For cable TV, the "last mile" to the connection at the home is the bottleneck that prevents higher data rates. The last mile is made up of optical fiber and coaxial cables, amplifiers and electrical/optical converters. This mix of optical fiber and coaxial cables is known as a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network. One option for cable network providers to maximize both the downstream (DS) and upstream (US) data throughput using the existing cable TV network, but without making expensive changes to the HFC network infrastructure, is to employ the data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) 3.1.This Application Note discusses the fundamental technological advances of DOCSIS 3.1 and presents measurement solutions from Rohde & Schwarz.

02-Mar-2015 | AN-No. 7MH89

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

R&S®SITLine ETH protects against spionage and manipulation without decreasing throughput.

03-Mar-2015

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

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

This application note describes how to create and generate standard-conform IEEE 802.15.4 test signals with the Rohde & Schwarz Vector Signal Generators (VSG).

08-Jan-2016 | AN-No. 1GP105

The Rohde & Schwarz R&S®VTC and R&S®VTE video testers assess audio/video signals from the user's perspective (application testing). They are used to evaluate signal quality and to identify faults reliably. The tests are based on a difference analysis between the audio/video signal being tested and a reference signal. The required synchronization can be achieved by using a unique identifier, called a time code. This time code is inserted using the R&S®Time Code Inserter software described in this application note. This application note describes how time codes work and how to add a time code to any A/V file.

16-Apr-2013 | AN-No. 7BM84

The R&S®VTC/VTE video testers analyze and evaluate the quality of set-top boxes and TVs on the DUT’s A/V interfaces from a user perspective. They provide the necessary quality tests from Go/NoGo tests to long-term stability tests. The RF input signals required for the DUT are generated by the R&S®VTC/VTE.

04-Feb-2014

This document describes typical measurements that are required to be made on amplifiers and how the measurement can be implemented on the ZVB Vector Network Analyzer. The document describes the concepts and setups required to perform Gain, Isolation, input impedance measurements, then goes on to describe how more uncommon measurements are made with the ZVB like Harmonics, Stability Factor and compression point.

07-Feb-2007 | AN-No. 1EZ54

This document provides information on how to perform manual testing based on current R&S TA-TRS QuickStep V4.05 platform in order to adapt to the new released EN 303 345 for broadcast sound receivers. It serves as a bridged document before new standard software package released by R&S for upgrade.

14-Apr-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

Rohde & Schwarz signal generators can generate standard-compliant WLAN IEEE 802.11ac signals up to 160 MHz bandwidth with excellent EVM performance. This application note demonstrates the generator test solutions and explains step-by-step how to configure a test signal. Several measurements are presented to illustrate EVM performance.

26-Apr-2013 | AN-No. 1GP94

The advanced generation capabilities of the R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator simplify receiver testing up to 20 GHz by removing the need for multiple signal generators. This single-box solution brings the real world into your lab.

05-Aug-2014

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

The measurement of bit error rate (BER) is an important test procedure for determining the performance of a receiving terminal. This is especially important for set top box and chipset manufacturers who need to know if their product is able to meet the specification under a predefined noise condition. This Application Note describes the technique using an Rohde & Schwarz SFU to measure the BER of digital set top boxes.

19-Dec-2006 | AN-No. 7BM51

Signal generators are often used in automated test environment applications. The replacement of those instruments, e.g., due to malfunction or standard replacement procedures requires special care to be taken in consideration. Replacement of those instruments requires compabitiblity between the replacement and the replaced device in at least the electrical and remote-control features. This application note describes in detail how to use the emulation modes of the R&S® series SMA100A, SMB100A, SMF100A signal generators.

24-Jun-2008 | AN-No. 1GP71

Power converters with a full-bridge topology are frequently used in telecommunications and servers that need to be compact, efficient and cost sensitive, making them more complex. Switching patterns for all the main primary switches including synchronous rectifier switches need to be validated after the first protype is built. This complex validation requires proper measurement of switching patterns to prevent catastrophic switching patterns. Expertise and the right measurement tools are essential when identifying unexpected events in the converter switching process.

17-Jan-2024

The option R&S®EMC32-K84 extends the internal report generator to support the generation of a summary test report over all selected test cases done for a DUT. Additional the report is directly written to Microsoft®Word and thus can be easily combined with customer specific report templates.This Application Note shows all necessary steps on an example report to configure and execute the report generation.

23-Apr-2015 | AN-No. 1SP09

Most of today's electronic devices draw non‑sinusoidal current. This gives rise to harmonic currents injected back into the public supply system. These need to be checked on all devices with the CE marking.

12-Oct-2018

The R&S®SMW-K546 software option aids the optimum design of multiple path amplifiers, including Doherty Amplifiers.This application note provides guidance on the use of the software option, both for direct control and programming via the touchscreen, and for remote control using SCPI.The software and associated techniques may similarly be used to develop other quasi-linear, multi-path amplifiers; including Balanced, Anti-Phase (so-called Push-Pull), Distributed, Spatially Combined, Load Modulated Balanced and many more.

13-Jul-2020 | AN-No. GFM345

GTSL (Generic Test Software Library ) is part of the production test systems R&S TS7100/ TS7180, simplifies very much test programming with the CMU200 and can be used together with the ”Test Executive” TestStand ® from National Instruments. This application note shows how GTSL can be implemented outside a TestStand ® environment and describes the accompanying source code of a demo ”Test Executive” developed in Microsoft ® Visual C++.

02-Jul-2002 | AN-No. 1SC01

Radar equipment is always designed to work at the technologically feasible limits. Therefore the true performance of radar equipment can only be measured with the most accurate and reliable pulsed test signals. The R&S®SMA100B analog RF and microwave signal generator with its high-quality pulse modulator provides narrow pulse modulation. Thanks to a powerful closed-loop level control concept also for narrow pulses, outstanding level accuracy and repeatability is now available for pulse widths starting at 100 ns.

30-May-2017

Keeping an ATSC (or ATSC Mobile DTV) single-frequency network (SFN) running smoothly not only requires that every single TV transmitter functions properly – the RF performance criteria echo pattern and frequency deviation also have to be strictly complied with. The R&S®ETL TV analyzer enables operators to check these crucial RF parameters at a glance with unmatched precision. The patented implementation achieves an echo delay resolution of one nanosecond, which is nearly a hundred times higher than in conventional approaches. This allows more precise control and adjustments of the several transmitters within the ATSC (or ATSC Mobile DTV) SFN and thus helps to ensure excellent coverage for the receivers.

21-Apr-2010 | AN-No. 7BM75

Multiple antenna systems, known as MIMO systems, form an essential part of today’s wireless communications standards. The multi-antenna technology efficiently boosts the data throughput without requiring additional bandwidth or transmit power and has thus become a key technology. Rohde & Schwarz offers compact and versatile MIMO test solutions with realtime fading including simulation of channel correlations.This application note explains how to set up Rohde & Schwarz signal generators for 2x2, 4x2 and 2x4 MIMO tests with a focus on signal routing, synchronization of the generators, and leveling. Please note that there is a successor application note available: 1GP97. It explains how to use the R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator for testing higher order MIMO systems such as 3x3 and 4x4.

14-Oct-2009 | AN-No. 1GP51

CERTIUM VCS is a purely IP based communications infrastructure that can be used to address shelter scenario challenges.

14-Jun-2023

The required bandwidth span for power amplifiers is growing, driven by the latest 5G and satellite enhancements.Ideally, amplifiers support multiple bands. This makes wideband testing more essential than ever before.

19-May-2020

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

conducted conformance testing according to TS 38.141-1, 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 how all mandatory RF performance tests (TS 38.141-1, chapter 8), according to Release 16, can be performed quickly and conveniently with signal generators from Rohde & Schwarz by either choosing manual operation or a remote control approach.In Addition, a new Python software library comes with this application note to enable the remote control approach of base station testing. This example requires the RsInstrument module which can be found on pypi.org or installed via 'pip' and is provided as is.

24-Oct-2019 | AN-No. GFM315

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

The converters offered for the R&S®ZVA family extend the network analyzers' frequency range up to 325 GHz. This Application Note describes typical measurements on millimeter-wave mixers and millimeter-wave frontends. It also discusses a signal identification method that enables spurious measurements to be performed in the millimeter-wave range using an R&S®ZVA network analyzer in conjunction with a converter.

17-Nov-2008 | AN-No. 1EZ57