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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.
1109 Results
MIPI D-PHY is a low-power, cost-effective physical layer interface, essential in mobile devices and advanced technology systems. It's a high-speed, source-synchronous interface used in smartphone cameras, smartwatch displays, drones, in-car entertainment, automobile cameras, and radar sensors. This application note explores MIPI D-PHY's features, functionality, and testing practices for device compliance, addressing common issues. It highlights Rohde & Schwarz's equipment for ensuring compatibility and solving issues with MIPI D-PHY, aligned with MIPI D-PHY specification version 2.5.Developed by the MIPI Alliance, D-PHY connects cameras and displays to a host processor via CSI-2 or DSI protocols. It features a master-slave, asymmetrical design for reduced link complexity. Key aspects include a unidirectional clock, optional data signal directions, different data rates for half-duplex operation, point-to-point communication, and high-speed (HS) and low-power (LP) modes for data transfer and battery preservation. In HS mode, D-PHY uses differential signaling with specific impedance, while in LP mode, it operates in a single-ended manner with high impedance termination.The application note from Rohde & Schwarz provides insights into characterizing and debugging MIPI D-PHY, offering conformance verification with MIPI Alliance standards and protocol decoding options.
31-Jan-2024 | AN-No. 1SL410
Enhanced Mobile Broadband, Massive Machine Type Communication, Ultra-reliable and low latency communication have been identified as the requirements to be supported by the 5thGeneration of Mobile Communication, short 5G. 5G is extensively discussed in the wireless industry. A lot of research and pre-development is being conducted worldwide, including an analysis of the waveforms and access principles that are the basis for current LTE and LTE-Advanced networks.In this application note we discuss potential 5G waveform candidates, list their advantages and disadvantages and compare them to Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), which is used in LTE/LTE-Advanced.
10-Jun-2016 | AN-No. 1MA271
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
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
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
Load pull is a powerful method for characterizing RF power amplifiers through impedance variation. Load pull enables model extraction and validation as well as performance, ruggedness and efficiency testing.
02-Sep-2020
The power efficiency of the drive electronics is a key parameter when developing electric drive systems. The conduction loss of the electric drive electronics is of special interest. One important parameter for determining the conduction loss is the RDS(on) of the MOSFET. When a switching MOSFET is off, it has a high drain-to-source voltage, but when it is turned on, the voltage drops to just a few hundred millivolts. A highresolution oscilloscope is needed to measure these low voltages. Probe compensation and correct probing are also vital for accurate RDS(on) measurements.
19-Mar-2015
This educational note covers the theory and practice oscilloscopes based on concrete measurement examples that address authentic everyday tasks.The theoretical portion of this paper begins with an explanation of the basic operating concepts for oscilloscopes, followed by a discussion of the most important parameters to be considered when setting up and performing the exercise measurements. The practical portion of the educational note contains detailed measurement tasks that can be performed by small groups in the university lab. These exercises are intended to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge gained in the theoretical portion. The exercises build upon one another and demonstrate measurement tasks that are frequently encountered by engineers in daily work.
16-Jan-2018 | AN-No. 1MA265
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
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
The constantly decreasing size of components and the available board space form a challenge to place adequate test connections for RF instruments. Recent improvements in the availability and use of high performance differential building blocks in RF circuits intensify the problems of connecting test equipment. Using oscilloscope probes is a possibility to perform measurements by connecting to printed circuit board lines and chip contacts where only a minimal area is required to make contact. This application note provides information on how to use oscilloscope probes in RF measurements using spectrum analyzers, and show the results of differential measurements with a spectrum analyzer.
28-Jun-2013 | AN-No. 1EF84
A new phase noise test instrument covers the frequency range from 1 MHz to 50 GHz with direct down-conversion analog I/Q mixers and baseband signal sampling. The traditional PLL has been replaced by a digital FM demodulator for phase detection and frequency tracking. An additional AM demodulator enables concurrent measurement of phase and amplitude noise. The instrument can measure phase noise as low as -183 dBc/Hz with a 100 MHz carrier frequency and 10 kHz offset within two minutes.
09-May-2016
This document describes how the advanced calibration techniques of the ZVA Vector Network Analyzers can solve the challenges of measuring the S-Parameters on impedance matching devices. The document describes the concept and setup required to perform the calibration of the ZVA and making the measurement. The procedure described in this application note applies to the ZVB and ZVT Vector Network Analyzers as well.
06-May-2009 | AN-No. 1EZ59
The Doherty Amplifier continues to be rolled out in an increasing number of TxFE (Transmit Frontend) applications, as the quasi-linear amplifier architecture of choice.The advent of 5G, with its inevitable microwave or millimeter wave air interface, increase the design challenges associated with its construction; not least of all because of the potential for increased dispersion in the constituent amplifiers and combiners.This application note describes a measurement-based development methodology by which the Doherty Amplifier may be enhanced, increasing performance and/or performance bandwidth. This methodology is supported with a working example.The methodology may also be extended to balanced, spatially combined and anti-phase (so called "pushpull" or "differential") amplifiers, the latter often itself nested in Doherty configurations.The R&S®Quickstep sequencing software may be downloaded from:
26-Sep-2016 | AN-No. 1MA279
The R&S®RTO6 oscilloscope has an in-depth tool for debugging custom and commercial off-the-shelf serial buses for the avionics and aerospace industries.
20-Dec-2023
Before devices can be used in a LoRaWANTM network, they must among other things meet country-specific wireless communications regulations. This application note shows developers and manufacturers of devices with LoRa wireless technology how transmitter measurements are conducted in line with FCC Part 15.247. It also describes how important receiver characteristics can be verified by metrological means. In this context, battery life in particular plays a key role in IoT applications. A further chapter describes how current consumption of LoRa wireless modules can be measured reliably.
29-Nov-2017 | AN-No. 1MA295
The R&S®RTO / R&S®RTE oscilloscope is a valuable tool for analyzing EMI problems in electronic designs. High input sensitivity, high dynamic range and a powerful FFT implementation are key features for capturing and analyzing unwanted emissions.
26-Feb-2015
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
This application note describes Battery Life Measurements with the R&S®RT-ZVC02/04 Multi-Channel Probe. The measurements are described with the use of an oscilloscope. The R&S®RT-ZVC Multi-Channel Probe can be used with R&S®RTE1000, R&S®RTO2000 or R&S®RTP.
17-Jan-2019 | AN-No. 1TD07
In addition to the generic edge trigger, modern oscilloscopes offer triggers that are specialized to address specific problems.
04-Jan-2016
NGM200, NGL200 The R&S®NGL200 and R&S®NGM200 can simulate battery cells when testing battery management systems and replace far more expensive dedicated battery simulators. Testing battery management systems with Rohde & Schwarz power supplies NGM200, NGL200 The R&S®NGL200 and R&S®NGM200 can simulate battery cells when testing battery management systems and replace far more expensive dedicated battery
08-Jun-2020
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
Balanced RF components are advantageous compared to traditional single-ended components, since they cause less EMI, and are less susceptible to EMI. This application note describes the fundamental concepts of differential and common mode signals and of mixed-mode parameters, which are essential for balanced components. Techniques for the measurement of mixed-mode parameters are presented. Examples show the features implemented in the ZVB for balanced device measurement.
20-Sep-2004 | AN-No. 1EZ53
Road safety is a global challenge at present and will be in the future. Automotive radar has become a keyword in this area and pushes again a step forward to increase driving comfort, crash prevention and even automated driving.Driver assistance systems which are supported by radar are already common. Most assistant systems are increasing the drivers comfort by collision warning systems, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-change assistance, rear cross-traffic alerts and back-up parking assistance.Today's 24 GHz, 77 GHz and 79 GHz radar sensors clearly need the capability to distinguish between different objects and offer high range resolution. That is possible with increased signal bandwidth.Furthermore, those radar systems need to cope with interference of many kinds like the one from other car's radar.This Application Note addresses signal measurements and analysis of automotive radars that are crucial during the development and verification stages. It also shows a setup to verify the functionality of a radar in case of radio interference.
10-Jun-2016 | AN-No. 1MA267
With the R&S®Pulse Sequencer radar simulation software, users can easily and intuitively create scenarios for simulation of angle of arrival (AoA). Together with multiple coupled R&S®SMW200A vector signal generators, this solution allows quick and thorough performance characterization of all types of direction finding equipment such as devices that use amplitude comparison, interferometric or time difference of arrival (TDOA) techniques. This document describes our test solution for testing devices that use amplitude comparison techniques.
02-Apr-2020
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
Phase difference is the key parameter when characterizing direction finding (DF) scenarios. To analyze DF equipment, the phase difference needs to be determined before measuring other parameters such as the bearing. The R&S®VSE-K6A multichannel pulse analysis software in combination with a Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscope provides phase difference measurements even in challenging environments, utilizing the test equipment’s advanced trigger capabilities.
02-Mar-2021
This application note shows how to use Rohde & Schwarz signal generators and analyzers for testing early 5G New Radio components, chipsets and devices. Methods for easy creation and analysis of custom OFDM are explained. The solution provides● a single user interface for signal generation and analysis configuration● Flexible OFDM configuration and signal generation incl. flexible pilot and data allocation● User defined modulation schemes including complex scenarios, e.g. 5G NR PSS
23-Oct-2017 | AN-No. 1MA308
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