The product documentation helps you use the product safely and efficiently. Follow the instructions provided here and in the following chapters.
Intended use
The R&S NRT‑Zxx directional power sensor is intended for power and reflection
measurements in development and for monitoring and maintenance purposes.
The supported base units are listed in the data sheet. Observe the operating conditions and performance limits stated in the data sheet.
Target audience
The target audience is developers and technicians. The required skills and experience in power measurements depend on the used operating concept.
Main applications are continuous monitoring of transmitter systems and power
measurements with digital modulation. A profound knowledge of the intended
application and test setup is required.
Where do I find 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 Chapter 1.1, "Safety instructions", on page 5. The same information is
provided in many languages as printed "Safety Instructions". The printed
"Safety Instructions" are delivered with the product.
●
Throughout the documentation, safety instructions are provided when you
need to take care during setup or operation.
1.1Safety instructions
Products from the Rohde & Schwarz group of companies are manufactured
according to the highest technical standards. To use the products safely, follow
the instructions provided here and in the product documentation. Keep the product documentation nearby and offer it to other users.
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Use the product only for its intended use and within its performance limits. Intended use and limits are described in the product documentation such as the data
sheet, manuals and the printed "Safety Instructions". If you are unsure about the
appropriate use, contact Rohde & Schwarz customer service.
Using the product requires specialists or specially trained personnel. These users
also need sound knowledge of at least one of the languages in which the user
interfaces and the product documentation are available.
Reconfigure or adjust the product only as described in the product documentation
or the data sheet. Any other modifications can affect safety and are not permitted.
Never open the casing of the product. Only service personnel authorized by
Rohde & Schwarz are allowed to repair the product. If any part of the product is
damaged or broken, stop using the product. Contact Rohde & Schwarz customer
service at https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/support.
Safety and regulatory information
Safety instructions
Operating the product
Only use the product indoors. The product casing is not waterproof.
Observe the ambient conditions such as altitude, operating temperature and climatic loads; see the data sheet.
Connecting directional power sensors
During the measurement, the RF power flow can be high. Connect both RF connectors tightly to avoid power leakage. Contact with leaking RF power can cause
electric shock and severe skin burns. Take the following measures for your safety:
●
Before switching on the RF power of your test setup, make sure that both RF
ports of the power sensor are connected securely as described in the product
documentation.
●
Do not touch the RF ports when the RF power is switched on.
●
Never exceed the permissible continuous power that is shown in the diagram
on the back of the power sensor.
●
Before disconnecting one or both RF ports of the power sensor, switch off the
RF power.
Meaning of safety labels
Safety labels on the product warn against potential hazards.
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Safety and regulatory information
Warning messages in the documentation
Potential hazard
Read the product documentation to avoid personal injury or product damage.
1.2Labels on the product
Labels on the product inform about:
●
Personal safety
See "Meaning of safety labels"on page 6.
●
Environment safety
See Table 1-1.
●
Identification of the product
The front label of the power sensor contains the serial number that uniquely
identifies the power sensor.
●
Power handling capacity
See "Signal input and output levels"on page 14.
Table 1-1: Labels regarding environment safety
Labeling in line with EN 50419 for disposal of electrical and electronic equipment after
the product has come to the end of its service life.
For more information, see the user manual.
1.3Warning messages in the documentation
A warning message points out a risk or danger that you need to be aware of. The
signal word indicates the severity of the safety hazard and how likely it will occur
if you do not follow the safety precautions.
CAUTION
Potentially hazardous situation. Could result in minor or moderate injury if not
avoided.
NOTICE
Potential risks of damage. Could result in damage to the supported product or to
other property.
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Safety and regulatory information
Warning messages in the documentation
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Documentation overview
Welcome
2Welcome
This chapter provides an overview of the user documentation and an introduction
to the R&S NRT-Zxx power sensor.
2.1Documentation overview
This section provides an overview of the R&S NRT-Zxx user documentation.
Unless specified otherwise, you find the documents at:
www.rohde-schwarz.com/manual/nrt-z_nap-z
Further documents are available at:
www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/nrt-z_nap-z
2.1.1Getting started manual
Introduces the R&S NRT-Zxx and describes how to set up and start working with
the product. Includes basic operations and general information, e.g. safety
instructions, etc. A printed version is delivered with the power sensor.
2.1.2User manual
Contains the description of all R&S NRT-Zxx functions. It also provides an introduction to remote control, a complete description of the remote control commands
with programming examples, and information on maintenance and interfaces.
Includes the contents of the getting started manual.
2.1.3Tutorials
Tutorials offer guided examples and demonstrations on operating the R&S NRTZxx. They are provided on the product page of the internet.
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Welcome
Key features
2.1.4Instrument security procedures
Deals with security issues when working with the R&S NRT-Zxx in secure areas.
It is available for download on the Internet.
2.1.5Printed safety instructions
Provides safety information in many languages. The printed document is delivered with the product.
2.1.6Data sheets and brochures
The data sheet contains the technical specifications of the R&S NRT-Zxx. 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.
2.1.7Application notes, application cards, white papers, etc.
These documents deal with special applications or background information on
particular topics.
www.rohde-schwarz.com/application/nrt-z_nap-z
2.2Key features
The R&S NRT-Zxx power sensors support the following measurements:
Average power (RMS value)
Returns the average value of the power for any type of measurement signal —
modulated, unmodulated or several carriers.
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Peak envelope power (PEP) and crest factor
Both parameters provide information on the peak power of a modulated envelope
and describe the overdrive characteristics of transmitter output stages. The power
sensor outputs the result of the crest factor measurement as the ratio of peak
envelope power (PEP) to average power. In the graphical user interface of the
base unit or the R&S Virtual NRT, the crest factor is displayed as a logarithmic
ratio in dB. Measurements are performed using a video bandwidth that is adjustable in several steps, so that even short-time and high-power peaks can be determined.
Average burst power
Used to measure modulated and unmodulated bursts based on the average
power and the duty cycle. The duty cycle can be defined or determined automatically by the power sensor.
Welcome
Key features
Complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF)
Measures the probability of the peak envelope power exceeding a preset threshold so that the amplitude distribution of signals with an unknown envelope can be
determined.
Voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), reflection coefficient, return loss
These parameters provide information on the matching of the load. The power
sensor derives these parameters from the average power measurement in forward and reverse direction.
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Welcome
Key features
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Choosing the operating site
Preparing for use
3Preparing for use
Here, you can find basic information about setting up the product for the first time.
3.1Unpacking and checking
1. Unpack the product carefully.
2. Retain the original packing material. Use it when transporting or shipping the
product later.
3. Using the delivery notes, check the equipment for completeness.
4. Check the equipment for damage.
If the delivery is incomplete or equipment is damaged, contact
Rohde & Schwarz.
3.2Choosing the operating site
Specific operating conditions ensure proper operation and avoid damage to the
product and connected devices. For information on environmental conditions
such as ambient temperature and humidity, see the data sheet.
Electromagnetic compatibility classes
The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) class indicates where you can operate
the product. The EMC class of the product is given in the data sheet.
●
Class B equipment is suitable for use in:
–Residential environments
–Environments that are directly connected to a low-voltage supply network
that supplies residential buildings
●
Class A equipment is intended for use in industrial environments. It can cause
radio disturbances in residential environments due to possible conducted and
radiated disturbances. It is therefore not suitable for class B environments.
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Connecting to source and load
If class A equipment causes radio disturbances, take appropriate measures to
eliminate them.
Preparing for use
3.3Considerations for test setup
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can affect the measurement results.
To suppress electromagnetic radiation during operation:
●
Use high-quality shielded cables, for example, double-shielded RF and interface cables.
●
Always terminate open cable ends.
●
Ensure that connected external devices comply with EMC regulations.
Signal input and output levels
Information on signal levels is provided in the data sheet. Keep the signal levels
within the specified ranges to avoid damage to the product and connected devices.
Information on power handling capacity is given also on the back of the power
sensor. A derating diagram shows the power handling capacity of the power sensor maximum forward power versus frequency, under different conditions such as
temperature and VSWR of the load.
3.4Connecting to source and load
The arrow on the power sensor front side shows the forward power flow.
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Preparing for use
Connecting to source and load
1
2
Figure 3-1: Connecting to source and load
1 = source
2 = port 1 (RF connector)
3 = R&S NRT‑Zxx directional power sensor
4 = port 2 (RF connector)
5 = load
6 = host interface connector
3
4
5
6
Connect the R&S NRT-Zxx as shown in Figure 3-1 and described in the following
step-by-step instructions to avoid damage to the power sensor and to use all
measurements.
If you want to measure an average of forward power below 30 W with high
accuracy and matching measurements are of secondary importance, you
can connect the R&S NRT-Zxx the other way around.
To connect to the DUT
1. Connect RF connector (2, port 1) to the source.
a) Insert RF connector (2) straight into the RF connector of the source. Take
care not to tilt the R&S NRT‑Zxx directional power sensor.
b) Tighten the RF connector securely by hand.
2. Connect RF connector (4, port 2) to the load.
a) Insert RF connector (4) straight into the RF connector of the load. Take
care not to tilt the R&S NRT‑Zxx directional power sensor.
b) Tighten the RF connector tightly by hand.
See "Connecting directional power sensors"on page 6.
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Preparing for use
Connecting to a computer or base unit
To disconnect from the DUT
1. CAUTION! Risk of electric shock and severe skin burns. See "Connecting
directional power sensors"on page 6.
Switch off the RF power before touching the RF connectors.
2. Unscrew the RF connectors by hand.
3.5Connecting to a computer or base unit
For connecting the power sensor to a computer or base unit, use the host interface. See Chapter 4.2, "Host interface", on page 20.
For operating the power sensor, you can choose from various possibilities. For
details, see Chapter 5, "Operating concepts", on page 23.
3.5.1Computer
As a controller, you can use a computer with a Microsoft Windows operating system, equipped with R&S Virtual NRT or remote control software.
1
2
3
Figure 3-2: Connecting to computer
1 = R&S NRT‑Zxx directional power sensor
2 = host interface connector → sensor interface
3 = R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter
4 = USB connector → USB port
5 = computer
4
5
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Preparing for use
Connecting to a computer or base unit
To connect to a computer
1. Meet the prerequisites of the R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter described in
Chapter 4.4, "R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter", on page 20.
2. Connect the host interface connector of the R&S NRT‑Zxx directional power
sensor, (2) in Figure 3-2, to the sensor interface of the R&S NRT‑Z5 USB
interface adapter.
3. Connect the USB connector of the R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter to a
USB port of the computer.
Further information:
●
Chapter 5.2, "R&SVirtual NRT", on page 24
●
Chapter 5.3, "Remote control", on page 26
3.5.2Base unit
You can operate the R&S NRT-Zxx on an R&S NRT2 or R&S NRX base unit. The
R&S NRX base unit must be equipped with the interface for R&S NRT-Z sensors
(R&S NRX-B9).
1
2
3
Figure 3-3: Connecting to base unit
1 = R&S NRT‑Zxx directional power sensor
2 = host interface connector → sensor interface
3 = base unit
To connect to a base unit
► Connect the host interface connector of the R&S NRT‑Zxx directional power
sensor, (2) in Figure 3-3, to the sensor interface of the base unit.
The base unit recognizes the power sensor a few seconds after the connection is made or after power-up and immediately starts to measure.
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Connecting to a computer or base unit
If the base unit does not recognize the power sensor, check the baud rate setting.
See the user manual.
Further information:
●
Chapter 5.1, "Base unit", on page 23
●
User manual of the base unit
Preparing for use
3.5.3Legacy setups
To support legacy setups, you can also connect the power sensor to the following
legacy adapters and instruments:
●
R&S NRT‑Z3 interface adapter
To connect to a computer with standard RS-232 interface.
●
R&S NRT‑Z4 PCMCIA interface adapter
To connect to a computer with a PCMCIA type II slot.
●
R&S NRT
Legacy base unit
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Power sensor tour
RF connectors
4Power sensor tour
This chapter provides an overview of the available connectors of the power sensor.
The meanings of the labels on the product are described here and in Chapter 1.2,
"Labels on the product", on page 7.
2
1
3
Figure 4-1: R&S NRT‑Zxx directional power sensor, front side
1 = port 1 (RF connector) → connect to source
2 = port 2 (RF connector) → connect to load
3 = host interface
4.1RF connectors
Always switch off the RF power before touching the RF connectors. See "Con-
necting directional power sensors"on page 6.
The RF connectors are used for connecting the power sensor between source
and load. To help connecting the power sensor correctly, the RF connectors are
assigned a number, indicated on the front label, see Figure 4-1.
See Chapter 3.4, "Connecting to source and load", on page 14.
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R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter
Power sensor tour
4.2Host interface
Used for establishing a connection between the power sensor and a computer or
base unit. The connection is used for:
●
Remote control of the power sensor via the serial interface (RS-422).
●
Supplying the power sensor with DC power.
See Chapter 3.5, "Connecting to a computer or base unit", on page 16.
4.3Power handling capacity
Located on the back of the power sensor, there is a derating diagram that shows
the power handling capacity of the power sensor, forward power in W versus frequency. It is also dependent on ambient temperature and the VSWR of the load.
Further information on signal levels is provided in the data sheet. See also "Sig-
nal input and output levels"on page 14.
4.4R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter
This adapter connects the host interface of the R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface
adapter to the USB port of a computer.
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R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter
Prerequisites
●
The USB port of the computer must be capable to supply at least 500 mA. If
necessary, use a self-powered USB hub.
●
The drivers for the R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter are installed on the
computer.
To install the drivers for the R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter
► Proceed as described in the technical information delivered with the
R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter.
For a detailed setup, see Chapter 3.5.1, "Computer", on page 16.
1 = signal source
2 = R&S NRT‑Zxx directional power sensor
3 = load
4 = base unit
5 = host interface connector → sensor interface
23
4
5
Communication between the R&S NRT‑Zxx directional power sensor and a base
unit is only possible with a baud rate setting of 38400 Bd. This setting is the factory default that must be restored if the setting was changed. If the R&S NRT‑Zxx
directional power sensor is not recognized by the base unit, check that the baud
rate setting of the R&S NRT‑Zxx directional power sensor is 38400 Bd.
For details on checking and setting the baud rate, see the user manual > maintenance.
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Operating concepts
R&S Virtual NRT
5.2R&S Virtual NRT
R&S Virtual NRT is a Windows application provided by Rohde & Schwarz for controlling the R&S NRT-Zxx. R&S Virtual NRT provides a graphical user interface
supporting:
●
Manual operation of the main measurements. For information on the graphical
user interface, see the R&S Virtual NRT help.
●
Remote control, see Chapter 5.3.1, "Remote control using R&S Virtual NRT",
on page 26.
Installing the program
R&S Virtual NRT is provided on the Rohde & Schwarz website as a separate
standalone installation package,
R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter to connect the power sensor to the computer; alternatively, you can use a legacy adapter, see Chapter 3.5.3, "Legacy
setups", on page 18.
●
Computer with Microsoft Windows operating system and the drivers for the
R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter installed, see "To install the drivers for
the R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter"on page 21.
Setup
1
2
3
4
5
Figure 5-2: Setup for R&S Virtual NRT
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Operating concepts
R&S Virtual NRT
1 = signal source
2 = R&S NRT‑Zxx directional power sensor
3 = load
4 = computer with installed R&S Virtual NRT
5 = R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter
To start a measurement
1. Connect the R&S NRT-Zxx to the computer as shown in "Setup"on page 24.
For detailed descriptions, refer to:
●Chapter 3.4, "Connecting to source and load", on page 14
●Chapter 3.5.1, "Computer", on page 16
2. Switch on the test signal of the signal source.
3. Start R&S Virtual NRT.
A few seconds after the user interface is displayed, when the pointers of the
analog indication start wriggling, the power sensor is ready for operation. For
further instructions, see the R&S Virtual NRT help.
If communication with the power sensor could not be established, the display
is dimmed and the automatic configuration of the interface failed. Proceed
with "To establish the communication"on page 26.
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To establish the communication
1. In the "Options" menu, select "RS-232".
Click "Auto Config" to start the automatic configuration again.
2. If automatic configuration does not work, configure the interface settings manually:
a) Set baud rate to 38400.
This value is the factory-set value of the R&S NRT-Zxx.
If you want to check the baud rate, proceed as described in the user manual.
b) Under "COM port", select the virtual COM port that is assigned to the
R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter.
c) Click "OK".
d) Click "RUN".
Operating concepts
Remote control
5.3Remote control
Using remote control, you can integrate the R&S NRT‑Zxx directional power sensors into a remote-controlled measurement system or use functions that are not
available in manual operation. You can monitor the power sensor and support the
development of your own test program.
Further information:
●
Chapter 3.5.1, "Computer", on page 16
●
User manual
5.3.1Remote control using R&S Virtual NRT
In R&S Virtual NRT, remote control is called direct communication. R&S Virtual
NRT works like a terminal program, but also manages the configuration of the
host (computer) and the initialization of the power sensor. For general information
on R&S Virtual NRT, see Chapter 5.2, "R&S Virtual NRT", on page 24.
To communicate directly
1. Start as described in "To start a measurement"on page 25.
2. Wait until you can see the measurement results.
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3. In the "Options" menu, select "Direct Communication".
The "Direct Communication" dialog is displayed. Any running measurements
are interrupted.
4. In the "Input" field, enter a command, for example ID.
5. Click "SEND".
In the "Output" field, the response of the power sensor is displayed.
6. Click "STOP REC" to terminate the ready-to-receive state of R&S Virtual NRT
before sending a new command.
7. For each command you want to send, repeat step 4 to step 6.
8. If you want to clear the receiver protocol displayed in the "Output" field, click
"CLEAR".
9. Click "CLOSE" to return to manual operation.
Operating concepts
Remote control
5.3.2Remote control using terminal program
You can use a terminal program of your choice.
5.3.2.1Interface settings
To set up the connection successfully, the interface settings of power sensor and
computer must match.
Power sensor interface settings
●
Parity: none
●
Data bits: 8
●
Stop bits: 1
●
Start bits: 1
●
Protocol: XON / XOFF
You can change the baud rate as described in the user manual.
Computer interface configuration
●
Port connected to the power sensor
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●
Interface parameters same as for power sensor, see "Power sensor interface
settings"on page 27.
●
ASCII configuration: end of transmitted lines with LF
Example: Using the PuTTY terminal program
This example shows the configuration of the PuTTY terminal program (https://
www.putty.org/).
1. Under "Session", configure as follows:
a) "Serial line": Must match the COM port that is assigned to the serial
adapter, usually R&S NRT‑Z5 USB interface adapter. You can look up this
information in the device manager of the operating system.
b) Speed: Must match the baud rate setting of the power sensor.
c) Connection type: "Serial"
2. If you want to reuse the session settings, you can save them:
Operating concepts
Remote control
a) Under "Saved Sessions", enter the name.
b) Click "Save".
c) To load a session, double-click the list entry.
3. Recommendation for "Terminal" settings: Set both "Local echo" and "Local
line editing" to "Force on". This way, you can see your input and edit the input
line.
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Operating concepts
Remote control
4. Under "Connection" > "Serial", configure the parameters of the serial interface.
5.3.2.2Testing the connection
On power-up, the R&S NRT-Zxx responds to commands with one or several
lines, if the connection is working.
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To ready the power sensor for measuring
1. Open the terminal program.
2. Send appl.
3. Wait for a response; see Chapter 5.3.2.3, "Behavior during booting",
on page 31.
4. Repeat step 2 and step 3 until the power sensor responds with:
After receiving the response, you can make settings and query results.
To test the connection
1. Open the terminal program.
2. Enter the string test.
Operating concepts
Remote control
3. Confirm with the return key.
The power sensor responds:
@17 0 - This is a test string__________________
@18 1 - This is a test string__________________
@19 2 - This is a test string__________________
...
@37 97 - This is a test string__________________
@38 98 - This is a test string__________________
@39 99 - This is a test string__________________
See also Chapter 5.3.2.3, "Behavior during booting", on page 31.
To query the identification
► Send the id command.
The power sensor responds with its identification string.
Example: @6E Rohde&Schwarz NRT-Z14 V3.00 2021-12-01____
To query the last result
► Send rtrg.
The power sensor responds with:
@11 +2.1234E+01 +2.1530E+01 __avrl15500 ________
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Interpreting the response:
+2.1234E+01
●
Result for measurement direction 1>2; in this example 21.234 W average
power
●
+2.1530E+01
Result for measurement direction 2>1; in this example 21.53 dB return loss.
●
__avrl15500
For further information, see the user manual.
5.3.2.3Behavior during booting
On power-up, the power sensor is booting. During booting, you can load new
firmware.
After booting is completed, a power-up test is performed for approx. 3 s.
Do not interrupt the power-up test. If you send the appl command during powerup test, the power sensor responds with:
Operating concepts
Remote control
@9B busy_________________________________________
After the power-up test is completed, send the appl command again to ready the
power sensor for measuring. The power sensor responds with:
@8C boot_________________________________________
Now the power sensor is ready for operation. If you send the appl command
again, the power sensor responds with: