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
Vector network analyzers are the most accurate instruments in the microwave engineer’s lab. The R&S®ZNA takes accuracy to a new level. Not only is the instrument extremely precise, but now it also calculates and displays the measurement uncertainty right on the screen as the device under test is being measured.
19-Jul-2021
Testing global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers can be done easily, reliably and cost-efficiently by using the R&S®SMBV100A vector signal generator. This GNSS simulator can generate GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and BeiDou signals for up to 24 satellites in real time.This application note explains how to perform automated receiver tests using the R&S®SMBV100A. The presented tests include TTFF, sensitivity, and location accuracy measurements, moving receiver and interference tests, and many more. Basic remote control examples are provided for the individual tests to ease programming. This application note further includes a short guide for parsing NMEA data.
29-Jul-2014 | AN-No. 1GP86
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
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 associated with the Downlink Carrier Aggregation feature of the R&S®CMW500 wideband radio communication tester to perform LTE R10 receiver measurements according to this test specification.
09-Apr-2015 | AN-No. 1CM103
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 listeners. A single instrument, the R&S®ETL TV analyzer, performs all required DAB transmitter measurements, from the initial acceptance testing for the transmitter, to measurements performed during commissioning and preventive maintenance.
24-Jul-2013 | AN-No. 7BM104
This application note describes ho to test and perform measurements on AMPS phones both using the remote-control program CMUgo and manually at the CMU200.
07-Sep-2004 | AN-No. 1CM53
This application note describes how to test and perform a WLAN power measurement using the R&S CMU200 by means of remote-control or manual operation.
18-Oct-2005 | AN-No. 1CM55
Radar test systems are essential in research, development, production and maintenance of radar systems. Most radar tests are expensive to carry out in the field and have a complicated setup and operation. One of the main advantages of the Radar Echo Generator presented in this application note is its ability to generate arbitrary virtual radar echo signals in real time in the laboratory using only commercial measuring equipment. The Radar Echo Generator not only allows to reproduce the results and automate the tests, but also it significantly reduces the measurement effort and costs while providing greater utility for the existing common test equipment. This application note presents a solution for testing the complete radar system by generating any kind of radar echo signals with arbitrary range, Doppler frequency and Radar Cross Section. The Radar Echo Generator makes it possible to perform real time tests on many applications including aerospace & defense and commercial radar systems.
01-Aug-2016 | AN-No. 1MA283
This Application Note describes how to perform measurements on power amplifiers for TD-SCDMA base stations to specification TS 25.142 using Rohde & Schwarz generators, power meters and signal/spectrum analyzers. The TD-SCDMA application firmware for Rohde & Schwarz generators and analyzers as well as their outstanding performance facilitate efficient and rapid measurements.
31-Jul-2007 | AN-No. 1MA103
This application note is a systematic guide to help test engineers configure the Vector Network Analyzer in order to perform compliance test on Automotive Ethernet cables according to the Open Alliance TC9 standard.
13-Aug-2019 | AN-No. GFM323
This Application Note describes how to test and perform measurements on mobile phones in compliance with the GSM standard using the R&S®CMU200 by means of the remote-control program CMUgo or manual operation.
24-May-2005 | AN-No. 1CM57
Transformers are passive devices that are primarily used to convert or "transform" alternating current (AC) from one voltage level to another. One very common application of transformers is in AC to DC power supplies, in which mains voltage is stepped down before being rectified and filtered to produce DC. There are numerous other applications for transformers, such as providing electrical isolation or for impedance matching.This educational note provides a brief technical introduction to measurements made on the types of transformers used in electronics. These transformers are typically physically small, work on relatively low voltages or powers, and are used for “indoor” applications. Although many of the testing concepts described below also apply to the larger, higher-power "outdoor" transformers used for electrical power distribution, the specific tests and test procedures for these types of transformers are often specified by standards bodies such as the IEEE and may differ substantially from the types of measurements described here.Read this educational note and dive into the discussion about the six most important transformer measurements: turns ratio, mutual inductance, phase angle, primary and secondary inductance, leakage inductance, and interwinding capacitance.
28-Feb-2024
RF physical layer specifications (such as 3GPP TS36.104) describe a variety of requirements that the end equipment needs to meet. This application note provides insight into some of these specifications and how test & measurement equipment can simplify the task of deriving requirements for RF sub-systems.
10-Apr-2013 | AN-No. 1MA221
Using R&S®RTP high-performance oscilloscopes and R&S®VSE-K6A phased array measurement option
12-Jul-2021
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
DVB-T signal quality is determined by measuring the modulation error ratio (MER). However, a poor MER does not indicate its causes since different interference factors overlap at the transmitter when a signal is generated and transmitted. The R&S®ETL TV test receiver now has a unique new measurement capability that makes it possible to demonstrate to what extent the modulator's phase noise affects the MER.
13-Jul-2012
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
The automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards electrification. Precise measurement and analysis of electric drivetrains are vital to improved performance, efficiency and reliability. MXO oscilloscopes have become an essential test tool for these measurements, with real-time insight into voltage and current waveforms that let engineers and technicians explore the intricate mechanisms to improve drivetrain performance and efficiency.
12-Mar-2024
This document is divided in two parts and starts with an introduction in AC-DC conversion principles in general. It will present the most common circuits used for different power levels. The switching mode power supply (SMPS) converter will be the main focus as they are used everywhere in the electronics. Especially the flyback converter design in different flavors are highlighted. Nevertheless, all measurements are also applicable for other SMPS converter designs operating at higher power levels.In the second part of this document, most relevant testing methods and procedures of an AC-DC converter are highlighted. For each testing section, a fundamental part will be upfront discussed and it is followed by a presentation of a suitable measurement method. In this second part, the device under test (DUT) is considered as black box device and thus the structure is similar. Therefore, the testing parts consists of methods related to input tests, output tests and a combination of both like efficiency. Of course, some test performed at the output of the converter are also relevant for DC-DC converter, e.g. the validation of the output ripple.
14-Nov-2022 | AN-No. 1SL387
A special requirement for testing GSM components is to measure the electrical characteristics, such as the gain of a power amplifier, of the DUT under pulsed conditions. The test should be similar to real operating conditions for a mobile telephone.
28-Jul-1998 | AN-No. 1EZ42
The audio performance measurement solution for the R&S®CMW500 platform identifies audio and speech performance issues over a wireless connection.
26-Aug-2017
This application note describes how to test and perform (E)GPRS-related measurements on mobile phones in compliance with the GSM standard using the R&S CMU200 by means of remote-control or manual operation.
07-Sep-2004 | AN-No. 1CM52
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
Rohde & Schwarz signal generators and spectrum analyzers can be used to test IEEE 802.11ax stations in terms of uplink accuracy requirements. Measurements such as residual carrier frequency error and timing accuracy of HE TB PPDU transmissions are supported.
09-Nov-2017
This application note examines both the theory and practice of state-of-the-art spectrum analysis by discussing specific measurements taken on an integrated RF amplifier.The theoretical portion of this document first describes how modern spectrum analyzers are designed and how they work. That is followed by a brief characterization of today's signal generators, which are needed as a stimulus when performing amplifier measurements. The effects on the spectrum that are caused by the nonlinearity of real devices under test are derived mathematically.The practical portion of this application note contains detailed test and measurement tasks that are suitable for use as lab exercises performed in small groups. The purpose of these tasks is to illustrate the explanations provided in the theoretical section and to provide a deeper understanding of the principles explained there.
05-Mar-2013 | AN-No. 1MA201
The impedance of real-world passive components depends on frequency, signal level and DC bias. This has to be taken into account during circuit design. The R&S®LCX LCR meter is ideal for measuring these dependencies. The R&S®LCX sweep tool is an application program for conveniently performing such sweeps and displaying the results on charts.
17-Mar-2022
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
The amendment 802.11ad to the WLAN standard defines the MAC and PHY layers for very high throughput (VHT) in the 60 GHz range. This application note provides a brief examination of key 802.11ad parameters, describes the required measurements and test setups and contains several important recommendations for over-the-air (OTA) measurements.
17-May-2017 | AN-No. 1MA260
Being faced with a wide variety of standards and manufacturer’s specifications, test engineers may often find it difficult to keep track of necessary audio measurements. This is aggravated by the fact that modern audio analyzers offer a multitude of settings. This application note serves as an aid offering a collection of typical setups that make it possible to get started with measurements immediately. In addition, information is given on associated standards, on the adaptation of the setups to specific measurement tasks as well as on the evaluation of results.
04-Jun-1998 | AN-No. 1GA36
This application note explains how to perform LTE base station measurements over the air (OTA) using the R&S®FSH4/8/13/20 handheld spectrum analyzer. It describes the required measurement setup and explains the results obtained with the different measurement modes.
12-Sep-2013 | AN-No. 1EF87