Rohde&Schwarz R&S®SMM-K553 Frontend Control User Manual
R&S®SMM-K553
Frontend Control
User Manual
(;Ý[Ç2)
1179435702
Version 03
This document describes the following software options:
●
R&S®SMM-K553 Frontend Control (1441.1147.xx)
© 2022 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Muehldorfstr. 15, 81671 Muenchen, Germany
Phone: +49 89 41 29 - 0
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.
1179.4357.02 | Version 03 | R&S®SMM-K553
The following abbreviations are used throughout this manual: R&S®SMM100A is abbreviated as R&S SMM, R&S®FE is abbreviated
as R&S FE and R&S®FSV3000 and the R&S®FSVA3000 are abbreviated as R&S FSV/A. The license types 02/03/07/11/12/13/16
are abbreviated as xx.
R&S®SMM-K553
1 Welcome to the Frontend Control option............................................ 5
1.1 Key features...................................................................................................................5
1.2 Accessing the Frontend Control dialog......................................................................5
1.3 What's new.....................................................................................................................6
1.4 Documentation overview..............................................................................................6
1.4.1 Getting started manual....................................................................................................6
1.4.2 User manuals and help................................................................................................... 6
1.4.3 Service manual............................................................................................................... 7
1.4.4 Instrument security procedures.......................................................................................7
1.4.5 Printed safety instructions............................................................................................... 7
1.4.6 Data sheets and brochures............................................................................................. 7
Contents
Contents
1.4.7 Release notes and open source acknowledgment (OSA).............................................. 7
1.4.8 Application notes, application cards, white papers, etc...................................................8
1.5 Scope............................................................................................................................. 8
1.6 Notes on screenshots...................................................................................................8
2 About the Frontend Control option...................................................... 9
2.1 Required options...........................................................................................................9
2.2 External frontend basics.............................................................................................. 9
2.3 Test setup.....................................................................................................................10
3 Operating external frontends..............................................................12
3.1 Connecting external frontends.................................................................................. 12
3.2 Controlling external frontends...................................................................................14
3.3 Generating RF output signals....................................................................................19
3.4 Updating the firmware................................................................................................ 19
4 External frontend configuration and settings................................... 22
4.1 External RF settings................................................................................................... 22
4.2 RF frontend settings................................................................................................... 22
4.2.1 General settings............................................................................................................ 23
4.2.2 Versions and options information..................................................................................26
4.2.3 Attenuator settings........................................................................................................ 27
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4.2.4 Cable correction settings...............................................................................................28
4.2.5 Network settings............................................................................................................30
5 Troubleshooting Frontend Control.....................................................32
6 Remote control commands.................................................................34
6.1 SOURce:EFRontend subsystem................................................................................34
6.2 CALibration subsystem..............................................................................................44
Contents
List of commands................................................................................ 46
Index......................................................................................................47
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1 Welcome to the Frontend Control option
Welcome to the Frontend Control option
Accessing the Frontend Control dialog
The R&S SMM-K553 option Frontend Control is a firmware application that allows you
to configure and calibrate external frontends connected to the R&S SMM100A.
This user manual contains a description of the functionality that the application provides, including remote control operation.
All functions not discussed in this manual are the same as in the base unit and are
described in the R&S SMM100A user manual. The latest version is available at:
www.rohde-schwarz.com/manual/SMM100A
Installation
You can find detailed installation instructions in the delivery of the option or in the
R&S SMM100A service manual.
1.1 Key features
The R&S SMM-K553 features:
●
Configuring external frontends, including setting the output RF level and RF frequency of the connected external frontend at R&S SMM100A taskbar
●
Correcting frequency responses of the external frontend
●
Correcting cable losses within the connecting cable between external frontend and
R&S SMM100A
1.2 Accessing the Frontend Control dialog
Accessing the functionality requires, that an external frontend is connected to the
R&S SMM100A. You need connections for control of the external frontend (LAN), for
the reference signal and for the IF signal.
How to: Chapter 3, "Operating external frontends", on page 12
To open the dialog with Frontend Control settings
► Select one of the following in the block diagram:
● Click the "FE ..." icon to the right of the "RF" block.
For example, the icon displays "FE44S" for an R&S FE44S connected to the
R&S SMM100A.
● Select "RF" > "RF Frontend" > "Frontend Device".
A dialog box opens to configure external frontend settings.
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1.3 What's new
Welcome to the Frontend Control option
Documentation overview
To output the upconverted IF signal from the R&S SMM100A at the external frontend,
select "RF > On".
This manual describes firmware version FW 5.00.166.xx and later of the
R&S®SMM100A.
Compared to the previous version, it provides the new features listed below:
●
Frequency band configuration mode configured at the external frontend, see
"Mode" on page 25.
●
Intermediate frequency value and sideband display, see "Intermediate Frequency"
on page 24.
●
Firmware update of the microcontroller of the external frontend, see Chapter 3.4,
"Updating the firmware", on page 19.
●
Editorial changes
1.4 Documentation overview
This section provides an overview of the R&S SMM100A user documentation. Unless
specified otherwise, you find the documents on the R&S SMM100A product page at:
www.rohde-schwarz.com/manual/smm100a
1.4.1 Getting started manual
Introduces the R&S SMM100A 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.
1.4.2 User manuals and help
Separate manuals for the base unit and the software options are provided for download:
●
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.
●
Software option manual
Contains the description of the specific functions of an option. Basic information on
operating the R&S SMM100A is not included.
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1.4.3 Service manual
1.4.4 Instrument security procedures
Welcome to the Frontend Control option
Documentation overview
The contents of the user manuals are available as help in the R&S SMM100A. The
help offers quick, context-sensitive access to the complete information for the base unit
and the software options.
All user manuals are also available for download or for immediate display on the Internet.
Describes the performance test for checking compliance with rated specifications, firmware update, troubleshooting, adjustments, installing options and maintenance.
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 SMM100A in secure areas. It is
available for download on the Internet.
1.4.5 Printed safety instructions
Provides safety information in many languages. The printed document is delivered with
the product.
1.4.6 Data sheets and brochures
The data sheet contains the technical specifications of the R&S SMM100A. It also lists
the options 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/smm100a
1.4.7 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/smm100a
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1.4.8 Application notes, application cards, white papers, etc.
1.5 Scope
Welcome to the Frontend Control option
Notes on screenshots
These documents deal with special applications or background information on particular topics.
See www.rohde-schwarz.com/application/smm100a
Tasks (in manual or remote operation) that are also performed in the base unit in the
same way are not described here.
In particular, it includes:
●
Managing settings and data lists, like saving and loading settings, creating and
accessing data lists, or accessing files in a particular directory.
●
Information on regular trigger, marker and clock signals and filter settings, if appropriate.
●
General instrument configuration, such as checking the system configuration, configuring networks and remote operation
●
Using the common status registers
For a description of such tasks, see the R&S SMM100A user manual.
1.6 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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2 About the Frontend Control option
2.1 Required options
About the Frontend Control option
External frontend basics
This chapter provides information on required options and basics for controlling external frontends.
The equipment layout for external frontend operation includes:
●
Base unit
●
Baseband generator (R&S SMM-B9)
●
Frequency option R&S SMM-B1006 or higher
●
Frontend control option R&S SMM-K553
For more information, see data sheet.
2.2 External frontend basics
Due to the physical dimensions of modern signal generators, long RF cables between
the DUT and the signal generator are often necessary in complex test setups. When
measuring high frequency signals, the long RF cable can lead to unwanted loss.
An external frontend with smaller physical dimensions allows for testing closer to the
DUT. The test signal is transferred (Tx mode) from the R&S SMM100A to the external
frontend on a lower intermediate frequency (IF). At the external frontend, the IF signal
is upconverted and further transerred to the DUT, for which loss does not have a major
effect.
Thus, the external frontend outsources the conversion of the IF input signal to the RF
output signal required for processing at the DUT. The external frontend upconverts the
low-frequency IF input signal to a higher frequency RF signal using its own internal
local oscillator (LO). For all subsequent signal generation steps in the R&S SMM100A,
this process is transparent.
Outsourcing has two main advantages:
●
Extended frequency range:
The external frontend can process RF data in a higher frequency range than the
R&S SMM100A itself supports. For example, using an R&S FE44S external frontend and R&S SMM100A, you can generate RF signals in a range of 24 GHz to
44 GHz.
●
Minimized RF cable loss:
Difficult testing environments, long RF cables between the R&S SMM100A and the
DUT are no longer necessary. The external frontend, which is much smaller than
the R&S SMM100A, can be placed closer to the DUT using much shorter RF
cables. The required IF cable between the R&S SMM100A and the external frontend is not as vulnerable to distortion effects and power loss. Furthermore, since
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2.3 Test setup
About the Frontend Control option
Test setup
the IF cable is usually part of the fixed setup, any existing frequency response can
be calculated in advance. The R&S SMM100A can then adapt signal generation
automatically.
A typical application is a test involving a DUT placed in an RF shield box, see "OTA
microwave test setup" on page 10. The external frontend is connected directly to the
RF shield box, while the R&S SMM100A and R&S FSV/A are placed in a measurement rack elsewhere in the laboratory.
The R&S SMM100A supports the following external frontend types:
●
R&S FE44S
●
R&S FE50DTR
For details, see the data sheet of the R&S SMM100A.
OTA microwave test setup
You can use an external frontend, e.g., for over-the-air (OTA) microwave testing. Fig-
ure 2-1 illustrates an example of a test setup including a vector signal generator, an
external frontend, a DUT inside an RF shield box and a vector signal analyzer.
The signal generator provides the IF signal and the reference signal to the external
frontend. The signal analyzer can also provide the reference signal. All instruments are
connected to the same LAN. The signal generator or signal analyzer control the external frontend via LAN using a secure sockets layer (SSL) connection, see "Frontend
control connection" on page 11
The external frontend up-converts the IF signal from the signal generator and transmits
the RF signal to the DUT (Tx mode). The DUT receives the RF signal and responds by
transmitting an RF signal to the external frontend. The frontend down-converts the RF
signal to an IF signal and transmits the IF signal to the signal analyzer (RX mode).
Vector signal
analyzer
Vector signal
generator
RF
LAN
Ref Out
Ref Out
LAN
RF
IF Out
LAN
Ref
LAN
IF In
IF Out A
LAN
Ref In
IF In B
Rx mode
R&S
FE50DTR
Tx mode
RF A
RF B
RF shield box
RF In
DUT
RF Out
Figure 2-1: Typical setup using an external frontend
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About the Frontend Control option
Test setup
Frontend control connection
You can control an external frontend via LAN by one control instrument, that exclusively controls the external frontend. Using an SSL connection, the control instrument
sends commands to the external frontend to perform the following actions:
●
To lock the external frontend
●
To unlock the external frontend for frontend control by another instrument
●
To set network settings of the external frontend
●
To set and read out the IF frequency, the frequency conversion factor and the frequency bands
●
To calibrate the external frontend
●
To check and update the frontend firmware
Once a lock of the SSL connection is established, the external frontend is not accessible by other instruments in the LAN. When an external frontend is locked, the LAN LED
on the front panel is orange.
Some test setups require that more than one instrument controls the external frontend
during test execution. R&S FE50DTR-type external frontend has two channels that are
an Rx and a Tx signal path. Both channels use the same internal LO and thus both
signal paths operate on the same frequency.
For details on setting up and operating external frontends, see Chapter 3, "Operating
external frontends", on page 12.
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3 Operating external frontends
3.1 Connecting external frontends
Operating external frontends
Connecting external frontends
This chapter provides an overview on step-by-step instructions related to connecting
and configuring external frontends.
It includes the following:
● Connecting external frontends................................................................................ 12
● Controlling external frontends................................................................................. 14
● Generating RF output signals................................................................................. 19
● Updating the firmware.............................................................................................19
This chapter provides step-by-step descriptions for connecting external frontends. Connecting procedures for relevant connector types are summarized for the R&S FE44S
as an example. Connecting to these connector types is analogous for all other external
frontends. The step-by-step descriptions cover the following topics:
●
"To connect an R&S FE44S" on page 12
●
"To connect an R&S FE50DTR" on page 14
To connect an R&S FE44S
The following procedure describes how to connect the R&S SMM100A to an
R&S FE44S using the "RF" connector as IF signal output. The R&S FE44S and
R&S SMM100A are switched on and connected to power.
NOTICE! Cable selection. Use all cables delivered with the frontend. Other con-
1.
nections can require additional cables.
For the IF connection, use the cable IF Connecting Cable Ext. FE as delivered with
the external frontend. The cable is available under order number 1347.7552.00.
For the reference signal connection and the LAN connection, use high-quality
cables.
See "Cable selection and electromagnetic interference (EMI)" in the
R&S SMM100A Getting Started.
NOTICE! Risk of SMA connector damage and cable damage. Excessive tightening
2.
can damage the connecting cable, the SMA connectors and components inside the
R&S SMM100A.
Connect the "RF" connector of the R&S SMM100A with the "IF In" connector of the
R&S FE44S.
See also section "Connecting to RF" in the R&S SMM100A user manual.
3. Connect the "LAN" connector with the "LAN" connector of the R&S FE44S.
See also section "Connecting to LAN" in the R&S SMM100A user manual.
4. Check if the hostname (1), IP address (2), subnet mask (3) and gateway address
(4) of the R&S FE44S are correct.
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Operating external frontends
Connecting external frontends
Once connected to LAN, the electronic label on the right side panel of the
R&S FE44S displays these network parameters:
<x> <xxxxxx>
1
2
3
4
For more information, see chapter "Electronic label" in the manual of the external
frontend.
5. Connect the "Ref Out" connector of the R&S SMM100A with the "Ref In" connector
of the R&S FE44S.
At the R&S SMM100A, you have two options:
● For 10 MHz reference frequency, use the BNC connector.
● For 1 GHz reference frequency, use the SMA connector.
See also section "Connecting to Ref In/Ref Out" in the R&S SMM100A user man-
ual.
Table 3-3 and Figure 3-1 provide an overview on connections and a test setup.
Table 3-1: R&S
Signal R&S SMM100A R&S FE44S
Reference Connector: "Ref Out"
SMM100A and R&S FE44S connections
Frequency: 1 GHz, 10 MHz
"Ref In"
LAN (Control) "LAN" "LAN"
IF In "RF"/"RF" "IF In"
RF Out - "RF In/Out"
Ref Out
Vector signal
generator
Figure 3-1: Test setup with R&S FE44S in Tx mode: R&S SMM100A, R&S FE44S and RF shield
Vector signal generator = R&S SMM100A
LAN
RF
box
Ref
LAN
IF In
Ref In
LAN
IF In RF Out
R&S
FE44S
RF Out
RF shield box
DUT
Note, that the R&S FE44S can input (Rx mode) or output (Tx mode) one RF signal at a
time. For analyzing the input RF signal from the DUT, the R&S FE44S downconverts
the signal. Also, the R&S FE44S routes the resulting IF output signal to the signal analyzer. During RF signal analysis, the R&S FE44S does not process the IF input signal
from the R&S SMM100A.
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Operating external frontends
Controlling external frontends
For a more general test setup, see "OTA microwave test setup" on page 10.
To connect an R&S FE50DTR
The R&S FE50DTR and R&S SMM100A are switched on and connected to power. At
the R&S FE50DTR, you connect the IF input signal from the R&S SMM100A, to the "IF
In A" or "IF In B" connector.
► To connect an R&S FE50DTR with the R&S SMM100A, follow the instructions
described in section "To connect an R&S FE44S" on page 12.
Table 3-3 and Figure 3-2 provide an overview on connections and a test setup.
Table 3-2: R&S SMM100A and R&S FE50DTR connections
Signal R&S SMM100A R&S FE50DTR
Reference Connector: "Ref Out"
Frequency: 1 GHz, 10 MHz
LAN (Control) "LAN" "LAN"
IF In "RF" "IF In B"
RF Out - "RF Out B"
RF
R&S FSV/A
R&S SMx
Figure 3-2: Test setup: R&S SMx = R&S SMM100A, R&S FSV/A, R&S FE50DTR and RF shield box
LAN
Ref Out
Ref Out
LAN
RF
LAN
LAN
IF Out
Ref
IF In
IF Out A
LAN
Ref In
IF In B
RF A
R&S
FE50DTR
RF B
"Ref In"
RF shield box
RF In
RF Out
For a more general test setup, see "OTA microwave test setup" on page 10.
DUT
3.2 Controlling external frontends
This chapter provides step-by-step descriptions for controlling, updating and operating
external frontends with the R&S SMM100A. The descriptions cover the following topics:
●
"To configure the R&S SMM100A for frontend control" on page 15
●
"To configure external frontend settings" on page 16
●
"To work with R&S FE50DTR Simultaneous RX/TX connection mode" on page 17
●
"To handover frontend control to signal analyzer" on page 18
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Operating external frontends
Controlling external frontends
To configure the R&S SMM100A for frontend control
The following procedure describes how to configure the R&S SMM100A to establish a
control connection between R&S SMM100A and an external frontend.
The R&S SMM100A is connected to the R&S FE44S, see "To connect an R&S FE44S"
on page 12. Configuration with other connected external frontends is analogous.
1. Select "Taskbar > System Config > System Configuration > External RF und I/Q".
2. Select "RF > External Instrument > Config".
The "External Instrument Configuration" dialog opens.
3. Select the connected external frontend from "External Instrument" selection.
The selection displays available instruments in format
<product>-<serial_number>, e.g. "FE44S-123456".
4. In the field "Hostname or IP Address", check, if the hostname or IP address of the
connected external frontend is correct.
If read out correctly, hostname or IP address match with the information displayed
on the electronic label of the frontend. See step 4 of "To connect an R&S FE44S"
on page 12.
5. Select "Apply and Connect".
A message displays, if the remote connection to the external frontend is established or not.
Figure 3-3: Message displaying established remote connection
If connected successfully, you can access "Frontend Configuration" settings. See
"To configure external frontend settings" on page 16.
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