EuMW 2019: Rohde & Schwarz offer solutions galore

The updated R&S SMA100B analogue microwave signal generator is now capable of reaching a frequency of 67GHz and in overrange up to 72GHz while offering the purest analogue output signals, lowest single sideband phase noise and highest output power with extremely low harmonics at the same time.

This instrument enables the most demanding component, module and system T&M tasks.

At the exhibition, the low phase noise performance of the R&S SMA100B is measured with the R&S FSWP50 high-end phase noise analyser.

Amplifier tests for 5G NR in the mmWave range (FR2) will be demonstrated using different techniques to apply crest factor reduction and predistortion. The setup consists of an R&S FSVA3000 signal and spectrum analyser with an amplifier measurement option in combination with the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator for characterising amplifiers with any given stimulus.

The amplifier personality provides all results such as AM/AM conversion, gain compression and error vector magnitude (EVM) from a single measurement. The R&S FS-SNS smart noise source is used for noise figure and gain measurements.

The R&S ZNA is a new high-end vector network analyser (VNA) with a wide range of software features and a unique hardware concept, featuring touch-only operation and a DUT-centric approach. The large dynamic range of this solution facilitates quick measurements.

At EuMW 2019, Rohde & Schwarz will demonstrate different setups with the R&S ZNA, one for measuring a satellite downconverter and another one with Rohde & Schwarz mmWave converters for the 330 GHz range.

In the latter case, the frequency converters are mounted on plates on a rail, same as with on-wafer tests. The converters' waveguide flanges can be precisely and reproducibly positioned using the micrometre calipers of the MPI MP80 MicroPositioners.

Also featured is the R&S ZNBT40 vector network analyser, a true multiport vector network analyser with up to 24 integrated test ports and excellent measurement characteristics. The VNA setup covers the measurement of ICs for beamforming antennas for 5G NR applications, and also satellite communications and radar applications.

To address the crucial testing needs required to develop MIMO radar sensors for autonomous driving cars, Rohde & Schwarz is exhibiting a test solution at 77GHz with the R&S RTP high performance oscilloscope and a harmonic mixer. The R&S RTP provides four coherent channels to measure, for example, the phase difference between the different transmitters.

Among the instruments on display at the exhibition is a T&M solution for testing the robustness of automotive radar sensors to interferers. The R&S AREG100A automotive radar echo generator together with the R&S SMB100B RF signal generator form a simple and innovative solution for verifying today’s state-of-the-art and tomorrow’s most advanced radar sensors.

Wideband analysis with up to 5GHz bandwidth of frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar (FMCW) signals for automotive radar or A&D applications up to 77GHz will be performed using an R&S FSW85 signal and spectrum analyser, an R&S RTO2064 oscilloscope as a digitiser and an R&S SMW200A vector signal generator with an R&S SMZ90 frequency multiplier.

Over-the-air (OTA) characterization of passive and active RX/TX modules will be performed featuring the R&S ATS800R, a rack-based compact antenna test range (CATR) antenna test system for measuring error vector magnitude (EVM) and adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) in FR2.

Another setup shows thermal effects diagnosis between –40°C and +85°C in an RF OTA chamber, a crucial element of 5G device testing.

On display is the R&S ATS-TEMP temperature bubble that can be placed in the R&S ATS1000 antenna test system (not on display). This solution makes it possible for the first time ever to combine testing in an RF OTA chamber and climatic chamber testing into a single procedure.

Rohde & Schwarz will also exhibit its new solution for non-signalling device testing in the lab and production with an R&S CMP200 radio communication tester fitted with remote radio heads and using an R&S CMQ200 shielding cube. The combination of these instruments creates a fully integrated OTA test solution for 5G FR2 devices.