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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.
752 Results
Starting from June 2017, almost all radio transmitters and receivers sold or put into operation in the European Union have to be tested for immunity against interferers in adjacent frequency bands. ETSI standard EN 303 340 defines the tests to be performed on digital television receivers and requirements to be passed.This application note describes the test procedures and provides save-recall files and interferer signals for the Broadcast Test Center R&S®BTC.
11-Jul-2017 | AN-No. 1GP116
This application note describes how to generate GSM signals for wide ranging receiver tests under fading conditions for GSM/GPRS/Edge. The test setup requires an R&S®CMU Radio Communication Tester with IQ-IF interface option CMU-B17 and an R&S®SMIQ vector signal generator or baseband fading simulator ABFS for generating GSM. The GSMFadLevCor program included with this application note performs a semi automatic level correction of the power fed to the Device Under Test (DUT).
28-Aug-2009 | AN-No. 1MA60
During development of MU-MIMO antenna arrays, the beamforming algorithms undergo steady revision. Whether used in regression testing or verification of newly introduced features, fast beamforming verification helps to speed up R&D for beamforming antennas and improve performance of your product.
07-Jul-2020
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
Rohde & Schwarz offers a powerful tool for remote control of their oscilloscopes - the RsInstrument Python module. This module enables users to control and automate their Rohde & Schwarz test & measurement instruments, including oscilloscopes, through Python scripts or interactive console communication.
14-Dec-2023
The DVB-H standard is a specification for bringing television broadcast services to handheld receivers. In order to save battery power, data for a specific service is transmitted in short bursts. This type of transmission utilizes special techniques within the transport stream. The R&S DVM offers a wide range of functions to analyze the characteristics of the DVB-H transport stream. This document describes the characteristics of the DVB-H transport stream and shows how the R&S DVM can be used for efficient analysis in research and development, production, and broadcasting.
04-Jul-2006 | AN-No. 7BM59
Particle acceleration requires cavity resonators that are driven with high RF powers at defined frequencies. Rohde & Schwarz offers RF solid-state amplifiers for frequencies ranging from 9 kHz to 6 GHz, delivering CW power up to 80 kW.
27-Apr-2016
The terrestrial television standard DVB T2 is gaining in significance as a result of the growing scarcity of available frequencies. New systems are being tested in many countries around the world. Other countries have already completed the introductory phase for DVB T2. Broadcasting transmitters are subject to particularly stringent standards with respect to broadcast signal quality, because even small faults can lead to service disruptions for many viewers or even disrupt adjacent channels.A single instrument, the R&S®ETL TV analyzer, performs all required DVB-T2 transmitter measurements, from the initial acceptance testing for the transmitter, to measurements performed during commissioning and preventive maintenance.The measurements described here satisfy many country-specific and customer-specific test specifications. Users need only set the limit values accordingly.
23-Jul-2014 | AN-No. 7BM106
Filter tuning has never been easier and faster. SynMatrix advanced computer-aided tuning enables real time filter optimization in an easy guided process using the R&S®ZNB, R&S®ZND and R&S®ZNL vector network analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz. The SynMatrix solution provides a feature-rich GUI for R&D and lab use, as well as a simplified version for production applications.
02-May-2024
Its excellent realtime baseband performance in combination with its ability to easily import the scattering parameters of an active/passive twoport interconnection network via s2p-files make the R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator ideal for high-precision RF and microwave tests requiring deembedding of the device under test (DUT).
11-Oct-2017
High-speed serial interfaces often transmit data with differential signaling. For probing on the signal, trace differential probes are used. Besides the differential inputs, these probes often provide an additional connection for ground – especially the higher bandwidth models. The ground connection on the R&S®RT‑ZMxx modular multimode probes can be used to improve measurements on high-speed differential interfaces.
09-Nov-2017
The UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) technology is a low power wide-band technology specified for device to device communication.It is an optimal RF positioning technology that enables accurate and secure peerto-peer distance measurement between mobile devices with robust resistance to interference while consuming very low energy and coexisting well with other radio communication systems.This application note describes how to use the UWB measurement functionality provided by R&S®CMP200 radio communication tester to perform HRP UWB PHY measurements for R&D and production purposes.
19-May-2021 | AN-No. GFM362
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
All types of information transmission, including the 'one-way' transmission used in broadcasting, involve feeding a radio frequency (RF) signal to an antenna. This is the essence of the most basic type of transmitter used to emit electromagnetic waves. In the real world, however, a transmitter used for broadcast applications, for example, is much more complex in terms of its functions and design. The different transmitter components must be carefully coordinated. There are many quality parameters that are critical in ensuring that a proper output signal is delivered. Rohde & Schwarz designed the R&S® ETL TV analyzer especially for broadcasting applications. The analyzer allows the measurement of the quality parameters that are relevant in analog and digital broadcasting. This Application Note describes the typical quality measurements performed during compliance testing of TV transmitters. The approach discussed here is based on the example of Rohde & Schwarz terrestrial transmitters for analog TV and DVB-T/H.
19-Sep-2007 | AN-No. 7BM67
Designing and implementing an active phased array antenna requires precise characterization of individual components and the integrated performance of the array. To ensure an accurate test of the intended adaptive nature of the active phased array antenna, the embedded algorithms need to be tested as well.This application note aims to explain test procedures and give recommendations towards characterization of the relevant parameters for active phased array antennas and their passive subsystem, as often used in applications for Mobile Communication and RADAR. This application note describes transmit signal quality testing, multi-element amplitude and phase measurement techniques both in receive and transmit cases and introduces a new automated test methodology antenna radiation pattern measurement over frequency. This paper also describes the test system used for transmit and receive module (TRM) characterization in active array antennas.
04-Jul-2016 | AN-No. 1MA248
5G networks will need to offer more capacity and flexibility while lowering the operational expenses of the system. Two new technologies can simultaneously address both the increase in capacity and the increase in energy efficiency: Virtualization & Massive MIMO. This white paper provides an overview of test solutions addressing current and future requirements for antenna verification including both conducted and over-the-air (OTA) test methods, which result from applying Massive MIMO antenna technology.This white papers complements the white paper (1MA276) from Rohde & Schwarz, which introduces fundamental theory behind beamforming antennas and provides calculation methods for radiation patterns, a number of simulation results as well as some real world measurement results for small linear arrays.
11-Nov-2016 | AN-No. 1MA286
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
VCS-4G, secure Communications, VoIP, air traffic contro, EUROCAE, ED‑137, ATC, CERTIUM, CERTIUM VCS test system Rohde & Schwarz solution CERTIUM VCS CERTIUM VCS test system for aircraft manufacturers VCS-4G, secure Communications, VoIP, air traffic contro, EUROCAE, ED‑137, ATC, CERTIUM, CERTIUM VCS test system Rohde & Schwarz solution CERTIUM VCS CERTIUM VCS test system for aircraft manufacturers VCS
01-Aug-2023
R&S®Series4200 detection of simultaneous transmissions (DSiT) option for air traffic control
21-Aug-2014
This application note describes different measurement techniques and methods for an automotive lighting module based on a hybrid controller design. Of course, a lighting module in such an environment has to fulfil requirements according to the automotive standard, which is typically a relatively high-level standard compare to the industry standard. The oscilloscope is a perfect tool for this application to verify the set of requirements because time domain signals (analog and digital) are present in the whole design. Furthermore, measurements in the frequency domain have to be performed, which a modern oscilloscope can fulfil. In addition to the oscilloscope, a programmable power supply supports the measurement in several measurements. The set of requirements are the main reason why a hybrid controller from Microchip is a great choice for this design because it provides tremendous analogue and digital capabilities. The hybrid controller provides beside the analogue functions like an operational amplifier digital functions like analog-to-digital converter and interface functions like UART, CAN or LIN to interact with other systems. The programmable software part is hosted in the digital part. The digital part of the controller implements the communication interface and provides status information to the outer system controller. The light source itself has to avoid any flicker and shall be capable to dim to different lighting levels. Wide input voltage variations and efficiency have to be taken into account during the design of a converter dedicated for automotive applications. Nevertheless, the measurement considerations presented with the design are valid and applicable in other professional lighting industries as well.Thanks to Mr. Andreas Reiter and Mr. Milan Marjanovic from Microchip who provided us with hardware and software and their great expertise to create this application note.
08-Jun-2020 | AN-No. GFM339
Fading is known from shortwave transmission, where the received field strength level may strongly vary due to atmospheric disturbances. In analog TV, the term 'fading' is practically unknown. Rather, one talks of 'antenna shadows' or 'ghost images'. The effect in question, however, is fading, ie constant reflection of the eletromagnetic waves emitted by the TV transmitter by walls of buildings, mountain slopes and similar reflecting natural or artificial obstacles. In analog TV, fading is of minor importance since the effects thereof can be eliminated almost completely through the directivity and exact orientation of the Yagi roof antenna for stationary TV reception at home. [[ br />Fading effects can also be observed in analog cable TV, for example in a block of flats linked to the cable network with one or several antenna sockets in every flat. If the taps for the sockets are not match-terminated, reflections with constant level and constant phase arise which may cause level reductions of several dB at exactly calculable points in the cable. [[ br />Moreover, the reception of TV signals broadcast via satellite can be impaired by fading. A known phenomenon is flickering of the received picture, produced by planes flying past or a drop in receive field strength caused by an approaching thunderstorm. All the above receive conditions have one thing in common: reception is stationary with a direct line of sight to the TV transmitter. [[ br />Looking at receive conditions in DVB, the effects in cable and satellite reception (DVB-C and DVB-S) are found to be similar as in analog reception. In these two modes reception is stationary, too. Terrestrial transmission (DVB-T) not only provides for stationary operation but also for portable and mobile reception. This considerably accentuates the effects of fading. [[ br />In this application note we investigate fading effects in DVB, with the emphasis on those in DVB-T signals.
06-Feb-2001 | AN-No. 7BM05
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
For cable TV, the "last mile" to the connection at the home is the bottleneck that prevents higher data rates. The last mile is made up of optical fiber and coaxial cables, amplifiers and electrical/optical converters. This mix of optical fiber and coaxial cables is known as a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network. One option for cable network providers to maximize both the downstream (DS) and upstream (US) data throughput using the existing cable TV network, but without making expensive changes to the HFC network infrastructure, is to employ the data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) 3.1.This Application Note discusses the fundamental technological advances of DOCSIS 3.1 and presents measurement solutions from Rohde & Schwarz.
02-Mar-2015 | AN-No. 7MH89
The application note guides developers and manufactures of Sigfox Devices to perform the required and recommended measurements with test solutions from Rohde & Schwarz. The note will help bring ultranarrowband IoT devices and applications using Sigfox technology to the market as fast as possible and help ensure the desired quality and performance.For R&D, Pre-certification and QA, all currently defined Uplink- and Downlink- measurements are shown using the compact R&S®FPL1000 Spectrum Analyzer and R&S®SMBV100A Vector Signal Generator.For Production, use of the R&S®CMW100A Communications Manufacturing Test Set is shown for the most essential Uplink RF tests on Sigfox Devices.Python scripts for giving example SCPI commands demonstrate how measurements shown in manual use can easily be automated.
15-Nov-2017 | AN-No. 1MA294
As well as static tests, modern mobile communication standards also stipulate measurements under fading conditions, sometimes with additional white gaussian noise AWGN. Rohde & Schwarz supports these tests with the combination of the R&S®CMU200 Radio Communication Tester and the R&S®SMU200A or R&S®AMU200A Vector / Baseband Signal Generator and Fading Simulator. Applying fading and noise always raises the crest factor of a signal considerably. Thus, automatic path attenuation inside the Rohde & Schwarz baseband fader prevents the new signal peaks from being clipped at I/Q full scale. Any additional attenuation in the baseband, however, makes the RF output fall below its intended level. This application note shows how to achieve an accurate RF output level by compensating for the I/Q attenuation - without modifying the test setup or using additional instruments.
09-Jan-2009 | AN-No. 1MA135
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
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
TDMA communications systems like GSM, DCS 1800 or PCS 1900 make effective use of the frequency spectrum by assigning several subscribers to the same frequency channel. Each subscriber has access to one predefined time slot for transmitting information. With GSM eight subscribers share one frequency channel with a bandwidth of 200 kHz. In order not to disturb the other users of the 200-kHz channel it has to be ensured that, for instance, a mobile sends in the assigned time slot only and that no power is emitted by the transmitter at other times. For this reason the transmitter power is practically switched off in the transmission intervals.
16-Jan-2002 | AN-No. 1EF18
The R&S®BTC broadcast test center generates DVB-C2 signals for receiver tests with a variety of simulated interference types. The selection tests stipulated by the DVB Project require a cable TV network with full channel load. Combining the R&S®BTC broadcast test center and the R&S®CLG cable load generator makes it quick and easy to create a flexible cable TV network with full channel load and to simulate all types of realistic interference, permitting tests in accordance with DVB.
30-Jul-2013 | AN-No. 7BM88
Integrating automotive radar sensors into cars is very challenging. Radars operate behind bumpers, design emblems, in side mirrors or other plastic parts of the car. All radome materials need to be sufficiently transparent and homogeneous for automotive radars, which operate in the 77 GHz and 79 GHz band or even both simultaneously. The new system measures, visualizes and analyzes radar radomes in a manner you have never seen before. Optimize your radome material for best performance and effective integration of modern automotive radar sensors.
27-Aug-2019