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

Testing radomes, bumpers, QAR50 Ensure a high level of performance and reduce performance degradation of automotive radar sensors caused by radomes and bumpers with the R&S®QAR50. Testing radomes and bumpers in all phases – from design to high-volume production Testing radomes, bumpers, QAR50 Ensure a high level of performance and reduce performance degradation of automotive radar sensors caused by

21-Apr-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 impedance of real-world passive components depends on frequency, signal level and DC bias. This has to be taken into account during circuit design. The R&S®LCX LCR meter is ideal for measuring these dependencies. The R&S®LCX sweep tool is an application program for conveniently performing such sweeps and displaying the results on charts.

17-Mar-2022

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

The evolution of O-RAN is making radio access networks more open, disaggregated and flexible. The evolving O-RAN radio units (O-RU) need to conform with both 3GPP and O-RAN standards.

22-Feb-2022

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

RF system noise contributions define receiver capabilities and sensitivity. The noise figure measures how the critical components affect the signal.

28-Jan-2022

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

Analysis, 5G FR1 MIMO signals, R&S®NRQ6, R&S®VSE Measurement of the phase difference between the MIMO layers is a challenging task in the design of 5G base stations. However, this measurement and its analysis can be easily accomplished using the R&S®NRQ6 frequency selective power sensor and R&S®VSE signal explorer software. Analysis of 5G FR1 MIMO signals with R&S®NRQ6 and R&S®VSE Analysis, 5G FR1

14-Jan-2022

R&S®RTP, R&S®RTO, R&S®RTE, oscilloscopes, acquired waveform data, python How to work with acquired waveform data in Python using the R&S®RTP, R&S®RTO or R&S®RTE. Working with acquired waveform data in Python R&S®RTP, R&S®RTO, R&S®RTE, oscilloscopes, acquired waveform data, python How to work with acquired waveform data in Python using the R&S®RTP, R&S®RTO or R&S®RTE. Working with acquired waveform

12-Jan-2022

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

For conducted immunity tests, EMC labs require a test signal source driven at high RF powers and at defined frequencies. Rohde&Schwarz offers a compact solution with a signal generator, an RF solid-state amplifier with power up to 350 W, power sensors and test software for the frequency range from 4 kHz to 400 MHz.

03-Dec-2021

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

Simulation can be a big time-saver when designing EMI filters for DC/DC converters. Power supply control chip vendors offer various filter design tools that provide reasonable design choices for filter simulation before any hardware prototype is available. However, simulated results can differ significantly for different tools if simulated models are not accurate or do not cover all the relevant components. Performing a hardware measurement to evaluate the effectiveness of a simulated EMI filter is therefore indispensable.

21-Sep-2021

R&S®Server-Based Testing helps reduce test times for workloads that can be parallelized. 5G New Radio (5G NR) multicarrier signals are an ideal workload because each component carrier can be analyzed independently and in parallel. In an example EVM measurement, scenario test times are reduced significantly even when receiving I/Q data from just a single instrument.

13-Sep-2021

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