Operating Manual
Level Control Sensor
R&S
NRP-Z28
1170.8008.02
R&S
NRP-Z98
1170.8508.02
Test and Measurement
1170.8966.12-08 1
Dear Customer,
R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Trade names are trademarks of the owners.
1170.8966.12-08 2
R&S NRP-Z28/Z98 Safety Information
Safety Information
Safety information is part of the product documentation. It warns you of potential dangers and gives
instructions on how to prevent personal injury or damage caused by dangerous situations. Safety
information is provided as follows:
• In the Getting Started manual, Chapter 1.1 “Safety instructions”. The same information is provided in
many languages as printed "Safety Instructions". Both documents are delivered with the power
sensor.
• Throughout the documentation, safety instructions are provided when you need to take care during
setup or operation.
1170.8966.12 I E-1
R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 Table of Contents Chapter 1
Table of Contents
1 Putting into Operation ......................................................................................................1.1
Unpacking the sensor ......................................................................................................................1.1
Connecting the sensor ....................................................................................................................1.1
Operation with the R&S NRP/NRP2 power meter .........................................................................1.3
Connecting the power sensor .....................................................................................................1.3
Performing measurements .........................................................................................................1.4
PC control .........................................................................................................................................1.5
Hardware and software requirements ........................................................................................1.5
Operation via the R&S NRP-Z4 passive USB adapter ...............................................................1.7
Operation via the R&S NRP-Z3 active USB adapter ..................................................................1.7
Operation via the R&S NRP-Z5 Sensor Hub ..............................................................................1.9
Equipment Supplied and Alternative Accessories ............................................................. 1.9
Ports and LEDs ................................................................................................................ 1.10
Test Setup ........................................................................................................................ 1.11
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................... 1.13
Connecting the sensor to the source and the DUT ..................................................................1.14
Performing measurements .......................................................................................................1.14
Operation with other Rohde & Schwarz test instruments..........................................................1.15
Hardware and software requirements ......................................................................................1.15
1170.8966.12 I-1.1 E-6
List of Figs. Chapter 1 R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98
Figs.
Fig. 1-1 Configuration with the R&S NRP/NRP2 ............................................................................ 1.4
Fig. 1-2 Displaying the total available power of a USB port ............................................................ 1.6
Fig. 1-3 Power measurement on PC with the R&S NRP-Z4 passive USB adapter ........................ 1.7
Fig. 1-4 Power measurement on PC with the R&S NRP-Z3 active USB adapter ........................... 1.7
Fig. 1-5 Changing the primary adapter ........................................................................................... 1.8
Fig. 1-6 Ports and LEDs on front panel ......................................................................................... 1.10
Fig. 1-7 Ports on rear panel........................................................................................................... 1.10
Fig. 1-8 Unlatching the R&S Instrument connector ....................................................................... 1.11
Fig. 1-9 Typical test setup with R&S NRP-Z5 and PC .................................................................. 1.12
Fig. 1-10 Changing the view in Device Manager ............................................................................ 1.13
Fig. 1-11 Identification of USB root hub on which R&S NRP-Z5 is operated ................................. 1.13
Fig. 1-12 Deactivation of Selective Suspend for a USB root hub ................................................... 1.14
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R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 Connecting the sensor
NOTICE
Follow the instructions below precisely to prevent damage to the sensor – particularly
when you are putting the power sensor into operation for the first time.
The power sensor contains components which can be destroyed by electrostatic
discharges. To prevent this from happening, never touch the inner conductor of the RF
connector and never open the power sensor.
NOTICE
To prevent EMI, the power sensor must never be operated with its enclosure wholly or
partially removed. Only use shielded cables that meet the relevant EMC standards.
Never exceed the maximum RF power limit. Even brief overloads can destroy the
integrated power sensor.
To prevent erroneous measurements, always terminate the RF output of the power sensor
(at the cable end) with a matched load or matched measuring instrument input.
In many cases, the RF connector only requires manual tightening. However, for maximal
measurement accuracy, the RF connector must be tightened using a torque wrench with a
nominal torque of 1.36 Nm (12" lbs.).
1 Putting into Operation
Unpacking the sensor
Remove the power sensor from its packing and check that nothing is missing. Inspect all items for
damage. If you discover any damage, inform the carrier responsible immediately and keep the packing
to support any claims for compensation.
It is also best to use the original packing if the power sensor is to be shipped or transported at a later
date.
Connecting the sensor
1170.8966.12 1.1 E-6
Connecting the sensor R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98
!!
Do not apply excessive mechanical force to the RF
connectors of the R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 and DUT!
FF
FF
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R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 Connecting the sensor
Make sure the bending radius of the RF connecting
cable is at least 50 mm!
A tighter bend can permanently impair the
matching of the RF input!
> 100 mm
! !
Operation with the R&S NRP/NRP2 power meter
Connecting the power sensor
The power sensor can be connected to the R&S NRP/NRP2 base unit when it is in operation. The
multiple circular plug-in connector must be inserted, red marking upwards, into one of the
R&S NRP/NRP2 base unit’s sensor connectors. When the power sensor is connected, it is detected by
the R&S NRP/NRP2 base unit and initialized.
Connect the RF connector of the connecting cable to the output of a signal source, and connect the RF
connector of the power meter to the input of the DUT. To screw on the power sensor more easily and
without tilting it, slightly lift it.
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Connecting the sensor R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98
G
DUT
R&S NRP/NRP2
R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98
P
Fig. 1-1 Configuration with the R&S NRP/NRP2
Performing measurements
The R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 power sensors behave in a similar manner as the R&S NRP-Z21 and
R&S NRP-Z91 multipath diode sensors. Unlike these, however, instead of the power fed to the sensor,
the power P supplied to the DUT is measured. By means of the S-parameter correction function,
adapters or attenuators connected ahead of the DUT can be taken into consideration. The gamma
correction function allows the influence of a mismatched DUT to be reduced.
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R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 Connecting the sensor
PC control
Hardware and software requirements
The following requirements must be met if the power sensor is to be controlled by a PC via an interface
adapter:
The PC must have a USB port.
Either Microsoft Windows XP (32 Bit), Microsoft Windows Vista (32 or 64 Bit), Microsoft Windows 7
(32 or 64 Bit), or x86 Linux (with kernel 2.6.8 oder more recent) must be installed as the operating
system of the PC. 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows XP are not supported. Operation with older
versions of Microsoft Windows with USB support (especially Microsoft Windows 2000) is normally
possible but cannot be guaranteed.
The USB device drivers in the supplied NRP Toolkit software package must be installed.
If these requirements are met, the power sensor can be controlled using a suitable application program
such as the NrpFlashup program contained in the Microsoft Windows version of the NRP Toolkit
(includes the modules Power Viewer, USB Terminal, Firmware Update and Update S-Parameters).
When you insert the CD-ROM supplied with the R&S NRP power sensor, the NRP Toolkit is
automatically installed on your PC. The rest of the procedure is self-explanatory.
The power sensor can be powered in two ways:
Self-powered from a separate power supply via the Active USB Adapter R&S NRP-Z3 or the
Sensor Hub R&S NRP-Z5.
Bus-powered from the PC or a USB hub with its own power supply (self-powered hub) via the
Active USB Adapter R&S NRP-Z3 or via the Passive USB Adapter R&S NRP-Z4.
As the power sensor is a high-power device, there is no guarantee that it can be powered from all types
of laptop or notebook in the bus-powered mode. To be sure, you should determine the current at the
USB connectors beforehand:
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Connecting the sensor R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98
In the Windows™ start menu, select Settings – Control Panel
Select the System icon
Select the Hardware tab
By clicking on the button of that name, start the Device Manager
Open USB Controller (all USB controllers, hubs and USB devices are listed here)
Double-click USB Root Hub or select Properties in the context menu (use the right-
hand mouse button)
Select the Power tab (Fig. 1-1). If the hub is self-powered and the total power
available is, as indicated by Hub Information, 500 mA per port, high-power devices
can be connected.
Fig. 1-2 Displaying the total available power of a USB port
If you have any doubts, ask the manufacturer if the USB port on your laptop or notebook can handle
high-power devices.
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R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 Connecting the sensor
DUT
G
P
Ext. triggering
(optional)
(not included in delivery)
BNC cable
Plug-in power supply
(optional use)
G
R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98
G
DUT
P
R&S NRP-Z4
R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98
USB
TTL /
CMOS
R&S NRP-Z3
Operation via the R&S NRP-Z4 passive USB adapter
Fig. 1-3 is a schematic of the measurement setup. The order in which the cables are connected is not
critical.
Fig. 1-3 Power measurement on PC with the R&S NRP-Z4 passive USB adapter
Operation via the R&S NRP-Z3 active USB adapter
Fig. 1-4 shows the configuration with the R&S NRP-Z3 active USB adapter. The order in which the
cables are connected is not critical.
Fig. 1-4 Power measurement on PC with the R&S NRP-Z3 active USB adapter
The plug-in power supply for the R&S NRP-Z3 can be powered from a single-phase AC source with a
nominal voltage range of 100 V to 240 V and a nominal frequency between 50 Hz and 60 Hz. The plugin power supply autosets to the applied AC voltage. No manual voltage selection is required.
The plug-in power supply comes with four primary adapters for Europe, the UK, the USA and Australia.
No tools of any kind are required to change the primary adapter. The adapter is pulled out manually and
another adapter inserted until it locks (Fig. 1-5).
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Connecting the sensor R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98
NOTICE
The plug-in power supply is not intended for outdoor use.
Keep within the temperature range of 0 °C to 50 °C.
If there is any condensation on the plug-in power supply, dry it off before connecting it to
the AC supply.
Fig. 1-5 Changing the primary adapter
The plug-in power supply is short-circuit-proof and has an internal fuse. It is not possible to replace this
fuse or open the plug-in power supply.
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R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 Connecting the sensor
NOTICE
The external power supply is not intended for outdoor use.
Keep within the temperature range of 0°C to 50°C.
If there is any condensation on the external power supply, dry it off before connecting it
to the AC supply.
Operation via the R&S NRP-Z5 Sensor Hub
The R&S NRP-Z5 sensor hub allows up to four power sensors to be operated on one PC. It combines
the following functions:
4-port USB 2.0 hub
Power supply
Through-wired trigger bus
Trigger input and trigger output via BNC sockets
Equipment Supplied and Alternative Accessories
The following equipment is supplied:
Sensor hub
External power supply
Power cable
USB cable
Instead of the supplied, 2 m long USB cable, it is possible to use any other USB-2.0-certified cable
(USB connector type A to USB connector type B) with a maximum length of 5 m. If a locking connection
is required at the instrument end, it is also possible to use the passive R&S NRP-Z4 interface adapter
instead of a standard USB cable.
As an alternative to the supplied external power supply, power can also be supplied using a DC voltage
source with an output voltage of 12 V to 24 V and a power output of at least 24 W. Make sure that the
polarity is correct (positive pole inside, negative pole outside). The alternative DC voltage source must
be in the same building as the R&S NRP-Z5 and must be connected to the latter via a cable with a
maximum length of 30 m. Power must not be supplied from a low-voltage supply system.
The supplied external power supply is short-circuit-proof and is also protected by an internal fuse. It is
not possible to change the fuse or open the unit.
1170.8966.12 1.9 E-6
Connecting the sensor R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98
1–4
Sockets for connecting the power sensors
5–8
Green LEDs for indicating normal operation
9–12
Yellow LEDs for indicating faults
1
Trigger output (BNC socket)
2
Trigger input (BNC socket)
3
Plug allowing connection to Rohde & Schwarz measuring instruments (via R&S NRP-Z2) or to
a PC (via R&S NRP-Z4)
4
USB socket (type B) for connection to the USB host (PC or Rohde & Schwarz measuring
instrument without sensor socket)
5
Power supply socket (supplied external power supply unit or alternative power supply (12 V to
24 V/24 W))
Ports and LEDs
The power sensors are connected to the front panel of the R&S NRP-Z5. The ports and LEDs on the
front panel of the R&S NRP-Z5 are shown in Fig. 1-6.
Fig. 1-6 Ports and LEDs on front panel
On the rear panel are the ports for power supply, USB host, trigger input and trigger output. The ports
on the rear panel are shown in Fig. 1-7.
Fig. 1-7 Ports on rear panel
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R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 Connecting the sensor
Unlatch the R&S Instrument connector on the rear panel by
pressing down the unlatching ring of the built-in
plug and pulling off the cable jack at the same
time (Fig. 1-8).
Fig. 1-8 Unlatching the R&S Instrument connector
1
R&S NRP-Z5 sensor hub
2
External power supply unit (supplied)
3
Power cable (supplied)
4
AC power supply
5
USB cable (supplied)
6
PC with USB host port
7, 8
BNC cable (optional, not supplied)
9
Trigger source (optional)
10
Triggered device (optional)
11-14
R&S NRP-Zxx power sensors (one to four sensors)
15
Signal source
16
DUT
Test Setup
Fig. 1-9 shows a typical test setup:
The sequence in which the cables are connected is not important.
As already mentioned in section Ports and LEDs, the R&S NRP-Z4 passive interface adapter can also
be used as an alternative to a standard USB cable for connecting to the PC. This adapter is connected
to the R&S Instrument port. Simultaneous operation at two USB hosts is not possible as the USB host
connected to the R&S Instrument port always has priority.
It is possible to cascade several R&S NRP-Z5 sensor hubs by connecting the R&S Instrument port of
an R&S NRP-Z5 to one of the sensor ports of another R&S NRP-Z5. However, external triggering and
the use of the Trigger Master function are then not possible. Instead, it is recommended to connect all
R&S NRP-Z5 hubs individually to the USB host or to an interposed USB hub, and to feed the external
trigger signal to all R&S NRP-Z5 hubs via their trigger inputs; or to forward the external trigger signal
from the trigger output of the R&S NRP-Z5 to which the Trigger Master is connected to the trigger
inputs of the other R&S NRP-Z5 hubs.
1170.8966.12 1.11 E-6
Connecting the sensor R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98
Fig. 1-9 Typical test setup with R&S NRP-Z5 and PC
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R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 Connecting the sensor
Troubleshooting
A frequent problem, especially in the case of operation under Microsoft Windows XP, is that the
R&S NRP-Z5 fails to respond after a power sensor connected to the R&S NRP-Z5 is disconnected and
reconnected. It is then necessary to restart the PC.
This problem is not specific to the R&S NRP-Z5, but occurs with all USB hubs. You can try to eliminate
the problem by switching off the Selective Suspend for the USB port of the PC on which the R&S NRPZ5 is operated. The following step-by-step description is based on an English version of Windows XP:
1. Connect the R&S NRP-Z5 and put it into operation. Connect at least one power sensor.
2. Start the Device Manager and change the view by selecting View - Devices by connection
(Fig. 1-10).
Fig. 1-10 Changing the view in Device Manager
3. Now identify the USB root hub on which the R&S NRP-Z5 is operated. To do so, expand the
hierarchical display of the PC components, as shown in Fig. 1-11. Under PCI bus, find the USB
host controller to whose root hub the R&S NRP-Z5 is connected. The R&S NRP-Z5 is shown as the
Generic USB Hub. It can be distinguished from other USB hubs by the power sensor connected to
it.
Fig. 1-11 Identification of USB root hub on which R&S NRP-Z5 is operated
1170.8966.12 1.13 E-6
Connecting the sensor R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98
4. Double-clicking USB Root Hub opens the USB Root Hub Properties dialog box. Select the Power
Management tab. Remove the check mark next to Allow the computer to turn off this device to
save power and confirm this with OK.
Fig. 1-12 Deactivation of Selective Suspend for a USB root hub
Connecting the sensor to the source and the DUT
Connect the RF connector of the connecting cable to the output of a signal source, and connect the RF
connector of the power meter to the input of the DUT. By slightly lifting the power sensor, you can screw
it on more easily without tilting it.
Performing measurements
The R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 power sensors behave in a similar manner as the R&S NRP-Z21 and
R&S NRP-Z91 multipath diode sensors. Unlike these, however, instead of the power fed to the sensor,
the power P supplied to the DUT is measured. By means of the S-parameter correction function,
adapters or attenuators connected ahead of the DUT can be taken into consideration. The gamma
correction function allows the influence of a mismatched DUT to be reduced.
1170.8966.12 1.14 E-6
R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 Connecting the sensor
Operation with other Rohde & Schwarz test instruments
Hardware and software requirements
Many Rohde & Schwarz test instruments allow power measurements using power sensors of the
R&S NRP-Zxx series. The power sensors are generally connected to the USB ports of the test
instrument via one of the two interface adapters, R&S NRP-Z3 or R&S NRP-Z4, or the Sensor Hub
R&S NRP-Z5. On some instruments, such as the R&S SMU signal generator, there is also an
R&S NRP sensor connector available for a direct connection. The R&S NRP-Z5 can be hooked up to
this connector via an extension cable R&S NRP-Z2 (Model .03, .05, or .15). For that purpose, the
R&S Instrument connector of the R&S NRP-Z5 is used.
1170.8966.12 1.15 E-6
R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 Table of Contents Chapter 2
Table of Contents
2 Virtual Power Meter ...........................................................................................................2.1
Overview............................................................................................................................................2.1
Menus .........................................................................................................................................2.3
1170.8966.12 I-2.1 E-1
List of Figs. and Tables Chapter 2 R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98
Figs.
F
ig. 2-1 Power Viewer virtual power meter ...................................................................................2.1
Tables
T
able 2-1 Virtual power meter keys ..................................................................................................2.2
Table 2-2 Virtual power meter entry fields ........................................................................................2.2
1170.8966.12 I-2.2 E-1
R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 Overview
2 Virtual Power Meter
You will find the NrpFlashup program that enables you to operate the power sensor with a PC under
Windows™ on the CD-ROM that accompanies the power sensor. The program comprises several
modules which can be started centrally via the Windows™ start-menu entry NRP Toolkit.
This section describes the Power Viewer program module. This is a virtual power meter which only
uses a cut-down set of the power sensor’s functions. This means that after an extremely brief
familiarization period, you can perform measurements.
The other modules in NrpFlashup are described in Chapter 3 of the operating manual (Terminal and
Update S-Parameters modules) or in the service manual (Firmware Update module).
Overview
Start the virtual power meter using the NRP Toolkit – Power Viewer start-menu entry. The Power
Viewer program window is displayed (Fig. 2-1).
Fig. 2-1 Power Viewer – virtual power meter
The result display occupies most of the program window. The result, unit and additional power sensor
status information are displayed. The serial number is displayed in the bottom right. The program
window also contains animated buttons and entry fields (see Table 2-1 and Table 2-2).
1170.8966.12 2.1 E-1
Overview R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98
Table 2-1 Virtual power meter keys
Button Function Key combination
Exit Terminates the program. The current settings are saved and recalled the
W Selects Watt as the display unit. Alt + W
dBm Selects dBm as the display unit. Alt + M
Zero Zeroes the power sensor. Alt + Z
dB Selects dB as the display unit. This is the log of the ratio of the measured
<% Selects % as the display unit. The difference between the measured value
M2Ref Makes the current measured value the reference value for the relative
Offset
On/Off
Averaging
Man/Auto
Apply
next time the program is started.
value to the reference value.
and the reference value is expressed as a percentage.
display units dB and %.
Turns the global offset correction for the power sensor on or off. If the offset
correction is Off, the Offset/dB entry field has a grey background.
Turns auto-averaging on or off. When auto-averaging is on, the Length entry
field has a grey background; the current averaging factor is displayed.
Accepts edited numerical values in the Frequency/Hz, Value/dB and
Length entry fields and transfers them to the sensor.
Alt + E
Alt + B
Alt + %
Alt + R
Alt + N
Alt + T
Alt + A
or Enter key
Table 2-2 Virtual power meter entry fields
Entry field Function
Frequency/Hz Frequency of the RF carrier in Hertz.
Value/dB Attenuation in dB of the component connected to the power sensor. The valid range is –100 to 100.
Length Length of the averaging filter (= averaging factor). The valid range is 1 to 65536. Averaging must be set
The offset correction must be activated beforehand with the Offset On/Off button if this entry field is to
be edited.
to manual with the Averaging Man/Auto button if this entry field is to be edited.
Scientific notation can also be used for the entry fields. If an invalid entry is made, an error message is
output. An edited numerical value will not be transferred to the power sensor unless you use the Apply
button or the Enter key to terminate the entry.
1170.8966.12 2.2 E-1
R&S NRP-Z28/-Z98 Overview
Menus
The menu bar can be used to call less frequently used functions.
File Start Log
top Log
S
View Display Refresh Rate
Colours
Result
Unit
Edit
Button
Resolution
...
pens a file-selection dialog to specify the path and name
O
of the log file. Clicking the Save button starts the
recording. All displayed values are written line-by-line to
the log file with the date (format: YY/MM/DD) and time
(format: hh:mm:ss.ms). Example:
-22.51 dBm (03/02/25 15:37:25.310
Ends the log-file recording.
Opens a dialog box to
adjust the display refresh
rate. The time in
milliseconds between two
refresh operations is
entered. The default
setting is 200 ms.
Opens a dialog box to select the background colour for
• the result,
• the unit
• t
he text in the number fields or
• the key labelling.
For setting the result
resolution. If autoaveraging has been
selected, a higher
resolution leads to a
greater averaging factor,
which means a longer
result settling time.
,
)
Options Read Sensor Status …
1170.8966.12 2.3 E-1
Reads the current status of
the power sensor. A
parameter list is output.
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