Rohde&Schwarz FSW-K6 User Manual

R&S®FSW-K6/6S
Pulse Measurement Option
User Manual

(;×ëê2)

1173939202
Version 39

This manual applies to the following R&S®FSW models with firmware version 5.10 and later:

●

R&S®FSW8 (1331.5003K08 / 1312.8000K08)

●

R&S®FSW13 (1331.5003K13 / 1312.8000K13)

●

R&S®FSW26 (1331.5003K26 / 1312.8000K26)

●

R&S®FSW43 (1331.5003K43 / 1312.8000K43)

●

R&S®FSW50 (1331.5003K50 / 1312.8000K50)

●

R&S®FSW67 (1331.5003K67 / 1312.8000K67)

●

R&S®FSW85 (1331.5003K85 / 1312.8000K85)

This manual applies to the following R&S®FSW models with firmware version 3.20 and higher:

●

R&S®FSW8 (1312.8000K08)

●

R&S®FSW13 (1312.8000K13)

●

R&S®FSW26 (1312.8000K26)

●

R&S®FSW43 (1312.8000K43)

●

R&S®FSW50 (1312.8000K50)

●

R&S®FSW67 (1312.8000K67)

●

R&S®FSW85 (1312.8000K85)

The following firmware options are described:

●

R&S FSW-K6 (1313.1322K02)

●

R&S FSW-K6S (1325.3783K02)

© 2022 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Muehldorfstr. 15, 81671 Muenchen, Germany
Phone: [phone] - 0
Email: [e-mail]
Internet: www.rohde-schwarz.com
Subject to change – data without tolerance limits is not binding.
R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.
Trade names are trademarks of the owners.

1173.9392.02 | Version 39 | R&S®FSW-K6/6S

Throughout this manual, products from Rohde & Schwarz are indicated without the ® symbol, e.g. R&S®FSW is indicated as
R&S FSW.

R&S®FSW-K6/6S

1 Preface.................................................................................................. 11

1.1 Documentation overview............................................................................................11

1.1.1 Getting started manual.................................................................................................. 11

1.1.2 User manuals and help..................................................................................................11

1.1.3 Service manual............................................................................................................. 12

1.1.4 Instrument security procedures.....................................................................................12

1.1.5 Printed safety instructions............................................................................................. 12

1.1.6 Data sheets and brochures........................................................................................... 12

1.1.7 Release notes and open-source acknowledgment (OSA)............................................ 12

1.1.8 Application notes, application cards, white papers, etc.................................................12

1.2 About this manual.......................................................................................................13

Contents

Contents

1.3 Conventions used in the documentation..................................................................13

1.3.1 Typographical conventions............................................................................................13

1.3.2 Conventions for procedure descriptions........................................................................14

1.3.3 Notes on screenshots................................................................................................... 14

2 Welcome to the pulse measurements application............................15

2.1 Starting the pulse application....................................................................................15

2.2 Understanding the display information.................................................................... 16

3 Measurements and result displays.................................................... 19

3.1 Pulse parameters........................................................................................................ 19

3.1.1 Timing parameters........................................................................................................ 20

3.1.2 Power/amplitude parameters........................................................................................ 23

3.1.3 Frequency parameters.................................................................................................. 27

3.1.4 Phase parameters.........................................................................................................28

3.1.5 Envelope model (cardinal data points) parameters.......................................................29

3.1.6 Time sidelobe parameters.............................................................................................33

3.2 Evaluation methods for pulse measurements......................................................... 37

4 Measurement basics............................................................................53

4.1 Parameter definitions................................................................................................. 53

4.1.1 Amplitude droop............................................................................................................ 54

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4.1.2 Ripple............................................................................................................................ 54

4.1.3 Overshoot......................................................................................................................56

4.2 Pulse detection............................................................................................................57

4.3 Parameter spectrum calculation................................................................................59

4.4 Segmented data capturing......................................................................................... 62

4.5 Time sidelobe analysis............................................................................................... 65

4.5.1 Keep-out time................................................................................................................67

4.5.2 Pulse compression calculation......................................................................................68

4.5.3 Reference waveform..................................................................................................... 70

4.6 Basics on input from I/Q data files............................................................................ 71

4.7 Trace evaluation..........................................................................................................72

4.7.1 Trace statistics.............................................................................................................. 73

4.7.2 Normalizing traces........................................................................................................ 74

Contents

4.8 Pulse measurements in MSRA/MSRT mode.............................................................78

5 Configuration........................................................................................80

5.1 Configuration overview.............................................................................................. 80

5.2 Signal description....................................................................................................... 82

5.3 Reference signal description..................................................................................... 85

5.3.1 User-defined reference file............................................................................................86

5.3.2 Polynomial FM reference waveform..............................................................................88

5.3.3 (Embedded) barker reference waveform...................................................................... 90

5.4 Input and output settings........................................................................................... 92

5.4.1 Input source settings..................................................................................................... 92

5.4.1.1 Radio frequency input................................................................................................... 93

5.4.1.2 Settings for input from I/Q data files..............................................................................96

5.4.2 Output settings.............................................................................................................. 98

5.4.3 Digital I/Q output settings.............................................................................................. 99

5.4.4 Digital I/Q 40G output settings.................................................................................... 100

5.5 Frontend settings......................................................................................................102

5.5.1 Frequency settings......................................................................................................102

5.5.2 Amplitude settings.......................................................................................................104

5.6 Trigger settings......................................................................................................... 108

5.7 Data acquisition.........................................................................................................117

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5.8 Sweep settings.......................................................................................................... 120

5.9 Pulse detection..........................................................................................................123

5.10 Pulse measurement settings................................................................................... 125

5.10.1 Measurement levels.................................................................................................... 125

5.10.2 Measurement point..................................................................................................... 128

5.10.3 Measurement range.................................................................................................... 131

5.10.4 Time sidelobe range....................................................................................................132

5.11 Automatic settings....................................................................................................134

6 Analysis.............................................................................................. 136

6.1 Result configuration................................................................................................. 136

6.1.1 Pulse selection............................................................................................................ 136

6.1.2 Result range................................................................................................................137

Contents

6.1.3 Result range spectrum configuration.......................................................................... 139

6.1.4 Result range frequency configuration......................................................................... 140

6.1.5 Parameter configuration for result displays.................................................................140

6.1.5.1 Parameter distribution configuration........................................................................... 140

6.1.5.2 Parameter spectrum configuration.............................................................................. 142

6.1.5.3 Parameter trend configuration.....................................................................................144

6.1.6 Table configuration......................................................................................................147

6.1.6.1 Limit settings for table displays................................................................................... 148

6.1.7 Y-Scaling..................................................................................................................... 149

6.1.8 Units............................................................................................................................ 151

6.2 Display configuration............................................................................................... 152

6.3 Markers...................................................................................................................... 153

6.3.1 Individual marker settings........................................................................................... 153

6.3.2 General marker settings..............................................................................................156

6.3.3 Marker search settings................................................................................................158

6.3.4 Marker positioning functions....................................................................................... 159

6.4 Trace configuration...................................................................................................160

6.5 Trace / data export configuration............................................................................ 165

6.6 Export functions........................................................................................................166

6.7 Analysis in MSRA/MSRT mode................................................................................170

7 Export functions.................................................................................172

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8 How to perform measurements in the pulse application............... 176

8.1 How to perform a standard pulse measurement....................................................176

8.2 How to configure a limit check for a pulse measurement.....................................177

8.3 How to perform time sidelobe analysis.................................................................. 178

8.3.1 Creating a reference pulse waveform......................................................................... 178

8.3.2 Performing time sidelobe analysis.............................................................................. 181

8.4 How to export table data.......................................................................................... 183

9 Remote commands for pulse measurements................................. 185

9.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 186

9.1.1 Conventions used in descriptions............................................................................... 186

9.1.2 Long and short form.................................................................................................... 187

9.1.3 Numeric suffixes..........................................................................................................187

Contents

9.1.4 Optional keywords.......................................................................................................188

9.1.5 Alternative keywords................................................................................................... 188

9.1.6 SCPI parameters.........................................................................................................188

9.1.6.1 Numeric values........................................................................................................... 189

9.1.6.2 Boolean....................................................................................................................... 189

9.1.6.3 Character data............................................................................................................ 190

9.1.6.4 Character strings.........................................................................................................190

9.1.6.5 Block data................................................................................................................... 190

9.2 Common suffixes...................................................................................................... 191

9.3 Activating pulse measurements.............................................................................. 191

9.4 Signal description..................................................................................................... 195

9.5 Reference signal description................................................................................... 198

9.6 Input/output settings.................................................................................................202

9.6.1 RF input.......................................................................................................................202

9.6.2 Using external mixers..................................................................................................207

9.6.2.1 Basic settings.............................................................................................................. 207

9.6.2.2 Mixer settings.............................................................................................................. 209

9.6.2.3 Conversion loss table settings.................................................................................... 215

9.6.2.4 Programming example: working with an external mixer..............................................219

9.6.3 Configuring input via the optional Analog Baseband interface....................................221

9.6.4 Configuring digital I/Q input and output.......................................................................223

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9.6.5 Input from I/Q data files...............................................................................................227

9.6.6 Configuring the 2 GHz / 5 GHz bandwidth extension (R&S FSW-B2000/B5000).......230

9.6.7 Configuring the outputs............................................................................................... 235

9.6.8 Digital I/Q 40G streaming output commands.............................................................. 236

9.7 Frontend configuration.............................................................................................237

9.7.1 Frequency................................................................................................................... 237

9.7.2 Amplitude settings.......................................................................................................239

9.7.3 Configuring the attenuation......................................................................................... 242

9.8 Triggering measurements........................................................................................ 245

9.8.1 Configuring the triggering conditions...........................................................................245

9.8.2 Configuring the trigger output......................................................................................250

9.9 Segmented data capturing....................................................................................... 253

9.10 Data acquisition........................................................................................................ 254

Contents

9.11 Pulse detection..........................................................................................................257

9.12 Configuring the pulse measurement.......................................................................260

9.12.1 Measurement levels.................................................................................................... 261

9.12.2 Measurement point..................................................................................................... 263

9.12.3 Measurement range.................................................................................................... 266

9.12.4 Time sidelobe range....................................................................................................267

9.13 Configuring and performing sweeps...................................................................... 269

9.14 Configuring the results.............................................................................................275

9.14.1 Selecting the pulse......................................................................................................275

9.14.2 Defining the result range............................................................................................. 276

9.14.3 Configuring a parameter distribution........................................................................... 278

9.14.4 Configuring a parameter spectrum..............................................................................285

9.14.5 Configuring a pulse-pulse spectrum............................................................................292

9.14.6 Configuring a parameter trend.................................................................................... 295

9.14.7 Configuring a result range spectrum........................................................................... 317

9.14.8 Configuring the statistics and parameter tables.......................................................... 318

9.14.9 Configuring limit checks.............................................................................................. 340

9.14.10 Configuring the Y-Axis scaling and units..................................................................... 345

9.15 Configuring the result display................................................................................. 349

9.15.1 General window commands........................................................................................349

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9.15.2 Working with windows in the display...........................................................................350

9.16 Configuring standard traces.................................................................................... 357

9.17 Working with markers...............................................................................................362

9.17.1 Individual marker settings........................................................................................... 363

9.17.2 General marker settings..............................................................................................368

9.17.3 Positioning the marker................................................................................................ 370

9.17.3.1 Positioning normal markers.........................................................................................370

9.17.3.2 Positioning delta markers............................................................................................372

9.18 Configuring an analysis interval and line (MSRA mode only).............................. 375

9.19 Configuring an analysis interval and line (MSRT mode only).............................. 377

9.20 Retrieving results......................................................................................................379

9.20.1 Retrieving and storing trace data................................................................................ 379

9.20.2 Retrieving information on data segments....................................................................383

Contents

9.20.3 Retrieving information on detected pulses.................................................................. 386

9.20.4 Retrieving parameter results....................................................................................... 391

9.20.4.1 Retrieving power / amplitude parameters................................................................... 392

9.20.4.2 Retrieving timing parameters...................................................................................... 409

9.20.4.3 Retrieving frequency parameters................................................................................ 418

9.20.4.4 Retrieving phase parameters...................................................................................... 423

9.20.4.5 Retrieving envelope model parameters...................................................................... 428

9.20.4.6 Retrieving time sidelobe parameters...........................................................................442

9.20.5 Retrieving limit results................................................................................................. 450

9.20.6 Exporting trace results to an ASCII file....................................................................... 453

9.20.7 Exporting table results to an ASCII file........................................................................455

9.20.8 Exporting I/Q results to an iq-tar file............................................................................456

9.21 Retrieving marker results.........................................................................................458

9.22 Deprecated commands.............................................................................................459

9.23 Programming example: pulse measurement......................................................... 461

10 Troubleshooting: explanation of error messages...........................467

Annex.................................................................................................. 468

A Reference: ASCII file export format..................................................469

B Effects of large gauss filters.............................................................471

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C I/Q data file format (iq-tar)................................................................. 473

C.1 I/Q parameter XML file specification....................................................................... 474

C.1.1 Minimum data elements.............................................................................................. 474

C.1.2 Example...................................................................................................................... 476

C.2 I/Q data binary file..................................................................................................... 478

Contents

List of Commands (Pulse).................................................................481

Index....................................................................................................503

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Contents

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R&S®FSW-K6/6S

1 Preface

1.1 Documentation overview

1.1.1 Getting started manual

Preface

Documentation overview

This chapter provides safety-related information, an overview of the user documenta­tion and the conventions used in the documentation.

This section provides an overview of the R&S FSW user documentation. Unless speci­fied otherwise, you find the documents on the R&S FSW product page at:

www.rohde-schwarz.com/manual/FSW

Introduces the R&S FSW and describes how to set up and start working with the prod­uct. Includes basic operations, typical measurement examples, and general informa­tion, e.g. safety instructions, etc.

A printed version is delivered with the instrument. A PDF version is available for down­load on the Internet.

1.1.2 User manuals and help

Separate user manuals are provided for the base unit and the firmware applications:

●

Base unit manual
Contains the description of all instrument modes and functions. It also provides an
introduction to remote control, a complete description of the remote control com­mands with programming examples, and information on maintenance, instrument
interfaces and error messages. Includes the contents of the getting started manual.

●

Firmware application manual
Contains the description of the specific functions of a firmware application, includ­ing remote control commands. Basic information on operating the R&S FSW is not
included.

The contents of the user manuals are available as help in the R&S FSW. The help
offers quick, context-sensitive access to the complete information for the base unit and
the firmware applications.

All user manuals are also available for download or for immediate display on the Inter­net.

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R&S®FSW-K6/6S

1.1.3 Service manual

1.1.4 Instrument security procedures

1.1.5 Printed safety instructions

Preface

Documentation overview

Describes the performance test for checking the rated specifications, module replace­ment and repair, firmware update, troubleshooting and fault elimination, and contains
mechanical drawings and spare part lists.

The service manual is available for registered users on the global Rohde & Schwarz
information system (GLORIS):

https://gloris.rohde-schwarz.com

Deals with security issues when working with the R&S FSW in secure areas. It is avail­able for download on the Internet.

Provides safety information in many languages. The printed document is delivered with
the product.

1.1.6 Data sheets and brochures

The data sheet contains the technical specifications of the R&S FSW. It also lists the
firmware applications and their order numbers, and optional accessories.

The brochure provides an overview of the instrument and deals with the specific char­acteristics.

See www.rohde-schwarz.com/brochure-datasheet/FSW

1.1.7 Release notes and open-source acknowledgment (OSA)

The release notes list new features, improvements and known issues of the current
firmware version, and describe the firmware installation.

The open-source acknowledgment document provides verbatim license texts of the
used open source software.

See www.rohde-schwarz.com/firmware/FSW

1.1.8 Application notes, application cards, white papers, etc.

These documents deal with special applications or background information on particu­lar topics.

See www.rohde-schwarz.com/application/FSW

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R&S®FSW-K6/6S

1.2 About this manual

Preface

Conventions used in the documentation

This Pulse Measurements User Manual provides all the information specific to the
application. All general instrument functions and settings common to all applications
and operating modes are described in the main R&S FSW User Manual.

The main focus in this manual is on the measurement results and the tasks required to
obtain them. The following topics are included:

●

Welcome to the Pulse Measurements Application

Introduction to and getting familiar with the application

●

Measurements and Result Displays

Details on supported measurements and their result types

●

Measurement Basics

Background information on basic terms and principles in the context of the mea­surement

●

Configuration + Analysis

A concise description of all functions and settings available to configure measure­ments and analyze results with their corresponding remote control command

●

How to Perform Measurements in the Pulse Application

The basic procedure to perform each measurement and step-by-step instructions
for more complex tasks or alternative methods

●

Remote Commands for Pulse Measurements

Remote commands required to configure and perform Pulse measurements in a
remote environment, sorted by tasks
(Commands required to set up the environment or to perform common tasks on the
instrument are provided in the main R&S FSW User Manual)
Programming examples demonstrate the use of many commands and can usually
be executed directly for test purposes

●

List of remote commands

Alphabetical list of all remote commands described in the manual

●

Index

1.3 Conventions used in the documentation

1.3.1 Typographical conventions

The following text markers are used throughout this documentation:

Convention Description

"Graphical user interface ele­ments"

[Keys] Key and knob names are enclosed by square brackets.

All names of graphical user interface elements on the screen, such as
dialog boxes, menus, options, buttons, and softkeys are enclosed by
quotation marks.

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R&S®FSW-K6/6S

Preface

Conventions used in the documentation

Convention Description

Filenames, commands,
program code

Input Input to be entered by the user is displayed in italics.

Links Links that you can click are displayed in blue font.

"References" References to other parts of the documentation are enclosed by quota-

Filenames, commands, coding samples and screen output are distin­guished by their font.

tion marks.

1.3.2 Conventions for procedure descriptions

When operating the instrument, several alternative methods may be available to per­form the same task. In this case, the procedure using the touchscreen is described.
Any elements that can be activated by touching can also be clicked using an addition­ally connected mouse. The alternative procedure using the keys on the instrument or
the on-screen keyboard is only described if it deviates from the standard operating pro­cedures.

The term "select" may refer to any of the described methods, i.e. using a finger on the
touchscreen, a mouse pointer in the display, or a key on the instrument or on a key­board.

1.3.3 Notes on screenshots

When describing the functions of the product, we use sample screenshots. These
screenshots are meant to illustrate as many as possible of the provided functions and
possible interdependencies between parameters. The shown values may not represent
realistic usage scenarios.

The screenshots usually show a fully equipped product, that is: with all options instal­led. Thus, some functions shown in the screenshots may not be available in your par­ticular product configuration.

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R&S®FSW-K6/6S

2 Welcome to the pulse measurements appli-

Welcome to the pulse measurements application

Starting the pulse application

cation

The R&S FSW Pulse application is a firmware application that adds functionality to per­form measurements on pulsed signals to the R&S FSW.

The R&S FSW Pulse application provides measurement and analysis functions for
pulse signals frequently used in radar applications, for example.

The R&S FSW Pulse application (R&S FSW-K6) features:

●

Automated measurement of many pulse parameters including timing, amplitude,
frequency and phase parameters

●

Statistical analysis of pulse parameters

●

Analysis of "parameter trends" over time and frequency

●

Visualization of the dependency between parameters

●

Display of amplitude, frequency, phase and power spectrum measurement traces
for individual pulses

The additional option R&S FSW-K6S, which requires the R&S FSW-K6 option,
includes Time Sidelobe measurements with the following features:

●

Automated measurement of time sidelobe parameters

●

Measurement of correlation and frequency/phase error values with respect to an
arbitrary reference I/Q waveform

●

Display of correlated magnitude over the entire acquisition interval

●

Display of correlated magnitude, frequency error and phase error measurement
traces for individual pulses

This user manual contains a description of the functionality that the application pro­vides, including remote control operation.

Functions that are not discussed in this manual are the same as in the Spectrum appli­cation and are described in the R&S FSW User Manual. The latest version is available
for download at the product homepage:

http://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/FSW.html.

Installation

You can find detailed installation instructions in the R&S FSW Getting Started manual
or in the Release Notes.

2.1 Starting the pulse application

Pulse measurements require a separate application on the R&S FSW.

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R&S®FSW-K6/6S

Welcome to the pulse measurements application

Understanding the display information

Both the basic R&S FSW-K6 option and the additional R&S FSW-K6S option are inte­grated in the same Pulse application. However, some functions and result displays are
only available if both options are installed. This is indicated in the documentation.

To activate the R&S FSW Pulse application

1. Press the [MODE] key on the front panel of the R&S FSW.
A dialog box opens that contains all operating modes and applications currently

available on your R&S FSW.

2. Select the "Pulse" item.

The R&S FSW opens a new measurement channel for the R&S FSW Pulse appli­cation.

The measurement is started immediately with the default settings. It can be configured
in the Pulse "Overview" dialog box, which is displayed when you select the "Overview"
softkey from any menu (see Chapter 5.1, "Configuration overview", on page 80).

Multiple Measurement Channels and Sequencer Function

When you activate an application, a new measurement channel is created which deter­mines the measurement settings for that application. The same application can be acti­vated with different measurement settings by creating several channels for the same
application.

The number of channels that can be configured at the same time depends on the avail­able memory on the instrument.

Only one measurement can be performed at any time, namely the one in the currently
active channel. However, in order to perform the configured measurements consecu­tively, a Sequencer function is provided.

If activated, the measurements configured in the currently active channels are per­formed one after the other in the order of the tabs. The currently active measurement is
indicated by a
are updated in the tabs (including the "MultiView") as the measurements are per­formed. Sequential operation itself is independent of the currently displayed tab.

For details on the Sequencer function see the R&S FSW User Manual.

symbol in the tab label. The result displays of the individual channels

2.2 Understanding the display information

The following figure shows a measurement diagram during analyzer operation. All dif­ferent information areas are labeled. They are explained in more detail in the following
sections.

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R&S®FSW-K6/6S

Welcome to the pulse measurements application

Understanding the display information

1

2 3

4

5

6

1 = Channel bar for firmware and measurement settings
2+3 = Window title bar with diagram-specific (trace) information
4 = Diagram area
5 = Diagram footer with diagram-specific information, depending on measurement
6 = Instrument status bar with error messages, progress bar and date/time display

MSRA/MSRT operating mode

In MSRA/MSRT operating mode, additional tabs and elements are available. A colored
background of the screen behind the measurement channel tabs indicates that you are
in MSRA/MSRT operating mode.

For details on the MSRA operating mode, see the R&S FSW MSRA User Manual.
For details on the MSRT operating mode, see the R&S FSW Real-Time Spectrum

Application and MSRT Operating Mode User Manual.

Channel bar information

In the R&S FSW Pulse application, the R&S FSW shows the following settings:

Table 2-1: Information displayed in the channel bar in the R&S FSW Pulse application

Ref Level Reference level

Att *) RF attenuation

Freq *) Center frequency for the RF signal

Meas Time Measurement time (data acquisition time)

*) If the input source is an I/Q data file, most measurement settings related to data acquisition are not
known and thus not displayed.

(See Chapter 4.6, "Basics on input from I/Q data files", on page 71)

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R&S®FSW-K6/6S

Welcome to the pulse measurements application

Understanding the display information

Meas BW *) Measurement bandwidth

SRate Sample rate

SGL The sweep is set to single sweep mode.

*) If the input source is an I/Q data file, most measurement settings related to data acquisition are not
known and thus not displayed.

(See Chapter 4.6, "Basics on input from I/Q data files", on page 71)

In addition, the channel bar also displays information on instrument settings that affect
the measurement results even though this is not immediately apparent from the display
of the measured values (e.g. transducer or trigger settings). This information is dis­played only when applicable for the current measurement. For details see the
R&S FSW Getting Started manual.

Window title bar information

For each diagram, the header provides the following information:

Figure 2-1: Window title bar information in the R&S FSW Pulse application

1 = Window number
2 = Window type
3 = Trace color
4 = Trace number
6 = Trace mode

Diagram footer information

The diagram footer (beneath the diagram) contains the start and stop values for the
displayed time range.

Status bar information

Global instrument settings, the instrument status and any irregularities are indicated in
the status bar beneath the diagram. Furthermore, the progress of the current operation
is displayed in the status bar.

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3 Measurements and result displays

Measurements and result displays

Pulse parameters

During a pulse measurement, I/Q data from the input signal is captured for a specified
time or for a specified record length. Pulses are detected from the signal according to
specified thresholds and user-defined criteria. The measured signal is then compared
with the ideal signal described by the user and any deviations are recorded. The
defined range of measured data is then evaluated to determine characteristic pulse
parameters. These parameters can either be displayed as traces, in a table, or be eval­uated statistically over a series of measurements.

Measurement range vs. result range vs. detection range

The measurement range defines which part of an individual pulse is measured (for
example for frequency deviation), whereas the result range determines which data is
displayed on the screen in the form of amplitude, frequency or phase vs. time traces.

The detection range (if enabled) determines which part of the capture buffer is ana­lyzed. The pulse numbers in the result displays are always relative to the current
detection range, that is: pulse number 1 is the first pulse within the detection range in
the capture buffer. If disabled (default), the entire capture buffer is used as the detec­tion range. See also "Detection range" on page 58.

Time sidelobe range

If the additional option R&S FSW-K6S is installed, the sidelobes are analyzed in addi­tion to the pulses themselves. The time sidelobe range defines which part of the sig­nal (in relation to the pulse) is analyzed.

As a result of sidelobe vs. time measurements, additional result displays are available.
Furthermore, characteristic sidelobe parameters are added to the pulse result tables.
Result displays that require the additional option R&S FSW-K6S are indicated by an
asterisk (*) in the following descriptions.

Exporting Table Results to an ASCII File

Measurement result tables can be exported to an ASCII file for further evaluation in
other (external) applications.

For step-by-step instructions on how to export a table, see Chapter 8.4, "How to export

table data", on page 183.

● Pulse parameters....................................................................................................19

● Evaluation methods for pulse measurements.........................................................37

3.1 Pulse parameters

The pulse parameters to be measured are based primarily on the IEEE 181 Standard
181-2003. For detailed descriptions refer to the standard documentation ("IEEE Stan­dard on Transitions, Pulses, and Related Waveforms", from the IEEE Instrumentation
and Measurement (I&M) Society, 7 July 2003).

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Measurements and result displays

Pulse parameters

The following graphic illustrates the main pulse parameters and characteristic values.
(For a definition of the values used to determine the measured pulse parameters see

Chapter 4.1, "Parameter definitions", on page 53.)

Figure 3-1: Definition of the main pulse parameters and characteristic values

In order to obtain these results, select the corresponding parameter in the result config­uration (see Chapter 6.1, "Result configuration", on page 136) or apply the required
SCPI parameter to the remote command (see Chapter 9.14, "Configuring the results",
on page 275 and Chapter 9.20, "Retrieving results", on page 379).

● Timing parameters.................................................................................................. 20

● Power/amplitude parameters.................................................................................. 23

● Frequency parameters............................................................................................27

● Phase parameters...................................................................................................28

● Envelope model (cardinal data points) parameters.................................................29

● Time sidelobe parameters.......................................................................................33

3.1.1 Timing parameters

The following timing parameters can be determined by the R&S FSW Pulse applica­tion.

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Measurements and result displays

Pulse parameters

Timestamp.....................................................................................................................21

Settling Time................................................................................................................. 21

Rise Time......................................................................................................................21

Fall Time........................................................................................................................22

Pulse Width (ON Time)................................................................................................. 22

Off Time.........................................................................................................................22

Duty Ratio..................................................................................................................... 22

Duty Cycle (%).............................................................................................................. 22

Pulse Repetition Interval............................................................................................... 23

Pulse Repetition Frequency (Hz).................................................................................. 23

Timestamp

The time stamp uniquely identifies each pulse in the capture buffer. It is defined as the
time from the capture start point to the beginning of the pulse period of the current
pulse. (As opposed to the pulse number, which is always relative to the start of the
detection range, see also "Detection range" on page 58).

Depending on the user-specified definition of the pulse period, the period begins with
the mid-level crossing of the current pulse's rising edge (period: high-to-low) or the
mid-level crossing of the previous pulse's falling edge (period low-to-high). See also

"Pulse Period" on page 83.

Note: For external triggers, the trigger point within the sample (TPIS) is considered in
the timestamp (see TRACe:IQ:TPISample? on page 391).

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:TSTamp? on page 417
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:TSTamp on page 337
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:TSTamp:LIMit? on page 452

Settling Time

The difference between the time at which the pulse exceeds the mid threshold on the
rising edge to the point where the pulse waveform remains within the pulse boundary
(ON Inner/ ON Outer)

See Figure 3-1
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:SETTling? on page 416
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:SETTling on page 336
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:SETTling:LIMit? on page 452

Rise Time

The time required for the pulse to transition from the base to the top level. This is the
difference between the time at which the pulse exceeds the lower and upper thresh­olds.

See Figure 3-1
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:RISE? on page 416
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:RISE on page 336
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:RISE:LIMit? on page 452

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Pulse parameters

Fall Time

The time required for the pulse to transition from the top to the base level. This is the
difference between the time at which the pulse drops below the upper and lower
thresholds.

See Figure 3-1
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:FALL? on page 412
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:FALL on page 335
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:FALL:LIMit? on page 452

Pulse Width (ON Time)

The time that the pulse remains at the top level ("ON"). This is the time between the
first positive edge and the subsequent negative edge of the pulse in seconds, where
the edges occur at crossings of the mid threshold.

See Figure 3-1
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:PWIDth? on page 415
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:PWIDth on page 336
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:PWIDth:LIMit? on page 452

Off Time

The time that the pulse remains at the base level ("OFF"). This is the time between the
first negative edge and the subsequent positive edge of the pulse in seconds, where
the edges occur at crossings of the mid threshold.

See Figure 3-1
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:OFF? on page 412
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:OFF on page 335
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:OFF:LIMit? on page 452

Duty Ratio

The ratio of the "Pulse Width" to "Pulse Repetition Interval" expressed as a value
between 0 and 1 (requires at least two measured pulses)

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:DRATio? on page 411
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:DRATio on page 335
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:DRATio:LIMit? on page 452

Duty Cycle (%)

The ratio of the "Pulse Width" to "Pulse Repetition Interval" expressed as a percentage
(requires at least two measured pulses)

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:DCYCle? on page 410
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:DCYCle on page 334
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:DCYCle:LIMit? on page 452

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Measurements and result displays

Pulse parameters

Pulse Repetition Interval

The time between two consecutive edges of the same polarity in seconds (requires at
least two measured pulses). The user-specified definition of the pulse period
(see"Pulse Period" on page 83) determines whether this value is calculated from con­secutive rising or falling edges.

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:PRI? on page 414
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:PRI on page 336
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:PRI:LIMit? on page 452

Pulse Repetition Frequency (Hz)

The frequency of occurrence of pulses, i.e. inverse of the "Pulse Repetition Interval"
(requires at least two measured pulses)

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:PRF? on page 413
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:PRF on page 335
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:PRF:LIMit? on page 452

3.1.2 Power/amplitude parameters

The following power/amplitude parameters can be determined by the R&S FSW Pulse
application.

Top Power..................................................................................................................... 23

Base Power...................................................................................................................24

Pulse Amplitude............................................................................................................ 24

In-Phase Amplitude/Quadrature Amplitude...................................................................24

Average ON Power....................................................................................................... 24

Average Tx Power.........................................................................................................24

Minimum Power............................................................................................................ 25

Peak Power...................................................................................................................25

Peak-to-Avg ON Power Ratio........................................................................................25

Peak-to-Average Tx Power Ratio..................................................................................25

Peak-to-Min Power Ratio.............................................................................................. 25

Droop............................................................................................................................ 25

Ripple............................................................................................................................26

Overshoot......................................................................................................................26

Power (at Point)............................................................................................................ 26

Pulse-to-Pulse Power Ratio.......................................................................................... 27

Top Power

The median pulse ON power. The value of this parameter is used as a reference
(100%) to determine other parameter values such as the rising / falling thresholds. Var­ious algorithms are provided to determine the top power (see "Measurement Algo-

rithm" on page 127).

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Measurements and result displays

Pulse parameters

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:TOP? on page 408
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:TOP on page 334
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:TOP:LIMit? on page 452

Base Power

The median pulse OFF power. The value of this parameter is used as a reference (0%)
to determine other parameter values such as the rising / falling thresholds.

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:BASE? on page 398
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:BASE on page 330
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:BASE:LIMit? on page 451

Pulse Amplitude

The difference between the "Top Power" and the "Base Power", calculated in linear
power units (W). This value determines the 100% power range (amplitude). This value
is converted to dBm for the "Pulse Results" table.

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude? on page 395
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:AMPLitude on page 329
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude:LIMit? on page 451

In-Phase Amplitude/Quadrature Amplitude

The pulse in-phase or quadrature amplitude as a voltage, measured at the measure­ment point of the pulse (see Chapter 5.10.2, "Measurement point", on page 128). Val­ues range from -10 mV to +10 mV.

Remote command:
Querying results:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude:I? on page 396
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude:Q? on page 397

Including results in result summary table:

CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:AMPLitude:I on page 330
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:AMPLitude:Q on page 330

Querying limit check results:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude:I:LIMit? on page 451
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude:Q:LIMit? on page 451

Average ON Power

The average power during the pulse ON time
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:ON? on page 401
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:ON on page 331
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:ON:LIMit? on page 451

Average Tx Power

The average transmission power over the entire pulse ON + OFF time

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Measurements and result displays

Pulse parameters

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AVG? on page 398
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:AVG on page 330
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AVG:LIMit? on page 451

Minimum Power

The minimum power over the entire pulse ON + OFF time
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:MIN? on page 400
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:MIN on page 331
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:MIN:LIMit? on page 451

Peak Power

The maximum power over the entire pulse ON + OFF time
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:MAX? on page 399
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:MAX on page 331
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:MAX:LIMit? on page 451

Peak-to-Avg ON Power Ratio
The ratio of maximum to average power over the pulse ON time (also known as crest
factor)

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PON? on page 405
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:PON on page 333
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PON:LIMit? on page 451

Peak-to-Average Tx Power Ratio

The ratio of maximum to average power over the entire pulse ON + OFF interval.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PAVG? on page 403
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:PAVG on page 332
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PAVG:LIMit? on page 451

Peak-to-Min Power Ratio

The ratio of maximum to minimum power over the entire pulse ON + OFF time
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PMIN? on page 404
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:PMIN on page 332
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PMIN:LIMit? on page 451

Droop

The rate at which the pulse top level decays, calculated as the difference between the
power at the beginning of the pulse ON time and the power at the end of the pulse ON
time, divided by the pulse amplitude.

Droop values are only calculated if Pulse Has Droop is set to "On" (default ).
For more information see Chapter 4.1.1, "Amplitude droop", on page 54

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Pulse parameters

Note: The percentage ratio values are calculated in %V if the "Measurement Level" is
defined in V (see "Reference Level Unit" on page 127), otherwise in %W.

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:ADRoop:DB? on page 394
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:ADRoop[:PERCent]? on page 395
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:ADRoop:DB on page 328
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:ADRoop[:PERCent] on page 329
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:ADRoop:DB:LIMit? on page 451
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:ADRoop[:PERCent]:LIMit? on page 451

Ripple

The ripple is calculated as the difference between the maximum and minimum devia­tion from the pulse top reference, within a user specified interval.

For more information see Chapter 4.1.2, "Ripple", on page 54
Note: The percentage ratio values are calculated in %V if the "Measurement Level" is

defined in V (see "Reference Level Unit" on page 127), otherwise in %W.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:RIPPle:DB? on page 407
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:RIPPle[:PERCent]? on page 408
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:RIPPle:DB on page 333
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:RIPPle[:PERCent] on page 334
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:RIPPle:DB:LIMit? on page 451
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:RIPPle[:PERCent]:LIMit? on page 451

Overshoot

The height of the local maximum after a rising edge, divided by the pulse amplitude.
For more information see Chapter 4.1.3, "Overshoot", on page 56.
Note: The percentage ratio values are calculated in %V if the "Measurement Level" is

defined in V (see "Reference Level Unit" on page 127), otherwise in %W.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:OVERshoot:DB? on page 401
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:OVERshoot[:PERCent]? on page 402
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:OVERshoot:DB on page 331
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:OVERshoot[:PERCent] on page 332
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:OVERshoot:DB:LIMit? on page 451
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:OVERshoot[:PERCent]:LIMit? on page 451

Power (at Point)

The power measured at the pulse "measurement point" specified by the Measurement

Point Reference and the "Offset" on page 130

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:POINt? on page 405
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:POINt on page 332
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:POINt:LIMit? on page 451

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3.1.3 Frequency parameters

Measurements and result displays

Pulse parameters

Pulse-to-Pulse Power Ratio

The ratio of the "Power" values from the first measured pulse to the current pulse.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PPRatio? on page 406
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:PPRatio on page 333
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PPRatio:LIMit? on page 451

The following frequency parameters can be determined by the R&S FSW Pulse appli­cation.

Frequency..................................................................................................................... 27

Pulse-Pulse Frequency Difference................................................................................27

Frequency Error (RMS).................................................................................................27

Frequency Error (Peak).................................................................................................27

Frequency Deviation..................................................................................................... 28

Chirp Rate.....................................................................................................................28

Frequency

Frequency of the pulse measured at the defined Measurement point
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:POINt? on page 421
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:FREQuency:POINt on page 326
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:POINt:LIMit? on page 451

Pulse-Pulse Frequency Difference

Difference in frequency between the first measured pulse and the currently measured
pulse

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:PPFRequency? on page 422
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:FREQuency:PPFRequency on page 326
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:PPFRequency:LIMit? on page 451

Frequency Error (RMS)

The RMS frequency error of the currently measured pulse. The error is calculated rela­tive to the given pulse modulation. It is not calculated at all for modulation type "Arbi­trary". The error is calculated over the Measurement range.

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:RERRor? on page 422
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:FREQuency:RERRor on page 327
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:RERRor:LIMit? on page 451

Frequency Error (Peak)

The peak frequency error of the currently measured pulse. The error is calculated rela­tive to the given pulse modulation. It is not calculated at all for modulation type "Arbi­trary". The error is calculated over the Measurement range.

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Pulse parameters

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:PERRor? on page 420
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:FREQuency:PERRor on page 326
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:PERRor:LIMit? on page 451

Frequency Deviation

The frequency deviation of the currently measured pulse. The deviation is calculated
as the absolute difference between the maximum and minimum frequency values
within the Measurement range.

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:DEViation? on page 419
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:FREQuency:DEViation on page 326
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:DEViation:LIMit? on page 451

Chirp Rate

A known frequency chirp rate (per μs) to be used for generating an ideal pulse wave­form.

Note: a chirp rate is only available for the Pulse Modulation type "Linear FM".
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:CRATe? on page 419
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:FREQuency:CRATe on page 325
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:CRATe:LIMit? on page 451

3.1.4 Phase parameters

The following phase parameters can be determined by the R&S FSW Pulse applica­tion.

Phase............................................................................................................................28

Pulse-Pulse Phase Difference.......................................................................................28

Phase Error (RMS)........................................................................................................29

Phase Error (Peak)....................................................................................................... 29

Phase Deviation............................................................................................................29

Phase

Phase of the pulse measured at the defined Measurement point
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:POINt? on page 425
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:PHASe:POINt on page 328
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:POINt:LIMit? on page 451

Pulse-Pulse Phase Difference

Difference in phase between the first measured pulse and the currently measured
pulse

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Measurements and result displays

Pulse parameters

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:PPPHase? on page 426
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:PHASe:PPPHase on page 328
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:PPPHase:LIMit? on page 451

Phase Error (RMS)

The RMS phase error of the currently measured pulse. The error is calculated relative
to the given pulse modulation. It is not calculated at all for the Pulse Modulation type
"Arbitrary". The error is calculated over the Measurement range.

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:RERRor? on page 427
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:PHASe:RERRor on page 328
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:RERRor:LIMit? on page 451

Phase Error (Peak)

The peak phase error of the currently measured pulse. The error is calculated relative
to the given pulse modulation. It is not calculated at all for the Pulse Modulation type
"Arbitrary". The error is calculated over the Measurement range.

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:PERRor? on page 425
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:PHASe:PERRor on page 327
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:PERRor:LIMit? on page 451

Phase Deviation

The phase deviation of the currently measured pulse. The deviation is calculated as
the absolute difference between the maximum and minimum phase values within the

Measurement range.

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:DEViation? on page 424
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:PHASe:DEViation on page 327
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:DEViation:LIMit? on page 451

3.1.5 Envelope model (cardinal data points) parameters

The pulse envelope model has the shape of a trapezoid of amplitude (V) versus time
(s) values. This model allows for a finite rise and fall time, as well as an amplitude
droop across the top of the pulse. During measurement of each pulse, the points of this
trapezoidal model are determined as the basis for further measurements. For example,
the rise and fall time amplitude thresholds or the "pulse top" duration are determined
from the parameters of the envelope model.

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Pulse parameters

Figure 3-2: Envelope model parameters

Each of these parameters has a time and an amplitude value. The time values are rel­ative to the pulse timestamp and displayed in seconds. The amplitude values are dis­played as power in dBm units.

You configure the desired high, mid and low thresholds for the rise and fall slopes rela­tive to the base (0%) and top (100%) levels. See Chapter 5.10.1, "Measurement lev-

els", on page 125.

The power value of the rise base point and the fall base point is assumed to be equal
and is defined by the "Base Power" parameter found in the "Amplitude Parameters"
group of the table configuration (see "Base Power" on page 24).

Rise Base Point Time....................................................................................................30

Rise Low Point Time..................................................................................................... 31

Rise Mid Point Time......................................................................................................31

Rise High Point Time.....................................................................................................31

Rise Top Point Time......................................................................................................31

Rise Low Point Level.....................................................................................................31

Rise Mid Point Level..................................................................................................... 31

Rise High Point Level....................................................................................................32

Rise Top Point Level..................................................................................................... 32

Fall Base Point Time.....................................................................................................32

Fall Low Point Time.......................................................................................................32

Fall Mid Point Time........................................................................................................32

Fall High Point Time......................................................................................................32

Fall Top Point Time........................................................................................................32

Fall Low Point Level......................................................................................................33

Fall Mid Point Level.......................................................................................................33

Fall High Point Level..................................................................................................... 33

Fall Top Point Level.......................................................................................................33

Rise Base Point Time

The time the amplitude starts rising above 0 %.

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Measurements and result displays

Pulse parameters

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RBPTime? on page 436
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RBPTime on page 323
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RBPTime:LIMit? on page 451

Rise Low Point Time

The time the amplitude reaches the Low (Proximal) Threshold in the rising edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RLPTime? on page 438
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RLPTime on page 324
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RLPTime:LIMit? on page 451

Rise Mid Point Time

The time the amplitude reaches the Mid (Mesial) Threshold in the rising edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RMPTime? on page 440
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RMPTime on page 324
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RMPTime:LIMit? on page 451

Rise High Point Time

The time the amplitude reaches the High (Distal) Threshold in the rising edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RHPTime? on page 437
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RHPTime on page 323
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RHPTime:LIMit? on page 451

Rise Top Point Time

The time the amplitude reaches the 100 % level in the rising edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RTPTime? on page 441
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RTPTime on page 325
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RTPTime:LIMit? on page 451

Rise Low Point Level

The amplitude of the Low (Proximal) Threshold in the rising edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RLPLevel? on page 438
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RLPLevel on page 323
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RLPLevel:LIMit? on page 451

Rise Mid Point Level

The amplitude of the Mid (Mesial) Threshold in the rising edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RMPLevel? on page 439
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RMPLevel on page 324
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RMPLevel:LIMit? on page 451

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Measurements and result displays

Pulse parameters

Rise High Point Level

The amplitude of the High (Distal) Threshold in the rising edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RHPLevel? on page 436
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RHPLevel on page 323
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RHPLevel:LIMit? on page 451

Rise Top Point Level

The amplitude at 100 % in the rising edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RTPLevel? on page 440
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RTPLevel on page 324
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RTPLevel:LIMit? on page 451

Fall Base Point Time

The time the amplitude reaches 0 % on the falling edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FBPTime? on page 430
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FBPTime on page 320
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FBPTime:LIMit? on page 451

Fall Low Point Time

The time the amplitude reaches the Low (Proximal) Threshold in the falling edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FLPTime? on page 432
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FLPTime on page 321
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FLPTime:LIMit? on page 451

Fall Mid Point Time

The time the amplitude reaches the Mid (Mesial) Threshold in the falling edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FMPTime? on page 434
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FMPTime on page 322
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FMPTime:LIMit? on page 451

Fall High Point Time

The time the amplitude reaches the High (Distal) Threshold in the falling edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FHPTime? on page 431
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FHPTime on page 321
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FHPTime:LIMit? on page 451

Fall Top Point Time

The time the amplitude falls below the 100 % level in the falling edge.

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Pulse parameters

Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FTPTime? on page 435
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FTPTime on page 322
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FTPTime:LIMit? on page 451

Fall Low Point Level

The amplitude of the Low (Proximal) Threshold in the falling edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FLPLevel? on page 432
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FLPLevel on page 321
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FLPLevel:LIMit? on page 451

Fall Mid Point Level

The amplitude of the Mid (Mesial) Threshold in the falling edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FMPLevel? on page 433
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FMPLevel on page 322
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FMPLevel:LIMit? on page 451

Fall High Point Level

The amplitude of the High (Distal) Threshold in the falling edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FHPLevel? on page 430
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FHPLevel on page 320
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FHPLevel:LIMit? on page 451

Fall Top Point Level

The amplitude at 100 % in the falling edge.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FTPLevel? on page 434
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FTPLevel on page 322
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FTPLevel:LIMit? on page 451

3.1.6 Time sidelobe parameters

The following graphics illustrate how some of the time sidelobe parameters are deter­mined.

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Pulse parameters

The following phase parameters can be determined by the R&S FSW Pulse application
if the additional R&S FSW-K6S option is installed.

Peak to Sidelobe Level................................................................................................. 34

Integrated Sidelobe Level............................................................................................. 35

Mainlobe 3 dB Width.....................................................................................................35

Sidelobe Delay..............................................................................................................35

Compression Ratio........................................................................................................35

Mainlobe Power (Integrated).........................................................................................36

Mainlobe Power (Average)............................................................................................36

Peak Correlation........................................................................................................... 36

Mainlobe Phase............................................................................................................ 36

Mainlobe Frequency......................................................................................................37

Peak to Sidelobe Level

The level of the largest sidelobe (measured within the Time sidelobe range), relative to
the peak of the mainlobe.

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Pulse parameters

Remote command:

CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TSIDelobe:PSLevel on page 339
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:PSLevel? on page 449
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:PSLevel:LIMit? on page 452

Integrated Sidelobe Level

The sum of all the levels of all the sidelobes (measured within the Time sidelobe

range), relative to the peak of the correlated pulse.

Remote command:

CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TSIDelobe:ISLevel on page 338
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:ISLevel? on page 445
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:ISLevel:LIMit? on page 452

Mainlobe 3 dB Width

Width of the mainlobe at 3 dB below its peak level.
Remote command:

CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TSIDelobe:MWIDth on page 339
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:MWIDth? on page 447
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:MWIDth:LIMit? on page 452

Sidelobe Delay

Time difference between the sidelobe peak and the mainlobe peak level.

Remote command:

CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TSIDelobe:SDELay on page 340
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:SDELay? on page 450
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:SDELay:LIMit? on page 452

Compression Ratio

Ratio of Mainlobe 3 dB Width to width of uncorrelated (non-filtered) pulse

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Measurements and result displays

Pulse parameters

Remote command:

CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TSIDelobe:CRATio on page 338
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:CRATio? on page 444
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:CRATio:LIMit? on page 452

Mainlobe Power (Integrated)

Peak power of the correlator output, normalized to the reference waveform power. For
perfectly correlated measured and reference waveforms, this value corresponds to the
integrated power of the measured waveform over the correlation interval.

For details see "Mainlobe power (integrated)" on page 69.
Remote command:

CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TSIDelobe:IMPower on page 338
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:IMPower? on page 444
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:IMPower:LIMit? on page 452

Mainlobe Power (Average)

Peak power of the correlator output, normalized to the reference waveform power and
to the correlation interval. For perfectly correlated measured and reference waveforms,

this value corresponds to the average power of the measured waveform over the cor­relation interval.

For details see "Mainlobe power (integrated)" on page 69.
Remote command:

CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TSIDelobe:AMPower on page 337
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:AMPower? on page 443
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:AMPower:LIMit? on page 452

Peak Correlation

Peak power of the correlator output, normalized to both the measured and reference
waveform powers. This yields a value between 0 (completely uncorrelated) and 1 (per­fectly correlated).

For details see "Peak correlation" on page 70.
Remote command:

CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TSIDelobe:PCORrelation on page 339
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:PCORrelation? on page 448
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:PCORrelation:LIMit? on page 452

Mainlobe Phase

The phase difference between the measured and reference waveforms at the time off­set corresponding to the mainlobe peak.

Note: The phase is only meaningful relative to other pulses within the capture, not as
an absolute value.

For details see "Mainlobe frequency and phase" on page 70.
Remote command:

CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TSIDelobe:MPHase on page 339
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:MPHase? on page 447
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:MPHase:LIMit? on page 452

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3.2 Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

Measurements and result displays

Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

Mainlobe Frequency

The frequency difference between the measured and reference waveforms at the time
offset corresponding to the mainlobe peak.

For details see "Mainlobe frequency and phase" on page 70.
Remote command:

CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TSIDelobe:MFRequency on page 338
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:MFRequency? on page 446
[SENSe:]PULSe:TSIDelobe:MFRequency:LIMit? on page 452

The data that was measured by the R&S FSW Pulse application can be evaluated
using various different methods.

All evaluation modes available for the Pulse measurement are displayed in the selec­tion bar in SmartGrid mode.

For details on working with the SmartGrid see the R&S FSW Getting Started manual.

By default, the Pulse measurement results are displayed in the following windows:

●

"Magnitude Capture"

●

"Pulse Results"

●

"Pulse Frequency"

●

"Pulse Magnitude"

●

"Pulse Phase"

The following evaluation methods are available for Pulse measurements:

(Result displays marked with an asterisk (*) require both the R&S FSW-K6 and the
additional R&S FSW-K6S option.)

Magnitude Capture........................................................................................................38

Marker Table................................................................................................................. 39

Parameter Distribution.................................................................................................. 39

Parameter Spectrum.....................................................................................................40

Parameter Trend...........................................................................................................41

Pulse Frequency........................................................................................................... 43

Pulse I and Q................................................................................................................ 43

Pulse Magnitude........................................................................................................... 44

Pulse Phase..................................................................................................................45

Pulse Phase (Wrapped)................................................................................................45

Pulse Results................................................................................................................ 46

Pulse-Pulse Spectrum...................................................................................................47

Pulse Statistics..............................................................................................................48

Result Range Spectrum................................................................................................49

Correlated Magnitude Capture(*)..................................................................................49

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Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

Correlated Pulse Magnitude(*)......................................................................................50

Pulse Frequency Error(*).............................................................................................. 51

Pulse Phase Error(*)..................................................................................................... 51

Magnitude Capture

Displays the captured data. Detected pulses are indicated by green bars along the x­axis. The currently selected pulse is highlighted in blue.

Additionally, the following parameters are indicated by horizontal lines in the diagram:

●

"Ref": the pulse detection reference level (see Chapter 5.10.1, "Measurement lev-

els", on page 125)

●

"Det": the pulse detection threshold (see "Threshold" on page 124)

●

"100 %": a fixed top power level (see "Fixed Value" on page 127)
You can drag the line in the diagram to change the top power level.

The detection range is indicated by vertical lines ("DR", see "Detection Range"
on page 124). You can drag the lines within the capture buffer to change the detection
range.

Segmented data capturing

Data can be captured non-contiguously, that is, in segments (see Chapter 4.4, "Seg-

mented data capturing", on page 62). For segmented data, the measured time span

may be very long, whereas the relevant signal segments may be relatively short. Thus,
to improve clarity, the "Magnitude Capture" display is compressed to eliminate the gaps
between the captured segments. The segment ranges are indicated by vertical blue
lines. Between two segments, the gap may be compressed in the display. The time
span indicated for the x-axis in the diagram footer is only up-to-date when the mea­surement is completed.

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Measurements and result displays

Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,MCAP see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350
Segmented data:

TRACe<n>:IQ:SCAPture:BOUNdary? on page 383
TRACe<n>:IQ:SCAPture:TSTamp:SSTart? on page 384
TRACe<n>:IQ:SCAPture:TSTamp:TRIGger? on page 386

Results:

TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 379

Marker Table

Displays a table with the current marker values for the active markers.
This table is displayed automatically if configured accordingly.

Tip: To navigate within long marker tables, simply scroll through the entries with your
finger on the touchscreen.

Remote command:
LAY:ADD? '1',RIGH, MTAB, see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350
Results:

CALCulate<n>:MARKer<m>:X on page 364
CALCulate<n>:MARKer<m>:Y? on page 459

Parameter Distribution

Plots a histogram of a particular parameter, i.e. all measured parameter values from
the current capture vs pulse count or occurrence in %. Thus you can determine how
often a particular parameter value occurs. For each "parameter distribution" window
you can configure a different parameter to be displayed.

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Measurements and result displays

Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

This evaluation method allows you to distinguish transient and stable effects in a spe­cific parameter, such as a spurious frequency deviation or a fluctuation in power over
several pulses.

Limit lines. Optionally, limit lines can be displayed in the "Parameter Distribution"

Note:

diagram. You can drag these lines to a new position in the window. The new position is
maintained, the limit check is repeated, and the results of the limit check in any active
table displays are adapted.

Note that averaging is not possible for "parameter distribution" traces.
Remote command:

LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PDIS see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350

Chapter 9.14.3, "Configuring a parameter distribution", on page 278

Results:

TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 379

Parameter Spectrum

Calculates an FFT for a selected column of the "Pulse Results" table. This "spectrum"
allows you to easily determine the frequency of periodicities in the pulse parameters.
For example, the "Parameter Spectrum" for "Pulse Top Power" might display a peak at
a particular frequency, indicating incidental amplitude modulation of the amplifier output
due to the power supply.

The "Parameter Spectrum" is calculated by taking the magnitude of the FFT of the
selected parameter and normalizing the result to the largest peak. In order to calculate
the frequency axis the average PRI (pulse repetition interval) is taken to be the "sam­ple rate" for the FFT. Note that in cases where the signal has a non-uniform or stag­gered PRI the frequency axis must therefore be interpreted with caution.

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Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PSP see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350

Chapter 9.14.4, "Configuring a parameter spectrum", on page 285

Results:

TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 379

Parameter Trend

Plots all measured parameter values from the current capture buffer (or detection
range, if enabled) vs pulse number or pulse timestamp. This is equivalent to plotting a
column of the "Pulse Results" table for the rows highlighted green. This evaluation
allows you to determine trends in a specific parameter, such as a frequency deviation
or a fluctuation in power over several pulses.

The "parameter trend" evaluation can also be used for a more general scatter plot - the
parameters from the current capture buffer cannot only be displayed over time, but
also versus any other pulse parameter. For example, you can evaluate the rise time vs
fall time.

For each "parameter trend" window you can configure a different parameter to be dis­played for both the x-axis and the y-axis, making this a very powerful and flexible
analysis tool.

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Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

Figure 3-3: Pulse width trend display (over pulse numbers)

Figure 3-4: Peak power vs pulse width scatter plot

Note: Limit lines. Optionally, limit lines can be displayed in the "Parameter Trend" dia­gram. You can drag these lines to a new position in the window. The new position is
maintained, the limit check is repeated, and the results of the limit check in any active
table displays are adapted.
If a limit is defined for a parameter that is displayed in a "Parameter Trend" diagram,
the "Auto Scale Once" on page 150 function is not available for the axis this parameter
is displayed on (see also "Activating a limit check for a parameter" on page 149). This
avoids the rapid movement of the limit lines which would occur if the axis scale
changed.

Note that averaging is not possible for "parameter trend" traces.
Note: Setting markers in "Parameter Trend" Displays. In "Parameter Trend" displays,

especially when the x-axis unit is not pulse number, positioning a marker by defining its
x-axis value can be very difficult or ambiguous. Thus, markers can be positioned by
defining the corresponding pulse number in the "Marker" edit field for all parameter

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Measurements and result displays

Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

trend displays, regardless of the displayed x-axis parameter. The "Marker" edit field is
displayed when you select one of the "Marker" softkeys.
However, the position displayed in the marker information area or the marker table is
shown in the defined x-axis unit.

Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PTR see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350

Chapter 9.14.6, "Configuring a parameter trend", on page 295

Pulse Frequency

Displays the frequency trace of the selected pulse. The length and alignment of the
trace can be configured in the "Result Range" dialog box (see Chapter 6.1.2, "Result

range", on page 137).

Note:

You can apply an additional filter after demodulation to help filter out unwanted signals
(see "FM Video Bandwidth" on page 140).

Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PFR see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350
Results:

TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 379

Pulse I and Q

Displays the magnitude of the I and Q components of the selected pulse versus time
as separate traces in one diagram. The length and alignment of the trace can be con­figured in the "Result Range" dialog box (see Chapter 6.1.2, "Result range",
on page 137).

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Measurements and result displays

Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PIAQ see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350
Results:

[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude:I? on page 396
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude:Q? on page 397

Pulse Magnitude

Displays the magnitude vs. time trace of the selected pulse. The length and alignment
of the trace can be configured in the "Result Range" dialog box (see Chapter 6.1.2,

"Result range", on page 137).

Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PMAG see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350
Results:

TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 379

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Measurements and result displays

Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

Pulse Phase

Displays the phase vs. time trace of the selected pulse. The length and alignment of
the trace can be configured in the "Result Range" dialog box (see Chapter 6.1.2,

"Result range", on page 137).

Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PPH see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350
Results:

TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 379

Pulse Phase (Wrapped)

Displays the wrapped phase vs. time trace of the selected pulse. The length and align­ment of the trace can be configured in the "Result Range" dialog box (see Chap-

ter 6.1.2, "Result range", on page 137).

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Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PPW see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350
Results:

TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 379

Pulse Results

Displays the measured pulse parameters in a table of results. Which parameters are
displayed can be configured in the "Result Configuration" (see Chapter 6.1, "Result

configuration", on page 136). The currently selected pulse is highlighted blue. The pul-

ses contained in the current capture buffer (or detection range, if enabled) are highligh­ted green. The number of detected pulses in the current capture buffer ("Curr") and the
entire measurement ("Total") is indicated in the title bar.

Note:

You can apply an additional filter after demodulation to help filter out unwanted signals
(see "FM Video Bandwidth" on page 140).

Limit check

Optionally, the measured results can be checked against defined limits (see Chap-

ter 6.1.6.1, "Limit settings for table displays", on page 148). The results of the limit

check are indicated in the Pulse Results table as follows:

Table 3-1: Limit check results in the result tables

Display color Limit check result

White No limit check active for this parameter

Green Limit check passed

Red, asterisk before Limit check failed; limit exceeds lower limit

Red, asterisk behind Limit check failed; limit exceeds upper limit

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Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

Note: The results of the limit check are for informational purposes only; special events
such as stopping the measurement are not available.

Note: Optionally, limit lines can be displayed in the Parameter Distribution and Param-

eter Trend diagrams. You can drag these lines to a new position in the window. The

new position is maintained, the limit check is repeated, and the results of the limit
check in any active table displays are adapted.

Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PRES see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350

Chapter 9.14.8, "Configuring the statistics and parameter tables", on page 318

Results:

Chapter 9.20.4, "Retrieving parameter results", on page 391

Number of pulses: [SENSe:]PULSe:COUNt? on page 388

Chapter 9.20.5, "Retrieving limit results", on page 450

Pulse-Pulse Spectrum

The pulse-to-pulse spectrum is basically a Parameter Spectrum, based on complex I/Q
data. The I and Q values for each pulse (taken at the Measurement Point Reference)
are integrated over all pulses to create a spectrum that consists of positive and nega­tive frequencies. You cannot select a parameter for the spectrum. All other settings are
identical to the "parameter spectrum".

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Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

The pulse-to-pulse spectrum is useful to analyze small frequency shifts which cannot
be detected within an individual pulse, for example Doppler effects.

Remote command:
LAY:ADD? '1',RIGH,PPSP, see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350
Results:

TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 379

Pulse Statistics

Displays statistical values (minimum, maximum, average, standard deviation) for the
measured pulse parameters in a table of results. The number of evaluated pulses is
also indicated. Both the current capture buffer data and the cumulated captured data
from a series of measurements are evaluated. The statistics calculated only from pul­ses within the current capture buffer (or detection range, if enabled) are highlighted
green. For reference, the measured parameters from the "Selected Pulse" are also
shown, highlighted blue. The displayed parameters are the same as in the "Pulse
Results" and can be configured in the "Result Configuration" (see Chapter 6.1, "Result

configuration", on page 136).

Note: Limit checks are also available for "Pulse Statistics"; see "Pulse Results"
on page 46.

Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PST see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350

Chapter 9.14.8, "Configuring the statistics and parameter tables", on page 318

Results:

Chapter 9.20.4, "Retrieving parameter results", on page 391

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Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

[SENSe:]PULSe:<ParameterGroup>:<Parameter>:COUNt? on page 390

Chapter 9.20.5, "Retrieving limit results", on page 450

Result Range Spectrum

Calculates a power spectrum from the captured I/Q data, within the time interval
defined by the result range (see Chapter 6.1.2, "Result range", on page 137.

The "Result Range Spectrum" is calculated using a Welch periodogram, which involves
averaging the spectrum calculated by overlapping windows.

The shape of the window used for the calculation can be specified. The length of the
window is calculated such that a specific resolution bandwidth is obtained.

Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,RRSP see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350
Results:

TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 379

Correlated Magnitude Capture(*)

Requires option R&S FSW-K6S.
Displays the magnitude of the correlator output over the entire capture buffer. The time

intervals corresponding to detected pulses are indicated with green bars along the
lower edge of the display. The time interval of the current "Selected Pulse" is indicated
with a blue bar analogous to the "Magnitude Capture" display.

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Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

This result display is only available for measurements on a reference pulse (Pulse

Modulation = "Reference IQ").

Remote command:
LAY:ADD? '1',RIGH,CMC, see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350
Results:

TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 379

Correlated Pulse Magnitude(*)

Requires option R&S FSW-K6S.
Displays the magnitude of the correlator output for the currently selected pulse within

the result range.

This result display is only available for measurements on a reference pulse (Pulse

Modulation = "Reference IQ").

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Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

Remote command:
LAY:ADD? '1',RIGH,CPM, see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350
Results:

TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 379

Pulse Frequency Error(*)

Requires option R&S FSW-K6S.
Displays the frequency deviation between the reference pulse and the currently

selected measured pulse within the result range.

This result display only shows results if the signal model has been defined as CW, Lin­ear FM or Reference I/Q (see Chapter 5.3, "Reference signal description",
on page 85).

Remote command:
LAY:ADD? '1',RIGH,PFE, see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350
Results:

TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 379

Pulse Phase Error(*)

Requires option R&S FSW-K6S.
Displays the phase deviation between the reference pulse and the currently selected

measured pulse within the result range.

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Evaluation methods for pulse measurements

This result display only shows results if the signal model has been defined as CW, Lin­ear FM or Reference I/Q (see Chapter 5.3, "Reference signal description",
on page 85).

Remote command:
LAY:ADD? '1',RIGH,PPER, see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 350
Results:

TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 379

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4 Measurement basics

4.1 Parameter definitions

Measurement basics

Parameter definitions

Some background knowledge on basic terms and principles used in pulse measure­ments is provided here for a better understanding of the required configuration set­tings.

● Parameter definitions.............................................................................................. 53

● Pulse detection........................................................................................................57

● Parameter spectrum calculation..............................................................................59

● Segmented data capturing......................................................................................62

● Time sidelobe analysis............................................................................................65

● Basics on input from I/Q data files.......................................................................... 71

● Trace evaluation......................................................................................................72

● Pulse measurements in MSRA/MSRT mode..........................................................78

The pulse parameters to be measured are based primarily on the IEEE 181 Standard
181-2003. For detailed descriptions refer to the standard documentation ("IEEE Stan­dard on Transitions, Pulses, and Related Waveforms", from the IEEE Instrumentation
and Measurement (I&M) Society, 7 July 2003).

The following definitions are used to determine the measured pulse power parameters:

Value Description

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

The magnitude in V corresponding to the pulse OFF level (base level)

0%

The magnitude in V corresponding to the pulse ON level (top level)

100%

The magnitude in V at the peak level occurring directly after the pulse rising edge (mid-level

Ov

crossing)

The magnitude in V of the reference model at the top of the rising edge (beginning of the pulse

rise

top)

The magnitude in V of the reference model at the top of the falling edge (end of the pulse top)

fall

The magnitude in V corresponding to the largest level above the reference model which occurs

rip+

within the ripple portion of the pulse top

The magnitude in V of the reference model at the point in time where L

top+

The magnitude in V corresponding to the lowest measured level below the reference model which

rip-

occurs within the ripple portion of the pulse top

is measured

rip+

L

The magnitude in V of the reference model at the point in time where L

top-

is measured

rip-

For definitions of time sidelobe parameters, see Chapter 4.5, "Time sidelobe analysis",
on page 65.

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100 (%V) Droop

%0%100









LL

LL

fallrise

100 (%W) Droop

2

%0

2

%100

22









LL

LL

fallrise

















fall

rise

L

L

10

log20 (dB) Droop

4.1.1 Amplitude droop

Measurement basics

Parameter definitions

● Amplitude droop......................................................................................................54

● Ripple......................................................................................................................54

● Overshoot................................................................................................................56

The amplitude droop is calculated as the difference between the power at the begin­ning of the pulse ON time and the power at the end of the pulse ON time, divided by
the pulse amplitude:

Figure 4-1: Illustration of levels used to define the droop measurement

4.1.2 Ripple

The ripple is calculated as the difference between the maximum and minimum devia­tion from the pulse top reference, within a user specified interval.

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100 (%V) Ripple

%0%100











LL

LLLL

riptoptoprip

100 (%W) Ripple

2

%0

2

%100

2222











LL

LLLL

riptoptoprip

























222

%100

222

%100

10

log10 (dB) Ripple

riptop

toprip

LLL

LLL

100 (%V) Ripple

%0%100











LL

LL

ripri p

100 (%W) Ripple

2

%0

2

%100

22











LL

LL

riprip

















rip

rip

L

L

10

log20 (dB) Ripple

Measurement basics

Parameter definitions

The default behavior compensates for droop in the pulse top using the following formu­lae:

However, if Pulse Has Droop is set to "Off" or the 100 % Level Position is set to "Cen­ter", then the reference model has a flat pulse top and L

formulae are reduced to:

top+

= L

top-

= L

. Thus, the

100%

The following illustration indicates the levels used for calculation.

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100 (%V)Overshoot

%0%100

%100









LL

LL

Ov

100 (%W)Overshoot

2

%0

2

%100

2

%100

2









LL

LL

Ov

















%100

10

log20 (dB)Overshoot

L

L

Ov

Measurement basics

Parameter definitions

Figure 4-2: Illustration of levels used to define the ripple measurement.

4.1.3 Overshoot

The overshoot is defined as the height of the local maximum after a rising edge, divi­ded by the pulse amplitude:

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Measurement basics

Pulse detection

Figure 4-3: Illustration of levels used to define the overshoot measurement

4.2 Pulse detection

A pulsed input signal is a signal whose carrier power is modulated by two states: ON
and OFF. Basically, a pulse is detected when the input signal power exceeds a thresh­old, then falls below that threshold, or vice versa. Pulses that rise to and then remain at
a peak (positive) power level for a certain duration, and then fall again are referred to
as positive pulses. The opposite - falling to and remaining at a minimum (negative)
power level, then rising - is referred to as a negative pulse. The "ON" power level is
referred to as the top or 100% level, whereas the "OFF" level is referred to as the
base or 0% level.

Top

Base

Base

Top

Positive

pulse

A hysteresis can refine the detection process and avoid falsely interpreting unstable
signals as additional pulses. Optionally, detection can be restricted to a maximum num­ber of pulses per capture process.

Negative

pulse

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Measurement basics

Pulse detection

A top power level that is not constant is called an amplitude droop. Since the top level
is an important reference for several pulse parameters, take a droop into consideration
where possible. If a signal is known to have a droop, the reference level is not calcula­ted as an average or median value over the ON time. Instead, it is calculated sepa­rately for the rising and falling edges.

The time it takes the signal power to rise from the base level to the top is called the
rise time.

The duration the signal power remains at the top level is considered the ON time,
which also defines the pulse width.

The time it takes the signal power to fall from the top to the base level is called the fall
time.

The duration the signal power remains at the base level is called the OFF time.

The pulse repetition interval (also known as pulse period) is defined as the duration
of one complete cycle consisting of:

●

The rise time

●

The ON time

●

The fall time

●

The OFF time

To avoid taking noise, ripples, or other signal instabilities into consideration, the abso­lute peak or minimum power values are not used to calculate these characteristic val­ues. Instead, threshold values are defined.

See Chapter 3.1, "Pulse parameters", on page 19 for more precise definitions and an
illustration of how these values are calculated.

Detection range

If the capture buffer contains a large number of pulses, it can be tedious to find a par­ticular pulse for analysis. In this case, you can enable the use of a detection range
instead of the entire capture buffer for analysis.

A detection range determines which part of the capture buffer is analyzed. It is defined
by the Detection Start and the Detection Length. If disabled (default), the entire capture
buffer is used as the detection range.

The pulse numbers in the result displays are always relative to the current detection
range, that is: pulse number 1 is the first pulse within the detection range. If you
change the position of the detection range within the capture buffer, pulse number 1
can be a different pulse. All pulse-based results are automatically updated, if neces­sary. To navigate to a particular pulse in the capture buffer, use the pulse timestamps,
which are relative to the start of the capture buffer.

An active detection range is indicated by vertical lines ("DR") in the "Magnitude Cap­ture" Buffer display. You can also change the detection range graphically by dragging
the vertical lines in the window.

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4.3 Parameter spectrum calculation

Measurement basics

Parameter spectrum calculation

When a signal is measured over time, it is possible to calculate the frequency spectrum
for the measured signal by performing an FFT on the measured data. Similarly, it is
possible to calculate a "spectrum" for a particular pulse parameter by performing an
FFT. This "spectrum" allows you to determine the frequency of periodicities in the pulse
parameters easily. For example, the "Parameter Spectrum" for "Pulse Top Power" can
display a peak at a particular frequency, indicating incidental amplitude modulation of
the amplifier output due to the power supply.

Basically, the "parameter spectrum" is calculated by taking the magnitude of the FFT of
the selected parameter and normalizing the result to the largest peak.

Frequency axis

When calculating a spectrum from a measured signal, the sample rate ensures a regu­lar distance between two frequencies. To calculate the frequency axis for a "parameter
spectrum", the average PRI (pulse repetition interval) is taken to be the "sample rate"
for the FFT.

Interpolation

However, in cases where the signal has a non-uniform or staggered PRI the frequency
axis must be interpreted with caution. In cases where the pulses only occur in non-con­tiguous intervals, using the PRI no longer provides useful results. A good solution to
create equidistant samples for calculation is to "fill up" the intervals between pulses
with interpolated values. Based on the measured and interpolated values, the fre­quency axis can then be created.

The number of possible interpolation values is restricted to 100,000 by the R&S FSW
Pulse application . Thus, the resulting spectrum is limited. By default, the frequency
span for the resulting spectrum is determined automatically. However, to improve the
accuracy (and performance) of the interpolation, the maximum required frequency
span can be restricted further manually.

Non-contiguous pulses - sections vs gaps

For the non-contiguous pulse measurements described above, interpolation in the long
intervals where no pulses occur distort the result. Therefore, time intervals without pul­ses are identified, referred to as gaps. The time intervals that contain pulses are also
identified, referred to as sections. Interpolation is then performed only on the sections,
whereas the gaps are ignored for the spectrum calculation.

A gap threshold ensures that pulses with large intervals are not split into multiple sec­tions. A section threshold ensures that singular pulses within a long gap are not inclu­ded in calculation.

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Measurement basics

Parameter spectrum calculation

Example: Non-contiguous pulse measurement

A typical measurement setup that results in non-contiguous pulses is a rotating radar
antenna scanning the air. For most of the time required for a single rotation, no pulses
are received. However, when an object comes within the scan area, several pulses are
detected within a short duration in time (identified as a section). When the object
leaves the scan area again, the pulses will stop, defining a gap until the next object is
detected.

Blocks

Spectrum calculation is then performed for the individual sections only. However, the
Fourier transformation is not performed on the entire section in one step. Each section
is split into blocks, which can overlap. An FFT is performed on each block to calculate
an individual result. The smaller the block size, the more individual results are calcula­ted, and the more precise the final result. Thus, the block size determines the resolu­tion bandwidth in the final spectrum. Note that while the block size can be defined
manually, the RBW cannot.

Window functions

Each block with its measured and interpolated values is multiplied with a specific win­dow function. Windowing helps minimize the discontinuities at the end of the measured
signal interval and thus reduces the effect of spectral leakage, increasing the fre­quency resolution.

Various different window functions are provided in the R&S FSW Pulse application.
Each of the window functions has specific characteristics, including some advantages
and some trade-offs. Consider these characteristics carefully to find the optimum solu­tion for the measurement task.

Table 4-1: FFT window functions

Window type Function

Rectangular The rectangular window function is in effect not a function at all, it maintains the original

sampled data. This can be useful to minimize the required bandwidth; however, heavy
sidelobes can occur, which do not exist in the original signal.

Hamming

Hann

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







































1length

n4

cos

2

alpha

1length

n2

cos5.0

2

1alpha

)n(w

blackman



1length

2

cos1

5.0

alpha









Measurement basics

Parameter spectrum calculation

Window type Function

Blackman
(default)

Bartlett

Averaging and final spectrum

After windowing, an FFT is performed on each block, and the individual spectrum
results are then combined to a total result by averaging the traces. The complete proc­ess to calculate a "parameter spectrum" is shown in Figure 4-4.

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Measurement basics

Segmented data capturing

Figure 4-4: Calculating a parameter spectrum for non-contiguous pulses

4.4 Segmented data capturing

As described above, measuring pulses with a varying repetition interval is a common
task in the R&S FSW Pulse application. Pulses to be measured can have a relatively
short duration compared to the repetition interval (low duty cycle). Performing a mea­surement over a long time period can lead to large volumes of data with only minor
parts of it being relevant. Thus, a new segmented data capturing function has been
introduced. Using this function, the input signal is measured for the entire time span,
which can be very long; however, only user-defined segments of the data are actually
stored on the R&S FSW. Thus, much less data, and only relevant data, needs to be
analyzed. Analyzing pulses becomes much quicker and more efficient.

Although segmented data capturing is similar to the common gated trigger method for
data acquisition, there is a significant difference: absolute timing information is provi­ded for the entire acquisition, in addition to the samples within the gating intervals. Fur-

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Measurement basics

Segmented data capturing

thermore, pretrigger information for the pulses within a segment is available, as
opposed to gates that are triggered by a rising or falling edge, and do not provide pre­trigger data.

Trigger and trigger offset

A precondition for segmented data capturing is a trigger, as the segment definition is
based on the trigger event. A specified trigger offset is applied to each segment, thus
allowing for pretrigger data to be included in the segment. Furthermore, the length of
each segment (that is: the measurement time for an individual segment) must be
defined such that the longest expected pulse can be captured in one segment. Finally,
the number of trigger events for which data is to be captured can be defined.

Measurement time

If segmented capturing is active, the total measurement time is defined by the number
of trigger events and the segment length. Thus, the Measurement Time setting in the
"Data Acquisition" dialog box is not available.

A process indicator in the status bar shows the progress of the measurement if seg­mented capturing is used.

Segmented Capture and Time Sidelobe Analysis

When using the new Time sidelobe analysis functions, set up the capture such that
there are enough pre/post samples to account for the entire reference I/Q waveform
length.

Recommended settings for a rising-edge trigger on the pulse are:

●

Trigger Offset = -1.5 * Reference I/Q Length

●

Segment Length = 4.0 * Reference I/Q Length

Alignment based on trigger event

Since segment definition is based on the trigger event, this event can also be used as
a reference point for the measurement point and result range definition (see Chap-

ter 5.10.2, "Measurement point", on page 128 and "Alignment" on page 138).

To align the measurement point to a trigger event on a per-pulse basis, the R&S FSW
Pulse application needs to associate one trigger event with each measured pulse. The
following rule applies to both power and external trigger sources:

●

Trigger source - rising slope: The pulse whose rising edge is closest to the trigger

event is associated

●

Trigger source - falling slope: The pulse whose falling edge is closest to the trigger

event is associated

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Measurement basics

Segmented data capturing

Figure 4-5: Measurement point aligned to trigger on falling edge

Number of events vs number of segments

Generally, the number of trigger events corresponds to the number of captured seg­ments. However, sometimes, multiple trigger events can occur within a time interval
shorter than the specified segment length. Thus, the segments for the individual trigger
events overlap. In this case, the overlapping segments are merged together and the
number of segments is lower than the number of trigger events.

t1 t2 t3 t4

s1 s3s2

measurement time

Figure 4-6: Number of segments vs. number of trigger events

trigger events

captured

segments

Result displays for segmented data

The "Magnitude Capture" display provides an overview of the entire measurement.
However, for segmented data, the time span can be very long, whereas the relevant
signal segments can be relatively short. Thus, to improve clarity, the display is com­pressed to eliminate the gaps between the captured segments. The segment ranges

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Measurement basics

Time sidelobe analysis

are indicated by vertical lines. Between two segments, the gap can be compressed in
the display. The time span indicated for the x-axis in the diagram footer is only up-to­date when the measurement is completed. (See also "Magnitude Capture"
on page 38.)

Markers "jump" over the gaps, but indicate the correct absolute time within the seg­ments.

This compressed time-axis display is also used for the pulse-based results.

The result tables are identical for segmented or full data capture.

Timestamps vs. sample number

As mentioned above, timing information is available for the entire measurement span,
not only for the captured data segments. Thus, the absolute time that each segment
starts at is available as a timestamp. On the other hand, only the data samples within
the specified segments are actually stored. The samples are indexed. Thus, in addition
to the timestamps, the start of a segment can also be referenced by the index number
of the first sample in the segment. This is useful, for example, when retrieving the cap­tured segment data in remote operation. (See also TRACe<n>:IQ:SCAPture:

BOUNdary? on page 383.)

The timing information for the captured segments is also stored when the I/Q data is
exported. It can then be retrieved when the I/Q data is used as an input source to
reproduce results that are consistent with the original measurement.

(See Chapter 4.6, "Basics on input from I/Q data files", on page 71)

Segmented capture, Gauss filters, and the 320 MHz bandwidth option

Gauss filters with a 3 dB bandwidth of 50 MHz and above use more than 160 MHz of
I/Q bandwidth if a 320 MHz bandwidth option is installed. During segmented capture
operation, these filters are limited to 160 MHz of I/Q bandwidth. Limited bandwidth
results in increased system rise time (up to an additional 3 ns) compared to the non­segmented measurement with the 320 MHz bandwidth option.

Segmented capture, Gauss filters, and the B4001, B6001 and B8001 bandwidth
options

The B4001, B6001, and B8001 bandwidth options support gauss filter bandwidths of
up to 2 GHz bandwidth when segmented capuring is used.

In this case, segmented capture is a "real-time" feature and works up to 10 GHz sam­ple rate.

4.5 Time sidelobe analysis

The additional option R&S FSW-K6S allows for time sidelobe (also known as range
sidelobe or pulse compression) analysis.

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Measurement basics

Time sidelobe analysis

The purpose of pulse compression in a radar system is to reduce the effective width of
a pulse at the receiver end. A reduced pulse width allows the transmitted energy to be
distributed over a longer time interval, and thus reduces the peak transmitter power
requirements. At the same time, it maintains good resolution in the radar receiver.

Pulse compression can be achieved through correlation of a measured pulse with a
stored reference pulse waveform. The reference pulse is often an exact replica of the
transmitted pulse, but sometimes it is modified, e.g. via a windowing function, to
reduce sidelobes at the correlator output.

The Figure 4-7 shows the phase waveform of a BPSK pulse in red and the correspond­ing correlator output power of the compressed pulse in yellow. Note that the high
amplitude portion of the compressed pulse is significantly narrower than the duration of
the BPSK waveform.

Figure 4-7: BPSK pulse (red) vs compressed pulse (yellow)

In theory, you must correlate the sent and the received pulses for this analysis. Where
both pulses are identical, strong power levels are measured; where they differ, smaller
levels are measured. By analyzing the correlator output, you can determine and quan­tify the gains and artifacts introduced by a device under test.

Since the R&S FSW itself can measure only the received pulse, the sent pulse must be
configured as a reference pulse before the measurement.

The reference pulse can either be imported to the R&S FSW Pulse application from an
I/Q waveform file with measured data, or it can be calculated by the R&S FSW Pulse
application according to a specified pulse model. Various models and parameters are
available to configure the reference pulse according to your requirements (see Chap-

ter 5.3, "Reference signal description", on page 85). In particular, a window function

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Measurement basics

Time sidelobe analysis

can be applied to the reference pulse. This is useful, for example, if you use a wave­form file with measured data, without further editing.

The measured data is then correlated (or filtered) with the reference I/Q data. Further
details about the calculation of the correlator output are given in the following section.

I/Q data from Rohde & Schwarz signal generators

I/Q data for pulses created with Rohde & Schwarz signal generators (and stored in .wv
format) can now also be used as reference pulses in the R&S FSW Pulse application.
For more information see the Rohde & Schwarz application card: Simplify pulse and

emitter generation for radar testing.

As a result of time sidelobe measurements, additional result displays are available,
including:

●

The "correlated pulse magnitude" for an individual pulse or the entire capture buffer

●

Frequency and phase errors for individual pulses

Furthermore, characteristic sidelobe parameters are added to the pulse result tables
(see Chapter 3.1.6, "Time sidelobe parameters", on page 33).

For more detailed information on Time Sidelobe Analysis, see the Rohde & Schwarz
application card Time sidelobe measurements optimize radar system performance.

● Keep-out time..........................................................................................................67

● Pulse compression calculation................................................................................68

● Reference waveform...............................................................................................70

4.5.1 Keep-out time

Which part of the detected pulse is evaluated for time sidelobe results is also configu­rable, similarly to the result range for common pulse results. A keep-out time defines
an excluded area around the center, assuming this is the mainlobe, in which sidelobe
peaks are not included in the measured values.

67User Manual 1173.9392.02 ─ 39

R&S®FSW-K6/6S

2

*

1

))(()()(

krefnk

N

k

meascorr

tIQtIQnP 







4.5.2 Pulse compression calculation

Measurement basics

Time sidelobe analysis

Pulse compression is performed by correlating the measured data with a reference
waveform. Mathematically, this can be described as follows:

Equation 4-1: Power correlation

where "n" is a sample offset within the measured data at which the correlator output is
calculated.

Since the data is processed digitally in the R&S FSW Pulse application, the measured
and reference waveform I/Q samples are denoted as:

IQ

t(n) for n=1,…,M

meas

and

IQ

t(k) for k=1,…,N

ref

Where:

●

M = samples in the measurement acquisition

●

N = samples of the reference waveform

●

Both measured and reference waveforms are sampled at the same sampling rate.

You can provide the reference waveform samples at a different sample rate to the one
used for data acquisition in the R&S FSW Pulse application. In this case, the reference
waveform is automatically resampled to match the current measurement sample rate.
However, consider that providing a reference waveform with a sample rate higher than
the measurement sample rate causes the reference waveform to be downsampled.
Downsampling can result in a loss of information through low-pass filtering.

It can be shown that the correlator equation above is equivalent to a linear time-invari­ant filter operation. In this operation, the filter impulse response is given by a time­reversed and complex-conjugated version of the reference waveform. The implementa­tion of the correlator can therefore be efficiently calculated using fast Fourier transform
(FFT) operations according to the diagram in Pulse compression calculation in the

R&S FSW Pulse application.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Calculate an FFT from both the measured I/Q data and the reference I/Q data.

2. Convert one of the FFT results to the complex conjugate.

3. Multiply the FFT results.

4. Calculate the inverse FFT (IFFT).
The result is a correlated I/Q signal.

68User Manual 1173.9392.02 ─ 39

R&S®FSW-K6/6S

noisetIQeeAtIQ

kref

tfi

i

nkmeas

k

peak





)()(

2



















N

k

kref

krefnk

N

k

meas

Int

tIQ

tIQtIQ

P

peak

1

2

2

*

1

)(

))(()(

















N

k

kref

krefnk

N

k

meas

Avg

tIQN

tIQtIQ

P

peak

1

2

2

*

1

)(

))(()(

Measurement basics

Time sidelobe analysis

5. The magnitude squared value of the correlated I/Q signal is used for the "Correla­ted Pulse Magnitude" and "Correlated Magnitude Capture" displays.

Measured I/Q

data

Reference

I/Q data

Figure 4-8: Pulse compression calculation in the R&S FSW Pulse application

FFT

FFT ()*

X IFFT

|.|²

Time Sidelobe

Measurement

Correlator output

At the mainlobe peak, the measured data is assumed to be a scaled version of the ref­erence I/Q data with a certain frequency and phase offset:

Equation 4-2: Measured I/Q waveform at the time offset corresponding to the peak correlator out-

put power

Where n

is the sample offset within the measured data at which the peak correlator

peak

output occurs.

Mainlobe power (integrated)

Normalizing the peak correlator output power to the reference I/Q waveform power
gives the integrated mainlobe power:

Equation 4-3: Mainlobe power (integrated)

For perfectly correlated measured and reference waveforms, this value corresponds to
the integrated power of the measured waveform over the correlation interval.

Mainlobe power (average)

Normalizing the peak correlator output power to the reference waveform power and to
the correlation interval gives the average mainlobe power:

Equation 4-4: Mainlobe power (average)

69User Manual 1173.9392.02 ─ 39

R&S®FSW-K6/6S



















N

k

kref

N

k

nkmeas

krefnk

N

k

meas

Peak

tIQtIQ

tIQtIQ

P

peak

peak

1

2

2

1

2

*

1

)()(

))(()(

Measurement basics

Time sidelobe analysis

For perfectly correlated measured and reference waveforms, this value corresponds to
the average power of the measured waveform over the correlation interval.

Note that the normalization used for P

is also applied to the correlator output

Avg

"traces" shown in the "Pulse Magnitude" and "Correlated Magnitude Capture" displays.

Peak correlation

Normalizing the peak correlator output power to both the measured and reference
waveform powers gives the peak correlation:

Equation 4-5: Peak correlation

The result is a value between 0 (completely uncorrelated) and 1 (perfectly correlated).

Mainlobe frequency and phase

The frequency and phase offset at the location of the mainlobe peak are estimated
using Equation 4-2, where θ is the mainlobe phase and f is the mainlobe frequency.

The phase is only meaningful relative to other pulses within the capture, not as an
absolute value.

4.5.3 Reference waveform

As described above, pulse compression can be achieved through correlation of a mea­sured pulse with a stored reference pulse waveform. The reference pulse is sometimes
modified, e.g. via a windowing function, to reduce sidelobes at the correlator output.

The R&S FSW Pulse application allows you to load a measured waveform which was
stored to a file, then apply an FFT window function without the need to change the
measured data itself.

The following table indicates some characteristics of the supported FFT window func­tions.

Table 4-2: Characteristics of typical FFT window functions

Window type Frequency

resolution

Rectangular Best Worst Worst No function applied.

Blackman-Harris
(default)

Good Good Good Harmonic detection and spurious

Magnitude
resolution

Sidelobe sup­pression

Measurement recommendation

Separation of two tones with almost
equal amplitudes and a small fre­quency distance

emission detection

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Measurement basics

Basics on input from I/Q data files

Window type Frequency

resolution

Gauss (Alpha =

0.4)

Flattop Worst Best Good Accurate single tone measurements

Hamming
Hanning

Good Good Good Weak signals and short duration

Good Poor

Magnitude
resolution

Sidelobe sup­pression

4.6 Basics on input from I/Q data files

The I/Q data to be evaluated in a particular R&S FSW application cannot only be cap­tured by the application itself, it can also be loaded from a file, provided it has the cor­rect format. The file is then used as the input source for the application.

For example, you can capture I/Q data using the I/Q Analyzer application, store it to a
file, and then analyze the signal parameters for that data later using the Pulse applica­tion (if available).

The I/Q data file must be in one of the following supported formats:

.iq.tar

●

.iqw

●

.csv

●

.mat

●

.wv

●

.aid

●

Measurement recommendation

Frequency response measurements,
sine waves, periodic signals and nar­row-band noise

An application note on converting Rohde & Schwarz I/Q data files is available from the
Rohde & Schwarz website:

1EF85: Converting R&S I/Q data files

When importing data from an I/Q data file using the import functions provided by some
R&S FSW applications, the data is only stored temporarily in the capture buffer. It over­writes the current measurement data and is in turn overwritten by a new measurement.
If you use an I/Q data file as input, the stored I/Q data remains available for any num­ber of subsequent measurements. Furthermore, the (temporary) data import requires
the current measurement settings in the current application to match the settings that
were applied when the measurement results were stored (possibly in a different appli­cation). When the data is used as an input source, however, the data acquisition set­tings in the current application (attenuation, center frequency, measurement band­width, sample rate) can be ignored. As a result, these settings cannot be changed in
the current application. Only the measurement time can be decreased, to perform
measurements on an extract of the available data (from the beginning of the file) only.

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Measurement basics

Trace evaluation

For I/Q data which was captured as segmented data (see Chapter 4.4, "Segmented

data capturing", on page 62), the timing information for the captured segments is also

stored during export. It can then be retrieved when the I/Q data file is used as an input
source to reproduce results that are consistent with the original measurement.

For input files that contain multiple data streams from different channels, you can
define which data stream to be used for the currently selected channel in the input set­tings.

You can define whether the data stream is used only once, or repeatedly, to create a
larger amount of input data.

When using input from an I/Q data file, the [RUN SINGLE] function starts a single mea­surement (i.e. analysis) of the stored I/Q data, while the [RUN CONT] function repeat­edly analyzes the same data from the file.

Sample iq.tar files

If you have the optional R&S FSW VSA application (R&S FSW-K70), some sample
iq.tar files are provided in the C:/R_S/Instr/user/vsa/DemoSignals directory
on the R&S FSW.

Pre-trigger and post-trigger samples

In applications that use pre-triggers or post-triggers, if no pre-trigger or post-trigger
samples are specified in the I/Q data file, or too few trigger samples are provided to
satisfy the requirements of the application, the missing pre- or post-trigger values are
filled up with zeros. Superfluous samples in the file are dropped, if necessary. For pre­trigger samples, values are filled up or omitted at the beginning of the capture buffer.
For post-trigger samples, values are filled up or omitted at the end of the capture buf­fer.

4.7 Trace evaluation

Traces in graphical result displays based on the defined result range (see Chap-

ter 6.1.2, "Result range", on page 137) can be configured. For example, you can per-

form statistical evaluations over a defined number of measurements, pulses, or sam­ples.

You can configure up to 6 individual traces for the following result displays (see Chap-

ter 6.1.2, "Result range", on page 137):

●

"Pulse Frequency" on page 43

●

"Pulse Magnitude" on page 44

●

"Pulse Phase" on page 45

●

"Pulse Phase (Wrapped)" on page 45

●

"Correlated Magnitude Capture(*)" on page 49

●

"Correlated Pulse Magnitude(*)" on page 50

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4.7.1 Trace statistics

Measurement basics

Trace evaluation

●

"Pulse Frequency Error(*)" on page 51

●

"Pulse Phase Error(*)" on page 51

(Result displays marked with an asterisk (*) require both the R&S FSW-K6 and the
additional R&S FSW-K6S option.)

● Trace statistics........................................................................................................ 73

● Normalizing traces.................................................................................................. 74

Each trace represents an analysis of the data measured in one result range. Statistical
evaluations can be performed over several traces, that is, result ranges. Which ranges
and how many are evaluated depends on the configuration settings.

Selected pulse vs all pulses

The "Sweep/Average Count" determines how many measurements are evaluated.

For each measurement, in turn, either the selected pulse only (that is: one result
range), or all detected pulses (that is: possibly several result ranges) can be included
in the statistical evaluation.

Thus, the overall number of averaging steps depends on the "Sweep/Average Count"
and the statistical evaluation mode.

Figure 4-9: Trace statistics - number of averaging steps

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4.7.2 Normalizing traces

Measurement basics

Trace evaluation

For pulse results based on an individual pulse, sometimes, the absolute value is not of
interest. Instead, the relative offset of each point in the trace from a specific measure­ment point within the pulse, or from a reference pulse, is of interest.

Traces in the following result displays cannot be normalized:

●

"Correlated Magnitude Capture(*)" on page 49

●

"Correlated Pulse Magnitude(*)" on page 50

●

"Pulse Frequency Error(*)" on page 51

●

"Pulse Phase Error(*)" on page 51

Normalization based on a measurement point

In a standard trace for a pulse result display, the measured frequency, magnitude, or
phase value for each measurement point in the result range is displayed. If only the rel­ative deviations within that pulse are of interest, you can subtract a fixed value from
each trace point. The fixed value is the value measured at a specified point in the
pulse. Thus, the trace value at the specified measurement point is always 0. This hap­pens when a trace is normalized based on the measured pulse.

The measurement point used for normalization is the same point used to determine the
pulse parameter results, see Chapter 5.10.2, "Measurement point", on page 128.

Figure 4-10: Normalization of the Pulse Phase trace based on the measured pulse

By default, the measurement point is the center of the pulse. However, this position
can be moved arbitrarily within the pulse by defining an offset.

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Measurement basics

Trace evaluation

If the measurement point is defined with an offset in time, the trace value does not
pass 0 at the measurement point. It passes 0 at the time of the measurement point +
the offset value.

Figure 4-11: Normalization of the Pulse Phase trace based on the measured pulse + 100 ns offset

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Measurement basics

Trace evaluation

Normalization + averaging window

Together with an Averaging Window for the measurement point, normalization based
on the measured pulse can provide for a very stable pulse trace. However, the calcula­ted average value does not always coincide with the measured trace point value. So in
this case, the maxhold, minhold or average traces do not necessarily pass 0 at the
measurement point.

Figure 4-12: Normalization based on the measured pulse with an average window

Normalization based on a reference pulse

Sometimes you are not interested in the deviations of the pulse results within a single
pulse, but rather in the deviations to a reference pulse. Then you can also base nor­malization on the measurement point of a specified reference pulse. In this case, the
trace value for the measurement point in the reference pulse is deducted from all trace
values in the measured pulse.

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Measurement basics

Trace evaluation

Figure 4-13: Normalization based on a reference pulse

Note that in this case, the value at the measurement point used to determine pulse
parameter results is also normalized. Thus, normalization based on a reference pulse
modifies the results in the Pulse Results and "Pulse Statistics" on page 48 tables! The
pulse parameter values in the pulse tables for the (normalized) reference pulse are
always 0.

However, as opposed to normalization based on a measured pulse, the pulse-to-pulse
deviations are maintained when normalized to a reference pulse.

The reference pulse can be defined as one of the following:

●

A fixed pulse number

●

The currently selected pulse

●

A previous (-n) or subsequent (+n) pulse, relative to the currently evaluated pulse

Normalization of pulse phase traces

Phase traces for an individual pulse can be normalized just like magnitude and fre­quency traces, as described above. However, you can also define a phase offset. In
this case, the pulses are not normalized to 0, but to the phase offset value. The phase
measured at a specified point in the reference or measured pulse, plus the phase off-
set, is subtracted from each trace point.

The phase offset for normalization is defined in the "Units" settings (see "Phase Nor-

malization" on page 152).

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4.8 Pulse measurements in MSRA/MSRT mode

Measurement basics

Pulse measurements in MSRA/MSRT mode

The R&S FSW Pulse application can also be used to analyze data in MSRA or MSRT
operating mode. The main difference between the two modes is that in MSRA mode,
an I/Q analyzer performs data acquisition, while in MSRT mode, a real-time measure­ment is performed to capture data.

In MSRA/MSRT operating mode, only the MSRA/MSRT primary actually captures data;
the MSRA/MSRT applications receive an extract of the captured data for analysis,
referred to as the application data. For the Pulse application in MSRA/MSRT operat­ing mode, the application data range is defined by the same settings used to define the
signal capture in Signal and Spectrum Analyzer mode. In addition, a capture offset can
be defined, i.e. an offset from the start of the captured data to the start of the applica­tion data for pulse measurements. The "Capture Buffer" displays show the application
data of the Pulse application in MSRA/MSRT mode.

Data coverage for each active application

Generally, if a signal contains multiple data channels for multiple standards, separate
applications are used to analyze each data channel. Thus, it is of interest to know
which application is analyzing which data channel. The MSRA/MSRT primary display
indicates the data covered by each application, restricted to the channel bandwidth
used by the corresponding standard, by vertical blue lines labeled with the application
name.

Analysis interval

However, the individual result displays of the application need not analyze the com­plete data range. The data range that is actually analyzed by the individual result dis­play is referred to as the analysis interval.

In the R&S FSW Pulse application, the analysis interval is automatically determined
according to the result range settings, as in Signal and Spectrum Analyzer mode, for
result displays based on an individual pulse. For result displays based on the entire
capture buffer, the MSRA/MSRT analysis interval corresponds to the measurement
time. The currently used analysis interval (in seconds, related to measurement start) is
indicated in the window header for each result display.

Analysis line

A frequent question when analyzing multi-standard signals is how each data channel is
correlated (in time) to others. Thus, an analysis line has been introduced. The analysis
line is a common time marker for all MSRA secondary applications. It can be posi­tioned in any MSRA secondary application or the MSRA primary and is then adjusted
in all other secondary applications. Thus, you can easily analyze the results at a spe­cific time in the measurement in all secondary applications and determine correlations.

If the analysis interval of the secondary application contains the marked point in time,
the line is indicated in all time-based result displays, such as time, symbol, slot or bit
diagrams. By default, the analysis line is displayed. However, you can hide it from view
manually. In all result displays, the "AL" label in the window title bar indicates whether
the analysis line lies within the analysis interval or not:

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Measurement basics

Pulse measurements in MSRA/MSRT mode

●

orange "AL": the line lies within the interval

●

white "AL": the line lies within the interval, but is not displayed (hidden)

●

no "AL": the line lies outside the interval

Example:

In this example, a frequency hopping signal is captured with the MSRA primarysecon­dary channel. The pulse hopping characteristic is analyzed within the R&S FSW Pulse
application (K6), while the digital modulation used on a specific hopping frequency is
simultaneously analyzed in the VSA application (R&S FSW-K70).

For details on the MSRA operating mode, see the R&S FSW MSRA User Manual. For
details on the MSRT operating mode, see the R&S FSW Real-Time Spectrum Applica­tion and MSRT Operating Mode User Manual.

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5 Configuration

Configuration

Configuration overview

Access: [MODE] > "Pulse"

Pulse measurements require a special application on the R&S FSW.

When you activate the Pulse application the first time, a set of parameters is passed on
from the currently active application. After initial setup, the parameters for the mea­surement channel are stored upon exiting and restored upon re-entering the channel.
Thus, you can switch between applications quickly and easily.

When you activate the Pulse application, a pulse measurement for the input signal is
started automatically with the default configuration. The "Pulse" menu is displayed and
provides access to the most important configuration functions.

Automatic refresh of results after configuration changes

The R&S FSW supports you in finding the correct measurement settings quickly and
easily - after each change in settings, the measurements are repeated and the result
displays are updated immediately and automatically to reflect the changes. You do not
need to refresh the display manually. Thus, you can see if the setting is appropriate or
not directly through the transparent dialog boxes.

● Configuration overview............................................................................................80

● Signal description....................................................................................................82

● Reference signal description...................................................................................85

● Input and output settings.........................................................................................92

● Frontend settings.................................................................................................. 102

● Trigger settings..................................................................................................... 108

● Data acquisition.....................................................................................................117

● Sweep settings......................................................................................................120

● Pulse detection......................................................................................................123

● Pulse measurement settings.................................................................................125

● Automatic settings.................................................................................................134

5.1 Configuration overview

Access: all menus

Throughout the measurement configuration, an overview of the most important cur­rently defined settings is provided in the "Overview".

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Configuration

Configuration overview

In addition to the main measurement settings, the "Overview" provides quick access to
the main settings dialog boxes. Thus, you can easily configure an entire measurement
channel from input over processing to output and evaluation by stepping through the
dialog boxes as indicated in the "Overview".

In particular, the "Overview" provides quick access to the following configuration dialog
boxes (listed in the recommended order of processing):

1. Signal Description
See Chapter 5.2, "Signal description", on page 82

2. Input and Frontend Settings
See Chapter 5.4, "Input and output settings", on page 92

3. (Optionally:) Trigger/Gate
See Chapter 5.6, "Trigger settings", on page 108

4. Data Acquisition
See Chapter 5.7, "Data acquisition", on page 117

5. Pulse Detection
See Chapter 5.9, "Pulse detection", on page 123

6. Pulse Measurement
See Chapter 5.10, "Pulse measurement settings", on page 125

7. Result Configuration
See Chapter 6.1, "Result configuration", on page 136

8. Display Configuration
See Chapter 6.2, "Display configuration", on page 152

To configure settings

► Select any button in the "Overview" to open the corresponding dialog box.

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Configuration

Signal description

Select a setting in the channel bar (at the top of the measurement channel tab) to
change a specific setting.

Preset Channel............................................................................................................. 82

Specific Settings for...................................................................................................... 82

Preset Channel

Select the "Preset Channel" button in the lower left-hand corner of the "Overview" to
restore all measurement settings in the current channel to their default values.

Note: Do not confuse the "Preset Channel" button with the [Preset] key, which restores
the entire instrument to its default values and thus closes all channels on the
R&S FSW (except for the default channel)!

Remote command:

SYSTem:PRESet:CHANnel[:EXEC] on page 195

Specific Settings for

The channel can contain several windows for different results. Thus, the settings indi­cated in the "Overview" and configured in the dialog boxes vary depending on the
selected window.

Select an active window from the "Specific Settings for" selection list that is displayed
in the "Overview" and in all window-specific configuration dialog boxes.

The "Overview" and dialog boxes are updated to indicate the settings for the selected
window.

5.2 Signal description

Access: "Overview" > "Signal Description"

Or: [MEAS CONFIG] > "Signal Description"

The signal description provides information on the expected input signal, which optimi­zes pulse detection and measurement.

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Configuration

Signal description

Pulse Period..................................................................................................................83

Pulse Has Droop...........................................................................................................83

Pulse Modulation...........................................................................................................83

Timing Auto Mode.........................................................................................................84

Minimum Pulse Width................................................................................................... 84

Maximum Pulse Width.................................................................................................. 84

Min Pulse Off Time........................................................................................................85

Frequency Offset Auto Mode........................................................................................ 85

Frequency Offset Value.................................................................................................85

Chirp Rate Auto Mode...................................................................................................85

Chirp Rate.....................................................................................................................85

Pulse Period

Defines how a pulse is detected.
"High to Low"

"Low to High"

Remote command:

[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:PERiod on page 198

Pulse Has Droop

If enabled, a pulse can be modeled as having amplitude droop, i.e. the pulse top may
not be flat.

Remote command:

[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:ADRoop on page 197

The pulse period begins with the falling edge of the preceding pulse
and ends with the falling edge of the current pulse.

The pulse period begins with the rising edge of the current pulse and
end with the rising edge of the succeeding pulse.

Pulse Modulation

Defines the expected pulse modulation:

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Configuration

Signal description

"Arbitrary"

Modulation not considered (no phase error/frequency error results
available)

"CW"

Continuous wave modulation, i.e. only the carrier power is modulated
(On/Off)
For CW modulation, additional parameters are available to define the
frequency offset.

"Linear FM"

Linear frequency modulation (FM) (The frequency changes linearly
over time within each pulse)
For linear pulse modulation, additional parameters are available to
define the chirp rate.

"Reference IQ"

A reference pulse is configured (see Chapter 5.3, "Reference signal

description", on page 85).

Remote command:

[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:MODulation on page 198

Timing Auto Mode

If enabled, the timing parameters (minimum pulse width, maximum pulse width, mini­mum pulse off time) are determined automatically from the current capture settings.

Remote command:

[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:DURation:AUTO on page 195

Minimum Pulse Width

Defines a minimum pulse width; pulses outside this range are not detected. The availa­ble value range is restricted by the sample rate.

Remote command:

[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:DURation:MIN on page 196

Maximum Pulse Width

Defines a maximum pulse width; pulses outside this range are not detected. The avail­able value range is restricted by the sample rate.

The analysis of a single pulse is limited to 25 million samples.

Table 5-1: Measurement example for 10

Gauss filter is 4 and 1.25 for flat filter.

Meas BW Filter R&S FSW

10 MHz Gauss 625 ms

1 GHz Gauss 6.25 ms

MHz and 1 GHz Meas BW, default oversampling factor for

Flat 2 s

Flat 20 ms

Remote command:

[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:DURation:MAX on page 196

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Configuration

Reference signal description

Min Pulse Off Time

The minimum time the pulse is "off", i.e. the time between successive pulses. This
value is used to determine noise statistics and to reject short drops in amplitude during
pulse "on" time. The available value range is 50ns to 100s, but may be restricted fur­ther by the sample rate.

Remote command:

[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:DURation:OFF on page 196

Frequency Offset Auto Mode

If enabled, the frequency offset is estimated automatically for each individual pulse.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:FREQuency:OFFSet:AUTO on page 197

Frequency Offset Value

Defines a known frequency offset to be corrected in the pulse acquisition data.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:FREQuency:OFFSet on page 196

Chirp Rate Auto Mode

If enabled, the chirp rate is estimated automatically for each individual pulse.
Remote command:

[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:FREQuency:RATE:AUTO on page 197

Chirp Rate

Defines a known frequency chirp rate (in Hz/μs) to be used to generate an ideal pulse
waveform for computing frequency and phase error parameters. This value is assumed
constant for all measured pulses.

Remote command:

[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:FREQuency:RATE on page 197

5.3 Reference signal description

Access: "Overview" > "Signal Description" > "Reference I/Q"

Or: [MEAS CONFIG] > "Signal Description" > "Reference I/Q"

The additional option R&S FSW-K6S allows for time sidelobe analysis in which the
sent and the received pulses are correlated with one other (see also Chapter 4.5,

"Time sidelobe analysis", on page 65). Since the R&S FSW itself can measure only the

received pulse, the sent pulse must be configured as a reference pulse before the
measurement.

The reference pulse can either be imported to the R&S FSW Pulse application from an
I/Q waveform file with measured data, or it can be calculated by the R&S FSW Pulse
application according to a specified pulse model.

The "Reference IQ" tab is only active if you select the Pulse Modulation: "Reference
IQ" in the Signal description settings.

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5.3.1 User-defined reference file

Configuration

Reference signal description

Depending on the selected Reference Type of the reference waveform, different set­tings are available.

● User-defined reference file......................................................................................86

● Polynomial FM reference waveform........................................................................88

● (Embedded) barker reference waveform................................................................ 90

Access: "Overview" > "Signal Description" > "Reference I/Q"

Or: [MEAS CONFIG] > "Signal Description" > "Reference I/Q"

The reference pulse is imported to the R&S FSW Pulse application from an I/Q wave­form file with measured data.

A preview of the pulse in the specified file with the specified settings is displayed
directly in the dialog. Thus, you can determine whether the selected file and settings
are suitable.

Reference Type

Input File Selection........................................................................................................87

Range Settings..............................................................................................................87

└ Offset.............................................................................................................. 87

└ Length.............................................................................................................87

Window Type.................................................................................................................87

Preview function............................................................................................................88

Reference Type

Defines how the reference waveform is defined.
"Custom IQ"

.............................................................................................................86

A custom waveform is loaded from a file.

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Configuration

Reference signal description

"Polynomial
FM"

"Barker"
"Embedded

Barker"
Remote command:

RIQ:SELect on page 202

Input File Selection

Opens a file selection dialog box to select the I/Q data file which contains the reference
waveform.

The waveforms can be in one of the following file formats:

●

The Rohde & Schwarz proprietary file format *.wv; such files are generated with
the signal generation software R&S WinIQSIM2 or with the realtime options of the
Rohde & Schwarz signal generators; see the corresponding user documentation
for details

●

iq.tar format as specified in Chapter C, "I/Q data file format (iq-tar)",
on page 473.

The selected file is loaded and some basic information from the file is displayed in the
dialog box.

Remote command:

RIQ:FIQ:PATH on page 200

A polynomial is used to define the signal's phase.

A Barker waveform with a specified primary code is used.
A Barker waveform with a specified primary and secondary code is

used.

Range Settings

If the waveform file contains more than one pulse, you can specify which range of the
data in the file is to be used as a reference pulse.

By default ("Auto" mode), the data from the entire file is used as the time sidelobe
range.

In "Manual" mode you can define the length and offset of the range.
Remote command:

RIQ:FIQ:RANGe:AUTO on page 200

Offset ← Range Settings

Defines the starting time of the reference pulse as an offset from the beginning of the
data file.

Remote command:

RIQ:FIQ:RANGe:OFFSet on page 200

Length ← Range Settings

Defines the length of the reference pulse in the data file in seconds.
Remote command:

RIQ:FIQ:RANGe:LENGth on page 200

Window Type

Defines the FFT window function to be applied to the reference I/Q data. By default, a
rectangular window function is applied (i.e. no windowing).

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Configuration

Reference signal description

For details on the effects of FFT windowing functions see Table 4-2.
The following window types are available:

●

Rectangular (default)

●

Gauss

●

Chebyshev

●

Flattop

●

Blackman

●

Hamming

●

Hanning

Remote command:

RIQ:PFM:WINDow on page 201
RIQ:FIQ:WINDow on page 201

Preview function

Defines the type of evaluation to be applied to the reference data in the preview area of
the dialog box. The evaluation types correspond to the pulse result displays (however,
applied to the reference data rather than the measured data).

The preview allows you to determine whether the selected data and settings are suita­ble as a reference pulse for the measurements.

"Magnitude"

"Frequency"
"Phase"
"Auto correla-

ted"

(Custom reference I/Q only:) Displays the magnitude vs. time trace of
the selected reference pulse

Displays the frequency vs. time trace of the selected reference pulse
Displays the phase vs. time trace of the selected reference pulse
Displays the magnitude of the correlator output for the selected refer-

ence pulse (see "Correlated Pulse Magnitude(*)" on page 50).

5.3.2 Polynomial FM reference waveform

A signal with a polynomial FM is calculated by the R&S FSW Pulse application.

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Configuration

Reference signal description

Reference Type.............................................................................................................89

Pulse Width...................................................................................................................89

Window Type.................................................................................................................89

Coefficient<x>............................................................................................................... 90

Preview function............................................................................................................90

Reference Type

Defines how the reference waveform is defined.
"Custom IQ"
"Polynomial

FM"
"Barker"
"Embedded

Barker"
Remote command:

RIQ:SELect on page 202

Pulse Width

Defines the width of the reference pulse.
Remote command:

Polynomial:

RIQ:PFM:WIDTh on page 201

Barker:

RIQ:BARKer:WIDTh on page 199

A custom waveform is loaded from a file.
A polynomial is used to define the signal's phase.

A Barker waveform with a specified primary code is used.
A Barker waveform with a specified primary and secondary code is

used.

Window Type

Defines the FFT window function to be applied to the reference I/Q data. By default, a
rectangular window function is applied (i.e. no windowing).

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Reference signal description

For details on the effects of FFT windowing functions see Table 4-2.
The following window types are available:

●

Rectangular (default)

●

Gauss

●

Chebyshev

●

Flattop

●

Blackman

●

Hamming

●

Hanning

Remote command:

RIQ:PFM:WINDow on page 201
RIQ:FIQ:WINDow on page 201

Coefficient<x>

For a polynomial of order n, n+1 coefficients can be defined.
Remote command:

RIQ:PFM:COEFficients<c> on page 201

Configuration

Preview function

Defines the type of evaluation to be applied to the reference data in the preview area of
the dialog box. The evaluation types correspond to the pulse result displays (however,
applied to the reference data rather than the measured data).

The preview allows you to determine whether the selected data and settings are suita­ble as a reference pulse for the measurements.

"Magnitude"

"Frequency"
"Phase"
"Auto correla-

ted"

(Custom reference I/Q only:) Displays the magnitude vs. time trace of
the selected reference pulse

Displays the frequency vs. time trace of the selected reference pulse
Displays the phase vs. time trace of the selected reference pulse
Displays the magnitude of the correlator output for the selected refer-

ence pulse (see "Correlated Pulse Magnitude(*)" on page 50).

5.3.3 (Embedded) barker reference waveform

A Barker waveform is calculated by the R&S FSW Pulse application. A Barker code is
a finite sequence of N values of +1 and −1, with an ideal autocorrelation property.
Seven different Barker sequences, with a maximum length (order) N of 13, are availa­ble in the R&S FSW Pulse application.

An embedded Barker code is a combination of two individual barker codes applied
sequentially.

The Barker and Embedded Barker waveforms differ only in the Secondary Code
parameter, which is only available for Embedded Barker.

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Configuration

Reference signal description

Reference Type.............................................................................................................91

Pulse Width...................................................................................................................91

Primary Code................................................................................................................ 91

Secondary Code........................................................................................................... 92

Preview function............................................................................................................92

Reference Type

Defines how the reference waveform is defined.
"Custom IQ"
"Polynomial

FM"
"Barker"
"Embedded

Barker"
Remote command:

RIQ:SELect on page 202

Pulse Width

Defines the width of the reference pulse.
Remote command:

Polynomial:

RIQ:PFM:WIDTh on page 201

Barker:

RIQ:BARKer:WIDTh on page 199

A custom waveform is loaded from a file.
A polynomial is used to define the signal's phase.

A Barker waveform with a specified primary code is used.
A Barker waveform with a specified primary and secondary code is

used.

Primary Code

Code length of (primary) Barker code.

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Configuration

Input and output settings

Remote command:

RIQ:BARKer:CODE on page 199

Embedded Barker:

RIQ:EBARker:PCODe on page 199

Secondary Code

Code length of secondary Barker code used in an embedded barker code.
Remote command:

RIQ:EBARker:SCODe on page 199

Preview function

Defines the type of evaluation to be applied to the reference data in the preview area of
the dialog box. The evaluation types correspond to the pulse result displays (however,
applied to the reference data rather than the measured data).

The preview allows you to determine whether the selected data and settings are suita­ble as a reference pulse for the measurements.

"Magnitude"

"Frequency"
"Phase"
"Auto correla-

ted"

(Custom reference I/Q only:) Displays the magnitude vs. time trace of
the selected reference pulse

Displays the frequency vs. time trace of the selected reference pulse
Displays the phase vs. time trace of the selected reference pulse
Displays the magnitude of the correlator output for the selected refer-

ence pulse (see "Correlated Pulse Magnitude(*)" on page 50).

5.4 Input and output settings

Access: "Overview" > "Input/Frontend"

Or: [INPUT/OUTPUT]

Or: "Input & Output"

The R&S FSW can analyze signals from different input sources and provide various
types of output (such as noise or trigger signals).

The settings for data input and output are described here.

● Input source settings...............................................................................................92

● Output settings........................................................................................................98

● Digital I/Q output settings........................................................................................99

● Digital I/Q 40G output settings.............................................................................. 100

5.4.1 Input source settings

Access: "Overview" > "Input/Frontend" > "Input Source"

The input source determines which data the R&S FSW analyzes.

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Configuration

Input and output settings

The default input source for the R&S FSW is "Radio Frequency", i.e. the signal at the
"RF Input" connector of the R&S FSW. If no additional options are installed, this is the
only available input source.

Further input sources

The R&S FSW Pulse application application can also process input from the following
optional sources:

●

I/Q Input files

●

External mixer

●

"Digital Baseband" interface (R&S FSW-B17)

●

"Analog Baseband" interface (R&S FSW-B71)

●

Baseband oscilloscope input (R&S FSW-B2071)

●

2 GHz / 5 GHz bandwidth extension (R&S FSW-B2000/B5000)

●

Probes

For details, see the R&S FSW I/Q Analyzer and I/Q Input User Manual.

Since the Digital I/Q input and the Analog Baseband input use the same digital signal
path, both cannot be used simultaneously. When one is activated, established connec­tions for the other are disconnected. When the second input is deactivated, connec­tions to the first are re-established. Reconnecting can cause a short delay in data
transfer after switching the input source.

● Radio frequency input............................................................................................. 93

● Settings for input from I/Q data files........................................................................96

5.4.1.1 Radio frequency input

Access: "Overview" > "Input/Frontend" > "Input Source" > "Radio Frequency"

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Configuration

Input and output settings

RF Input Protection

The RF input connector of the R&S FSW must be protected against signal levels that
exceed the ranges specified in the data sheet. Therefore, the R&S FSW is equipped
with an overload protection mechanism for DC and signal frequencies up to 30 MHz.
This mechanism becomes active as soon as the power at the input mixer exceeds the
specified limit. It ensures that the connection between RF input and input mixer is cut
off.

When the overload protection is activated, an error message is displayed in the status
bar ("INPUT OVLD"), and a message box informs you that the RF input was discon­nected. Furthermore, a status bit (bit 3) in the STAT:QUES:POW status register is set.
In this case, you must decrease the level at the RF input connector and then close the
message box. Then measurement is possible again. Reactivating the RF input is also
possible via the remote command INPut<ip>:ATTenuation:PROTection:RESet.

Radio Frequency State................................................................................................. 94

Input Coupling...............................................................................................................94

Impedance.................................................................................................................... 95

Direct Path.................................................................................................................... 95

High Pass Filter 1 to 3 GHz...........................................................................................95

YIG-Preselector.............................................................................................................96

Input Connector.............................................................................................................96

Radio Frequency State

Activates input from the "RF Input" connector.
For R&S FSW85 models with two input connectors, you must define which input

source is used for each measurement channel.

If an external frontend is active, select the connector the external frontend is connected
to. You cannot use the other RF input connector simultaneously for the same channel.
However, you can configure the use of the other RF input connector for another active
channel at the same time.

"Input 1"

"Input 2"
Remote command:

INPut<ip>:SELect on page 206
INPut<ip>:TYPE on page 206

Input Coupling

The RF input of the R&S FSW can be coupled by alternating current (AC) or direct cur­rent (DC).

For an active external frontend, input coupling is always DC.

1.00 mm RF input connector for frequencies up to 85 GHz (90 GHz
with option R&S FSW-B90G)

1.85 mm RF input connector for frequencies up to 67 GHz

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Configuration

Input and output settings

AC coupling blocks any DC voltage from the input signal. AC coupling is activated by
default to prevent damage to the instrument. Very low frequencies in the input signal
can be distorted.

However, some specifications require DC coupling. In this case, you must protect the
instrument from damaging DC input voltages manually. For details, refer to the data
sheet.

Remote command:

INPut<ip>:COUPling on page 204

Impedance

For some measurements, the reference impedance for the measured levels of the
R&S FSW can be set to 50 Ω or 75 Ω.

Select 75 Ω if the 50 Ω input impedance is transformed to a higher impedance using a
75 Ω adapter of the RAZ type. (That corresponds to 25Ω in series to the input impe­dance of the instrument.) The correction value in this case is 1.76 dB = 10 log (75Ω/
50Ω).

Remote command:

INPut<ip>:IMPedance on page 205

Direct Path

Enables or disables the use of the direct path for small frequencies.
In spectrum analyzers, passive analog mixers are used for the first conversion of the

input signal. In such mixers, the LO signal is coupled into the IF path due to its limited
isolation. The coupled LO signal becomes visible at the RF frequency 0 Hz. This effect
is referred to as LO feedthrough.

To avoid the LO feedthrough the spectrum analyzer provides an alternative signal path
to the A/D converter, referred to as the direct path. By default, the direct path is
selected automatically for RF frequencies close to zero. However, this behavior can be
disabled. If "Direct Path" is set to "Off", the spectrum analyzer always uses the analog
mixer path.

For an active external frontend, the direct path is always used automatically for fre­quencies close to zero.

"Auto"

"Off"
Remote command:

INPut<ip>:DPATh on page 204

High Pass Filter 1 to 3 GHz

Activates an additional internal highpass filter for RF input signals from 1 GHz to
3 GHz. This filter is used to remove the harmonics of the analyzer to measure the har­monics for a DUT, for example.

This function requires an additional hardware option.
Note: For RF input signals outside the specified range, the high-pass filter has no

effect. For signals with a frequency of approximately 4 GHz upwards, the harmonics
are suppressed sufficiently by the YIG-preselector, if available.)

(Default) The direct path is used automatically for frequencies close
to zero.

The analog mixer path is always used.

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Configuration

Input and output settings

Remote command:

INPut<ip>:FILTer:HPASs[:STATe] on page 205

YIG-Preselector

Enables or disables the YIG-preselector, if available on the R&S FSW.
An internal YIG-preselector at the input of the R&S FSW ensures that image frequen-

cies are rejected. However, image rejection is only possible for a restricted bandwidth.
To use the maximum bandwidth for signal analysis you can disable the YIG-preselector
at the input of the R&S FSW, which can lead to image-frequency display.

Note: Note that the YIG-preselector is active only on frequencies greater than 8 GHz.
Therefore, switching the YIG-preselector on or off has no effect if the frequency is
below that value.

To use the optional 90 GHz frequency extension (R&S FSW-B90G), the YIG-preselec­tor must be disabled.

Remote command:

INPut<ip>:FILTer:YIG[:STATe] on page 205

Input Connector

Determines which connector the input data for the measurement is taken from.
For more information on the "Analog Baseband" interface (R&S FSW-B71), see the

R&S FSW I/Q Analyzer and I/Q Input user manual.
"RF"
"RF Probe"

"Baseband
Input I"

Remote command:

INPut<ip>:CONNector on page 203

5.4.1.2 Settings for input from I/Q data files

Access: "Overview" > "Input/Frontend" > "Input Source" > "I/Q File"

(Default:) The "RF Input" connector
The "RF Input" connector with an adapter for a modular probe

This setting is only available if a probe is connected to the "RF Input"
connector.
It is not available for an active external frontend.

The optional "Baseband Input I" connector
This setting is only available if the optional "Analog Baseband" inter­face is installed and active for input. It is not available for the
R&S FSW67.
For R&S FSW85 models with two input connectors, this setting is
only available for "Input 1".

Or: [INPUT/OUTPUT] > "Input Source Config" > "Input Source" > "I/Q File"

This input source is not available in all applications, and not in MSRA/MSRT oper­ating mode.

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Configuration

Input and output settings

For details, see the R&S FSW I/Q Analyzer and I/Q Input user manual.

I/Q Input File State........................................................................................................ 97

Select I/Q data file.........................................................................................................97

File Repetitions............................................................................................................. 98

I/Q Input File State

Enables input from the selected I/Q input file.
If enabled, the application performs measurements on the data from this file. Thus,

most measurement settings related to data acquisition (attenuation, center frequency,
measurement bandwidth, sample rate) cannot be changed. The measurement time
can only be decreased to perform measurements on an extract of the available data
only.

Note: Even when the file input is disabled, the input file remains selected and can be
enabled again quickly by changing the state.

Remote command:

INPut<ip>:SELect on page 206

Select I/Q data file

Opens a file selection dialog box to select an input file that contains I/Q data.
The I/Q data file must be in one of the following supported formats:

.iq.tar

●

.iqw

●

.csv

●

.mat

●

.wv

●

.aid

●
For details on formats, see the R&S FSW I/Q Analyzer and I/Q Input user manual.

Note: Only a single data stream or channel can be used as input, even if multiple
streams or channels are stored in the file.

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5.4.2 Output settings

Configuration

Input and output settings

Note: For some file formats that do not provide the sample rate and measurement time
or record length, you must define these parameters manually. Otherwise the traces are
not visible in the result displays.

The default storage location for I/Q data files is C:\R_S\INSTR\USER.
Remote command:

INPut<ip>:FILE:PATH on page 228

File Repetitions

Determines how often the data stream is repeatedly copied in the I/Q data memory to
create a longer record. If the available memory is not sufficient for the specified num­ber of repetitions, the largest possible number of complete data streams is used.

Remote command:

TRACe:IQ:FILE:REPetition:COUNt on page 229

Access: [Input/Output] > "Output"

The R&S FSW can provide output to special connectors for other devices.

For details on connectors, refer to the R&S FSW Getting Started manual, "Front / Rear
Panel View" chapters.

How to provide trigger signals as output is described in detail in the R&S FSW User
Manual.

Noise Source Control....................................................................................................99

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5.4.3 Digital I/Q output settings

Configuration

Input and output settings

Noise Source Control

Enables or disables the 28 V voltage supply for an external noise source connected to
the "Noise source control / Power sensor") connector. By switching the supply voltage
for an external noise source on or off in the firmware, you can enable or disable the
device as required.

External noise sources are useful when you are measuring power levels that fall below
the noise floor of the R&S FSW itself, for example when measuring the noise level of
an amplifier.

In this case, you can first connect an external noise source (whose noise power level is
known in advance) to the R&S FSW and measure the total noise power. From this
value, you can determine the noise power of the R&S FSW. Then when you measure
the power level of the actual DUT, you can deduct the known noise level from the total
power to obtain the power level of the DUT.

Remote command:

DIAGnostic:SERVice:NSOurce on page 235

Access: "Overview" > "Output" > "Digital I/Q" tab

The optional "Digital Baseband" interface allows you to output I/Q data from any
R&S FSW application that processes I/Q data to an external device.

These settings are only available if the "Digital Baseband" interface option is installed
on the R&S FSW.

For details on digital I/Q output, see the R&S FSW I/Q Analyzer User Manual.

Digital Baseband Output............................................................................................... 99

Output Settings Information........................................................................................ 100

Connected Instrument.................................................................................................100

Digital Baseband Output

Enables or disables a digital output stream to the optional "Digital Baseband" interface,
if available.

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Configuration

Input and output settings

Note: If digital baseband output is active, the sample rate is restricted to 200 MHz
(max. 160 MHz bandwidth).
The only data source that can be used for digital baseband output is RF input.

Remote command:

OUTPut<up>:DIQ[:STATe] on page 226

Output Settings Information

Displays information on the settings for output via the optional "Digital Baseband" inter­face.

The following information is displayed:

●

Maximum sample rate that can be used to transfer data via the "Digital Baseband"
interface (i.e. the maximum input sample rate that can be processed by the con­nected instrument)

●

Sample rate currently used to transfer data via the "Digital Baseband" interface

●

Level and unit that corresponds to an I/Q sample with the magnitude "1"

Remote command:

OUTPut<up>:DIQ:CDEVice? on page 226

Connected Instrument

Displays information on the instrument connected to the optional "Digital Baseband"
interface, if available.

If an instrument is connected, the following information is displayed:

●

Name and serial number of the instrument connected to the "Digital Baseband"
interface

●

Used port

Remote command:

OUTPut<up>:DIQ:CDEVice? on page 226

5.4.4 Digital I/Q 40G output settings

Access: "Overview" > "Output" > "Digital I/Q 40G" tab

The optional Digital I/Q 40G Streaming Output interface (R&S FSW-B517/-B1017)
allows you to output I/Q data to an external device at very high sample rates.

These settings are only available if one of the Digital I/Q 40G Streaming Output options
is installed on the R&S FSW.

For details see the R&S FSW I/Q Analyzer and I/Q Input User Manual.

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