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
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. A single instrument, the R&S®ETL TV analyzer, performs all required ATSC transmitter measurements, from the initial acceptance testing for the transmitter, to measurements performed during commis-sioning and preventive maintenance.
13-May-2013 | AN-No. 7BM102
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. A single instrument, the R&S®ETL TV analyzer, performs all required ISDB-T transmitter measurements, from the initial acceptance testing for the transmitter, to measurements performed during commissioning and preventive maintenance.
13-May-2013 | AN-No. 7BM103
This application note shows how to perform Bluetooth transmitter measurements with the CMU200 in a reduced signaling mode, in which the protocol handshake between the Bluetooth Equipment Under Test, the EUT, and CMU200 is skipped. This additional CMU200 feature allows both more flexible and faster RF testing of Bluetooth modules. A step-by-step example with SMIQ demonstrates the principles and serves as a reference for integrating this method in user-specific test strategies.
04-Feb-2003 | AN-No. 1MA49
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. A single instrument, the R&S®ETL TV analyzer, performs all required DVB-T / DVB-H transmitter measurements, from the initial acceptance testing for the transmitter, to measurements performed during commissioning and preventive maintenance.
13-May-2013 | AN-No. 7BM101
Noise Power Ratio Signal Generation and Measurement
Noise Power Ratio (NPR) is an add-on tool for WinIQSIM™ to generate noise power ratio stimulus signals and measure the resulting noise power ratio of a device under test (DUT) using Rohde & Schwarz instruments via LAN or GPIB bus.
06-Nov-2015 | AN-No. 1MA29
3-Port Adapter ZVR-B8 is an optional accessory to all Vector Network Analyzers of the ZVR family, namely ZVRL, ZVRE, and ZVR, and extends the two test ports PORT1 and PORT2 to a total of three test ports PORT1, PORT2 and PORT3. The option comprises an electronic single-pole double-throw switch (SPDT) by means of which PORT1 of the analyzer is switched to either PORT1 or PORT3 of 3-Port Adapter. Test port PORT2 of the analyzer is directly connected to PORT2 of the 3-Port Adapter and is not switched over.
04-Aug-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ26
The following application note describes the function and operation of user menus for FSE Spectrum Analyzers including option Vector Signal Analysis (FSE-B7). For measurements according to the PCS 1900 standard user menus are provided, which perform settings on FSE for Base Station testing required in the standard. The menu and the accompanying setups are stored on a floppy disk. For operation of the menus firmware version 1.40 or higher is required. Option Vector Signal Analysis FSE-B7 has to be installed for the use of the application menu.
17-Jan-2002 | AN-No. 1EF24
The following application note describes the function and operation of user menus for FSE Spectrum Analyzers including option Vector Signal Analysis (FSE-B7). For measurements according to the GSM standard user menus are provided, which perform settings on FSE for Base Station testing required in the standard. The menu and the accompanying setups are stored on a floppy disk. For operation of the menus firmware version 1.40 or higher is required. Option Vector Signal Analysis FSE-B7 has to be installed for the use of the application menu.
16-Jan-2002 | AN-No. 1EF23
Rapid and accurate verification of beamforming weights is required for example, for codebook generation or beamforming algorithm development or verification. This document describes the unique application of Rohde & Schwarz VNA (Vector Network Analyzers) to fully characterize the passive part of multi-element antennas intended for beamforming.A range of R&S VNA models are optionally equipped with multiple independent sources, whose relative amplitude and phase may be arbitrarily controlled ("defined coherence mode"), in addition to frequency and true time delay. These sources may be connected to individual elements of a multi-element antenna to derive and verify transmit (Tx) mode beamsteering and beamforming operation.The R&S®ZVA in "Defined Coherence Mode" can electronically be switched to / from the conventional S-parameter mode. Therefore, Sparameter and beamforming measurements may be performed efficiently within a single connection cycle of the antenna.Multiple VNA may be daisy-chained, to extend the concept shown to support an arbitrary number of ports.The R&S®Quickstep sequencing software may be downloaded from:https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/software/quickstep/
20-Mar-2017 | AN-No. 1MA278
Propagation measurements are indispensable in the planning of digital, cellular mobile radio net-works. To find the optimum sites for the base stations, a mobile test transmitter system simulating the base station is operated from a number of possible locations. The test receiver system is accommodated in a vehicle, which is driven along a test route to perform measurements. The parameters measured, such as level, bit error rate or channel impulse response, provide information on the coverage within the cell. The main problem is to minimize interference caused by multipath propagation in the reception area. The SME offered by Rohde & Schwarz is a universal test generator that can be used as the core of a test transmitter system. The SME generates the GMSK-modulated signals required for GSM propagation measurements in line with the rele-vant standards. Thanks to its low weight of 17 kg it can be carried even to remote sites. Fitted with the new optional DM Memory Extension (SME-B12, in the following referred to as XMEM), the SME is able to store data sequences of up to 8 Mbit which are long enough for receiver measurements with test mobile stations. A suitable test receiver system is for instance a test mobile station for measuring level and bit error rate and the Impulse Response Analyzer PCS from Rohde & Schwarz for measuring the channel impulse response. The present Application Note describes how the XMEM can be loaded with suitable data (test sequence) by the GSM Radiocommunication Test Set CRTP from Rohde & Schwarz and how the SME has to be adjusted for GMSK modulation of these data. First, however, an overview is given of all functions of the XMEM and their operation supplementary to the Operating Manual. Finally, it is explained how the XMEM data can be transferred between PC and SME via the IEEE-488 or RS-232 interface.
01-Jul-1999 | AN-No. 1GPAN14
This application note shows how to determine the quality of a video streamed by an LTE mobile with R&S®CMW500 Radio Communication Tester and R&S®VTE Video Analyzer. The R&S®CMWrun Test Software with CMW-KT051 General Purpose and CMW-KT105 AV Difference Analysis option allows the user to easily automate these tests.
08-Sep-2014 | AN-No. 1MA253
This document describes Bluetooth Low Energy RF over-the-air RX and TX measurements using advertising channels for communication with Bluetooth Low Energy devices.With the R&S®CMW-KD611 software option, the R&S CMW tester is able to perform a large number of Bluetooth Low Energy RF tests without operating in the Direct Test Mode.The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Rohde & Schwarz is under license.
14-Dec-2020 | AN-No. 1C109
The R&S®SMW200A together with the R&S®FSW is a state of the art testing solution that significantly reduces the required hardware for testing power amplifiers with envelope tracking and/or digital pre-distortion. This application note introduces the test solution in detail and presents corresponding measurement examples.
25-Sep-2014 | AN-No. 1GP104
Communication systems according to IS-136 (NADC) use Time Division Multiplex Access (TDMA) for the communication between base station and mobile stations. There are 6 time slots available. Depending on the amount of data, which have to be transmitted, the system uses full rate channels or half rate channels. A full rate channel means, that the mobile is accessed every 3rd time slot (e.g time slot 1 and 3, time slot 2 and 4 or time slot 3 and 6). With half rate channels the mobile is accessed every 6th time slot. Full rate and half rate channels may be mixed on demand. The base stations transmit continous on their frequency. Depending on the used combination of full rate and half rate channels the base station uses a different sequence of synchronisation words. The mobile stations use bursted transmission with one of the synchronisation words S1 to S6 defined in the standard. Signal Generator SME is excellently suited to generate these signals to test either base station receivers or mobile phone receivers. Together with the modulation data supplied with this application note the SME serves as a signal source for various test and measurement applications in the whole frequency range of IS-136 (NADC).
01-Jul-1999 | AN-No. 1GPAN35
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a new short-range, standards-based wireless connectivity technology, that uses magnetic field induction to enable communication between electronic devices in close proximity. Based on RFID technology, NFC provides a medium for the identification protocols that validate secure data transfer. NFC enables users to perform intuitive, safe, contactless transactions, access digital content and connect electronic devices simply by touching or bringing devices into close proximity. This White Paper gives an overview of NFC uses, NFC technology and signals and RF measurements on NFC units. NFC analog measurements with R&S test instruments are described in detail in R&S application Note 1MA190 'Basic Tests of NFC Enabled Devices Using R&S Test Equipment'
03-Jun-2013 | AN-No. 1MA182
The R&S CMU300 combines high-precision Node B parameter tests with layer 1 signalling processes for the first time. Thus, you can now test Node Bs under more realistic conditions as it was possible with existing concepts. This document describes the new measurement functions and provides an overview of their applications.
10-Nov-2005 | AN-No. 1CM58
Unattended observation of spectrum occupancy for finding spurious emissions or seldom-occuring interferers is a common task for spectrum analyzers. Sometimes spectrum data has to be monitored over quite a long period of time. TraceRecorder, a small, free-of-charge software tool for storing measurement data from Rohde & Schwarz spectrum analyzers helps you to perform this measurement task. Running on a PC, it connects to the spectrum analyzer via a LAN interface. For stand alone operation, it is possible to run it directly on a spectrum analyzer, eliminating the need for an additonal computer during data acquisition.
08-Dec-2010 | AN-No. 1MA105
Testing the RF parameters of a WCDMA base station during the network rollout phase ensures subsequent trouble-free operation of networks as a basic prerequisite for general UMTS customer acceptance. This document describes a complete solution for testing the main transmission and reception parameters according to Specification 3GPP TS 25.141 FDD R99 on the basis of the R&S CMU300 Radio Communication Tester (RF measurements) and the NetHawk RNC/Iub Simulator (base station controller). The solution presented here is particularly recommended for installation measurements and regression tests on new UMTS system components.
15-Oct-2004 | AN-No. 1CM56
The topic of this application note is mobile phone measurements – in theory and in practice. It discusses measurements according to the most common standard in use today, GSM.The first, theoretical portion of this application note covers digital modulation and access methods in general. This is followed by an overview of the specific characteristics of the GSM standard as well as a summary of the most important mobile radio measurements.The second, practical portion of this application note covers some of these measurements in detail and runs through them step by step. These measurements can be performed by small groups in labs.The measurements and analysis of the results are intended to illustrate the theoretical portion of the application note and to deepen the reader's understanding.All measurements are performed using the R&S®CMW500 wideband radio communication tester and an off the shelf mobile phone.
22-Aug-2014 | AN-No. 1MA231
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
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
Most of the tests specified in the 3GPP standard TS 34.121 [1] Release 6 (Rel-6) can be performed with the R&S®CMW500. This document provides a step-by-step guide on how to use a stand-alone R&S®CMW500 to take Rel-6 measurements on transmitter characteristics and execute performance tests according to TS 34.121 V9.7.0, clauses 5 and 10. Test cases that require fading simulation can also be carried out with the aid of a standalone R&S®CMW500 that has been configured with a built-in fading simulator option. That greatly reduces test setup complexity. Furthermore, the R&S®CMW500's wizard enables easy configuration of the test setup for various HSUPA subtests as specified by TS34.121 [1]. The procedure detailing how the wizard is used is also explained for each test case. The test cases mentioned in this application note are carried out using Rel-6 user equipment (UE) that supports Operating Band I and Power Class 3.
27-Nov-2013 | AN-No. 1CM97
The compact R&S®CMA180 Radio Test Set allows straighforward tests on devices that use analog or digital modulation and demodulation formats. This application note focusses on the use of the digital radio capabilities for measurements on radio transceiving devices in terms of their functionality and parameter characterization. Also shown is how to use the instrument with the various software tools available from Rohde & Schwarz for creating and evaluating digitally modulated signals. Various software examples are provided as free download along this paper. This application note addresses readers who develop, produce or optimize digital radio transmitting and receiving devices or maintain analog radio communication equipment alongside those with digital modulation.
10-Feb-2017 | AN-No. 1MA277
From designing a test setup to performing accurate measurements
Double-Pulse testing is a standard test-method used in power electronics design. Accurate measurements require a careful design of the test setup and the selection of the right measurement instruments. This application note discusses important aspects of double-pulse test setups as well as how to perform accurate measurements.
22-Mar-2021 | AN-No. GFM347
For automated test applications, measurement time is often as important as the quality of the measurement. As with many situations, time is money. In practice, phase noise measurements are generally not considered fast, but test engineers still desire to save as much test time as possible. The Rohde & Schwarz®FSWP (FSWP) is a modern, digital signal processing based, phase-noise test set that performs many tasks in parallel in an effort to improve measurements speed. However, several measurement settings drastically affect measurement speed. This paper will discuss these settings and provide suggestions on improving overall measurement speed.The three key instrument parameters that affect FSWP measurement speed are:1. Number of cross correlations2. Resolution bandwidth (RBW)3. Offset frequency span
08-Oct-2020 | AN-No. GFM354
The Rohde & Schwarz CMU200 test set can be configured as a standalone Bluetooth test solution for production, R&D, service and QA use, and is the fastest signalling tester for Bluetooth test modes available. This document is intended as a guide to configuring the available measurements to achieve test scenarios very close to the relevant Bluetooth test specifications. BLUETOOTH is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Rohde & Schwarz under license.
06-Aug-2001 | AN-No. 1MA46
A whole series of measurements has to be carried out for drafting an acceptance test report for a VHF sound broadcasting transmitter in compliance with ARD Specifications 5/3.1 (= TL 5820-3018 of the Deutsche Bundespost). As in most cases parameters like transmitter output power, frequency stability, spurious modulation, etc. have to be measured in the two stereo channels of the transmitter separately and at different modulation frequencies and frequency deviation, manual-controlled measurements are very time-consuming. In addition, a great variety of test equipment eg AF generator, stereodecoder, level meter, etc. is required for the measurements. FMAB with option FMA-B4 (AM/FM Calibrator / AF Generator) is ideally suitable for these measurements on VHF sound broadcasting receivers. The internal AF generator provides the signals required for the left and the right stereo channel. The MPX signal from the VHF transmitter is decoded by the built-in stereodecoder. As a result many of the tests and measurements required for the acceptance of VHF sound broadcasting receivers can be carried out without any additional test equipment being required. To give an example, a test program running under the graphics user interface Microsoft Windows has been developed for carrying out automatic power and modulation measurements via a PC.
04-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1EF09
Electronic systems like electronic control units (ECU) must pass several stringent qualification tests in order to be approved for automotive use. These tests include a reverse polarity test which is specified as part of ISO 16750‑2. In line with the specification, the electronic module must withstand a negative supply voltage for a specific time without suffering any damage. The R&S®NGU401 source measurement unit (SMU) is ideal to perform this task, plus it provides automated testing capability.
23-May-2022
This application note describes how to configure a Rohde & Schwarz Network Analyzer to make spectral measurements directly on a device under test.
16-Mar-2012 | AN-No. 1EZ62
The Internet of Things (IoT) is considered the driving force of current and future wireless communications. In release 13, 3GPP has specified Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) as a new physical layer. This application note gives a short introduction to NB-IoT and shows the easy measurements with Rohde & Schwarz instruments.
30-Jun-2017 | AN-No. 1MA296