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.
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.
1110 Results
The high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI™) is used to transmit audio and video data. HDMI has become the standard for a variety of consumer electronic products, such as Blu-ray™ players, A/V receivers, set-top box, TV monitors and digital video/ still cameras. The HDMI interface measurements needed for these products require specialized T&M equipment. This equipment is not only needed for certification, but is also used for a variety of tests during development, for quality assurance and for end-of-line production testing. The R&S®VTC, R&S®VTE and R&S®VTS video testers from Rohde & Schwarz make it possible to test A/V interfaces such as HDMI easily, reliably and cost efficiently. This application note focuses on functional testing and debugging of HDMI interfaces using the R&S®VTC/VTE/VTS. It explains how these instruments can be used to assess the HDCP implementation, the ARC or the CEC functionality.
04-Jun-2014 | AN-No. 7BM85
Determining the noise figure of a component can be difficult in unshielded lab environments. Measuring small noise figures (less than 3 dB) and reproducing the results is sometimes not possible. These difficulties are caused by interference effects (electric fields) that can occur in any environment. A suitable remedy is a measurement environment able to shield the Device Under Test (DUT) against all interfering fields in the range up to 3 GHz. When used in conjunction with a spectrum analyzer and Noise Measurement Software FS-K3, the Shielded Box ZA-SB10 provides a complete noise measurement system.
16-Oct-2002 | AN-No. RSH01
In frequent cases, it appears that the MPEG2 decoder is not located in the control/monitoring room. The present application note describes how to operate a remote control of up to four DVMDs over an ethernet link.
31-Mar-1999 | AN-No. 7BM01
Coaxial connectors are a key component in RF and microwave applications. Their importance and contribution to overall system performance is sometimes overlooked. This application note focuses on coaxial connectors found in RF and microwave applications, providing general information on the available types; how to take care of connectors and connector electrical properties. This information is essential for anyone specifying and using Rohde and Schwarz test and measurement equipment and will help with the selection of the correct types of coaxial connector, handling connectors to obtain accurate and repeatable measurements, and to maximize the longevity and performance of coaxial connectors.
09-Apr-2015 | AN-No. 1MA99
This application note describes remote operation or monitoring of the real time spectrum analyzer R&S® FSVR through a standard web browser. The common cross-platform technology Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is used as a server on the instrument.
27-Jul-2010 | AN-No. 1EF74
Spectrum that was previously reserved for TV broadcasting is being freed up in many countries for use under the new Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile radio standard (keyword: 'digital dividend'). As a result, numerous coexistence scenarios are possible. So network operators and manufacturers from both the mobile radio and the broadcast sector have a vital interest in avoiding any interference and performing in-depth testing of their products. Rohde & Schwarz offers a wideranging product portfolio for such applications. This Application Note presents Test & Measurement equipment for the broadcast and mobile radio sector and discusses some possible test setups.
08-Dec-2011 | AN-No. 1MA176
The LTE technology as specified within 3GPP Release 8 was first commercially deployed by end 2009. Since then the number of commercial networks is strongly increasing around the globe. LTE has become the fastest developing mobile system technology. As other cellular technologies LTE is continuously worked on in terms of improvements. 3GPP groups added technology components into so called releases. Initial enhancements were included in 3GPP Release 9, followed by more significant improvements in 3GPP Release 10, also known as LTE-Advanced. Beyond Release 10 a number of different market terms have been used. However 3GPP reaffirmed that the naming for the technology family and its evolution continues to be covered by the term LTE-Advanced. I.e. LTE-Advanced remains the correct description for specifications defined from Release 10 onwards, including 3GPP Release 12. This white paper summarizes improvements specified in 3GPP Release 11.
09-Jul-2013 | AN-No. 1MA232
This white paper describes the POLQA® algorithm implemented in the R&S®UPV Audio Analyzer and shows an example hardware setup for standard independent audio measurements.
30-May-2012 | AN-No. 1MA202
This white paper summarizes significant additional technology components based on LTE, which are included in 3GPP Release 12 specifications. The LTE technology as specified within 3GPP Release 8 was first commercially deployed by end 2009. Since then the number of commercial networks is strongly increasing around the globe. LTE has become the fastest developing mobile system technology ever. As other cellular technologies LTE is continuously worked on in terms of improvements. 3GPP groups added technology components according to so called releases. Initial enhancements were included in 3GPP Release 9, followed by more significant improvements in 3GPP Release 10, also known as LTE-Advanced. Beyond Release 10 a number of different market terms have been used. However 3GPP reaffirmed that the naming for the technology family and its evolution continues to be covered by the term LTE-Advanced. Therefore LTE-Advanced remains the correct description for specifications defined from Release 10 onwards, including 3GPP Release 12.
04-Aug-2015 | AN-No. 1MA252
As part of Release 13, 3GPP has specified a new radio interface, the Narrowband Internet of Things (NBIoT). NB-IoT is optimized for machine type traffic. It is kept as simple as possible in order to reduce device costs and to minimize battery consumption. In addition, it is also adapted to work in difficult radio conditions, which is a frequent operational area for certain machine type communication devices. Although NBIoT is an independent radio interface, it is tightly connected with LTE, which also shows up in its integration in the current LTE specifications.In this whitepaper we introduce the NB-IoT technology with an emphasis on the tight connection to LTE.
08-Aug-2016 | AN-No. 1MA266
LTE Location Based Services (LBS) involve the process of determining where a device is located. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based solutions are highly accurate and the technology of choice for absolute position accuracy, providing the device has a good line-of-sight, but this is not always the case. A device can be in a highly dense urban environment with reduced satellite visibility or indoors with very low signal levels.These limitations of GNSS systems have meant that LTE cellular based alternatives have been developed within 3GPP Release 9 and onwards.They are described in this white paper.
29-May-2015 | AN-No. 1SP05
Millimeter-wave bands are of increasing interest for the satellite industry and potential 5G bands.Antennas for 5G applications make use of these high frequencies to incorporate a large count of radiating elements. These antenna arrays are essential for beamforming operations that play an important part in such next generation networks.This white paper introduces some of the fundamental theory behind beamforming antennas. In addition to these basic concepts, calculation methods for radiation patterns and a number of real world measurement results for linear arrays are shown.
15-Sep-2016 | AN-No. 1MA276
Data rates in the range of several Gigabit/s are needed to transmit signals like uncompressed video signals. Amendment 802.11ad to the WLAN standard defines the MAC and PHY layers for very high throughput (VHT) in the 60 GHz range. The specification 802.11-2016 has defined additional modulation and codings schemes for the 11ad single carrier part to increase the data rate. The OFDM part is obsolete.This white paper provides an introduction to the technology behind 802.11ad and highlights the test and measurement requirements.
21-Nov-2013 | AN-No. 1MA220
Blocking test, WLAN, Wi-Fi, RF device, performance limit Customize blocking tests and make sure to address parameters like frequency positions, levels or bandwidths when verifying RF device performance. Verifying RF device performance with a blocking test Blocking test, WLAN, Wi-Fi, RF device, performance limit Customize blocking tests and make sure to address parameters like frequency positions, levels
31-Oct-2019
Frequency converters e.g. in satellite transponders need to be characterized not only in terms of amplitude transmission but also in terms of phase transmission or group delay, especially with the transition to digital modulation schemes. They often do not provide access to the internal local oscillators This application note describes a method using the R&S ZVA to measure group delay of mixers and frequency converters with an embedded local oscillator very accurately. The key aspect of this new technique is, that the network analyzer applies a 2-tone signal to the frequency converter. By measuring the phase differences between the two signals at the input and at the output, it calculates group delay and relative phase between output and input.
27-Aug-2012 | AN-No. 1EZ60
This application note shows how to perform LTE terminal block error rate (BLER) and throughput tests under fading conditions with the R&S®CMW500 Protocol Tester and the R&S®AMU200A Fading Simulator.
27-Mar-2012 | AN-No. 1MA177
radiated conformance testing according to TS 38.141-2, Rel. 16
3GPP defines the Radio Frequency (RF) conformance test methods and requirements for 5G NR Base Stations (BS) in the technical specifications TS 38.141. This application note describes all mandatory radiated RF transmitter tests (TS 38.141-2, chapter 6), according to Release 16.Furthermore, this document provides a brief introduction about the different R&S OTA antenna test solutions and how they are applicable for base station conformance testing. Rohde & Schwarz offers solutions for any test case that is mentioned in this application note.
20-Dec-2019 | AN-No. GFM324
This application note describes how to generate and analyze wideband digitally modulated signals in the mm-wave range.Rohde & Schwarz measuring equipment and some 3rd party off-the-shelf accessories are used for both signal generation and analysis. Measurement results are shown which demonstrate the typical performance for millimeter wave signals in terms of error vector magnitude (EVM) and adjacent channel power (ACLR).Two test setups and their measurement results on a commercial V-band transceiver module are presented.
02-Sep-2014 | AN-No. 1MA217
Widespread adoption of higher order modulation schemes, larger signal bandwidths and higher operating frequencies, to enable higher data throughput in communication links like 5G, places increasingly tough demands on the frontend. Signal fidelity is often enhanced with linearization.The greater number of RF chains and signal bandwidth in 5G Frontends mean that DPD (Digital Pre-Distortion) may no longer be the default linearization choice; 5G Frontends will be completely different from their 4G predecessors.The key metrics of Efficiency, Linearity, Bandwidth and Output Power remain, as does the question of how to optimally create the signal with just enough fidelity and power, with a minimum of wasted power. The solution set to that question, however, has never been greater.Amongst other topics, this White Paper, (i) proposes a classification of Linearization schemes, (ii) introduces the hard limiter, (iii) illustrates linearization of an exemplary mmWave PA using non-DPD techniques, and (iv) introduces a class of linearized transmitters that create their signal and linearity from efficiently generated components.
25-Feb-2016 | AN-No. 1MA269
Multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology is an integral part of 3GPP E-UTRA long term evolution (LTE). As part of MIMO, beamforming is also used in LTE. This white paper discusses the basics of beamforming and explains the ten downlink and two uplink MIMO transmission modes in LTE Release 12.
10-Jul-2015 | AN-No. 1MA186
Even with the introduction of HSDPA and HSUPA, evolution of UMTS has not reached its end. To ensure the competitiveness of UMTS for the next 10 years and beyond, UMTS Long Term Evolution (LTE) is being specified in 3GPP release 8. LTE, which is also known as Evolved UTRA and Evolved UTRAN, provides new physical layer concepts and protocol architecture for UMTS. This application note introduces LTE technology and testing aspects.
14-Sep-2009 | AN-No. 1MA111
For several years, automobile makers and government agencies have sought ways to improve safety on roadways and effectively manage traffic flow. As wireless communication systems are advancing, the vision of automobiles talking to each other and to roadside units is becoming a reality. These planned automotive wireless communication systems are known as ITS (Intelligent Transportation System). This paper will provide an overview of the current status of the ITS worldwide with a focus on the IEEE 802.11p PHY. Additionally, the paper provides information on test and measurement solutions for devices and components used in ITS.
23-Jan-2014 | AN-No. 1MA152
With IT and OT environments converging, security concerns relating to devices and applications deployed in networked test labs, especially in T&M environments, are growing. The demands on IT security here are manifold and include, for example, remote access to in-house infrastructures, equipment rented from external providers, and the continuous deployment of devices across different time zones.
18-Oct-2022
Nearly all tests in accordance with the test specification* can be performed with the R&S® CMU200/CBT alone. Some tests additionally call for signal generators to provide interference signals and also require spectrum analyzers. This application note describes the tests performed with additional equipment and presents straightforward solutions based on the CBTgo software.
06-Mar-2013 | AN-No. 1MA106
This application note describes the techniques to measure the dielectric properties of materials using a vector network analyzer. It also shows methods for converting the s-parameters to dielectric properties.
23-May-2012 | AN-No. RAC-0607-0019
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
Rohde & Schwarz signal generators can be connected in various ways to system controllers (typically PCs) and external PC peripherals. Although most of these connection operations are also explained in the instrument manuals, it is not always easy to maintain an overview. Operating manuals commonly focus on explaining a dedicated feature of a single instrument. This application note examines a range of typical user tasks and how to solve them with the different instruments.
26-Apr-2013 | AN-No. 1GP72
The 3GPP TS 36.521-1 “Radio transmission and reception” LTE User Equipment (UE) conformance specification defines the measurement procedures for LTE terminals with regard to their transmitting characteristics, receiving characteristics and performance requirements as part of the 3G Long Term Evolution (3G LTE) standard. This application note describes how to use the LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) measurement functionality provided by the R&S®CMW500 wideband radio communication tester to perform LTE transmitter and receiver measurements according to this test specification.
17-May-2013 | AN-No. 1CM94
The measurement speed for spurious signal measurements is mainly defined by the spectrum analyzer sweep speed. With traditional swept spectrum analyzers and tight spurious limits the measurement can easily take hours or even a full day. This application note describes the differences in sweep speed between swept spectrum analyzers and modern spectrum analyzers with a wide-band FFT process, and how this improves the measurement speed for general spurious measurement.
10-Jul-2012 | AN-No. 1EF80