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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.
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A test setup is described for easy demonstration of the Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) function of AMIQ/AMIQ-B1. The test setup contains I/Q Modulation Generator AMIQ/AMIQ-B1 controlled by I/Q Simulation Software WinIQSIM, Vector Signal Generator SMIQ and Spectrum/Vector Signal Analyzer FSE/FSE-B7. The FSE with FSE-B7 is used as online FSK demodulator (setting: Analog demodulation, FM Signal, DC coupling, Real Time On) to demodulate the SMIQ RF signal FSK-modulated by PRBS data. The AMIQ is controlled by WinIQSIM software and receives the demodulated AF output signal from the FSE for BER testing.
29-Sep-1998 | AN-No. 1MA16
Embedding and De-Embedding of virtual transformation networks for measuring scattering parameters with a ZVR or ZVC vector network analyzer.
25-Sep-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ45
The measurement accuracy of vector network analyzers can be tested simply, easily and quickly, with a simple DUT which consists of a common tee-junction with one port, terminated with a resistive load Z, and the T-Check program. The four S-parameters from ports 1 and 2 are measured with the vector network analyzer to be checked and then evaluated by means of the T-Check software.
04-Aug-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ43
3-Port Adapter ZVR-B8 is an optional accessory to all Vector Network Analyzers of the ZVR family, namely ZVRL, ZVRE, and ZVR, and extends the two test ports PORT1 and PORT2 to a total of three test ports PORT1, PORT2 and PORT3. The option comprises an electronic single-pole double-throw switch (SPDT) by means of which PORT1 of the analyzer is switched to either PORT1 or PORT3 of 3-Port Adapter. Test port PORT2 of the analyzer is directly connected to PORT2 of the 3-Port Adapter and is not switched over.
04-Aug-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ26
Using the optional three-port or four-port adapter (ZVR-B8 and ZVR-B14), PORT 1 and PORT 2 of the network analyzers of the ZVR family (ZVRL, ZVRE and ZVR) can be expanded to up to four ports. Thus automatic measurements on three- and four-port DUTs can be easily performed without any reconnection of ports being required. With the electronic switches in the adapters, switchover between the various ports is fast to the extent that the known high measurement and display speed of the analyzers of the ZVR family is fully maintained.
04-Aug-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ37
ZVR is a vector network analyzer equipped with selective input channels for determining phase relations. Thus a wide dynamic range can be obtained. For measurements on frequency-converting DUTs (output frequency not identical to input frequency), the generator and receiver frequency ranges can be separately set. For measurements on DUTs using a built-in conversion oscillator, as is the case here, the conversion frequency must be exactly known so that the receiver can be accurately tuned to the respective output frequency. The maximum receiving bandwidth is 26.5 kHz. When a wide dynamic range is required, this bandwidth has to be reduced with the consequence that the requirement for the DUT output frequency and the ZVR receive frequency to be in agreement will be greater.
04-Aug-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ31
Vector Network Analyzers of the ZVR family measure magnitude and phase of complex S-parameters of a device under test (DUT) in the frequency domain. Using an inverse Fourier transform, the results can be transformed to the time domain. The impulse or step response of the DUT is obtained, which gives an especially clear representation of its characteristics. For instance, faults in cables can be directly localized. Moreover, special time domain filters, so-called gates, can be used to suppress unwanted signal components such as multireflections.
04-Aug-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ44
The RSIB interface enables the network analyzers of the ZVR family to be controlled by means of Windows applications via DDE. The interface functions are contained in the DLL RSIB.DLL. The other DLL RSDDE.DLL provides functions for the DDE access to the instrument firmware. These functions are used by RSIB.DLL. The interface of these functions greatly corresponds to that of National Instruments for programming the GPIB. The function names are similar to those of the NI library but preceded by RSDLL. The two DLLs are part of the firmware and are updated with the firmware update kits.
31-Jul-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ33
The option ZVR-B7 allows an enhanced power calibration of the source and of the receiver channels of a ZVR, then being active instead of the standard factory power calibration. Using an external power meter, the power level of input or output wave quantities will be adjusted to a desired value at an arbitrary reference plane.
29-Jul-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ41
Three hardware modifications of the option External Measurements ZVR-B25 enable the bidirectional network analyzers of the ZVR-family to carry out 4-port measurements. For the measurements, the four ports PORT 1, PORT 2, INPUT b1 and INPUT b2 at the front panel of the ZVR(E) are utilized. The fifth connector, ie OUTPUT a1, is not required for this purpose. As detailed below, the necessary modifications of the test set of the analyzer are described for the model ZVR. Of course, the modifications can be done in a similar way for the model ZVRE as well.
28-Jul-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ25
Vector network analyzers are used in high frequency applications to measure the complex scattering parameters of an unknown device-under-test (DUT). In general, the DUT characteristics can be evaluated by using electromagnetic waves. The correlation between the incident, reflected and transmitted wave quantities at the DUT is defined by its scattering matrix S.
28-Jul-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ30
A special requirement for testing GSM components is to measure the electrical characteristics, such as the gain of a power amplifier, of the DUT under pulsed conditions. The test should be similar to real operating conditions for a mobile telephone.
28-Jul-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ42
Using a Vector Network Analyzer from the ZVR family, not only magnitude and phase can be measured, but also group delay and even phase delay. Whereas phase delay measurements produce the highest accuracy for the electrical length of non-dispersive devices under test, such as coaxial cables, group delay measurements also give a detailed insight into the frequency dependent delay characteristics of dispersive devices, such as filters. In addition to the traditional step aperture technique, Vector Network Analyzers from the ZVR family offer a frequency aperture technique, which allows a well defined and constant aperture for group delay measurements also for a nonlinear frequency sweep.
28-Jul-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ35
To quantify uncertainties for network analyzer measurements, the influence of the entire system (network analyzer plus test setup and DUT) has to be taken into account. Usually, the overall uncertainty of the complete measurement setup is determined with the aid of a verification kit, containing highly accurate verification standards. Of course, the verification standards need to have the same connector type as the DUT. If such verification standards are not available, the overall error has to be estimated.
28-Jul-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ29
This Application Note describes the internal transfer of ZVR measurement data in Excel, carried out on the PC option of the ZVR, and the evaluation of the data in Excel tables. To start the data transfers, macros are implemented under Excel.
28-Jul-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ39
This Application Note describes two programs for calculating conversions: 1.: The Power Unit Calculator Power, dBm, dBmV and Volts @ 50 W 2.: The VSWR Calculator Reflection, VSWR, Return loss and Power reflection Reflections, Reflectionl to Mismatch Uncertainty.
03-Jul-1998 | AN-No. 1MA12
Present-day sound studios are hardly conceivable without A/D converters. A/D converters are essential components when music is recorded and they directly influence the recording quality. The current Application Note describes a test program permitting automatic measurements of all parameters of sound studio equipment with the aid of Audio Analyzers UPD or UPL. Measuring converter chips with mostly serial interfaces that are not to standard are not the subject of this Application Note.
26-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1GA30
In many applications, circuitries with automatic gain control are used, for example in the fields of tape recording or hearing aids. This application note describes the typical characteristic of these control circuitries and the difficulties in measurements using oscilloscops. With the audio analyzers UPL and UPD these measurements can be done much easier, the analysis can be done manually or automatically by using a special software tool.
04-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1GA32
Many measurements in audio applications have to be monitored for compliance with specified limit values. Therefore, sometimes a whole series of measurements have to be compared with a fixed limit value, in other case it might be necessary to define different tolerances for example for different frequency ranges. Both can be done using Audio Analyzer UPD or UPL. This application note covers the different possibilities of limit checking, it demonstrates how to edit limit files and presents a program to easily generate files for checking the limits of frequency response measurements. Furthermore the display modes for different kinds of references are explained.
04-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1GA33
In modern telephoning, dual-tone dialling is used more and more often. Every symbol to be transmitted is coded by two frequencies which are sent at the same time. To ensure a trouble-free call setup, transmission has to be done within defined tolerances. For measuring these kind of dialling signals, the measurement equipment has to fulfill high requirements. This application note describes how the measurements can be carried out by using the Audio Analyzers UPL or UPD. It also presents a measuring program for this application.
04-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1GA23
Interferences on audio transmissions, which happens only from time to time, are very difficult to be measured. This application note describes a method, used by the audio analyzers UPL and UPD, to monitor test tones without any interruption and detecting even the shortest clicks.
04-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1GA31
Audio Analyzers UPD and UPL with their large variety of functions provide practically all measurement procedures required in audio technology. Thanks to the Universal Sequence Controllers UPD-K1 and UPL-B10, which are available as options, the user is able to considerably expand the range of functions to suit his particular requirements. It is possible, for instance, to add complete measurement functions - eg measurement of ohmic resistance - and to read out, convert or reload sweep results or to add new scale labelling (eg group delay). Another example is the analysis of sweep curves and the display of results in a window next to the curve. As far as softkey labelling and functions are concerned, operation of the sequence control programs is analogous to the softkey control of the UPD/UPL graphics display.
04-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1GA16
For the transmission of digial audio data, different data formats are in use. The AES/EBU format, which is used in professional applications, as well as the S/P DIF format used in consumer electronics, transmit the audio data in time multplex for both channels. Additonal bits in the data stream cover complementary information, respectively are used for error detection.The generation and the analysis of those protocol data using the audio analyzers UPD or UPL is the topic of this application note. An extract of the AES3 standard informs about the basic definitions.
04-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1GA15
Being faced with a wide variety of standards and manufacturer’s specifications, test engineers may often find it difficult to keep track of necessary audio measurements. This is aggravated by the fact that modern audio analyzers offer a multitude of settings. This application note serves as an aid offering a collection of typical setups that make it possible to get started with measurements immediately. In addition, information is given on associated standards, on the adaptation of the setups to specific measurement tasks as well as on the evaluation of results.
04-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1GA36
There are proposals for broadband measurements on hearing aids, for example the proposed standard ANSI S3.42. Such measurements are intended to simulate more accurately the behaviour of hearing aids under normal hearing conditions also in the presence of ambient noise. Audio Analyzer UPD fitted with High-Speed Option UPD-B3 makes it possible already now to generate the proposed test signal and to perform all the related measurements including coherence and transfer functions. These measurements may become more and more important in the future but have scarcely been performed up to now as they require highly complex test equipment. Audio Analyzer UPD enables the user to measure to tomorrow’s standards even today.
04-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1GA34
A whole series of measurements has to be carried out for drafting an acceptance test report for a VHF sound broadcasting transmitter in compliance with ARD Specifications 5/3.1 (= TL 5820-3018 of the Deutsche Bundespost). As in most cases parameters like transmitter output power, frequency stability, spurious modulation, etc. have to be measured in the two stereo channels of the transmitter separately and at different modulation frequencies and frequency deviation, manual-controlled measurements are very time-consuming. In addition, a great variety of test equipment eg AF generator, stereodecoder, level meter, etc. is required for the measurements. FMAB with option FMA-B4 (AM/FM Calibrator / AF Generator) is ideally suitable for these measurements on VHF sound broadcasting receivers. The internal AF generator provides the signals required for the left and the right stereo channel. The MPX signal from the VHF transmitter is decoded by the built-in stereodecoder. As a result many of the tests and measurements required for the acceptance of VHF sound broadcasting receivers can be carried out without any additional test equipment being required. To give an example, a test program running under the graphics user interface Microsoft Windows has been developed for carrying out automatic power and modulation measurements via a PC.
04-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1EF09
When measuring audio components with unknown transients, the experienced engineer watches the settling of the DUT before accepting a measured result to be valid. The settling function in the UPL/UPD simulates this process and automates it by continuously comparing the measured value with a number of measured values stored before. A measured value is only accepted as being valid if it is within the tolerance limits entered by the user. This application note explains the settling process and gives hints for practical use.
03-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1GA12
The GSM mobile phone system is the first civil radio network using purely digital transmission methods. In addition to the modulation mode GMSK (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying) itself, both a time and a frequency multiplex method are used. This means for instance that the bits to be transmitted are distributed to several socalled bursts (time multiplex). These bursts are then in turn transmitted at different frequencies in the frequency hopping mode. Due to the frequency hopping mode, the timing used in GSM/PCN networks and the low phase error required for correct data transmission, stringent requirements regarding the frequency transient response are placed on the synthesizers used in the base and mobile stations. For a frequency error of <100 Hz the transient response must be within approx. 100 us to keep the residual phase error caused by the synthesizer sufficiently small. The Modulation Analyzer FMA/FMB with its high-precision AM and FM demodulators featuring DC coupling capability is particularly suitable for an uncomplicated measurement of transient responses in conjunction with an oscilloscope. Both the FMA with its low residual FM in the GSM band from 890 to 960 MHz and the FMB, which in addition also covers the PCN band from 1710 to 1880 MHz, provide in conjunction with the fast transient response of the FM demodulator the characteristics required. Highest precision regarding the transient response is provided by the FMA/FMB's special function 'IF 300 kHz'.
03-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1EF08
Modulation Analyzers FMA (up to 1.36 GHz) and FMB (up to 5 GHz) are high-grade FM demodulators from Rohde & Schwarz with highly stable synthesizer, low-noise FM demodulator, automatic frequency tuning and fine-tuning, separation of AM from FM,all of which make Analyzers FMA/FMB ideal for phase noise measurements.
03-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1EF15
DECT standard ETS 300 175-2 prescribes among others measurement of the transmit power and the unwanted power in adjacent channels. Following a brief introduction into DECT, this Application Note describes the standard-conforming measurement of the normal transmit power NTP and the unwanted adjacent-channel power ACP using a spectrum analyzer from the FSE family ( firmware version 1.63 and higher). Option FSE-B7 (Vector Signal Analyzer) is required for measuring the normal transmit power NTP since the signal must be demodulated for this measurement. Due to the wide dynamic range of FSEA20 and FSEA30, the adjacent channel power ACP can be measured without bandpass filters suppressing the transmit channel. Option FSE-B7 is not required for measuring the adjacent-channel power.
28-Apr-1998 | AN-No. 1EF42