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.
273 Results
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 NR Reduced Capabilities (RedCap) network scanning
Purpose of RedCap: RedCap is designed for use cases requiring reasonable data throughput, cost-efficient devices, reduced power consumption and smaller device footprint to support applications like wireless industrial sensors, video surveillance and smart wearables in which ultralow latency isn’t essential. Technology basics: Understanding the technology basics helps facing configuration complexities and avoiding potential coexistence issues with regular 5G. RedCap field verification: New mobile network technology introductions like 5G RedCap benefit from field measurements during their typical life-cycle phases (engineering, network roll-out, and operation). Measurement Techniques: In early phases of new technologies, passive network measurements using network scanners are reliable and effective in detecting actual network and cell configurations.
23-Apr-2024 | AN-No. 8NT13
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
Taking the R&S ESR EMI test receiver as an example, this paper looks at a CISPR 16-1-1- compliant test instrument with time domain scanning capabilities. The paper compares the measurement speed and level measurement accuracy of a conventional stepped frequency scan versus an advanced FFT-based time domain scan. It also contains guidance on making optimum use of time domain scans.
29-Jan-2014 | AN-No. 1EE24
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) created the MBRAI specifications, which call for strict conformance tests that ensure the proper functionality of mobile receiver terminals for DVB-T/H transmissions. MBRAI is a common abbreviation of the IEC 62002 standard and stands for “mobile and portable DVB-T/H radio access interface”. This Application Note describes how the Broadcast Test System R&S®SFU provides all functions to generate MBRAI-compliant test signals. Only two special measurements require additional sources. For this purpose, the Test Transmitter R&S®SFE100 is used.
28-Nov-2007 | AN-No. 7BM61
The ‘Data Reduction’ sequence step is an essential part of an EMI Auto Test since it evaluates the relevant frequencies at which the final measurements are to be done. The intention of this application note is to make the data reduction data flow more transparent (contents of input and output tables) and how the parameters (location and relations) influence the evaluation algorithm.
16-Nov-2011 | AN-No. 1SP02
This Application Note gives a short overview how signals with two different modulation schemes can be analyzed using the R&S®FSW (or R&S®FPS) using its Multi-Standard-Radio-Analyzer (MSRA) and Vector Signal Analysis personality. The Application Note focuses on DVB-S2(X) signals, but the approach may be used for similar signals as well, as e.g. used in microwave backhaul links.The Application Note also provides a software tool that automates the configuration and provides the variety of different constellations that are used within DVB-S2(X).
18-Apr-2016 | AN-No. 1EF93
This application note discusses several basic methods for reading and displaying measurement results from EMI test receivers. The included free programming example is small and easily comprehended, so that users can quickly learn how to program test receivers.
01-Dec-2012 | AN-No. 1MA185
Noise-Power-Ratio (NPR) measurements are a common procedure and a simple but useful tool to characterize the performance of power amplifiers for satellites or other multi-channel communication systems. The main advantage is the use of wideband signals like noise, multi-carrier CW tones or I/Q modulated signals, which leads to a better simulation of the real environment. This application note provides information how to generate these signals with a vector signal generator and perform NPR measurements with spectrum analyzers. With the R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator any desired test signal can be created. The R&S®FSW spectrum and signal analyzer offers an automated function for NPR measurements. The limiting factors of both a vector signal generator and a spectrum analyzer are explained. Measurement examples show the practical results of NPR measurements.
24-Jun-2019 | AN-No. 1EF108
What used to be the car radio has evolved from adding a cassette player to state of the art entertainment on the move. All this while keeping driver & passengers connected. The design challenge is to bring all the communication and broadcast standards into a small form factor that fits in the dashboard of the car. The RF modules need to support multiple standards in a single assembly and multiple modules are placed next to each other. The frequencies defined by the RF standards are in very close proximity and hence need to co-exist with each other. Moreover, the antennas inside the car are subjected to cross-coupling effects with mobile devices of passengers. To ensure the RF performance of the infotainment system, all of these scenarios need to be thoroughly tested.This application note highlights some of the RF measurement challenges and introduces Rohde & Schwarz equipment required for relevant RF characterization of car infotainment devices.
08-May-2017 | AN-No. 1MA275
The constantly increasing number of telecommunication services and subscribers is putting more and more pressure on the availability of already scarse frequencies. Authorities responsible for monitoring and regulating the radio traffic are confronted with more and more complex problems relating to radiomonitoring and frequency management. Without exact data - a prerequisite for monitoring existing installations and planning new services - it is impossible to solve the problem. It is essential to use the proper measurement equipment. This Application Note deals with the following measurements: Measuring various signal parameters at defined frequencies. Monitoring emissions for compliance with specified limits for field strength, modulation depth/index, frequency deviation and offset.
18-Jan-2002 | AN-No. 1EE13
All models of the receiver family ESXS are equipped with a remote-control interface to IEC 625-2 (IEEE 488.2). Via this bus almost all instrument settings can be effected, measurements triggered and test results read in by the PC.
18-Jan-2002 | AN-No. 1EE05
This application note provides a description of the Rohde & Schwarz Click Rate Analyzer software.In conjunction with the R&S®ESW and R&S®ESR EMI Test Receiver 4-channel operation is applicable. With R&S®ESU and R&S®ESCI EMI Test Receivers the Click Rate Analyzer software is limited to one channel. This software performs click rate analysis in accordance with CISPR 16-1-1 and CISPR 14-1 / EN 55014-1. It features realtime graphic display of the maximum peak and quasi-peak values. After the measurement, a test report can be displayed and printed.
15-Jan-2015 | AN-No. 1EE25
An ever-increasing requirement for data on mobile networks, driven by a myriad of applications from HD video on the move to autonomous vehicles and Industrial IOT, means a part of the new 5G network is to be deployed at mmWave frequencies, with a 26 GHz pioneer band defined for the UK between 24.25 - 27.5 GHz.This near 10-fold increase in frequency over 4G networks opens several challenges, both in the design and implementation of the required sub-components, network infrastructure and end user equipment, and in parallel in the test and measurement approaches used to drive these developments.In this presentation, we will introduce some of the main challenges in test and measurement of a device at these frequencies. We will then present the testing of a 26-28GHz pioneer band dual channel amplifier evaluation module using 5G NR test waveforms.
26-Nov-2018
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
Most of the tests specified in standard TS 34.121 [1] for 3GPP Rel-6 can be performed with R&S®CMU200. This document provides a step by step guide on how to perform Rel-6 measurements on transmitter characteristics and performance tests according to TS 34.121 V8.7.0 clauses 5 and 10 with stand-alone R&S®CMU200. Test cases that require additional instruments, e.g. fading generator (R&S®SMU200A or R&S®AMU200A) will be discussed in brief in this application note with recommended reference. A set of *.sav files based on R&S®CMU200 firmware V5.03 for UE supporting operating band I and power class 3 in RMC 12.2 kbps + HSPA is attached to this application note.
07-Oct-2009 | AN-No. 1CM73
Most of the tests specified in standard TS 34.121 [1] for 3GPP Rel-5 can be performed with R&S®CMU200. This document provides a step by step guide on how to perform Rel-5 measurements on transmitter characteristics, receiver characteristics and performance tests according to TS 34.121 V8.7.0 clauses 5, 6 and 9 with standalone R&S®CMU200. Test cases that require additional instruments, e.g. fading generator (R&S®SMU200A or R&S®AMU200A) will be discussed in brief in this application note with recommended reference. A set of *.sav files based on R&S®CMU200 firmware V5.03 for UE supporting operating band I with power class 3 in RMC 12.2 kbps + HSDPA is attached to this application note.
13-Oct-2009 | AN-No. 1CM72
Most of the tests specified in standard TS 34.121 for 3GPP Rel-99 can be performed with R&S®CMU200. This document provides a step by step guide on how to perform Rel-99 measurements on transmitter/receiver characteristics, and performance tests according to TS 34.121 V8.4.0 clauses 5, 6 and 7 with standalone R&S®CMU200. Test cases that require additional instuments e.g. fading simulator (R&S®SMU200A or R&S®AMU200A) or spectrum analyzer (R&S®FSQ) will be discussed in brief in this application note with recommended reference. A set of *.sav files based on R&SCMU200 firmware V5.02 for UE supporting band I with power class 3 in RMC 12.2 kbps downlink/uplink is attached to this application note.
15-Apr-2009 | AN-No. 1CM71
The purpose of the test setup described is to ensure or to enhance the level accuracy of signal generators or the generator part of communication testers. The level accuracy of test signals is particularly important at low levels when measuring BER level sensitivity at digital communication receivers. The highly linear FSP spectrum analyzer is used in combination with a power meter to get the best possible accuracy with high measurement speed over a very wide level range.
18-Feb-2011 | AN-No. 1MA21
For measurements of non-connectorized devices, test fixtures, probes or other structures are used to adapt from the coaxial interface of the test setup to the device under test (DUT). For accurate measurements of the DUT, these lead-ins and lead-outs need to be characterized, so that their effects can be mathematically removed, i.e. de-embedded from the measurement results.This application note provides practical hints to accurately characterize and de-embed these lead-in and lead-out structures with R&S Vector Network Analyzers ZNA, ZNB, ZNBT and ZND. As de-embedding is also essential in other test equipment like oscilloscopes, etc., this guide also describes, how lead-ins and lead-outs can be accurately characterized with a VNA and then exported as an S-Parameter file to be used by other test instruments.
19-Sep-2022 | AN-No. 1SL367
Air Traffic Control (ATC) radar, military Air Traffic Surveillance (ATS) radar and meteorological radar operate in S-Band frequency range. In fact 4G communication systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) make also use of these frequencies. Test and measurement of their coexistence is absolutely essential as performance degradation of mobile devices and networks and even malfunction of ATC radars has been proven.This application note describes LTE and S-Band radar coexistence test and measurement. It addresses LTE user equipment, base stations and S-Band radars and presents test solutions.
28-Mar-2014 | AN-No. 1MA211
Test time is a critical parameter when it comes to evaluating the cost of test.This application note describes typical spectrum analyzer measurements in production environments and discusses different approaches to speed them up.
17-Nov-2014 | AN-No. 1EF90
High throughput is the key production metric for efficient operation. Improving test speed helps reduce the cost per device. The R&S®PVT360A performance vector tester is optimized for high speed production tests.
12-Apr-2023
This Application Note describes measurements compliant with the cdma2000® base station standard described in 3GPP2 C.S0010 / TIA/EIA-97 / ARIB STD-T64-C.S0010.The primary focus is on solutions for generating and analyzing cdma2000® signals. The special characteristics that make the selected signal generators and signal analyzers eminently suitable for this purpose are detailed, and remote control programming is demonstrated by a free of charge program.
05-Sep-2003 | AN-No. 1MA61
Embedded power supplies combine traditional power supply components with multiple sensors, processing and control logic as well as digital communications interfaces. Test equipment for debugging requires isolated input channels for measurements of hazardous voltages. Additional digital channels support the analysis of digital signals, while trigger and decode capabilities are essential for time-correlated monitoring of serial protocol-based communications interfaces.
26-Apr-2016
This application note describes how to connect R&S® test and measurement products quickly and seamlessly to AWR® Visual System Simulator™ (VSS) via a GPIB or LAN interface. Using AWR® Connected™ customized for Rohde & Schwarz hardware and R&S® WinIQSIM2™ signal simulation software, the flexibility of digital radio standards is highlighted and its integration into VSS is demonstrated.
20-May-2010 | AN-No. 1MA174
Multiple antenna systems, known as MIMO systems, form an essential part of today’s wireless communications standards. This multi-antenna technology efficiently boosts the data throughput without requiring additional bandwidth, and has thus become a key technology. Rohde & Schwarz offers high-performance MIMO test solutions which provide static conditions without fading as well as simulation of complex fading scenarios.This application note explains how to set up 4x4 and 8x8 MIMO systems using the R&S®SMBV100A signal generator for measurements under static conditions without fading.For simulation of complex fading scenarios please refer to application note 1GP97.
10-Mar-2010 | AN-No. 1GP50
In high-speed digital measurement applications, test fixtures are commonly used to connect devices under test to measurement equipment. Characterization, and analysis in the time and frequency domains that accounts for various constraints helps to remove the influence of these fixtures.
23-May-2023 | AN-No. 1SL393
The R&S® ZVA-Z110 converters offered for the R&S® ZVA family enable network analysis in the W band (75 GHz to 110 GHz). In this Application Note, measurements with three or four converters will be discussed. Test configurations for such measurements have so far been implemented only with coaxial connector systems for a frequency range up to approx. 40 GHz. The term 'multiport measurements' was created for this type of measurements.
09-Oct-2007 | AN-No. 1EZ56
This application note reviews a new calibration subsystem which consists of Inline Calibration Units (ICUs). These ICUs are designed for in situ use, so they are left in place both during the calibration procedure and during the measurement of the Device Under Test (DUT).This adds versatility, convenience and accuracy to the VNA based measurement system, as it means the calibration can be refreshed at any time without manually disconnecting the DUT from the test system.
29-Sep-2017 | AN-No. 1EZ71