Rohde&Schwarz SMIQB21 Operating Manual

Operating Manual

Option SMIQB21

Bit Error Rate Test

1125.5490.02

Test and Measurement
Division

Printed in the Federal
Republic of Germany

1125.5549.15-01 1 E-1

Before putting the product into operation for

the first time, make sure to read the following

Safety Instructions

Rohde & Schwarz makes every effort to keep the safety standard of its products up to date and to offer
its customers the highest possible degree of safety. Our products and the auxiliary equipment required
for them are designed and tested in accordance with the relevant safety standards. Compliance with
these standards is continuously monitored by our quality assurance system. This product has been
designed and tested in accordance with the EC Certificate of Conformity and has left the manufacturer’s
plant in a condition fully complying with safety standards. To maintain this condition and to ensure safe
operation, observe all instructions and warnings provided in this manual. If you have any questions
regarding these safety instructions, Rohde & Schwarz will be happy to answer them.

Furthermore, it is your responsibility to use the product in an appropriate manner. This product is
designed for use solely in industrial and laboratory environments or in the field and must not be used in
any way that may cause personal injury or property damage. You are responsible if the product is used
for an intention other than its designated purpose or in disregard of the manufacturer's instructions. The
manufacturer shall assume no responsibility for such use of the product.

The product is used for its designated purpose if it is used in accordance with its operating manual and
within its performance limits (see data sheet, documentation, the following safety instructions). Using
the products requires technical skills and knowledge of English. It is therefore essential that the
products be used exclusively by skilled and specialized staff or thoroughly trained personnel with the
required skills. If personal safety gear is required for using Rohde & Schwarz products, this will be
indicated at the appropriate place in the product documentation.

Observe
operating
instructions

Supply
voltage
ON/OFF

Weight
indication for
units >18 kg

Danger of
electric
shock

Standby
indication

Symbols and safety labels

Warning!
Hot
surface

PE terminal Ground

Direct
current
(DC)

Alternating
current (AC)

Direct/alternating
current (DC/AC)

Ground
terminal

Device fully
protected by
double/reinforced
insulation

Attention!
Electrostatic
sensitive
devices

1171.0000.42-02.00 Sheet 1

Safety Instructions

Observing the safety instructions will help prevent personal injury or damage of any kind caused by
dangerous situations. Therefore, carefully read through and adhere to the following safety instructions
before putting the product into operation. It is also absolutely essential to observe the additional safety
instructions on personal safety that appear in other parts of the documentation. In these safety
instructions, the word "product" refers to all merchandise sold and distributed by Rohde & Schwarz,
including instruments, systems and all accessories.

Tags and their meaning

DANGER

WARNING

CAUTION This tag indicates a safety hazard with a low potential of risk for the user

ATTENTION

NOTE

These tags are in accordance with the standard definition for civil applications in the European
Economic Area. Definitions that deviate from the standard definition may also exist. It is therefore
essential to make sure that the tags described here are always used only in connection with the
associated documentation and the associated product. The use of tags in connection with unassociated
products or unassociated documentation can result in misinterpretations and thus contribute to personal
injury or material damage.

This tag indicates a safety hazard with a high potential of risk for the
user that can result in death or serious injuries.

This tag indicates a safety hazard with a medium potential of risk for the
user that can result in death or serious injuries.

that can result in slight or minor injuries.

This tag indicates the possibility of incorrect use that can cause damage
to the product.

This tag indicates a situation where the user should pay special attention
to operating the product but which does not lead to damage.

Basic safety instructions

1. The product may be operated only under
the operating conditions and in the
positions specified by the manufacturer. Its
ventilation must not be obstructed during
operation. Unless otherwise specified, the
following requirements apply to
Rohde & Schwarz products:
prescribed operating position is always with
the housing floor facing down, IP protection
2X, pollution severity 2, overvoltage
category 2, use only in enclosed spaces,
max. operation altitude max. 2000 m.
Unless specified otherwise in the data
sheet, a tolerance of ±10% shall apply to
the nominal voltage and of ±5% to the
nominal frequency.

2. Applicable local or national safety
regulations and rules for the prevention of
accidents must be observed in all work
performed. The product may be opened
only by authorized, specially trained
personnel. Prior to performing any work on
the product or opening the product, the

product must be disconnected from the
supply network. Any adjustments,
replacements of parts, maintenance or
repair must be carried out only by technical
personnel authorized by Rohde & Schwarz.
Only original parts may be used for
replacing parts relevant to safety (e.g.
power switches, power transformers,
fuses). A safety test must always be
performed after parts relevant to safety
have been replaced (visual inspection, PE
conductor test, insulation resistance
measurement, leakage current
measurement, functional test).

3. As with all industrially manufactured goods,
the use of substances that induce an
allergic reaction (allergens, e.g. nickel)
such as aluminum cannot be generally
excluded. If you develop an allergic
reaction (such as a skin rash, frequent
sneezing, red eyes or respiratory
difficulties), consult a physician immediately
to determine the cause.

1171.0000.42-02.00 Sheet 2

Safety Instructions

4. If products/components are mechanically
and/or thermically processed in a manner
that goes beyond their intended use,
hazardous substances (heavy-metal dust
such as lead, beryllium, nickel) may be
released. For this reason, the product may
only be disassembled, e.g. for disposal
purposes, by specially trained personnel.
Improper disassembly may be hazardous to
your health. National waste disposal
regulations must be observed.

5. If handling the product yields hazardous
substances or fuels that must be disposed
of in a special way, e.g. coolants or engine
oils that must be replenished regularly, the
safety instructions of the manufacturer of
the hazardous substances or fuels and the
applicable regional waste disposal
regulations must be observed. Also
observe the relevant safety instructions in
the product documentation.

6. Depending on the function, certain products
such as RF radio equipment can produce
an elevated level of electromagnetic
radiation. Considering that unborn life
requires increased protection, pregnant
women should be protected by appropriate
measures. Persons with pacemakers may
also be endangered by electromagnetic
radiation. The employer is required to
assess workplaces where there is a special
risk of exposure to radiation and, if
necessary, take measures to avert the
danger.

7. Operating the products requires special
training and intense concentration. Make
certain that persons who use the products
are physically, mentally and emotionally fit
enough to handle operating the products;
otherwise injuries or material damage may
occur. It is the responsibility of the
employer to select suitable personnel for
operating the products.

8. Prior to switching on the product, it must be
ensured that the nominal voltage setting on
the product matches the nominal voltage of
the AC supply network. If a different voltage
is to be set, the power fuse of the product
may have to be changed accordingly.

9. In the case of products of safety class I with
movable power cord and connector,
operation is permitted only on sockets with
earthing contact and protective earth
connection.

10. Intentionally breaking the protective earth
connection either in the feed line or in the
product itself is not permitted. Doing so can
result in the danger of an electric shock
from the product. If extension cords or
connector strips are implemented, they
must be checked on a regular basis to
ensure that they are safe to use.

11. If the product has no power switch for
disconnection from the AC supply, the plug
of the connecting cable is regarded as the
disconnecting device. In such cases, it
must be ensured that the power plug is
easily reachable and accessible at all times
(length of connecting cable approx. 2 m).
Functional or electronic switches are not
suitable for providing disconnection from
the AC supply. If products without power
switches are integrated in racks or systems,
a disconnecting device must be provided at
the system level.

12. Never use the product if the power cable is
damaged. By taking appropriate safety
measures and carefully laying the power
cable, ensure that the cable cannot be
damaged and that no one can be hurt by
e.g. tripping over the cable or suffering an
electric shock.

13. The product may be operated only from
TN/TT supply networks fused with max.
16 A.

14. Do not insert the plug into sockets that are
dusty or dirty. Insert the plug firmly and all
the way into the socket. Otherwise this can
result in sparks, fire and/or injuries.

15. Do not overload any sockets, extension
cords or connector strips; doing so can
cause fire or electric shocks.

16. For measurements in circuits with voltages
V

> 30 V, suitable measures (e.g.

rms

appropriate measuring equipment, fusing,
current limiting, electrical separation,
insulation) should be taken to avoid any
hazards.

17. Ensure that the connections with
information technology equipment comply
with IEC 950/EN 60950.

18. Never remove the cover or part of the
housing while you are operating the
product. This will expose circuits and
components and can lead to injuries, fire or
damage to the product.

1171.0000.42-02.00 Sheet 3

Safety Instructions

19. If a product is to be permanently installed,
the connection between the PE terminal on
site and the product's PE conductor must
be made first before any other connection
is made. The product may be installed and
connected only by a skilled electrician.

20. For permanently installed equipment
without built-in fuses, circuit breakers or
similar protective devices, the supply circuit
must be fused in such a way that suitable
protection is provided for users and
products.

21. Do not insert any objects into the openings
in the housing that are not designed for this
purpose. Never pour any liquids onto or into
the housing. This can cause short circuits
inside the product and/or electric shocks,
fire or injuries.

22. Use suitable overvoltage protection to
ensure that no overvoltage (such as that
caused by a thunderstorm) can reach the
product. Otherwise the operating personnel
will be endangered by electric shocks.

23. Rohde & Schwarz products are not
protected against penetration of water,
unless otherwise specified (see also safety
instruction 1.). If this is not taken into
account, there exists the danger of electric
shock or damage to the product, which can
also lead to personal injury.

24. Never use the product under conditions in
which condensation has formed or can form
in or on the product, e.g. if the product was
moved from a cold to a warm environment.

matching Rohde & Schwarz type (see
spare parts list). Batteries and storage
batteries are hazardous waste. Dispose of
them only in specially marked containers.
Observe local regulations regarding waste
disposal. Do not short-circuit batteries or
storage batteries.

28. Please be aware that in the event of a fire,
toxic substances (gases, liquids etc.) that
may be hazardous to your health may
escape from the product.

29. Please be aware of the weight of the
product. Be careful when moving it;
otherwise you may injure your back or other
parts of your body.

30. Do not place the product on surfaces,
vehicles, cabinets or tables that for reasons
of weight or stability are unsuitable for this
purpose. Always follow the manufacturer's
installation instructions when installing the
product and fastening it to objects or
structures (e.g. walls and shelves).

31. Handles on the products are designed
exclusively for personnel to hold or carry
the product. It is therefore not permissible
to use handles for fastening the product to
or on means of transport such as cranes,
fork lifts, wagons, etc. The user is
responsible for securely fastening the
products to or on the means of transport
and for observing the safety regulations of
the manufacturer of the means of transport.
Noncompliance can result in personal injury
or material damage.

25. Do not close any slots or openings on the
product, since they are necessary for
ventilation and prevent the product from
overheating. Do not place the product on
soft surfaces such as sofas or rugs or
inside a closed housing, unless this is well
ventilated.

26. Do not place the product on heat­generating devices such as radiators or fan
heaters. The temperature of the
environment must not exceed the maximum
temperature specified in the data sheet.

27. Batteries and storage batteries must not be
exposed to high temperatures or fire. Keep
batteries and storage batteries away from
children. If batteries or storage batteries are
improperly replaced, this can cause an
explosion (warning: lithium cells). Replace
the battery or storage battery only with the

1171.0000.42-02.00 Sheet 4

32. If you use the product in a vehicle, it is the
sole responsibility of the driver to drive the
vehicle safely. Adequately secure the
product in the vehicle to prevent injuries or
other damage in the event of an accident.
Never use the product in a moving vehicle if
doing so could distract the driver of the
vehicle. The driver is always responsible for
the safety of the vehicle; the manufacturer
assumes no responsibility for accidents or
collisions.

33. If a laser product (e.g. a CD/DVD drive) is
integrated in a Rohde & Schwarz product,
do not use any other settings or functions
than those described in the documentation.
Otherwise this may be hazardous to your
health, since the laser beam can cause
irreversible damage to your eyes. Never try
to take such products apart, and never look
into the laser beam.

Por favor lea imprescindiblemente antes de
la primera puesta en funcionamiento las
siguientes informaciones de seguridad

Informaciones de seguridad

Es el principio de Rohde & Schwarz de tener a sus productos siempre al día con los estandards de
seguridad y de ofrecer a sus clientes el máximo grado de seguridad. Nuestros productos y todos los
equipos adicionales son siempre fabricados y examinados según las normas de seguridad vigentes.
Nuestra sección de gestión de la seguridad de calidad controla constantemente que sean cumplidas
estas normas. Este producto ha sido fabricado y examinado según el comprobante de conformidad
adjunto según las normas de la CE y ha salido de nuestra planta en estado impecable según los
estandards técnicos de seguridad. Para poder preservar este estado y garantizar un funcionamiento
libre de peligros, deberá el usuario atenerse a todas las informaciones, informaciones de seguridad y
notas de alerta. Rohde&Schwarz está siempre a su disposición en caso de que tengan preguntas
referentes a estas informaciones de seguridad.

Además queda en la responsabilidad del usuario utilizar el producto en la forma debida. Este producto
solamente fue elaborado para ser utilizado en la indústria y el laboratorio o para fines de campo y de
ninguna manera deberá ser utilizado de modo que alguna persona/cosa pueda ser dañada. El uso del
producto fuera de sus fines definidos o despreciando las informaciones de seguridad del fabricante
queda en la responsabilidad del usuario. El fabricante no se hace en ninguna forma responsable de
consecuencias a causa del maluso del producto.

Se parte del uso correcto del producto para los fines definidos si el producto es utilizado dentro de las
instrucciones del correspondiente manual del uso y dentro del margen de rendimiento definido (ver
hoja de datos, documentación, informaciones de seguridad que siguen). El uso de los productos hace
necesarios conocimientos profundos y el conocimiento del idioma inglés. Por eso se deberá tener en
cuenta de exclusivamente autorizar para el uso de los productos a personas péritas o debidamente
minuciosamente instruidas con los conocimientos citados. Si fuera necesaria indumentaria de
seguridad para el uso de productos de R&S, encontrará la información debida en la documentación del
producto en el capítulo correspondiente.

Símbolos y definiciones de seguridad

Ver manual
de
instrucciones
del uso

Informaciones
para
maquinaria
con uns peso
de > 18kg

Peligro de
golpe de
corriente

¡Advertencia!
Superficie
caliente

Conexión a
conductor
protector

Conexión
a tierra

Conexión
a masa
conductora

¡Cuidado!
Elementos de
construción
con peligro de
carga
electroestática

El aparato está
protegido en su
totalidad por un
aislamiento de
doble refuerzo

potencia EN
MARCHA/PARADA

Indicación
Stand-by

Corriente
continua
DC

Corriente
alterna AC

Corriente
continua/alterna
DC/AC

1171.0000.42-02.00 página 1

Informaciones de seguridad

Tener en cuenta las informaciones de seguridad sirve para tratar de evitar daños y peligros de toda
clase. Es necesario de que se lean las siguientes informaciones de seguridad concienzudamente y se
tengan en cuenta debidamente antes de la puesta en funcionamiento del producto. También deberán
ser tenidas en cuenta las informaciones para la protección de personas que encontrarán en otro
capítulo de esta documentación y que también son obligatorias de seguir. En las informaciones de
seguridad actuales hemos juntado todos los objetos vendidos por Rohde&Schwarz bajo la
denominación de „producto“, entre ellos también aparatos, instalaciones así como toda clase de
accesorios.

Palabras de señal y su significado

PELIGRO Indica un punto de peligro con gran potencial de riesgo para el

ususario.Punto de peligro que puede llevar hasta la muerte o graves
heridas.

ADVERTENCIA Indica un punto de peligro con un protencial de riesgo mediano para el

usuario. Punto de peligro que puede llevar hasta la muerte o graves
heridas .

ATENCIÓN Indica un punto de peligro con un protencial de riesgo pequeño para el

usuario. Punto de peligro que puede llevar hasta heridas leves o
pequeñas

CUIDADO Indica la posibilidad de utilizar mal el producto y a consecuencia

dañarlo.

INFORMACIÓN Indica una situación en la que deberían seguirse las instrucciones en el

uso del producto, pero que no consecuentemente deben de llevar a un
daño del mismo.

Las palabras de señal corresponden a la definición habitual para aplicaciones civiles en el ámbito de la
comunidad económica europea. Pueden existir definiciones diferentes a esta definición. Por eso se
debera tener en cuenta que las palabras de señal aquí descritas sean utilizadas siempre solamente en
combinación con la correspondiente documentación y solamente en combinación con el producto
correspondiente. La utilización de las palabras de señal en combinación con productos o
documentaciones que no les correspondan puede llevar a malinterpretaciones y tener por
consecuencia daños en personas u objetos.

Informaciones de seguridad elementales

1. El producto solamente debe ser utilizado
según lo indicado por el fabricante referente
a la situación y posición de funcionamiento
sin que se obstruya la ventilación. Si no se
convino de otra manera, es para los
productos R&S válido lo que sigue:
como posición de funcionamiento se define
principialmente la posición con el suelo de la
caja para abajo , modo de protección IP 2X,
grado de suciedad 2, categoría de
sobrecarga eléctrica 2, utilizar solamente en
estancias interiores, utilización hasta 2000 m
sobre el nivel del mar.
A menos que se especifique otra cosa en la
hoja de datos, se aplicará una tolerancia de
±10% sobre el voltaje nominal y de ±5%
sobre la frecuencia nominal.

2. En todos los trabajos deberán ser tenidas en
cuenta las normas locales de seguridad de
trabajo y de prevención de accidentes. El
producto solamente debe de ser abierto por
personal périto autorizado. Antes de efectuar
trabajos en el producto o abrirlo deberá este
ser desconectado de la corriente. El ajuste,
el cambio de partes, la manutención y la
reparación deberán ser solamente
efectuadas por electricistas autorizados por
R&S. Si se reponen partes con importancia
para los aspectos de seguridad (por ejemplo
el enchufe, los transformadores o los
fusibles), solamente podrán ser sustituidos
por partes originales. Despues de cada
recambio de partes elementales para la
seguridad deberá ser efectuado un control de

1171.0000.42-02.00 página 2

Informaciones de seguridad

seguridad (control a primera vista, control de
conductor protector, medición de resistencia
de aislamiento, medición de medición de la
corriente conductora, control de
funcionamiento).

3. Como en todo producto de fabricación
industrial no puede ser excluido en general
de que se produzcan al usarlo elementos
que puedan generar alergias, los llamados
elementos alergénicos (por ejemplo el
níquel). Si se producieran en el trato con
productos R&S reacciones alérgicas, como
por ejemplo urticaria, estornudos frecuentes,
irritación de la conjuntiva o dificultades al
respirar, se deberá consultar inmediatamente
a un médico para averigurar los motivos de
estas reacciones.

4. Si productos / elementos de construcción son
tratados fuera del funcionamiento definido de
forma mecánica o térmica, pueden generarse
elementos peligrosos (polvos de sustancia
de metales pesados como por ejemplo
plomo, berilio, níquel). La partición elemental
del producto, como por ejemplo sucede en el
tratamiento de materias residuales, debe de
ser efectuada solamente por personal
especializado para estos tratamientos. La
partición elemental efectuada
inadecuadamente puede generar daños para
la salud. Se deben tener en cuenta las
directivas nacionales referentes al
tratamiento de materias residuales.

5. En el caso de que se produjeran agentes de
peligro o combustibles en la aplicación del
producto que debieran de ser transferidos a
un tratamiento de materias residuales, como
por ejemplo agentes refrigerantes que deben
ser repuestos en periodos definidos, o
aceites para motores, deberan ser tenidas en
cuenta las prescripciones de seguridad del
fabricante de estos agentes de peligro o
combustibles y las regulaciones regionales
para el tratamiento de materias residuales.
Cuiden también de tener en cuenta en caso
dado las prescripciones de seguridad
especiales en la descripción del producto.

6. Ciertos productos, como por ejemplo las
instalaciones de radiación HF, pueden a
causa de su función natural, emitir una
radiación electromagnética aumentada. En
vista a la protección de la vida en desarrollo
deberían ser protegidas personas
embarazadas debidamente. También las
personas con un bypass pueden correr

peligro a causa de la radiación
electromagnética. El empresario está
comprometido a valorar y señalar areas de
trabajo en las que se corra un riesgo de
exposición a radiaciones aumentadas de
riesgo aumentado para evitar riesgos.

7. La utilización de los productos requiere
instrucciones especiales y una alta
concentración en el manejo. Debe de
ponerse por seguro de que las personas que
manejen los productos estén a la altura de
los requerimientos necesarios referente a
sus aptitudes físicas, psíquicas y
emocionales, ya que de otra manera no se
pueden excluir lesiones o daños de objetos.
El empresario lleva la responsabilidad de
seleccionar el personal usuario apto para el
manejo de los productos.

8. Antes de la puesta en marcha del producto
se deberá tener por seguro de que la tensión
preseleccionada en el producto equivalga a
la del la red de distribución. Si es necesario
cambiar la preselección de la tensión
también se deberán en caso dabo cambiar
los fusibles correspondientes del prodcuto.

9. Productos de la clase de seguridad I con
alimentación móvil y enchufe individual de
producto solamente deberán ser conectados
para el funcionamiento a tomas de corriente
de contacto de seguridad y con conductor
protector conectado.

10. Queda prohibida toda clase de interrupción
intencionada del conductor protector, tanto
en la toma de corriente como en el mismo
producto ya que puede tener como
consecuencia el peligro de golpe de corriente
por el producto. Si se utilizaran cables o
enchufes de extensión se deberá poner al
seguro, que es controlado su estado técnico
de seguridad.

11. Si el producto no está equipado con un
interruptor para desconectarlo de la red, se
deberá considerar el enchufe del cable de
distribución como interruptor. En estos casos
deberá asegurar de que el enchufe sea de
fácil acceso y nabejo (medida del cable de
distribución aproximadamente 2 m). Los
interruptores de función o electrónicos no
son aptos para el corte de la red eléctrica. Si
los productos sin interruptor están integrados
en construciones o instalaciones, se deberá
instalar el interruptor al nivel de la
instalación.

1171.0000.42-02.00 página 3

Informaciones de seguridad

12. No utilice nunca el producto si está dañado el
cable eléctrico. Asegure a través de las
medidas de protección y de instalación
adecuadas de que el cable de eléctrico no
pueda ser dañado o de que nadie pueda ser
dañado por él, por ejemplo al tropezar o por
un golpe de corriente.

13. Solamente está permitido el funcionamiento
en redes de distribución TN/TT aseguradas
con fusibles de como máximo 16 A.

14. Nunca conecte el enchufe en tomas de
corriente sucias o llenas de polvo. Introduzca
el enchufe por completo y fuertemente en la
toma de corriente. Si no tiene en
consideración estas indicaciones se arriesga
a que se originen chispas, fuego y/o heridas.

15. No sobrecargue las tomas de corriente, los
cables de extensión o los enchufes de
extensión ya que esto pudiera causar fuego
o golpes de corriente.

16. En las mediciones en circuitos de corriente
con una tensión de entrada de Ueff > 30 V se
deberá tomar las precauciones debidas para
impedir cualquier peligro (por ejemplo
medios de medición adecuados, seguros,
limitación de tensión, corte protector,
aislamiento etc.).

17. En caso de conexión con aparatos de la
técnica informática se deberá tener en
cuenta que estos cumplan los requisitos de
la EC950/EN60950.

18. Nunca abra la tapa o parte de ella si el
producto está en funcionamiento. Esto pone
a descubierto los cables y componentes
eléctricos y puede causar heridas, fuego o
daños en el producto.

19. Si un producto es instalado fijamente en un
lugar, se deberá primero conectar el
conductor protector fijo con el conductor
protector del aparato antes de hacer
cualquier otra conexión. La instalación y la
conexión deberán ser efecutadas por un
electricista especializado.

20. En caso de que los productos que son
instalados fijamente en un lugar sean sin
protector implementado, autointerruptor o
similares objetos de protección, deberá la
toma de corriente estar protegida de manera
que los productos o los usuarios estén
suficientemente protegidos.

21. Por favor, no introduzca ningún objeto que
no esté destinado a ello en los orificios de la
caja del aparato. No vierta nunca ninguna
clase de líquidos sobre o en la caja. Esto
puede producir corto circuitos en el producto
y/o puede causar golpes de corriente, fuego
o heridas.

22. Asegúrese con la protección adecuada de
que no pueda originarse en el producto una
sobrecarga por ejemplo a causa de una
tormenta. Si no se verá el personal que lo
utilice expuesto al peligro de un golpe de
corriente.

23. Los productos R&S no están protegidos
contra el agua si no es que exista otra
indicación, ver también punto 1. Si no se
tiene en cuenta esto se arriesga el peligro de
golpe de corriente o de daños en el producto
lo cual también puede llevar al peligro de
personas.

24. No utilice el producto bajo condiciones en las
que pueda producirse y se hayan producido
líquidos de condensación en o dentro del
producto como por ejemplo cuando se
desplaza el producto de un lugar frío a un
lugar caliente.

25. Por favor no cierre ninguna ranura u orificio
del producto, ya que estas son necesarias
para la ventilación e impiden que el producto
se caliente demasiado. No pongan el
producto encima de materiales blandos como
por ejemplo sofás o alfombras o dentro de
una caja cerrada, si esta no está
suficientemente ventilada.

26. No ponga el producto sobre aparatos que
produzcan calor, como por ejemplo
radiadores o calentadores. La temperatura
ambiental no debe superar la temperatura
máxima especificada en la hoja de datos.

1171.0000.42-02.00 página 4

Informaciones de seguridad

27. Baterías y acumuladores no deben de ser
expuestos a temperaturas altas o al fuego.
Guardar baterías y acumuladores fuera del
alcance de los niños. Si las baterías o los
acumuladores no son cambiados con la
debida atención existirá peligro de explosión
(atención celulas de Litio). Cambiar las
baterías o los acumuladores solamente por
los del tipo R&S correspondiente (ver lista de
piezas de recambio). Baterías y
acumuladores son deshechos problemáticos.
Por favor tirenlos en los recipientes
especiales para este fín. Por favor tengan en
cuenta las prescripciones nacionales de cada
país referente al tratamiento de deshechos.
Nunca sometan las baterías o acumuladores
a un corto circuito.

28. Tengan en consideración de que en caso de
un incendio pueden escaparse gases tóxicos
del producto, que pueden causar daños a la
salud.

29. Por favor tengan en cuenta que en caso de
un incendio pueden desprenderse del
producto agentes venenosos (gases, líquidos
etc.) que pueden generar daños a la salud.

30. No sitúe el producto encima de superficies,
vehículos, estantes o mesas, que por sus
características de peso o de estabilidad no
sean aptas para él. Siga siempre las
instrucciones de instalación del fabricante
cuando instale y asegure el producto en
objetos o estructuras (por ejemplo paredes y
estantes).

31. Las asas instaladas en los productos sirven
solamente de ayuda para el manejo que
solamente está previsto para personas. Por
eso no está permitido utilizar las asas para la
sujecion en o sobre medios de transporte
como por ejemplo grúas, carretillas
elevadoras de horquilla, carros etc. El
usuario es responsable de que los productos
sean sujetados de forma segura a los medios
de transporte y de que las prescripciones de
seguridad del fabricante de los medios de
transporte sean tenidas en cuenta. En caso
de que no se tengan en cuenta pueden
causarse daños en personas y objetos.

32. Si llega a utilizar el producto dentro de un
vehículo, queda en la responsabilidad
absoluta del conductor que conducir el
vehículo de manera segura. Asegure el
producto dentro del vehículo debidamente
para evitar en caso de un accidente las
lesiones u otra clase de daños. No utilice
nunca el producto dentro de un vehículo en
movimiento si esto pudiera distraer al
conductor. Siempre queda en la
responsabilidad absoluta del conductor la
seguridad del vehículo y el fabricante no
asumirá ninguna clase de responsabilidad
por accidentes o colisiones.

33. Dado el caso de que esté integrado un
producto de laser en un producto R&S (por
ejemplo CD/DVD-ROM) no utilice otras
instalaciones o funciones que las descritas
en la documentación. De otra manera pondrá
en peligro su salud, ya que el rayo laser
puede dañar irreversiblemente sus ojos.
Nunca trate de descomponer estos
productos. Nunca mire dentro del rayo laser.

1171.0000.42-02.00 página 5

SMIQB21 Contents

Contents

1 Installing Option SMIQB21 .................................................................................1.1

1.1 Connector............................................................................................................................... 1.2

2 Manual Operation................................................................................................2.1

2.1 Measurement of the Bit Error Rate ......................................................................................2.1

2.2 Operating Menu .....................................................................................................................2.2

2.3 Signal Path and Waveform ................................................................................................... 2.6

2.4 Test Method ........................................................................................................................... 2.7

2.4.1 PRBS Polynomials......................................................................................................2.9

2.4.2 Measurement Result, Accuracy, Measurement Time................................................. 2.9

2.4.3 Possible Problems with BER Measurement and Related Solutions.........................2.11

3 Remote Control....................................................................................................3.1

3.1 Description of IEEE/ IEC Bus Commands – Source:BERT Subsystem ..........................3.1

4 Performance Test................................................................................................4.1

4.1 Test Instructions BERT......................................................................................................... 4.1

4.2 Performance Test Report......................................................................................................4.1

1125.5549.15 3 E-1

SMIQB21 Index

Index

O

Operation

B

BER connector ............................................................... 1.3

BER measurement

Cyclic restart............................................................ 2.8

Manual......................................................................2.1

Operating menu........................................................2.2

Remote.....................................................................3.1

P

C

Cyclic random sequences............................................... 2.7

D

Data

Interruption .................................................................2.7

Period length..................................................... 2.4, 3.3

Polarity.............................................................. 2.4, 3.3

Data Enable............................................................. 2.4, 3.5

Data enable input............................................................2.8

Detected errors............................................................... 2.2

Performance Test............................................................ 4.1

Performance test report...................................................4.2

Polynomial

PRBS........................................................................2.9

PRBS

Generation of data....................................................2.7

Polynomial................................................................2.9

Problems and solutions.................................................2.11

R

Remote control................................................................3.1

RES input........................................................................2.8

Restart............................................................................2.4

E

Errors..............................................................................2.7

F

Fault elimination ...........................................................2.11

Feedback........................................................................ 2.7

I

Installation

Installation key......................................................... 1.2

Option SMIQB21 – Bit error rate test BERT.............. 1.2

Integrating BER measurement........................................ 2.8

Interrupted random sequence......................................... 2.8

M

Manual operation............................................................ 2.1

Measurement

Continuous measurement.................................. 2.3, 3.1

Integrating measurement.......................................... 2.8

Single measurement.......................................... 2.3, 3.1

Memory wrap-around...................................................... 2.8

S

Settings for measurement........................................2.3, 3.1

Signal Path......................................................................2.6

Statistics .........................................................................2.9

Status information....................................................2.3, 3.6

Synchronization.............................................................2.12

T

Termination criteria........................................................2.11

Transmitted data bits....................................................... 2.2

U

Unit setting...............................................................2.5, 3.5

V

Value range.....................................................................2.9

W

Waveform........................................................................2.6

1125.5549.15 I.1 E-1

Technical Information

Option SMIQB21

Bit Error Rate Test

Specifications

The data supplied by the DUT are compared
with a reference random bit sequence.

9

Pseudo-random bit sequences (PRBS) 2
Clock source Supplied by DUT; a clock pulse is required for each valid

Clock rate Max. 30 MHz
Synchronization time 24 clocks

-1, 211-1, 215-1, 216-1, 220-1, 221-1, 223-1

bit

Interface

Data
Data enable
Clock

Restart
Setup time 10 ns
Hold time 2 ns
Polarity Normal and inverted (data, clock, data enable)
Measurement time Selectable through maximum number of data bits or bit

Measurement result BER in ppm (if selected number of data bits or bit errors is

9-pin sub-D connector, sub-D/BNC cable supplied with option
TTL
TTL
TTL
TTL

31

errors (max. 2

attained); status displays: not synchronized, no clock, no
data

bits each), continuous measurement

TI.1 1007.9397 E-1

Safety Instructions

Shock hazard

This unit has been designed and tested in accordance with the EC Certificate of Conformity and has left the

manufacturer’s plant in a condition fully complying with safety standards.
To maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation, the user must observe all instructions and warnings

given in this operating manual.

Safety-related symbols used on equipment and documentation from R&S:

Observe

operating

instructions

Weight

indication for

units >18 kg

PE terminal Ground

1. The unit may be used only in the operating con­ditions and positions specified by the manufac­turer. Unless otherwise agreed, the following
applies to R&S products:

IP degree of protection 2X, Pollution severity 2,
overvoltage category 2, altitude max. 2000 m.

The unit may be operated only from supply net­works fused with max. 16 A.

2. For measurements in circuits with voltages V
> 30 V, suitable measures should be taken to
avoid any hazards.

(using, for example, appropriate measuring
equipment, fusing, current limiting, electrical
separation, insulation).

3. If the unit is to be permanently wired, the PE
terminal of the unit must first be connected to
the PE conductor on site before any other con­nections are made. Installation and cabling of
the unit to be performed only by qualified techni­cal personnel.

4. For permanently installed units without built-in
fuses, circuit breakers or similar protective de­vices, the supply circuit must be fused such as
to provide suitable protection for the users and
equipment.

5. Prior to switching on the unit, it must be ensured
that the nominal voltage set on the unit matches
the nominal voltage of the AC supply network.

If a different voltage is to be set, the power fuse
of the unit may have to be changed accordingly.

6. Units of protection class I with disconnectible
AC supply cable and appliance connector may
be operated only from a power socket with
earthing contact and with the PE conductor con­nected.

terminal

Danger!

Warning!

Ground Attention!

Hot surfaces

7. It is not permissible to interrupt the PE conduc­tor intentionally, neither in the incoming cable
nor on the unit itself as this may cause the unit
to become electrically hazardous.

Any extension lines or multiple socket outlets
used must be checked for compliance with rele­vant safety standards at regular intervals.

8. If the unit has no power switch for disconnection

rms

from the AC supply, the plug of the connecting
cable is regarded as the disconnecting device.
In such cases it must be ensured that the power
plug is easily reachable and accessible at all
times (length of connecting cable approx. 2 m).
Functional or electronic switches are not suit­able for providing disconnection from the AC
supply.

If units without power switches are integrated in
racks or systems, a disconnecting device must
be provided at system level.

9. Applicable local or national safety regulations
and rules for the prevention of accidents must
be observed in all work performed.

Prior to performing any work on the unit or
opening the unit, the latter must be discon­nected from the supply network.

Any adjustments, replacements of parts, main­tenance or repair may be carried out only by
authorized R&S technical personnel.

Only original parts may be used for replacing
parts relevant to safety (eg power switches,
power transformers, fuses). A safety test must
be performed after each replacement of parts
relevant to safety.

(visual inspection, PE conductor test, insulation­resistance, leakage-current measurement, func­tional test).

continued overleaf

Electrostatic

sensitive devi-

ces require

special care

095.1000 Sheet 17

Safety Instructions

10. Ensure that the connections with information
technology equipment comply with IEC950 /
EN60950.

11. Lithium batteries must not be exposed to high
temperatures or fire.

Keep batteries away from children.
If the battery is replaced improperly, there is

danger of explosion. Only replace the battery by
R&S type (see spare part list).

Lithium batteries are suitable for environmental­ly-friendly disposal or specialized recycling. Dis­pose them into appropriate containers, only.

Do not short-circuit the battery.

12. Equipment returned or sent in for repair must be
packed in the original packing or in packing with
electrostatic and mechanical protection.

Electrostatics via the connectors may da-

13.

mage the equipment. For the safe handling
and operation of the equipment, appropriate
measures against electrostatics should be im­plemented.

14. Any additional safety instructions given in this
manual are also to be observed.

095.1000 Sheet 18

SMIQB21 Installation

1 Installing Option SMIQB21

Software option SMIQB21 has to be enabled by entering a key upon installation. An option label
containing the installation key is supplied and has to be affixed to the rear of SMIQ for service and repair
purposes.
As a prerequisite, SMIQ must be fitted with hardware option SMIQB20 (modulation coder).

OPTION SMIQB21
DIGITAL STANDARD
BERT

1104.8032.02
INSTALLATION KEY
9 5 4 8 7 6
MADE IN GERMANY

Fig. 1-1 Option label with example of installation key

<== Example

Enabling the option
(see Fig. 1-2)

À Switch on SMIQ.
À Call UTILITIES menu (select with rotary knob, confirm with

[SELECT] key).

À Call INSTALL menu ==> [SELECT].
À Call OPTION TO INSTALL menu ==> [SELECT].
À Select option SMIQB21 BERT ==> [SELECT].
À Enter the 6-digit installation key shown on the option label into the

INSTALLATION KEY line. Then press the [ENTER] key.

À You will receive a message confir ming that the installation key has

been verified and the option is installed.

À To make the option available, the unit has to be switched off and on

again.

À Once the installation has been successfully completed, BER

measurement can be selected from the main menu.

1125.5549.15 1.1 E-1

Installation SMIQB21

FREQ

FREQUEN CY
LEVEL
ANALOG MOD
VECTOR MOD
DIGITAL MOD
DIGITAL STD
LF OUTPUT
SWEEP
LIST
MEM SEQ
UTILITIES

100. 000 000 0

SYSTEM
REF OSC
PHASE
PROTECT
CALIB
DIAG
TEST
MOD KEY
AUX I/O
BEEPER
INSTALL

OPTION T O INS TALL. .. SM IQB21 BERT
IN STA LLA TI ON K EY 9 548 76

AM IQ C TRL VI SIB LE O FF O N

Checkin g Instal lation K ey

MHz

LEVEL
PEP

-30.0

-13.9.

dBm
dBm

Fig. 1-2 Enabling option SMIQB21
Once the installation has been completed, the availability of the new option can be checked in the

module list in the UTILITIES DIAG CONFIG menu.

1.1 Connector

The clock and data signals output by the DUT must have TTL level and are connected to the BER (bit
error rate) input, a 9-contact SUB-D connector at the rear of the unit labelled BER. Pin assignm ent is as
follows:

SUB-D connector Adapter cable

1,2,3,4,5 Ground Screen

6 Bit cloc k i nput CLOCK

7 Data input DATA

8 Data enable input DAT ENAB

9Restart RES

Order No. 1110.3551.00

Polarity of clock and data signals, the PRBS polynomial used and the integration tim e can be set by
manual or remote-c ontrol commands . The input signals are not terminated in the SMIQ but applied to
ICs of type 74LVT14 via a 220 Ω resistor. A cable is supplied with the option. Its contacts are assigned
to BNC connectors as shown in the above table.

1125.5549.15 1.2 E-1

SMIQB21 Manual Operation

2 Manual Operation

2.1 Measurement of the Bit Error Rate

Option SMIQB21 allows an evaluation of the signal demodulated and decoded by the DUT. For this
purpose, a PRBS-modulated data sequence (PRBS = Ps eudo R
DUT. This data sequence can be generated continuously (by means of option SMIQB20) or in sections,
in the latter case by means of option SMIQB60 using a loaded waveform.
The PRBS data sequence is decoded by the DUT and sent to the SMIQ in the form of clock and data
signals. The SMIQ synchronizes to the known PRBS sequence and counts the bit errors.

RF, containing
PRBS Data

andom Binary Sequence) is sent to the

Clock

Demodulated Data

Fig. 2-1 Measurement of BER

Termination of a measurement can be induced by various criteria. With option SMIQB21,
measurements can be stopped either manually or because of one of the following two criteria: a user­defined number of data bits has been transmitted or a maximum number of errors has been detected.

By means of the RESTART function (eg for IQ signals that are not generated c ontinuously and therefore
do not contain integer multiples of PRBS s equences) BER results can be integrated onto the (partial)
sequences. In this way, long BER measurements can also be performed on short IQ signals (which
normally do not allow BER measurement because the PRBS sequence is not continuous).

The BER measurement can also be performed separately (with data from another source).

1125.5549.15 2.1 E-1

Manual Operation SMIQB21

2.2 Operating Menu

In the operating menu, the configuration for the BER measurement is made and the results are
displayed.

Fig. 2-2 Operating menu for BER measurement
In the upper section of the menu (display area), the measurement results are displayed together with the

way in which they have been established, and additional information on the applied signal. In the lower
section, settings can be made.

BIT ERROR RATE
(BER)

DATA BITS

ERRORS

TERMINATED BY

Cyclic display of the measured bit error rate, the ratio of detected errors to
transmitted data bits.

Number of transmitted data bits.

Number of detected errors.

The displayed measurement result was obtained as follows:
NUMBER OF DATA BITS The defined number of data bits was reached.
NUMBER OF ERRORS The defined number of errors was detected.
USER The measurement was interrupted manually by

the user.

---- Measurement in progress.

1125.5549.15 2.2 E-1

SMIQB21 Manual Operation

STATE

MODE

The status information described in the following tells the user whether the
BER measurement is working. The ST ATE display signals the st atus of cloc k
line, data line and synchronization. If the clock signal changes, CLOCK is
indicated as status, otherwise NO CLOCK. The same applies to the data
display DATA or NO DATA. NO DATA may be displayed because DATA
ENABLE is not set to NOT USED or the data enable signal does not enable
the data. SYNC indicates a successful attempt of PRBS synchronization by
the analyzer. It is not before all three of CLOCK, DATA and SYNC are "active"
that the measurement results are valid.

CLOCK Change of clock signal.
NO CLOCK No change of clock signal.
DATA Change of data signal.
NO DATA No change of data signal.
SYNC Successful synchronization to PRBS.
NO SYNC No synchronization.
The seven parameters listed above (data bits, err or bits, error rate, attribute

"terminated", attribute CLOCK, attribute DATA, attribute SYNC) are jointly
polled by the IEC/IEEE bus query :BERT:RES? .

Setting for the BER measurement.
OFF Terminate measurement.
AUTO Continuous measurement of bit error rate. If one or both c riteria for

termination are fulfilled, a new measurement is initiated
automatically. Depending on the settings made, a measurement
may take considerable time. During the first measurement,
intermediate results are displayed. For the measurements that
follow, only the final results are shown. The parameter s DATA BIT S
and ERRORS are continuously updated and indicate the relative
values for the measurement in progress.

SINGLE Single measurement of bit error rate. During the measurement,

SMIQ cyclically displays the updated values for rate, number of
errors and number of data bits. If any one of the term ination criter ia
(TERMINATION ATTRIBUTES [DATA BITS] and TERMINATION
ATTRIBUTES [ERRORS]) is reac hed, the m easurem ent is stopped.
A single measurement is initiated only if the m enu item EXECUTE
SINGLE is selected.

IEC/IEEE-bus command :BERT:STAT ON

:BERT:SEQ SING

Initiates a single BER measurement. This menu item is only displayed if

EXECUTE SINGLE

Ì

MODE = SINGLE is set.
IEC/IEEE-bus command :TRIG:BERT:IMM

TERMINATION
ATTRIBUTES

DATA BITS Setting the termination criterion "Number of transmitted data

bits".
IEC/IEEE-bus command :BERT:SET:MCO <1>

ERRORS Setting the termination criterion "Maximum num ber of detected

errors".
IEC/IEEE-bus command :BERT:SET:MERR <1>

1125.5549.15 2.3 E-1

Manual Operation SMIQB21

PRBS

DATA POLARITY

CLOCK SLOPE

EXTERNAL RESTART

Setting the period length of data: 9, 11, 15, 16, 20, 21, 23 bits.
Note: Data inversion for PRBS15 and PRBS23, which is contained in the

standard, is performed autom atically when the PRBS is selected.
DATA POLARITY remains unaffected.

IEC/IEEE-bus command :BERT:SET:TYPE PRBS9
Setting the data bit polarity.

NORM Normal polarity
INV Inverted polarity
IEC/IEEE-bus command :BERT:SET:DATA NORM

Setting the clock edge polarity.
POS Rising edge
NEG Falling edge
IEC/IEEE-bus command :BERT:SET:CLOC RIS

Activating/deactivating an external restart of the BER measurement.

Note: An enabled RESTART works always independently of PATTERN

IGNORE or DATA ENABLE.

DISABLED Deactivated
ENABLED Activated
IEC/IEEE-bus command :BERT:SET:REST INT

DATA ENABLE

Setting the polarity of the DUT’s DATA ENABLE signal.

Note: If the data are not enabled, the execution of the BER

measurement is stopped completely. The identification circuit
for PATTERN IGNORE as well as the PRBS gener ator of the
BER measurement wait as long as data are not enabled. If the
data are enabled, the measurement is continued.

NOT USED Irrespective of the data enable signal applied, all data at the

BERT data input are used for the BER measurement.

LOW Only the data applied at the BERT data input with a low-level

data enable signal are used for the BER measurement.

HIGH Only the data applied at the BERT data input with a high-level

data enable signal are used for the BER measurement.

IEC/IEEE-bus command :BERT:SET:DEN OFF

1125.5549.15 2.4 E-1

SMIQB21 Manual Operation

PATTERN IGNORE

In the event of a so-called frame error (eg an error detected in the check sum),
some mobile r adio standards com munic ate a complete "0" or "1" f rame to the
BERT instead of the detected fr ame data. This is to signal to the BERT that
this frame is not to be used for the BER measurement.

OFF PATTERN IGNORE is not active.
ALL 1 Bit sequences consisting of 31 or more subsequent "1" data

are not used (ie ignored) for the BER measurement.

ALL 0 Bit sequences consisting of 31 or more subsequent "0" data

are not used (ie ignored) for the BER measurement.

IEC/IEEE-bus command :BERT:SET:IGN OFF

Notes:

-

While ignoring the bits, the PRBS generator for the BER measurement
keeps running. Following the "0" or "1" sequence, the BER measurement
is continued as if the ignored sequence had contained PRBS data.

-

If PATTERN IGNORE is switched on, synchronization time is 32 bits

longer.

-

If PATTERN IGNORE and RESTART are active at the same time, the
presence of the restart signal causes the measurement to stop
immediately. None of the 32 bits within the PATTERN IGNORE detector
is evaluated.

-

If DATA ENABLE and PATTERN IGNORE are active at the same time,
DATA ENABLE is given priority, ie bits that are not enabled are not
examined for "0" or "1" sequences.

UNIT

Drop Out of DUT

PRBS at Generator

PRBS at DUT Output

BER "active"

These bits are ingored

50 Bits

Example 50 bits were set to "0" by the DUT. These 50 bits plus the preceding

"0" are ignored in the measurement.

Setting the unit for displaying the bit error rate.

OFF No unit, decade values
% Relative frequency in percent
ppm Relative frequency in parts per million
IEC/IEEE-bus command :BERT:UNIT OFF

1125.5549.15 2.5 E-1

Manual Operation SMIQB21

2.3 Signal Path and Waveform

See also section 1.1, "Connector".

Test setup

PRBS data

Transfer clock

The signal is computed using one of the modulation s ourc es listed above and then
output by the SMIQ and sent to the DUT (device under test). The latter dem od­ulates the source bits contained and returns them to SMIQ together with a transfer
clock. In the SMIQ, the data bits are checked for errors. The total of the
transmitted bits and the faulty bits are counted. T he quotient of error bits/total bits
is the BER.

To be able to detect faulty bits in a BER measurement, the data generation
polynomial must be known. Data are calculated with the aid of so-called ps eudo­random binary sequences (PRBS). These are quasi-random bit sequences which
are repeated according to the selected polynomial.

An advantage of the PRBS data is that the bit error detector has only to k now the
polynomial but not the total sequence. Furthermore, the analysis can be started
anywhere in the bit stream, ie the bit-stream source and the analyzer need not be
synchronized.

Should the DUT not provide a transfer cloc k, the bit clock can be tak en from the
output connector PAR-DATA for the generation of the signal using option
SMIQB11 (DGEN). If AMIQ is used as the IQ source, a mark er channel may be
programmed as clock output. However, the clock-to-data ratio is to be observed.

1125.5549.15 2.6 E-1

SMIQB21 Manual Operation

2.4 Test Method

Generation of PRBS
data

Feedback of data
stream

Errors in start status

BER measurement
with uninterrupted
repetition of the
random sequence

PRBS data are generated with the aid of a shift register with feedback points
determined by the polynomial. A random start status yields one subs equent
state. The start status and therefore the subsequent status occur only once in
the whole sequence.

If the shift register is filled with a data sequence at the beginning of a
measurement and the register is then switched from "filling" to "feedback",
the register generates the same data sequence as it expects to receive.
Faulty bits can thus be identified and counted by comparing the received data
to the results obtained from the shift register.

This method has the advantage that the analyzer can be used separately
from signal generation (logically and with respect to time). Consequently,
delays caused by the DUT, the use of other PRBS sources and transmiss ion
over long distances with spatially separated transmitter and receiver, do not
cause any problems.

If a bit error is already present in the start status ( faulty bits are not detected
during filling), the shift register starts from an incorrect position in the data
sequence. As a result all subsequent states will be faulty. Since, statistically,
every second bit is faulty, the BER will be about 50%. In this case the
measurement is started again automatically, without the user realizing.

The (non-integrating) BER measurement operates on the basis of random
sequences that are run continuously. These sequences are either generated
continuously or by cyclic output of a stored sequence, with the number of
encoded bits being an integer multiple of the length of the random sequence.
The length of the random s equence is 2 to the power of the degree of the
polynomial less 1, ie PRBS9 has a length of 511 (2

9

equals 512 less 1).

The data to be
analyzed are
interrupted by other
data

This type of BER measurement is selec ted by either setting External Restart to
DISABLED or by issuing the IEC/IEEE-bus command :BERT:SET:REST INT.
The CLOCK and DATA lines are sufficient for this measurement.

The data bits contain data like sync, preambles, other channels, etc in
addition to the PRBS data. To mark the data to be evaluated, a DAT ENABle
signal has to be sent with the data. Either this DAT ENABle signal is
generated by the DUT or an additional channel of the IQ source is used (eg
marker channel of AMIQ).

The BER measurement in the SMIQ has to be adjusted for the use of a DAT
ENABle signal; this is done by setting the required polarity in the menu or by
means of IEC/IEEE-bus command (:BERT:SET:DEN Low|High). Data
Enable = high means that data are only counted by the DUT and subjected to
the BER measurement if the data enable input is set to 1.

1125.5549.15 2.7 E-1

Manual Operation SMIQB21

BER measurement
with interrupted
random sequence

- integrating BER
measurement

Due to the type of data, oversampling and the finite memory length of SMIQ
(option SMIQB60) or AMIQ, it may happen that the generated random s equence
is not cyclically repeated at the memory wrap-around but has a break at this
point. In a normal BER measurement operating exclusively with CLOCK and
DATA signals, a break of this kind would lead to approx. 50% faulty bits due to
the loss of synchronization.

A random sequence with a break can be processed by means of the integrating
BER measurement and is switched on in the menu under EXTERNAL RESTART
(or by the remote-control comm and BERT:SET:REST EXT). T he BER measure­ment is to be stopped in time and then restarted at the beginning of the data
sequence. The measurement is stopped and started via a signal at the RES
input (pin 9 of SUB-D connector): A trans ition from logic 0 to 1 causes a partial
result to be generated and the measurement to be stopped. A transition from 1
to 0 starts the measurement for the next sub-interval. This measurement is
synchronized anew.
This input is best connected to an AMIQ marker channel or the SMIQ trigger
output, with a single 1 encoded both at the start and at the end of the data
sequence. This causes the BER measurement to s top briefly at memory wrap­around (the break) and start again. The partial results are integrated.

When the signals are interrupted by other data (eg preambles), these data will
normally cause bit errors. The BER measurement for these data can then be
interrupted using the data enable input .

In the integrating BER measurement, partial BER results are added up
(controlled by a signal at the RES input) until the predefined total number of data
or error bits is attained or exceeded.

Note:

Since the test hardware can be programmed flexibly, other bit error measure­ment techniques such as comparison with the output pattern, masking of certain
time and data ranges, are also possible. In this matter, please contact your
nearest R&S representative.

1125.5549.15 2.8 E-1

SMIQB21 Manual Operation

2

9

2.4.1 PRBS Polynomials

For generating and testing the PRBS, a shift register with feedbac k is used. T he feedback depends on
the type of polynomial used. The sequence length of a generator is the result of

degree of the polynomial.

EXOR EXOR EXOR

Fig. 2-3 PRBS polynomials

PN generator N a1 a2 a3 Output acc. to standard

2n - 1,

n being the

PN9

PN11

PN15

PN16

PN20

PN21

PN23

9 4 - - non-inverted ITU-T Rec. O. 153 Fascicle IV.4

11 2 - - non-inverted ITU-T Rec. O.152 Fascicle IV.4

15 1 - - inverted I TU-T Rec. O.151 Fascicle IV .4

16 5 3 2 non-i nverted --

20 3 - - non-inverted ITU-T Rec. O.153 Fascicle IV.4

21 2 - - non-inverted --

23 5 - - inverted I TU-T Rec. O.151 Fascicle IV .4

2.4.2 Measurement Result, Accuracy, Measurement Time

Value range

Measurement results for the bit error rate (ie the quotient of error bits and total
bits) are usually found between 10

-

and 10

-

. This means that a large num ber of
bits may have to be checked before a f aulty bit is detected. Because of the large
number of bits involved the measurement time is usually very long.

Statistics

Since 32-bit-wide counters are used for the total bits and the error bits, the
maximum measurement time is 4.29 x 10

The BER measurement measures statistical bit errors, ie errors which do not

9

bits.

occur at regular intervals but at random. Although a single measurement
determines the exact number of errors in the measured interval, a statistically
reliable BER can only be obtained when a sufficient number of errors occ ur s in the
observed interval. Only this ensures that the single BER measurement result
approaches the true error rate with high probability .

1125.5549.15 2.9 E-1

Manual Operation SMIQB21

Termination
criteria

Interruption of
measurement

To keep the measurement time short with low and high bit error rates, two
termination criteria have been defined in SMIQ for the BER measurement.

•

Criterion 1: Total number of bits

The measurement is terminated when the specific number of data bits is
reached. Due to this criterion the BER meas urement is reliably stopped after
the specified number of bits even if no err or or only a few errors were detec ted;
the measurement result is not statistically reliable (few bit errors).

•

Criterion 2: Number of errors

The measurement is terminated when the specified number of bit errors is
detected. With this criterion, the measur ement is rapidly terminated when high
bit error rates occur. Since a great number of errors is counted, the
measurement result is statistically reliable.

The two criteria are used together. T he c r iterion which finally yields a valid result is
indicated in the results screen ("Measurement terminated by...").

At the end of a measurem ent, the restart of a new one is delayed until the first
measurement result has been queried with
measurement interruption is irrelevant because the subsequent m easurement will
be synchronized within 24 data bits.

:BERT:RES?

. The resulting brief

1125.5549.15 2.10 E-1

SMIQB21 Manual Operation

2.4.3 Possible Problems with BER Measurement and Related Solutions

Fault Possible cause Fault description/remedy

BER
measurement
does not
synchronize

No cl o ck

received from
DUT

No signals received from
DUT or the signal level is
not correct.

The selected PRBS is not

correct.

A wrong clock edge is

used, which violates setup
or hold times.

Incorrect polarity of data

signal (or data enable
signal).

A bit error occurs during

synchronization (nine data
bits with PRBS9)

When testing RF com-

ponents, clock recovery is
not available. An external
clock is however required
for clocking the data during
the BER measurement

À Check displays for ac tivity at BER m easurement inputs.

If a status is displayed (Cl oc k, Data, Sync) for a line, there is

activity.

Norm al l y, the PRBS on which the data are based is used as the

default setting. I f the PRBS is changed, the B ER measurement
cannot synchronize to the data (bec ause the polynomial is not
correct).

À

Check the bit clock signal, the data signal and the data enable

signal, if any, on an oscilloscope.

The fault m ay also be caused by reflections on the c lock line, which

switch the data signal twice int o the BER measurement , eg on lines
without termination. The SMI Q i nput is not terminated.

In t hi s case the PRBS cannot synchronize. Note that an inversion

of the output signal spec i fied for some cases by the PRBS
standard is performed automatically upon PRBS selection.
Manual inversion of the data signal is therefore not required.

The BE R measurement is s t arted at a wrong position so that

about 50% of the subsequent dat a bi t s are identified as faulty.

Ins tead of a clock recovery ci rc ui t, the bit clock at the PAR-DATA

connector of the SMIQ m ay be possibly used as a replacement.
This is possible if DGE N (S MI QB 11) i s used as a data source.
However, this bit clock is not possible with all m odul at i on types.
Also, the delay between data and cloc k has to be observed.

M easured BER

too high

The data are clocked with

the wrong edge and/or the
eye aperture of the data is
not optimally met.

BER measurement does
not synchronize

À Check the clock/data relationship by means of an oscillos cope and

set optimum timing.

If data that are not cycl i cally continued (ie when a break occurs at t he
memory wrap-around), the measurem ent will identify about 50% of the
bits as faulty after the wrap-around.

Make sure the measurement is started optimally at the beginning of the
sequence by means of a signal on the REStart line (see: " B ER
measurement with interrupted random sequence – integrating BER

measurement" in section 2.4, "Test Method" ).

1125.5549.15 2.11 E-1

SMIQB21 Description of IEEE/ IEC Bus Commands

3 Remote Control

3.1 Description of IEEE/ IEC Bus Commands –

Source:BERT Subsystem

Command Parameter Default Unit Remark

[:SOURce]

:BERT

:STATe
:SEQuence
:SETup

:MCOunt
:MERRor
:TYPE

:DATA

[:POLarity]

:CLOCk

[:POLarity]
:RESTart
:DENable
:MASK
:IGNore

:UNIT
:STARt
:STOP
:RESULT?

ON | OFF
AUTO | SINGle

1 to 4294967294
1 to 4294967294
PRBS9 | PRBS11 | PRBS15 | PRBS16 | PRBS20 |

PRBS21 | PRBS23

NORMal | INVerted

RISing | FALLing
INTernal | EXTernal
OFF | LOW | HIGH
OFF | LOW | HIGH
OFF | ONE | ZERO
OFF | PCT | PPM
(without)
(without)

Alias

Query only

:BERT:STATe ON | OFF

This comm and switches the bit error rate test on or off. The com mand :BERT:STARt sets the
status internally to ON, while the command :BERT:STOP sets it to OFF.

Example: :BERT:STAT ON *RST value is OFF

:BERT:SEQuence AUTO | SINGle

This comm and s witches between continuous (AUTO) and single m easurement (SINGle). A single
measurement is terminated once the set number of data bits or error bits is reached. The
continuous measurement is a sequence of automatically started single measurements.

By means of the command :BERT:STARt, the status is internally set to AUTO.
Example: :BERT:SEQ SING *RST value is AUTO

1125.5549.15 3.1 E-1

Description of IEEE/ IEC Bus Commands SMIQB21

:BERT:SETup:MCOunt 1 to 4294967294

This command sets the total number of data bits to be measured (data excluded by

:BERT:SETup:DENable do not count). When the internal data counter reaches or – in integrated
BER test – exceeds this number, the single BER m easur em ent is term inated. If this is f ollowed by
the query:BERT:RES?, SMIQ signals with the fourth result that a BER meas urement has been
completed. This fourth result then has the value 1.

Valid value range: 1 to 4294967295 (2
Example: :BERT:SET:MCO 1e6 *RST value is 10.000.000

:BERT:SETup:MERRor 1 to 4294967294

This comm and sets the number of error bits to be m easured. W hen the internal bit err or counter
reaches or – in integrating BER test – exceeds this number, the SMIQ responds to a
:BERT:RES? query by signalling with the fourth result = 1 that a single BER measur ement has
been terminated.

Valid value range: 1 to 4294967295 (2
Example: :BERT:SET:MERR 100 *RST value is 100

:BERT:SETup:TYPE PRBS9 | PRBS11 | PRBS15 | PRBS16 | PRBS20 | PRBS21 | PRBS23

With this c ommand, various sequence lengths can be set f or the pseudo-random bit sequence.
The data generated by the PRBS generator are used as a reference.

Example: :BERT:SET:TYPE PRBS15 *RST value is PRBS9

32

-1)

32

-1)

:BERT:SETup:DATA[:POLarity] NORMal | INVerted

This command defines the polarity of the external data signal.
NORMal: High level stands for a logic 1, low level for a logic 0.
INVerted: Low level stands for a logic 1, high level for a logic 0.
Example: :BERT:SET:DATA INV *RST value is NORM

:BERT:SETup:CLOCk[:POLarity] RISing | FALLing

This command defines which edge of the externally fed clock signal is active.
Example: :BERT:SET:CLOC FALL *RST value is RIS

:BERT:SETup:RESTart INTernal | EXTernal

INTernal The reset signal for the BER test is generated internally by the program. This setting is

suited for random sequences fitting cyclically into the SMIQ memory and therefore
allowing an uninterrupted repetition of the random sequence.

EXTernal If the random sequence cannot be continued without interruption at memory wrap-

around, the BER test has to be stopped in tim e and then res tarted at the beginning of
the data sequence. The measurement is stopped and started via a 0-1-0 edge at the
restart input. Partial BER results (data and error bits) are added up until the predefined
total number of data or error bits is reac hed or exceeded. T hese partial res ults are not
affected by a restart.

Example: :BERT:SET:RES EXT *RST value is INT

1125.5549.15 3.2 E-1

SMIQB21 Description of IEEE/ IEC Bus Commands

:BERT:SETup:DENable OFF | LOW | HIGH

The SMIQ has an input (data enable) allowing the temporary suspension of the BER test for
processing data bursts or data interrupted by other data. This command configures this input.

OFF Any signal applied to the input is ignored; all data are used for the BER measurement.
HIGH If a high level signal is applied to the input, its data bits are counted and the bit errors

detected and counted. If a low level signal is applied, the measurement is interrupted.

LOW If a low level signal is applied to the input, its data bits are counted and the bit error

detected and counted. If a high level signal is applied, the measurement is interrupted.

Example: :BERT:SET:DEN HIGH *RST value is OFF

:BERT:SETup:MASK OFF | LOW | HIGH

This command is equivalent (alias) to the command :BERT:SETup:DENable described above.
Example: :BERT:SET:MASK HIGH *RST value is OFF

:BERT:SETup:IGNore OFF | ONE | ZERO

This command determines what to do with faulty data (frame errors) that were set to 0 or 1.
OFF Pattern Ignore is not active.
ONE Bit sequences consisting of 30 or more subsequent "1" data are not used (ie ignored) f or

the BER test.

ZERO Bit sequences consisting of 30 or more subsequent "0" data ar e not used ( ie ignored) f or

the BER measurement.

Example: :BERT:SET:IGN ONE *RST value is OFF

:BERT:UNIT OFF | PCT | PPM

This comm and sets the unit for displaying the error rate. It is only for display on SMIQ; it has no
effect on results queried by :BERT:RES? .

Example: :BERT:SET PCT *RST value is OFF

:BERT:STARt

This command starts a bit error rate test. The command :BERT:STAT is set to ON and BERT:SEQ
to AUTO.

Example: :BERT:STAR

:BERT:STOP

The command stops an ongoing bit error rate test. If no measurement is in progress, this
command has no effect. :BERT:STAT is set to OFF.

Example: :BERT:STOP

1125.5549.15 3.3 E-1

Description of IEEE/ IEC Bus Commands SMIQB21

:BERT:RESult?

This query refers to the result of the m ost recent BER measurement. T he response consists of
seven results separated by commas. In the first measurement following the start, intermediate
results for the number of data bits, error bits and error rate are also queried. In the following
measurements (only for :BERT:SEQ AUTO), only the final results of each s ingle measurement
are queried.

Example: :BERT:RES?
Response: "10000,5,5E-4,1,1,1,1"
Result: 1 ,2,3 ,4,5,6,7

Result 1

Result 2

Result 3

Result 4

Result 5

Result 6

Result 7

Number of data bits from current query.

Number of error bits from current query.

Error rate. If no termination criterion has been reached since the beginning of the BER test, the current
quotient of "Number of error bit s" and "Num ber of dat a bit s" is ent ered. A s s oon as at leas t one f inal res ult has
been reached in continuous meas urement, the most recent final result is ent ered. This means the error rate
displayed changes less rapi dl y.

1 A BER measurement has been terminated, ie the number of data bits or error bits predefined by

commands :BERT:SET MCOunt <n> or :BERT:SET MERRor <n> is reached, or the meas urem ent was
stopped by the comm and :BERT:STOP.

0 The BER meas urement has not been termi nated.

1 Following the start of a BER meas urement (by the c omm and :BERT: STARt), an edge was detect ed on

the clock line.

0 The clock li ne i s not active.

1 Following the start of a BER measurem ent (by the comm and :BERT: STARt), a data change edge was

detected on the data line. This data change only refers to clocked data. If there is no clock, no data
change is detected.

0 The data line is not active.

1 The BER measurement is synchronized, ie both clock and data l ine are active and the "Number of error

bits" to "Number of dat a bits" ratio is bett er than 0.1, so the meas urement result c an be assumed to be
realistic.

0 The BER meas urement is not synchronized.

1125.5549.15 3.4 E-1

SMIQB21 Performance Test

4 Performance Test

4.1 Test Instructions BERT

Test assembly

Measurement

À For the functional test, the inputs and outputs of this interf ace are

connected via a connector (Operating m anual SMIQ, Table 5-1,
item 27).

À SMIQ settings

UTILITIES/TEST/TEST MCOD BERT
Ø Error messages may not occur.

4.2 Performance Test Report

For nominal data and limit values refer to the data sheet supplied with the instrument.

Characteristic Min. Actual Max. Unit

1125.5549.15 4.1 E-1