generation of scenarios, instrument setup, and setup calibration. We will use a radar warning receiver (RWR) as a proxy for a generic EW receiver in this application note.
22-Dec-2021 | AN-No. 1GP125
The general characterization of complex DUTs such as amplifiers requires the measurement of several parameters. Some may require more than one test device or expensive equipment. Thanks to its versatility, the R&S®ZNL is an economic solution that can characterize a variety of DUTs both via network analysis and spectrum analysis.
17-Dec-2021
The application program of this application note provides a tool for cycling battery samples, using two-quadrant DC power supplies from Rohde & Schwarz. The batteries can be repeatedly charged and discharged while collecting information about open-circuit voltage, loaded voltage and internal resistance, depending on the charged and discharged capacity. The tool provides a variety of charts for displaying the collected data. It can be used for characterizing battery samples, as well as for creating battery models which can be used in the battery simulations of R&S®NGU201 and R&S®NGM200.This tool is meant for the use by knowledgeable experts. The application note does not provide instructions on how to properly charge and discharge batteries.
17-Dec-2021 | AN-No. 1GP130
Rohde & Schwarz has made a breakthrough for better jitter and noise separation with the launch of SW options (RT-K133 & RT-K134). Technical information on this new algorithm were presented at . We received a lot of positive feedback on this new technique. However, one fundamental question still remained. How does this new algorithm compare to established solutions available on the market today?This app note provides an introduction into the various jitter components and elucidates the commonly available jitter separation frameworks. Finally, it provides a comparison between the different commercial solutions, while explaining the used waveforms and signals to achieve the results. Curios? Read on, to learn how Rohde & Schwarz’s new option for jitter and noise separation delivers dependable and stable results. If you are interested in evaluating on your own, you may download the waveform files with registration.
08-Dec-2021 | AN-No. 1SL375
Using VISA (Virtual Instrument Software Architecture) several interfaces allow communication between your computer and instruments. This application note describes the usage of both - R&S® VISA- NI VISA running on Microsoft Windows 10™ with the following connection types: ► USB VCP (Virtual Com Port), also called USB CDC (Communications Device Class) ► USB TMC (Test and Measurement Class)► Ethernet Raw Port Socket► Ethernet in general e.g. VXI11 or HislipAll the examples are shown using the R&S® HMC8042 unless otherwise stated. There may be some difference when integrating other devices. As example some interface types are not available on every unit.This application note does not claim to be complete. All information has been compiled with care. However, errors can’t be ruled out.
28-Oct-2021 | AN-No. 1SL374
Functional Testing
Although data services in the context of eMBB, URLLC and mMTC are the pivotal drivers behind the 5G evolution, legacy services like voice and video communications still represent important services that operators want to offer to their subscribers. As part of the technology evolution, we have seen a major change from circuit-switched 2G networks with an initial focus on telephony to fully packet-switched 4G networks focused on internet data communications.This application note focuses on different details of voice services in 5G networks. Besides some theoretical background this document describes the procedure to setup a 5G network with R&S®CMW500 and R&S®CMX500 radio communication testers and how to carry out different functional voice call tests for 5G networks.
06-Oct-2021 | AN-No. 1SL364
The signal purity of clock sources has a direct impact on system performance. To ensure proper operation, it is necessary to verify that the purity meets the design requirements.
30-Sep-2021
Getting EMI emissions under control is one of those tasks that R&D engineers do not enjoy doing . EMI must often be taken into consideration as early as the design phase, particularly in the case of power electronics systems with increasing switching speeds of wideband gap semiconductors. While EMI receivers or spectrum analyzers are always the preferred choice for these measurements, they are often not available as standard measurement equipment in the R&D lab. To allow optimization early on in the R&D lab, Rohde & Schwarz provides a free tool to simplify conducted emissions debugging using oscilloscopes.
27-Sep-2021 | AN-No. 1SL372
The present R&S®SMW-K503/-K504 Interface Control Document contains information on- the R&S descriptor word format, including pulse descriptor words and timed control descriptor words in basic and expert mode- Timing requirements and limitations of the real-time control interface- Properties of the ADV DATA/CTRL network interfaceIt is intended for use by customers using descriptor words to control the R&S®SMW200A in real-time. The interface control document specifies the interface between the customers hardware used for provision of descriptor words and the R&S®SMW200A ADV DATA/CTRL interface. Additional information on descriptor word processing inside the R&S®SMW200A is provided.
25-Aug-2021 | AN-No. 1GP133
Automated Solution with High Efficiency
5G New Radio (NR) presents dramatic challenges to the testing of User Equipment (UE) Power Amplifier (PA). Multiple frequency bands, flexible 5G operation mode, multiple PA performance metrics and the MIPI control interface increases the potential PA testing workload significantly. Manually repeating these tests under so many different scenarios can be costly and time consuming. An automated testing solution can help the test engineer to highly improve the testing efficiency.In this application note, it introduces an example of automated testing of 5G UE PA with R&S signal generator, signal and spectrum analyzer, vector signal explorer software, power meter along with power supply.The entire application note is organized with following structure:Chapter 2 outlines the challenges to 5G UE PA testing.Chapter 3 introduces the setup for 5G signal generation and analysis. For 5G signal generation, a batch program of converting *.CSV files with IQ vectors to ARB waveform files is introduced. For 5G signal analysis, the R&S®VSE software is recommended, which enables the separation of RF signal collection and measurement to improve testing efficiency.Chapter 4 provides the informative content about the integration of MIPI control interface for the PA ON/OFF state switching and register configuration.Chapter 5 gives a guide on the implementation of a quick power servo, in which the techniques to speed up the PA power level adjustment are discussed.Chapter 6 summarizes the automated testing procedure.
09-Aug-2021 | AN-No. 1SL365
Connecting simulation and measurements on physical devices
This application note is based on collaborative work between MathWorks® and Rohde & Schwarz. The focus is on linearization of a non-linear device, in our case the RF power amplifier. It is shown how simulation and the integrated functions of the Rohde & Schwarz instruments R&S®SMW200A and R&S®FSW work hand-in-hand with the simulation capabilities from MathWorks in MATLAB / Simulink. The goal is to provide a toolset to enable proper modeling and linearization approaches to optimize and verify the behavior of the power amplifier when used with complex wideband signals as used in 5G NR or latest satellite links.The application note brings code examples and an exemplary block set for MATLAB / Simulink to provide an easy start to replicate and use the described procedure.
05-Aug-2021 | AN-No. 1SL371
The R&S®ZNA vector network analyzer with integrated LO output and direct IF input options is a simple, cost-effective solution for 2-port and 4-port measurements using Rohde & Schwarz mmWave converters.
19-Jul-2021
A turnkey 5G Field-to-Lab solution based on R&S®CMX500
5G New Radio (NR) is the fifth-generation radio interface and radio access technology (RAT) which was officially published by 3GPP in release 15. With the 5G technology, it enters a new era to meet the ever-increasing demands of mobile communications not only in the conventional cellular communication world, but also in the vertical industries.Since the commercialization of 5G NR, worldwide 162 networks have been deployed as per the report of GSA. On the path to the 5G NR network commercialization and service launch, field test is one of the essential user centric processes that User Equipment (UE) vendors should go through. Sophisticated features and versatile deployment options have to be thoroughly checked to ensure the reaching of certain confidence level before the official launch.However, field test is often linked with some challenges, such as► High costs due to the extensive drive tests► Time tedious analysis of a drive test that lowers the efficiency► Lack of test repeatability that makes the regressing tests impossibleWhat if providing an alternative solution in a laboratory environment to cope with all above mentioned challenges during the field test? R&S® as a world-wide well established test measurement equipment manufacturer and solution provider developed a 5G field-to-lab (F2L) turn-key solution, R&S®CM360°. It features► the simulation of the network with the real network configurations to avoid the cost intensive drive test by utilizing mobile radio tester R&S®CMX500► intuitive tools to visualize, drill down the problems and therefore enhance the debugging efficiency based on R&S®SmartAnlytics► the specialized key performance indicator (KPI) tests configured through real network data offered on R&S®CMX500 that guarantee the test reliability and repeatabilityThis application note aims to demonstrate the status of quo R&S®CM360° F2L solution.
16-Jul-2021 | AN-No. 1SL369
EW receiver mission data files can contain hundreds of emitters with thousands of modes and beams that must be tested by simulation at RF. Often, these emitters, their modes and beams are listed on intelligence databases and must be imported from a spreadsheet into to an emitter simulation application such as the R&S®Pulse Sequencer software. For this purpose, the R&S®Pulse Sequencer software offers an internal script editor which allows to import user data and automatically generate emitter, sequence or platform configurations that can then immediately be played into RF without any additional software. Furthermore, the R&S®Pulse Sequencer offers a SCPI recorder tool to collect manual entries during scenario data creation into a list of corresponding SCPI commands. This list of commands can easily be used to create user defined scripts that can either run in the internal script editor or an external software (e.g. Matlab, Python).
01-Jul-2021 | AN-No. 1GP131