Page 1
®
R&S
QuickStep
Test Executive Software
Getting Started
(?NZê2)
1530429202
Version 07
Getting Started
Page 2
This manual applies to the following options:
●
R&S QuickStep Test Executive Software (1528.9010.02)
●
R&S QuickStep Test Sequencer Software (1528.9049.02)
●
Development option for R&S QuickStep Test Executive Software
(1528.9026.02)
●
R&S QuickStep OTA Basic Application, ATSCAL (1528.9078.02)
●
R&S QuickStep license dongle and key card (1528.9003.02)
The firmware of the instrument uses several valuable open source software packages. For information,
see the "Open Source Acknowledgment" document, which is available for download from the customer
web section on GLORIS, the global Rohde & Schwarz information system: https://extranet.rohde-
schwarz.com.
Rohde & Schwarz would like to thank the open source community for their valuable contribution to embedded computing.
© 2018 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Mühldorfstr. 15, 81671 München, Germany
Phone: +49 89 41 29 - 0
Fax: +49 89 41 29 12 164
Email: info@rohde-schwarz.com
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.
1530.4292.02 | Version 07 | R&S®QuickStep
The following abbreviations are used throughout this manual: R&S® is abbreviated as R&S .
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R&S®QuickStep
Contents
1 Welcome................................................................................. 5
1.1 Key Features......................................................................................... 5
1.2 Software Components, Product Licensing........................................ 7
1.3 Documentation......................................................................................8
2 Required Hardware, Software and Firmware.................... 10
3 Installation and Start........................................................... 12
3.1 Putting the Smart Card into Operation............................................. 12
3.2 Installing QuickStep........................................................................... 13
Contents
3.3 Installing Optional Software, Configurations...................................16
3.4 Starting QuickStep..............................................................................16
4 Introduction to QuickStep...................................................18
4.1 Typical Test Setup...............................................................................18
4.2 Graphical User Interface.................................................................... 19
4.2.1 Test Execution.......................................................................................20
4.2.2 Test Plan Editor.....................................................................................21
4.2.3 Results Viewer...................................................................................... 22
4.2.4 Test Procedure Editor........................................................................... 24
4.2.5 System Configurator............................................................................. 25
4.2.6 OTA ATSCAL........................................................................................ 26
4.3 Block Function Development............................................................ 27
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R&S®QuickStep
Contents
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R&S®QuickStep
Welcome
Key Features
1 Welcome
Welcome to the R&S QuickStep Test Executive software! QuickStep provides a
high-speed test sequencer in combination with a powerful graphical user interface
for the parameterization and control of test execution. Test procedures are
designed in a graphical editor as flow charts based on the provided or additionally
developed test functions.
QuickStep lets you set up and run test plans – sequences of individual tests
together with scheduling and execution information –, to build test procedures and
to evaluate the test results. During test execution, QuickStep controls the test
equipment.
QuickStep includes example test projects for typical test conditions and hardware
setups. It offers facilities to adapt given test plans and their execution schedules
and to develop new ones. Customer extensions can easily be integrated, e.g. for
exploiting or developing special test algorithms.
If you only use the QuickStep OTA basic application (installed with QuickStep,
QS-ATSCAL license required), most test executive features are hidden at the GUI
but used in the background. For details, see the QuickStep ATSCAL OTA Testing
user manual.
1.1 Key Features
General features:
●
High performance:
QuickStep causes a minimum processing overhead. The test execution speed
is comparable to native C++/C# code. Parallel execution of code is supported.
●
User-friendly handling:
Configurations are done via graphical user interface (GUI) and intuitive handling (for example drag & drop). Standard tests need only a minimum configuration effort.
●
High flexibility and wide application range:
– Examples and reference test cases are available and ready to run.
The test packages are optimized regarding time consumption.
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R&S®QuickStep
– QuickStep is not confined to a certain set of test instruments since stan-
dard communication interfaces are used for controlling the test equipment.
3rd-party instruments are easily integrated.
– Customer-defined test setups and test conditions are supported.
– QuickStep is appropriate for production tests (particularly due to high per-
formance) as well as for test development purposes.
●
Support for developing test functionality and easy integration of customer
code
Test plan configuration:
●
Static and dynamic parameter references
●
Convenient set and sweep functions
●
Search and filter functions
●
Limit handling
Welcome
Key Features
●
Control phases (for example for instrument initialization) around sequences of
test steps
●
Dynamic control statements (loops, if conditions, jumps)
Test results and execution protocol:
●
Diagram for result plots
●
Histogram view for statistical analysis
●
Configurable result charts and live view results
●
Configurable reports
●
Test execution protocol viewer
System configuration management:
●
Graphical representation of the test setup
●
Intuitive building of system configurations with elements from a library
●
Parameter and path mapping for multiple test setups
Development of new tests:
●
Intuitive building of test procedures via flow charts of blocks from a library
●
Control structures (conditions, "If", "Or") and dependencies
●
GUI supported generation of source code templates for new test functions
●
Powerful API to support standard functionality
●
Microsoft Visual Studio® based test function development with C++ or C#
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R&S®QuickStep
Software Components, Product Licensing
●
Debugging support: Breakpoints allow to pause a test run on well-defined
steps and block functions; single step execution mode is provided
●
Re-use and extension of R&S Forum and MATLAB scripts
●
Support of user-defined dialogs implemented with Windows Forms or WPF
●
Standalone usage of block DLLs
Welcome
1.2 Software Components, Product Licensing
The software has the following components:
●
Test Executive Software
Includes the complete functionality to define tests based on the provided block
functions, to run tests and analyze the results.
Type: R&S QS-APP, included option keys: R&S QS-EXE, R&S QS-EDI, R&S
QS-SEQ
●
Test Sequencer Software
Executes QuickStep tests. This component is used in combination with a
QuickStep application which provides the calling GUI.
Type: R&S QS-SEQ, option key: R&S QS-SEQ
●
Development Option
Enables the creation of new block functions. The Block Development Tool provides the complete interface to integrate user code into QuickStep via MS Visual Studio projects.
Type: R&S QS-DEV, option key: R&S QS-DEV
Additionally required type: R&S QS-APP
●
OTA Basic Application
Provides the OTA ATSCAL view for easy and integrated control of OTA (over
the air) RF radiation testing, particularly for calibration and antenna measurements in combination with an ATS1000. No configuration of a testplan or test
procedure is needed. Test results (total radiated power, gain, radiation pattern)
are also displayed in the view including polar and 3D chart.
Type: R&S QS-ATSCAL, option key: R&S QS-ATSCAL
Additionally required type: R&S QS-SEQ or R&S QS-APP
●
ATSDRV Positioner Driver Package
Provides the functionality to control an ATS-CCP1 antenna positioner with
turntable and one antenna boom.
Type: R&S QS-ATSDRV, free of charge
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R&S®QuickStep
Documentation
The licensing is realized with a License Dongle to be connected with a USB port
at the PC where QuickStep is used. The license dongle consists of a smart card
and a USB smart card reader. The definition and execution of tests with the Test
Executive Software is limited to 25 steps if the license dongle is not available or
the license is not valid. The development or OTA functionality is only available
with valid license.
Welcome
1.3 Documentation
PDF documentation
The pdf documents are included on the product's USB stick. Most documents are
also accessible after QuickStep installation via the Windows "Start" button and
the folder "R&S QuickStep > Documentation" or via the QuickStep Help menu.
Additionally, the Getting Started is provided as printed document.
The pdf documentation consists of the following documents:
●
Getting Started
Provides basic information about the product and how to install it.
●
User Manual
Provides detailed information about the features of the application and how to
install, configure and use the application. The manual includes descriptions of
the applied mechanisms, step-by-step procedures showing how to carry out
typical tasks, a reference chapter where the GUI elements and their usage are
described, and application examples.
●
OTA Testing User Manual
User manual that is specialized for the OTA ATSCAL component of QuickStep.
●
Release Notes
Contains the most current information on the application, for example latest
changes, news, restrictions.
●
Training Manuals
Provide detailed descriptions how to use QuickStep based on instructive
examples. The descriptions include step-by-step procedures and many hints
on practical usage.
– User Training: Covers all topics related to the usage of QuickStep – except
for the development of new blocks.
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R&S®QuickStep
Documentation
– Developer Training: Covers the tasks for developing functional blocks.
Code examples illustrating how user-defined block functions are developed. The example code can be copied and inserted in programming files
in MS Visual Studio; therefore two versions of the training manual exist:
one for programming in C++, one for programming in C#.
●
Quick Reference
Lists the typically required API functions on a poster.
●
ActiveReports User Guide
Describes how to use the ReportDesigner which is accessible via the Test
Procedure Editor's toolbar. The ReportDesigner allows to create and edit
report definitions and styles for the QuickStep reporting functionality.
Help, CHM documentation
●
The context-sensitive help system is embedded in QuickStep. Press the
"Help" button or the F1 key to access the help from the graphical user interface.
Welcome
●
The QuickStep API description is a help system describing the classes and
files for block development. It is accessible via the Windows "Start" button and
the folder "R&S QuickStep > Help and Manuals" or via the QuickStep Help
menu.
●
Developer documentation (CHM files) of the provided R&S base blocks for reuse of the block functions for the development of 3rd party blocks.
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R&S®QuickStep
Required Hardware, Software and Firmware
2 Required Hardware, Software and Firm-
ware
Required hardware and operating system
●
Standard PC
●
Windows 7 as 64 bit version, including service pack 1 and universal C runtime
update (KB2999226) or Windows 8.1, Windows 10
Required software
The QuickStep installer includes all required software. That is the QuickStep software itself and environment software such as Microsoft C++ Redistributable
Packages, .NET Framework including Developer Pack, and the R&S License
Server Manager including the R&S License Server.
Additional and Optional software
If you want to use VISA instruments for your tests or even develop your own
QuickStep blocks, then install the related additional software.
Table 2-1: Additional and optional software
Software Usage
R&S VISA 5.5.5 or higher VISA communication with test instruments (except for GPIB)
VISA for GPIB instruments provided by the
manufacturer
NI Driver for GPIB-USBHS adapter
R&S NRP Toolkit NRP power meter measurements; includes NRPZ VXI plug&play
SignalCraft Scout Driver SignalCraft Scout USB to serial / GPIO adapter
Microsoft Visual Studio
(Community) for C++/C#
(supported versions:
2012, 2013, 2015, 2017;
for C++ also 2010)
Alternative VISA communication with test instruments for GPIB
connections
NI USB-GPIB adapter
drivers
Integrated development environment for block development
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R&S®QuickStep
Software Usage
Required Hardware, Software and Firmware
R&S Forum (supported
versions: 3.2.0, 3.3.0)
Mathworks MATLAB (supported versions: 2016b,
2017a)
Editor and runtime environment to create and execute Python
scripts, for example for remote control of instruments
Editor and runtime environment to create and execute MATLAB
scripts
R&S-VISA and NI-VISA can be installed in parallel. The VISA variant can
be selected per connection type (GPIB, Socket, HiSLIP, USB), for example
in the RsVisaConfigure tool. R&S VISA does not support GPIB connections.
The optional software is not provided with QuickStep but can be downloaded from
the manufacturer’s website or is provided together with the test instruments.
For obtaining Visual Studio Community, search for "Visual Studio Community" on
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download and follow the first link.
Special test instruments may require additional software on the host PC, for
example device drivers.
Required firmware on the test instruments
The provided example test applications require certain firmware versions and
options of the involved measurement equipment. So, verify that the firmware versions and options on the measurement equipment comply with the requirements
given in the release notes.
Refer to the manuals of the measurement equipment on how to check and
respectively update the firmware if necessary.
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R&S®QuickStep
Putting the Smart Card into Operation
Installation and Start
3 Installation and Start
The QuickStep software is provided on the product's USB stick.
3.1 Putting the Smart Card into Operation
The QuickStep software is licensed with a smart card-based licensing system.
The smart card in SIM format can be used together with the card reader provided
with the QuickStep delivery. Alternatively, the full format smart card can be inserted into a reader connected to, or built into, a PC.
A smart card and a USB smart card reader (USB stick) is provided with the delivery.
Proceed as follows:
1. Break out your smart card.
Figure 3-1: Smart card and USB smart card reader
2. Insert the smart card with the chip facing upwards and the angled corner facing to the USB stick into the USB stick. The USB stick's LED or "Rohde &
Schwarz" label is also facing upwards.
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R&S®QuickStep
Figure 3-2: Inserting the smart card
3. Push the smart card completely inside the USB smart card reader.
The QuickStep software can now be used together with the USB smart card
reader.
Installation and Start
Installing QuickStep
3.2 Installing QuickStep
The QuickStep software is provided as RSQuickStep_[BuildNo].exe file.
Proceed as follows to install QuickStep on the PC:
1. Copy the RSQuickStep_[BuildNo].exe file into a local directory on your
PC.
2. Double-click RSQuickStep_[BuildNo].exe.
The installation wizard opens. The dialog includes the license terms and conditions.
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R&S®QuickStep
Figure 3-3: Installation wizard
Installation and Start
Installing QuickStep
3. Read the license terms and conditions carefully and tick the checkbox at "I
agree to the license terms and conditions" if you agree. Then click "Install" to
start the installation.
The installation progress is displayed. The installation comprises QuickStep
itself, environmental software and QuickStep applications.
The "Installation Successfully Completed" report indicates the end of a successfull installation process. Additionally, optional software packages not
installed yet are listed (to be installed later if required for your intended usage
of QuickStep).
The installation of the environmental software might require a restart. Click
"Restart" in this case to finish the installation.
4. Click "Launch" or "Close".
QuickStep is stored under
C:\Program Files\Rohde-Schwarz\QuickStep\. The example and user
files can be found under
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Rohde-Schwarz\QuickStep. Depending on
the Windows installation this path might vary. Use the links in the "R&S QuickStep" folder in the Windows start menu to determine the exact location.
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R&S®QuickStep
Installation and Start
Installing QuickStep
Figure 3-4: QuickStep in the Windows start menu
Separate icons are created on the desktop to directly start QuickStep, the QuickStep Block Development Tool and the QuickStep OTA application.
If Forum 3.2.0 is installed on the PC, QuickStep copies a Python file into the
Forum installation directory to enable the QuickStep-Forum integration. This
might cause a Windows “User Account-Control” warning depending on the
setup of the PC. Administrator rights are required to copy this file.
QuickStep is ready to be started at the PC.
Installation via command line with log file creation
In case of an error during usual installation, try the installation via command line
with log file creation:
1. Open a command shell.
2. Navigate to the directory containing the QuickStep *.exe installation file.
3. Enter RSQuickStep_<Version>.exe -log quickstep_installation.log.
4. If the installation still ends with an error, send the created
quickstep_installation.log via e-mail to R&S Customer Support to
get further help. Use the contact information listed at http://www.customersup-
port.rohde-schwarz.com.
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R&S®QuickStep
Installation and Start
Starting QuickStep
3.3 Installing Optional Software, Configurations
For installing optional software and configuring the connections to your test instruments, see the QuickStep User Manual.
3.4 Starting QuickStep
Prerequisites:
●
QuickStep has been installed on the PC.
●
A smart card reader with inserted smart card for QuickStep (providing the
required licenses) has been connected with the PC. Connecting the smart
card can also be done after start of QuickStep.
●
The test instruments and the PC have been connected according to the
desired test setup.
Proceed as follows:
1. Start all involved test instruments and devices.
2. Ensure that all test instruments are reachable from the PC.
3. At the PC, start QuickStep with a double-click from the Windows start menu or
from the desktop icon.
Figure 3-5: QuickStep in the Windows start menu
QuickStep starts up and provides a start dialog.
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R&S®QuickStep
Installation and Start
Starting QuickStep
Figure 3-6: Start dialog
If you start the QuickStep OTA ATSCAL application, this start dialog is not
shown. Login as user Operator. No password is required and the following
steps are not relevant.
4. If you do not want QuickStep to occupy an existing QS-DEV license, deactivate the "Enable Development Option". Then, the Test Procedure Editor and
the Test Procedure Debugger will not be available.
5. Select one of the project options (for example, "Open Project") or double-click
a project from the list of "Recent Projects".
This selection does not cut the access to other projects. Afterwards, you can
change the project or define a new one via the QuickStep "File" menu.
A license check is performed. Its result is reported in the "Log Viewer".
Recommended next step for beginners
If you are not yet familiar with QuickStep and look for a tutorial, proceed with the
training manuals. They are accessible via the Windows "Start" button and the
folder "R&S QuickStep > Documentation" or via the Help menu in QuickStep. The
training manuals provide step-by-step procedures based on instructive examples.
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R&S®QuickStep
Introduction to QuickStep
Typical Test Setup
4 Introduction to QuickStep
This chapter provides a brief overview over QuickStep for a first orientation. The
given information is not comprehensive and not represented with full complexity.
4.1 Typical Test Setup
Figure 4-1: Schematic test setup (DUT: Device under Test)
Characteristics:
●
QuickStep runs on a PC and controls the test instruments.
●
QuickStep basically commands a sequence of test steps where the values of
one or several test parameters are varied. The results for each test step are
collected and presented within QuickStep.
●
Typically, SCPI commands sent over LAN (or GPIB) control the test instruments. Any other remote control interface might be adapted.
●
The test instruments can be of any type. Examples are generators, analyzers,
power supplies, power sensors, switching devices. The number of used test
instruments is not limited.
●
One or more test instruments provide test signals as input for the DUT. Vice
versa, one or several test instruments gather signals or data from the DUT.
Examples:
– A generator instrument provides an RF signal to the DUT. QuickStep
defines the properties of the RF signal to be transmitted.
– An analyzer instrument receives RF signals from the DUT and measures
their properties. QuickStep gets the results from the analyzer.
– A power supply with variable voltage powers the DUT.
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R&S®QuickStep
Introduction to QuickStep
Graphical User Interface
4.2 Graphical User Interface
All operational tasks for configuring and executing tests are carried out on the PC.
When starting QuickStep, the "QuickStep" window – the graphical user interface
(GUI) – opens.
Figure 4-2: GUI overview
1 = Menu bar
2 = Tabs
3 = Toolbar
4 = Navigation / browser / library
5 = Main pane
6 = Secondary pane
The GUI is structured with a menu bar, tabs, a toolbar and several panes. The
content to be displayed is distributed in several tabs. The selected tab defines
which type of information is displayed in the different panes. See the descriptions
below for information on the content for single tabs. The entries in the toolbar also
depend on the selected tab.
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R&S®QuickStep
Introduction to QuickStep
Graphical User Interface
4.2.1 Test Execution
This view becomes relevant when the current test is executed. You can start the
test run and control the test execution.
Figure 4-3: Test Execution
1 = Start the test execution
2 = See and control the execution progress
3 = View the logged messages
4 = Select the block function flow chart of interest
5 = Inspect the current block function
Progress bar
The progress bar shows how far the test has been executed. You can control test
execution, for example resume test execution after a halt due to a breakpoint in
the test plan.
Log Viewer
The Log Viewer protocols the events occurred during operation of QuickStep,
particularly after starting the test execution. The messages are color-coded.
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R&S®QuickStep
Introduction to QuickStep
Graphical User Interface
Test Procedure Debugger
The "Test Procedure Debugger" allows to check the values of parameters during
test run. It includes the Test Procedure Browser from the Test Procedure Editor
for selecting the block function diagram that contains the block function of interest.
The debugger works together with the progress bar during test run. You can proceed in the test execution step by step with the "Step" button. If you have defined
breakpoints for test steps (to be done in the Testplan Editor) and have clicked the
"Continue" button, the test execution is halted at each breakpoint until you click
"Continue" again.
4.2.2 Test Plan Editor
The "Test Plan Editor" is the initial view of QuickStep. The user prepares a list of
test steps and starts the test execution from the toolbar.
Figure 4-4: Testplan Editor
1 = Select a sequence of test steps (or define groups and sequences)
2 = Inspect and edit the sequence of test steps
3 = Edit parameter values
4 = Start the test plan
Central test step table
In the table, each test step is represented in one row, the columns display the
related parameters. Parameter values can directly be edited in the table after a
double-click.
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R&S®QuickStep
Each test step is connected to a test procedure by the entry in the "Test Procedure" column. The parameter set of each test step is dynamically adapted
according to the selected test procedure. If test procedure parameters are modified in the test procedure editor, the modifications get effective in the test plan editor after clicking "Update Test Project".
Powerful sweep and set functions allow quick generation of parameter sweeps for
efficient parameter setting of multiple test steps. Multi-parameter sweeps might
be defined within one single test step. Prioritization might be used to keep control
on the order of the parameter sweeps within nested loops.
Panes on the right-hand side
In the "Test Step Parameters" tab, the parameters of a test step are displayed in
vertical order for a better overview and providing a more convenient way to edit
parameters without scrolling. The "TPR Options" tab contains parameters for the
whole test, for example repetitions. The "Test Step Limits" tab shows the configured limits for measurement results.
Introduction to QuickStep
Graphical User Interface
Regarding test development, various settings for logging and debugging are
offered. Breakpoints for debugging and single-step execution can be enabled for
specific test steps.
Test Project Browser on the left-hand side
Multiple test step parameter tables are organized in a tree structure for keeping
an overview of large tests. Control structures can be applied to sequences of test
steps, their parameters are configured in the right pane. "Test Project Parameters" contains static and dynamic global parameters to be configured in the middle pane.
4.2.3 Results Viewer
The results of a test run are displayed in the "Results Viewer".
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R&S®QuickStep
Figure 4-5: Results Viewer
Introduction to QuickStep
Graphical User Interface
1 = Select a result file
2 = Inspect the result table and select one or more result columns
3 = Inspect the diagram representation of the results for the selected column(s)
4 = Inspect the distribution of result values and check the statistical evaluation
Results File Browser on the left-hand side
The "Result File Browser" helps to keep an overview of large sets of result data.
Each test run generates a new time-stamped folder with a complete set of result
files with measurement and timing results as comma-separated value (CSV) files.
For each DUT, a separate subfolder is created. If results of the type trace are
generated, these are also collected in a DUT-specific subfolder. Additionally, a
copy of the test plan and the execution log is stored as a reference.
When selecting a result file in the Result File Browser, its content is shown as
table in the central area. TestStepsResults.log is the main result file con-
taining the results for each test step. ExecutionProtocol ... .txt contains
all logged messages with timestamp and origin.
Central Results Table
The central "Results Table" shows the results in a table. In case
TestStepsResults.log has been selected, each test step is presented in one
row and each result parameter in one column. If one or several result parameters
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R&S®QuickStep
in the results table are selected, the results over the test steps (or other configurable running variables) are represented in the diagram on the right-hand side.
Each column of the table offers powerful sort and filter functions. An export filter
makes it possible to export a subset of the table as CSV or XLS file. In case the
table shows the content of the execution protocol, it is possible to export and
reuse SCPI sequences within other test environments (for example).
Analysis panes on the right-hand side
The "Diagram" pane plots the data of a single or multiple columns that are
selected within the result table. Scatter plots are possible, since any result parameter can be selected for the x-axis of the plot. Results can be assigned to colorcoded groups by selecting an additional grouping parameter. Delta markers are
available for measurements.
If results of the trace type are selected, an adopted diagram pane is available.
Traces files can also be loaded directly into the central results table and displayed
with the standard results viewer. Zoom in and out is supported by mouse click,
mouse wheel and diagram bars.
Introduction to QuickStep
Graphical User Interface
The "Histogram & Statistics" pane provides a histogram pane and statistical
analysis of the result data that is selected within the result table.
4.2.4 Test Procedure Editor
A test procedure basically defines what functionality is executed when the test
steps connected to the test procedure are carried out. It is set up as flowchart
with a graphical editor, based on a library of provided functions or user-developed
functions.
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R&S®QuickStep
Introduction to QuickStep
Graphical User Interface
Figure 4-6: Test Procedure Editor
1 = Select an execution phase
2 = Drag a new block function into the main pane
3 = Select block functions, add block function dependencies, select a block function
4 = Edit the parameters of the selected block function
Control elements such as "If", "Or", “Fork” and “Join” are available to handle execution branches and loops. Conditions achieve a conditional execution of test
functions. All test function parameters can be made available for test parameterization within the test plan editor. Existing test procedures can be modified or
extended without source code development.
The toolbar provides access to tools for developing blocks, handling SCPI commands for connected test instruments, designing reports and integrating scripts.
4.2.5 System Configurator
The "System Configurator" reflects the test setup and can be used for setting the
device- and connection-specific parameters as occurring with the test setup.
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R&S®QuickStep
Figure 4-7: System Configurator
1 = Drag a symbol into the main area
2 = Connect the symbols
3 = Select an element
4 = Edit the properties (parameters) of the selected element
Introduction to QuickStep
Graphical User Interface
The main pane displays the used devices (test instruments, components, even
attenuators) and connections. You drag devices from the "Device Library" on the
left pane into the main pane. Then you draw connections between the devices.
On the right side in the "Properties" pane, you can see and edit the properties of
the currently activated device.
The system configurator facilitates the handling of several use cases:
●
Assistance for building up a VISA connection to a test instrument.
●
Automatic calculation of the RF path loss during test execution. Attenuations/
losses for individual components of the system are defined, then one or more
connections and system components are assigned to an RF path.
●
Easy switching between several test benches. Therefore, the system configuration contains the configuration for each of them.
●
Management of system-dependent parameters like connection IDs.
4.2.6 OTA ATSCAL
The "OTA ATSCAL" view provides a comprehensive GUI for measuring the radio
transmission characteristics of RF components like antennas including the calibration.
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Introduction to QuickStep
Block Function Development
Figure 4-8: OTA view
1 = Select the used test instruments and configure the test system
2 = Set the frequency range and frequency increment, select the operating mode, for example
"Measurement"
3 = Set the measurement angles and the measured quantity
4 = Initiate, continue or stop the measurement
5 = See the current angles and the live results
6 = Inspect the measurement results in a chart
4.3 Block Function Development
The Block Development Tool is provided for defining new test blocks, test functions and the associated function parameters. Based on these definitions, Microsoft Visual Studio C++ or C# projects with source code templates are automatically generated. The templates just have to be extended with user code in order
to create user-specific test functions. The newly developed test functions are
available in the test procedure editor after compilation.
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R&S®QuickStep
Introduction to QuickStep
Block Function Development
Figure 4-9: Main section of the Block Development Tool
The QuickStep API (application programmer interface) offers a set of functions for
data exchange with other functions and logging of results. Even users with limited
software development experience can implement new test functions with just a
few lines of code. Development experts can exploit all capabilities of Visual Studio for development of complex test functions.
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