This R&S VSE GSM User Manual provides all the information specific to the applica-tion. All general software functions and settings common to all applications and operating modes are described in the R&S VSE Base Software User Manual.
The main focus in this manual is on the measurement results and the tasks required to
obtain them. The following topics are included:
●
Welcome to the R&S VSE GSM application
Introduction to and getting familiar with the application
●
Measurements and Result Displays
Details on supported measurements and their result types
●
Measurement Basics
Background information on basic terms and principles in the context of the measurement
●
Configuration + Analysis
A concise description of all functions and settings available to configure measurements and analyze results with their corresponding remote control command
●
How to Perform Measurements in the R&S VSE GSM application
The basic procedure to perform each measurement and step-by-step instructions
for more complex tasks or alternative methods
●
Optimizing and Troubleshooting the Measurement
Hints and tips on how to handle errors and optimize the measurement configuration
●
Remote Commands for GSM Measurements
Remote commands required to configure and perform GSM measurements in a
remote environment, sorted by tasks
(Commands required to set up the environment or to perform common tasks in the
software are provided in the R&S VSE Base Software User Manual)
Programming examples demonstrate the use of many commands and can usually
be executed directly for test purposes
●
List of remote commands
Alphabetical list of all remote commands described in the manual
●
Index
1.2Typographical conventions
The following text markers are used throughout this documentation:
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Preface
Typographical conventions
ConventionDescription
"Graphical user interface elements"
[Keys]Key and knob names are enclosed by square brackets.
Filenames, commands,
program code
InputInput to be entered by the user is displayed in italics.
LinksLinks that you can click are displayed in blue font.
"References"References to other parts of the documentation are enclosed by quota-
All names of graphical user interface elements on the screen, such as
dialog boxes, menus, options, buttons, and softkeys are enclosed by
quotation marks.
Filenames, commands, coding samples and screen output are distinguished by their font.
tion marks.
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2Welcome to the GSM application
Welcome to the GSM application
Starting the GSM application
The R&S VSE-K10 is a firmware application that adds functionality to perform GSM
measurements to the R&S VSE.
The R&S VSE GSM application features:
●
Measurements on downlink or uplink signals according to the Third Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP) standards for GSM/EDGE, EDGE Evolution (EGPRS2)
and Voice services over Adaptive Multi-user Channels on One Slot (VAMOS)
●
Measurement in time, frequency or I/Q domains
●
Measurements of mobile devices (MS), single carrier and multicarrier base transceiver stations (BTS)
●
Measurement of signals with GMSK, AQPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM and 32QAM
modulation, normal or higher symbol rate
●
Measurement of signals using different Tx filters (e.g. narrow and wide pulse)
●
Measurements for Power vs Time, Modulation Accuracy and Modulation and Transient Spectrum as required in the standard
This user manual contains a description of the functionality that the application provides, including remote control operation.
Functions that are not discussed in this manual are the same as in the I/Q Analyzer
application and are described in the R&S VSE Base Software User Manual. The latest
version is available for download at the product homepage (http://www.rohde-
schwarz.com/product/VSE.html).
2.1Starting the GSM application
The GSM measurement requires a special application on the R&S VSE. It is activated
by creating a new measurement channel in GSM mode.
To activate the GSM application
1.
Select the "Add Channel" function in the Sequence tool window.
A dialog box opens that contains all operating modes and applications currently
available in your R&S VSE.
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Welcome to the GSM application
Understanding the display information
2. Select the "GSM" item.
The R&S VSE opens a new measurement channel for the GSM application.
2.2Understanding the display information
The following figure shows a measurement diagram during analyzer operation. All different information areas are labeled. They are explained in more detail in the following
sections.
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Welcome to the GSM application
Understanding the display information
1
2
3
4
5
1 = Color coding for windows of same channel
2 = Channel bar with measurement settings
3 = Window title bar with diagram-specific (trace) information
4 = Diagram area
5 = Diagram footer with diagram-specific information, depending on result display
Channel bar information
In the GSM application, the R&S VSE shows the following settings for the default I/Q
measurement:
Table 2-1: Information displayed in the channel bar in the GSM application for the default I/Q mea-
Ref LevelReference level
(m.+el.) AttMechanical and electronic RF attenuation
OffsetReference level offset (if available)
Freq / ARFCNCenter frequency for the GSM signal / Absolute Radio Frequency Channel
Device / BandDevice type and frequency band used by the DUT as defined in the Signal
surement
Number (if available)
description settings
Slot ScopeMinimized visualization of the frame configuration and slots to be mea-
sured (see Chapter 5.6, "Defining the scope of the measurement",
on page 40)
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Welcome to the GSM application
Understanding the display information
CountNumber of frames already evaluated / Total number of frames required for
TRGTrigger source (if not "Free Run") and used trigger bandwidth (for IF, RF,
IP power triggers) or trigger offset (for external triggers)
In addition, the channel bar also displays information on instrument settings that affect
the measurement results even though this is not immediately apparent from the display
of the measured values. This information is displayed only when applicable for the current application. For details see the R&S VSE Base Software User Manual.
Window title bar information
For each diagram, the header provides the following information:
0
1356 7
24
Figure 2-1: Window title bar information in the R&S VSE GSM application
0 = Color coding for windows of same channel
1 = Edit result display function
2 = Channel name
3 = Window number
4 = Window type
5 = Trace color, trace number, trace mode
6 = Dock/undock window function
7 = Close window function
Diagram area
The diagram area displays the results according to the selected result displays (see
Chapter 4, "GSM I/Q measurement results", on page 16).
Diagram footer information
The diagram footer (beneath the diagram) contains the start and stop values for the
displayed time, frequency or symbol range.
Status bar information
The software status, errors and warnings and any irregularities in the software are indicated in the status bar at the bottom of the R&S VSE window.
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3About the measurement
About the measurement
A basic GSM measurement in the R&S VSE GSM application includes a power vs time
and a spectrum measurement, as well as modulation accuracy (e.g. EVM, phase error)
for a GSM signal as defined by the relevant 3GPP standards. The I/Q data from the
GSM signal applied to the RF input of the R&S VSE is captured for a specified measurement time. This data is demodulated and synchronized with a reference signal to
identify the individual frames and slots. The slots of interest are then analyzed in order
to display the spectral and power results either graphically or numerically, and to calculate the modulation parameters.
The standard distinguishes between single-slot and multi-slot measurements. Singleslot measurements analyze one slot - referred to as the "Slot to measure" - within the
GSM frame (which consists of 8 slots in total). Modulation-specific parameters such as
the phase error, EVM, or spectrum due to modulation are determined on a per-slot
basis. Multi-slot measurements, on the other hand, analyze a slot scope of up to 8 consecutive slots, each of which has different burst modulation characteristics. Power vs
time limit checks and the transient spectrum measurements, for example, are determined for multiple slots.
Statistical evaluation of several measurements is also possible. Finally, the GSM measurement results can be exported to other applications.
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4GSM I/Q measurement results
GSM I/Q measurement results
Result display windows
For each measurement, a separate measurement channel is activated. Each measurement channel can provide multiple result displays, which are displayed in individual
windows. The measurement windows can be rearranged and configured in the
R&S VSE to meet your requirements. All windows that belong to the same measurement (including the channel bar) are indicated by a colored line at the top of the window title bar.
►
To add further result displays for the GSM channel, select the
icon from the toolbar, or select the "Window > New Window" menu item.
For details on working with channels and windows see the "Operating Basics"
chapter in the R&S VSE Base Software User Manual.
By default, the GSM measurement results for I/Q measurements are displayed in the
following windows:
●
Magnitude Capture
●
PvT Full Burst
●
Modulation Accuracy
●
Power vs Slot
The following evaluation methods are available for GSM I/Q measurements:
Trigger to Sync Graph...................................................................................................30
Trigger to Sync Table.................................................................................................... 32
"Add Window"
Constellation
The complex source signal is displayed as an X/Y diagram. The application analyzes
the specified slot over the specified number of bursts.
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GSM I/Q measurement results
Remote command:
LAY:ADD? '1',RIGH,CONS, see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
EVM
Displays the error vector magnitude over time for the Slot to Measure.
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,ETIMe see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 232
Magnitude Capture
Displays the power vs. time trace of the captured I/Q data.
Pre-trigger samples are not displayed.
The analyzed slot scopes (1 to 8 slots of a single GSM frame) are indicated by a green
bar, the Slot to Measure in each frame by a blue bar at the bottom of the diagram.
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GSM I/Q measurement results
For details see Chapter 5.6, "Defining the scope of the measurement", on page 40.
For negative trigger offsets, the trigger is displayed as a vertical red line labeled "TRG".
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,MCAP see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
Results:
FETCh:MCAPture:SLOTs:SCOPe? on page 240
FETCh:MCAPture:SLOTs:MEASure? on page 239
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 232
Magnitude Error
Displays the magnitude error over time for the Slot to Measure.
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GSM I/Q measurement results
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,MERR see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 232
Marker Table
Displays a table with the current marker values for the active markers.
This table is displayed automatically if configured accordingly.
(See " Marker Table Display "on page 105).
Remote command:
LAY:ADD? '1',RIGH, MTAB, see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
Results:
CALCulate<n>:MARKer<m>:X on page 269
CALCulate<n>:MARKer<m>:Y? on page 269
Modulation Accuracy
Displays the numeric values of the fundamental modulation characteristics of the signal
to be analyzed in the vector (I/Q) domain: error vector magnitude ("EVM"), magnitude
and phase error, IQ imbalance, etc.
The following modulation parameters are determined:
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Table 4-1: Modulation accuracy parameters
GSM I/Q measurement results
Parameter
"EVM"Error vector magnitude for the Slot to Measure
Mag ErrorMagnitude error for the Slot to Measure
"Phase
Error"
Origin Offset Suppression
[dB]
I/Q Offset
[%]
DescriptionSCPI query for result value
RMS and peak error values for the current frame, in percent
95%ile: error value (in percent) below which 95% of all
"EVM" results for all frames in entire measurement fall
RMS and peak error values for the current frame, in percent
95%ile: error value (in percent) below which 95% of all
"Magnitude Error" results for all frames in entire measurement fall
Phase error for the Slot to Measure
RMS and peak error values for the current frame, in percent
95%ile: error value (in percent) below which 95% of all
"Phase Error" results for all frames in entire measurement
fall
Origin offset suppression for the demodulated signal in the
Slot to Measure; Indicates the suppression of the DC carrier;
the higher the suppression, the better the DUT
I/Q offset for the demodulated signal in the Slot to Measure
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy][:EVM]:PEAK:
<Resulttype>?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy][:EVM]:RMS:
<Resulttype>?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]PERCentile:EVM?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:MERRor:PEAK:
<Resulttype>?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:MERRor:RMS:
<Resulttype>?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]PERCentile:MERRor?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:PERRor:PEAK:
<Resulttype>?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:PERRor:RMS:
<Resulttype>?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]PERCentile:PERRor?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:OSUPpress:
<Resulttype>?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:IQOFfset:
<Resulttype>?
I/Q Imbalance
[%]
Frequency
Error
[Hz]
Burst
Power
[dBm]
Amplitude
Droop
[dB]
A measure for gain imbalances and quadrature errors
between the inphase and quadrature components of the signal.
Frequency error of the center frequency currently measured
in the Slot to Measure
Average power measured in the slot
Indicates how much the amplitude decreases over a measured slot
The R&S VSE GSM application also performs statistical evaluation over a specified
number of results (see "Statistic Count"on page 88). To do so, the same slot is evaluated in multiple frames, namely in the number specified by the "Statistic Count". The
default value is 200 in accordance with the GSM standard.
For each parameter, the following results are displayed:
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:IQIMbalance:
<Resulttype>?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:FERRor:
<Resulttype>?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:BPOWer:
<Resulttype>?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:ADRoop:
<Resulttype>?
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Table 4-2: Calculated summary results
GSM I/Q measurement results
Result
type
CurrentValue for currently measured frame only
AverageLinear average value of "Current" results from the specified
PeakMaximum value of "Current" results from specified number of
Std DevStandard deviation of "Current" results for specified number
DescriptionSCPI query for result value
number of frames
Exception: The average of the "Origin Offset Suppression"
is the linear average of the power ratio, converted to dBm
subsequently
frames
Exception: The peak of the "Origin Offset Suppression" is
the minimum value, as this represents the worst case, which
needs to be detected
of frames
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,MACC see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
Results:
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:ALL? on page 243
Chapter 9.7.4, "Modulation accuracy results", on page 240
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:<Parameter>:
CURRent?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:<Parameter>:
AVERage?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:<Parameter>:
MAXimum?
READ:BURSt[:MACCuracy]:<Parameter>:
SDEViation?
Modulation Spectrum Graph
The modulation spectrum evaluates the power vs frequency trace of a certain part of
the burst (50 to 90 % of the useful part, excluding the training sequence TSC) by measuring the average power in this part over several frames at certain fixed frequency offsets.
The "Modulation Spectrum Graph" displays the measured power levels as a trace
against the frequencies.
The measured values can be checked against defined limits; the limit lines are indicated as red lines in the diagram. The result of the limit check ("PASS"/"FAIL") are shown
at the top of the diagram.
Note: The GSM standards define both absolute and relative limits for the spectrum.
The limit check is considered to fail if both limits are exceeded.
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GSM I/Q measurement results
Note: The graphical results only provide an overview of the spectrum. For a detailed
conformance check of the DUT to the GSM standard, use the "Modulation Spectrum
Table" evaluation, which uses the 5-pole filter required by the 3GPP standard.
The numeric results of the modulation spectrum evaluation are displayed in the "Modu-
lation Spectrum Table"on page 22.
The following default settings are used for a "Modulation Spectrum" evaluation.
Table 4-3: Default settings for a "Modulation Spectrum" evaluation
SettingDefault
Measurement ScopeThe slot selected as Slot to Measure
Averaging ConfigurationNumber of bursts as selected in Statistic Count
Limit CheckAccording to standard: Limit check of average (Avg) trace
See Chapter 5.13.1, "Limit check for modulation spectrum", on page 55
Note: Modulation RBW at 1800 kHz.
For the "Modulation Spectrum Graph" both the RBW and VBW are set to 30 kHz.
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,MSFD see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 232
CALCulate<n>:LIMit<k>:FAIL? on page 266
CALCulate<n>:LIMit<li>:UPPer:DATA? on page 267
CALCulate<n>:LIMit<li>:CONTrol:DATA? on page 266
Modulation Spectrum Table
The modulation spectrum evaluates the power vs frequency trace of a certain part of
the burst (50 to 90 % of the useful part, excluding the training sequence TSC) by measuring the average power in this part over several frames.
The "Modulation Spectrum Table" displays the measured power levels and their offset
to the limits defined by the standard as numeric results.
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GSM I/Q measurement results
Note: The GSM standards define both absolute and relative limits for the spectrum.
The limit check is considered to fail if both limits are exceeded.
Values that exceed both limits are indicated by red characters and an asterisk (*) next
to the value, and a negative "Δ to Limit" value.
Note: The graphical results of the modulation spectrum evaluation are displayed in the
"Modulation Spectrum Graph"on page 21.
The following values are displayed:
Table 4-4: Modulation spectrum results
ResultDescription
Offset [kHz]Fixed frequency offsets (from the center frequency) at which power is measured
Power Negative
Offsets
Power Positive
Offsets
Table 4-5: Frequencies and filter bandwidths in modulation spectrum measurements
Offset Frequency (kHz)RBW (kHz)VBW (kHz)
± 1003030
± 2003030
± 2503030
± 4003030
Power at the frequency offset to the left of the center frequency
Levels are provided as:
[dB]: relative power level
[dBm]: absolute power level
Δ to Limit: power difference to limit defined in standard; negative values indicate the
power exceeds at least one of the limits
Power at the frequency offset to the right of the center frequency
Levels are provided as:
[dB]: relative power level
[dBm]: absolute power level
Δ to Limit: power difference to limit defined in standard; negative values indicate the
power exceeds at least one of the limits
± 6003030
± 8003030
± 10003030
± 12003030
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GSM I/Q measurement results
Offset Frequency (kHz)RBW (kHz)VBW (kHz)
± 14003030
± 16003030
± 180030 (single-carrier BTS);
100 (multi-carrier BTS);
30 (single-carrier BTS);
100 (multi-carrier BTS);
Note: "Normal" vs "Wide" Modulation Spectrum measurements.
In previous Rohde & Schwarz signal and spectrum analyzers, both a "normal" and a
"wide" modulation spectrum were available for GSM measurements. In the R&S VSE
GSM application, only one evaluation is provided. The frequency range of the frequency list, however, can be configured to be "wider" or "narrower" (see "Modulation
Spectrum Table: Frequency List"on page 96). The RBW and VBW are then adapted
accordingly.
Note: RBW at 1800 kHz.
As opposed to previous Rohde & Schwarz signal and spectrum analyzers, in which the
RBW at 1800 kHz was configurable, the R&S VSE configures the RBW (and VBW)
automatically according to the selected frequency list (see "Modulation Spectrum
Table: Frequency List"on page 96). For the "Modulation Spectrum Graph" both the
RBW and VBW are set to 30 kHz. For the "Modulation Spectrum Table", they are set
according to Table 4-6, depending on the measured Device Type and the number of
active carriers as defined in the "Signal Description" settings.
Table 4-6: RBW settings for Modulation Spectrum Table measurements according to standard
OffsetSingle-carrier BTS Multicarrier BTS
(N=1)
< 1.8 MHz
1.8 MHz
> 1.8 MHz
30 kHz
30 kHz
100 kHz
1)
1)
3)
30 kHz
100 kHz
100 kHz
3)
3)
3)
Multicarrier BTS
(N>1)
2)
30 kHz
100 kHz
100 kHz
2)
2)
MS mode
4)
30 kHz
100 kHz
100 kHz
5)
5)
1) See 3GPP TS 51.021 § 6.5.1.2 c) d)
2) See 3GPP TS 51.021 § 6.12.2
3) See 3GPP TS 51.021 § 6.5.1.2 f)
4) See 3GPP TS 51.010-1 § 13.4.4.2 f) and 3GPP TS45.005 § 4.2.1.3, table a1-c4
5) See 3GPP TS 51.010-1 § 13.4.4.2 d) and 3GPP TS 45.005 § 4.2.1.3
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,MST see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
Results:
READ:SPECtrum:MODulation[:ALL]? on page 252
READ:SPECtrum:MODulation:REFerence[:IMMediate]? on page 253
Phase Error
Displays the phase error over time.
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GSM I/Q measurement results
The following default settings are used for a "Phase Error vs Time" measurement.
SettingDefault
Measurement ScopeThe slot selected as Slot to Measure
Averaging ConfigurationNumber of frames as selected in Statistic Count
Limit CheckNone
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PERR see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 232
Power vs Slot
Displays the power per slot in the current frame and over all frames. The result of the
(Power vs Time) limit check is also indicated.
Note: The power is measured for inactive slots, but not for slots outside the slot scope
(see Chapter 5.6, "Defining the scope of the measurement", on page 40).
The following power values are determined:
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Table 4-7: Measured power values for Power vs Slot results
ValueDescriptionSCPI query for result value
GSM I/Q measurement results
SlotAnalyzed slot number in frame(s)
[0..7]
PvT LimitPower vs Time limit for the power vs time
trace of the slot, defined by the standard
Delta to
Sync
[NSP]
Power
Avg
[dBm]
Power
Peak
[dBm]
Crest
[dB]
The distance between the mid of the TSC
and the TSC of the Slot to Measure
NSP stands for Normal Symbol Period, i.e.
the duration of one symbol using a normal
symbol rate (approx. 3.69μs).
The measured "Delta to Sync" value has a
resolution of 0.02 NSP.
For details see Chapter 5.12, "Delta to sync
values", on page 54.
Average power in slot in current or all framesREAD:BURSt:SPOWer:SLOT<Slot>:CURRent:AVERage?
Maximum power in slot in current or all
frames
Crest factor in slot in current or all frames, i.e.
Power Peak / Power Avg
READ:BURSt:SPOWer:SLOT<Slot>:LIMit:FAIL? on page 261
READ:BURSt:SPOWer:SLOT<Slot>:DELTatosync? on page 260
on page 257
READ:BURSt:SPOWer:SLOT<Slot>:ALL:AVERage? on page 255
READ:BURSt:SPOWer:SLOT<Slot>:CURRent:MAXimum?
on page 259
READ:BURSt:SPOWer:SLOT<Slot>:ALL:MAXimum? on page 256
READ:BURSt:SPOWer:SLOT<Slot>:CURRent:CRESt?
on page 258
READ:BURSt:SPOWer:SLOT<Slot>:ALL:CRESt? on page 255
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PST see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
Results:
Chapter 9.7.6, "Power vs slot results", on page 254
PvT Full Burst
The Power vs Time evaluation determines the power of all slots (bursts) in the selected
slot scope and performs a limit check of the power vs time trace against the specified
PvT mask.
The "PvT Full Burst" result display shows the power vs time trace, where the time axis
corresponds to the selected slot scope. The PvT mask is indicated by red lines, and
the overall result of the limit check is shown at the top of the diagram.
Note: The result of the Power vs Time limit check for individual slots is indicated in the
"Power vs Slot"on page 25 evaluation.
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GSM I/Q measurement results
Note: Full burst refers to the fact that the entire burst is displayed, including the rising
and falling edges and the burst top. However, you can easily analyze the edges in
more detail using the zoom functions
(See the R&S VSE User Manual).
The following default settings are used for a "Power vs Time" evaluation.
Table 4-8: Default settings for a "Power vs Time" evaluation
SettingDefault
Measurement ScopeThe slot scope defined by First Slot to measure and Number of Slots to mea-
sure
Averaging ConfigurationNumber of bursts as selected in Statistic Count
Limit CheckAccording to standard:
●
The maximum (Max) trace is checked against the upper limit.
●
The minimum (Min) trace is checked against the lower limit.
See Chapter 5.13.3, "Limit check for power vs time results", on page 56
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PTF see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 232
TRACe<n>[:DATA]:X? on page 233
CALCulate<n>:LIMit<k>:FAIL? on page 266
CALCulate<n>:LIMit<li>:UPPer:DATA? on page 267
CALCulate<n>:LIMit<li>:CONTrol:DATA? on page 266
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GSM I/Q measurement results
Transient Spectrum Graph
The transient spectrum is very similar to the modulation spectrum evaluation; it evaluates the power vs frequency trace by measuring the power over several frames. However, as opposed to the modulation spectrum evaluation, the entire slot scope (defined
by the Number of Slots to measure and the First Slot to measure) is evaluated in each
frame, including the rising and falling burst edges, not just the useful part in the Slot to
Measure.
Furthermore, the number of fixed frequency offsets is lower, and the peak power is
evaluated rather than the average power, as this measurement is used to determine
irregularities.
The "Transient Spectrum Graph" displays the measured power levels as a trace
against the frequencies for the specified slots.
The measured values can be checked against defined limits; the limit lines are indicated as red lines in the diagram. The result of the limit check ("PASS"/"FAIL") is shown
at the top of the diagram.
Note: The GSM standards define both absolute and relative limits for the spectrum.
The limit check is considered to fail if both limits are exceeded.
Note: The graphical results only provide an overview of the spectrum. For a detailed
conformance check of the DUT to the GSM standard, use the "Transient Spectrum
Table" evaluation, which uses the 5-pole filter required by the 3GPP standard.
The numeric results of the modulation spectrum evaluation are displayed in the "Modu-
lation Spectrum Table"on page 22.
The following default settings are used for "Transient Spectrum" measurements.
SettingDefault
Measurement ScopeThe slot scope defined by Number of Slots to measure and the First Slot to
measure in the "Demodulation Settings" (see Chapter 6.6.1, "Slot scope",
on page 88).
Averaging ConfigurationNumber of frames as selected in Statistic Count
Limit CheckLimit check of maximum (Max) trace
See Chapter 5.13.2, "Limit check for transient spectrum", on page 56
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GSM I/Q measurement results
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,TSFD see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 232
CALCulate<n>:LIMit<k>:FAIL? on page 266
Transient Spectrum Table
The transient spectrum evaluates the power vs frequency trace of the slot scope by
measuring the power in these slots over several frames.
For details see "Transient Spectrum Graph"on page 28.
The "Transient Spectrum Table" displays the measured power levels and their offset to
the limits defined by the standard as numeric results.
Note: The GSM standards define both absolute and relative limits for the spectrum.
The limit check is considered to fail if both limits are exceeded.
Values that exceed both limits are indicated by red characters and an asterisk (*) next
to the value, and a negative "Δ to Limit" value.
To determine the relative limit values, a reference power is required (see "Transient
Spectrum: Reference Power"on page 96). In order to detect irregularities, it is useful
to define the peak power as a reference. However, the standard requires the reference
power to be calculated from the RMS power.
To perform the measurement according to the 3GPP standard set the reference power
to RMS and the Slot to Measure to the slot with the highest power.
See 3GPP TS 45.005, chapter "4 Transmitter characteristics ":
For GMSK modulation, the term output power refers to the measure of the power when
averaged over the useful part of the burst (see annex B).
For QPSK, AQPSK, 8-PSK, 16-QAM and 32-QAM modulation, the term "output power"
refers to a measure that, with sufficient accuracy, is equivalent to the long term average of the power when taken over the useful part of the burst as specified in 3GPP TS
45.002 with any fixed TSC and with random encrypted bits.
And 3GPP TS 51.021, chapter "6.5.2 Switching transients spectrum":
The reference power for relative measurements is the power measured in a bandwidth
of at least 300 kHz for the TRX under test for the time slot in this test with the highest
power.
Note: The graphical results of the transient spectrum evaluation are displayed in the
"Transient Spectrum Graph"on page 28.
The following values are displayed:
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Table 4-9: Transient spectrum results
ResultDescription
Offset
[kHz]
Power Negative
Offsets
Power Positive
Offsets
Fixed frequency offsets (from the center frequency) at which power is measured
Power at the frequency offset to the left of the center frequency
Levels are provided as:
[dB]: relative power level
[dBm]: absolute power level
Δ to Limit: power difference to limit defined in standard; negative values indicate the
power exceeds at least one of the limits
Power at the frequency offset to the right of the center frequency
Levels are provided as:
[dB]: relative power level
[dBm]: absolute power level
Δ to Limit: power difference to limit defined in standard; negative values indicate the
power exceeds at least one of the limits
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,TST see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
Results:
READ:SPECtrum:SWITching[:ALL]? on page 262
READ:SPECtrum:SWITching:REFerence[:IMMediate]? on page 263
Trigger to Sync Graph
The Trigger to Sync measurement determines the time between an external trigger
event and the start of the first symbol of the TSC. The start of the first symbol of the
TSC corresponds to the time 0 of the symbol period (see Chapter 5.9, "Definition of the
symbol period", on page 46).
Only one result per data capture is provided. Therefore, it is useful to perform several
data captures and average the results to obtain an accurate value (see "Statistic
Count"on page 88).
Both graphical and numeric (table) results are available. While the graphical results are
mainly used to determine the required measurement settings, the numeric results provide the actual trigger to sync value, including statistical evaluation (see "Trigger to
Sync Table"on page 32).
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The Trigger to Sync diagram shows two traces:
●
Trace1: a histogram shows the probability density function (PDF) of all measured
Trigger to Sync values. Obviously, the histogram can only provide reasonable
results if several I/Q captures are performed and considered. In an ideal case
(assuming no noise), the histogram would be a rectangle over the trigger sampling
time.
The histogram is helpful to determine the number of Trigger to Sync values to be
averaged (Statistic Count) in order to obtain the required time resolution of the
averaged Trigger to Sync value. The higher the statistic count, the more the graph
becomes rectangular, and the higher the resolution of the averaged Trigger to Sync
value becomes.
●
Trace2: the second trace is superimposed on the histogram and visualizes the
probability density function (PDF) of the average Trigger to Sync value and the
standard deviation as provided in the Trigger to Sync table. This trace helps you
judge the reliability of the averaged values in the table. The narrower this trace, the
less the individual values deviate from the averaged result. if this trace is too wide,
increase the Statistic Count.
Note: The x-axis of the histogram indicates the individual Trigger to Sync values. Thus,
the scaling must be very small, in the range of ns. However, since the value range, in
particular the start value, of the possible results is not known, the x-axis must be adapted to the actual values after a number of measurements have taken place. This is
done using the adaptive data size setting (see "Adaptive Data Size"on page 97). This
setting defines how many measurements are performed before the x-axis is adapted to
the measured values, and then fixed to that range.
Remote command:
LAY:ADD? '1',RIGH,TGSG, see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
DISPlay:WINDow:TRACe1:MODE WRITe (for Histogram, see DISPlay[:
WINDow<n>]:TRACe<t>:MODE on page 217 )
DISPlay:WINDow:TRACe2:MODE PDFavg (for PDF of average, see DISPlay[:
WINDow<n>]:TRACe<t>:MODE on page 217)
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Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 232
TRACe<n>[:DATA]:X? on page 233
Trigger to Sync Table
The Trigger to Sync measurement determines the time between an external trigger
event and the start of the first symbol of the TSC. The start of the first symbol of the
TSC corresponds to the time 0 of the symbol period (see Chapter 5.9, "Definition of the
symbol period", on page 46).
Only one result per data capture is provided. Therefore, it is useful to perform several
data captures and average the results to obtain an accurate value (see "Statistic
Count"on page 88).
Both graphical and numeric (table) results are available. While the graphical results are
mainly used to determine the required measurement settings (see "Trigger to Sync
Graph"on page 30), the numeric results provide the actual trigger to sync value,
including statistical evaluation.
The Trigger to Sync table shows the following values:
ValueDescription
CurrentTrigger to Sync value for current measurement in μs
AverageTrigger to Sync value averaged over the Statistic Count number of measurements
MinMinimum Trigger to Sync value in the previous Statistic Count number of measurements
MaxMaximum Trigger to Sync value in the previous Statistic Count number of measurements
Std DevStandard deviation of the individual Trigger to Sync values to the average value
Remote command:
LAY:ADD? '1',RIGH,TGST, see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 209
Results:
Chapter 9.7.8, "Trigger to sync results", on page 264
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5Basics on GSM measurements
5.1Relevant digital standards
Basics on GSM measurements
Short introduction to GSM (GMSK, EDGE and EDGE evolution)
Some background knowledge on basic terms and principles used in GSM measurements is provided here for a better understanding of the required configuration settings.
The measurements and the physical layer – the layer of the GSM network on which
modulation, transmission of RF signals, reception of RF signals, and demodulation
take place – is defined in the standards:
Table 5-1: GSM standards
3GPP TS 45.004Details on Modulation
3GPP TS 45.005General measurement specifications and limit values
3GPP TS 45.010Details on Synchronization and Timing
3GPP TS 51.010Detailed measurement specifications and limit values for mobile stations (MS)
3GPP TS 51.021Detailed measurement specifications and limit values for base transceiver stations
(BTS)
5.2Short introduction to GSM (GMSK, EDGE and EDGE
evolution)
The GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) standard describes the GSM
mobile radio network that is in widespread use today. In a first step to enhance this network, 8PSK modulation has been defined in addition to the existing GMSK (Gaussian
Minimum Shift Keying) modulation. With 8PSK, the mobile or base station operates in
the EDGE mode. While the 8PSK modulation transmits 3 bits within a symbol, GMSK
can only transmit 1 bit within a symbol.
In a second step to enhance this network, higher symbol rate (HSR), QPSK, 16QAM,
and 32QAM modulation, narrow and wide pulse shapes for the Tx filter have been
defined. Here, EDGE Evolution and EGPRS2 are synonyms for this second enhancement.
This means that GSM includes different modes: GMSK, EDGE and EDGE Evolution.
The terms EDGE and EDGE Evolution are used here only when there are significant
differences between the modes. In all other cases, the term GSM is used.
Time domain vs frequency domain
A TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) and FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple
Access) scheme is used to transfer data in the GSM network. This means that the digital information is transmitted discretely in the time domain (mainly used to distinguish
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Basics on GSM measurements
Short introduction to GSM (GMSK, EDGE and EDGE evolution)
between different users) as well as in the frequency domain (mainly used to distinguish
between BTS).
Slots and frames
The time domain is divided into slots with a duration of 576.923 µs (exactly: 3/5200 s).
8 slots (numbered 0 to 7) are combined into 1 frame with a duration of approximately
4.6154 ms (exactly: 3/650 s).
Multiframes and superframes
Frames can be grouped into a multiframe consisting of either 26 (for support traffic and
associated control channels) or 51 (for all other purposes) frames. Multiframes can be
grouped to superframes consisting of either 51 26-frame or 26 51-frame multiframes.
Multiframes and superframes are not of relevance for the physical measurements on
the GSM system and thus not discussed in detail here.
A mobile phone, therefore, does not communicate continuously with the base station;
instead, it communicates discretely in individual slots assigned by the base station during connection and call establishment. In the simplest case, 8 mobiles share the 8 slots
of a frame (TDMA).
Frequency bands and channels
The frequency range assigned to GSM is divided into frequency bands, and each
band, in turn, is subdivided into channels.
Each frequency channel is identified by its center frequency and a number, known as
the ARFCN (Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number), which identifies the frequency channel within the specific frequency band. The GSM channel spacing is 200
kHz.
Communication between a mobile and a base station can be either frequency-continuous or frequency-discrete – distributed across various frequency channels (FDMA). In
the standard, the abbreviation "SFH" (slow frequency hopping) is used to designate the
latter mode of communication.
Uplink and downlink
Base stations and mobiles communicate in different frequency ranges; the mobile
sends in the "uplink" (UL), and the base station in the "downlink" (DL).
The frequencies specified in the standard plus their channel numbers (ARFCN) are
shown in the figure and table below.
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Basics on GSM measurements
Short introduction to GSM (GMSK, EDGE and EDGE evolution)
Figure 5-1: The frequencies specified in the GSM standard
Table 5-2: Frequencies and channel numbers (ARFCN) in the GSM standard
For these frequency bands, there is no fixed ARFCN to frequency assignment, instead it is calculated with a formula taking an
OFFSET parameter which is signaled by a higher layer of the network. The given ARFCNs assume an OFFSET value of 0.
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Short introduction to GSM (GMSK, EDGE and EDGE evolution)
Modulation modes
Different modulation modes are used in the GSM mobile radio network. The original
GSM modulation is GMSK, with the normal symbol rate (NSR) of approximately
270.833 ksymb/s (exactly: 1625/6 ksymb/s). This corresponds to a bit rate of 270.833
kbit/s. The details are specified in chapter 2 of "3GPP TS 45.004" (see Table 5-1).
The 8PSK (Phase Shift Keying) modulation, which is used within EDGE, was introduced to increase the data rate on the physical link. It uses the same symbol rate (the
normal symbol rate) as GMSK (270.833 ksymb/s), but has a bit rate of 3 × 270.833
kbit/s (exactly: 812.5 kbit/s).
In this method, three bits represent a symbol. The details are specified in chapter 3
"3GPP TS 45.004" (see Table 5-1).
The 16QAM and 32QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) modulation, which are
used in EDGE Evolution, were introduced to further increase the data rate on the physical link. They use the normal symbol rate (270.833 ksymb/s), but have bit rates of 4 ×
270.833 kbit/s or 5 × 270.833 kbit/s, respectively. The details are specified in chapter 4
"3GPP TS 45.004" (see Table 5-1).
The QPSK, 16QAM and 32QAM modulation with a higher symbol rate, which are used
in EDGE Evolution, were introduced to further increase the data rate on the physical
link. They use a higher symbol rate (325 ksymb/s), but have bit rates of 2 × 325 kbit/s,
4 × 325 kbit/s or 5 × 325 kbit/s, respectively. The details are specified in chapter 5
"3GPP TS 45.004" (see Table 5-1).
The figure below shows the modulation spectrum for both GMSK and 8PSK.
Figure 5-2: GMSK and 8PSK modulation spectrum
Increasing the bandwidth - multiple slots (GPRS, HSCSD)
The customers’ demand for higher telecommunication speeds increases the demand
for bandwidth. Therefore, the GSM standard has to evolve constantly. An example of
this development is the introduction of the EDGE/EDGE Evolution specification and the
GPRS/EGPRS2 and HSCSD modes.
Until now, each mobile could use only one slot per frame, but the new HSCSD (High
Speed Circuit Switched Data) and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) methods will
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5.3Short introduction to VAMOS
Basics on GSM measurements
Short introduction to VAMOS
allow permanent assignment of more than one slot per mobile, plus dynamic utilization
of multiple slots.
The concept behind GPRS is dynamic assignment of up to 8 slots to each mobile for
data transmission, depending on demand (and availability in the network).
HSCSD allows permanent assignment of up to 4 slots to a mobile.
Normal and higher symbol rates
The modulation modes GMSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM and 32QAM can be used with
either normal or higher symbol rate and different Tx filters.
What is significant for the R&S VSE GSM application in this respect is that the mobile
can send power on a frequency in more than one slot.
The "Voice services over Adaptive Multi-user Channels on One Slot" (VAMOS) extension to the GSM standard allows transmission of two GMSK users simultaneously
within a single time slot.
Subchannels
The standard specifies the downlink signal using Adaptive QPSK (AQPSK) modulation
(see 3GPP TS 45.004), where two "subchannel" binary sequences are multiplexed to
form a single QPSK sequence. The ratio of powers for the subchannels is referred to
as the "Subchannel Power Imbalance Ratio" (SCPIR). One of the subchannels is interpreted as interference. The value of SCPIR affects the shape of the AQPSK constellation. For an SCPIR of 0dB the constellation is square (as in "normal" QSPK), while for
other values of the SCPIR the constellation becomes rectangular.
Training sequences (TSCs)
A new set of training sequences (TSCs) has also been proposed (see 3GPP TS
45.002) for GMSK signals. The previous TSCs for GMSK bursts are listed as "Set 1",
while the new TSCs are listed as "Set 2". AQPSK signals can be formed using TSCs
from Set 1 on the first subchannel and TSCs from either Set 1 or Set 2 on the second
subchannel. In case a TSC from Set 2 is used, it should match the TSC from Set 1, i.e.
TSC<n> from Set 1 on subchannel 1 should match TSC<n> from Set 2 on subchannel
2, for n = 0..7.
TSC vs "Midamble"
The terms TSC and Midamble are used synonymously in the standard. In this documentation, we use the term TSC to refer to the known symbol sequence in the middle
of the slot.
The R&S VSE GSM application supports measurement of the following signals:
●
GMSK bursts using the TSCs from Set 1 or Set 2
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●
AQPSK bursts with combinations of TSCs from Set 1 and 2 on the subchannels
●
AQPSK bursts with a user-specified SCPIR
Basics on GSM measurements
The following measurements of the above signals are supported:
●
Power vs Time
●
Demod (Constellation, EVM vs time, Phase error vs time, magnitude error vs time,
modulation accuracy)
●
Spectrum (modulation, transient) including limit check
●
Automatic trigger offset detection
Restriction for auto frame configuration
Auto Frame configuration only detects AQPSK normal bursts where the subchannels
have a TSC according to Table 5-3. The SCPIR value is detected with a resolution of
1 dB. To obtain reliable measurement results on AQPSK normal bursts, compare the
auto-detected slot settings with the settings of your device under test.
Table 5-3: Required subchannel - TSC assignment for AQPSK auto frame configuration
AQPSK modulation
AQPSKSubchannel 2
TSC j (Set 2)
01234567
x
x
x
Sub
cha
nnel
1
TSC
i
(Set
1)
TSC j (Set 1)
01234567
0
1
2xx
3xx
4
5
6
7xx
xx
xx
x
x
x
xx
x
x
x
5.4AQPSK modulation
The AQPSK modulation scheme as proposed for use in GSM systems is illustrated in
Figure 5-3. First, the bits from two users (subchannels 1 and 2) are interleaved. The
combined bit sequence is then mapped to an AQPSK constellation which depends on
the SCPIR value. The AQPSK symbols are then modulated using the linearized GMSK
pulse (see 3GPP TS 45.004).
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
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Trigger settings
Figure 5-3: AQPSK modulation scheme for GSM systems
The proposed AQPSK mapping (as assumed in the R&S VSE GSM application) is
given in Table 5-4 and illustrated in Figure 5-4, where the first (leftmost) bit corre-
sponds to subchannel 1 and the second (rightmost) bit corresponds to subchannel 2.
Table 5-4: AQPSK symbol mappings [reproduced from 3GPP TS 45.004]
Modulating bits for
ai, b
i
(0,0)
(0,1)
(1,0)
(1,1)
AQPSK symbol in polar notation
s
i
jα
e
-jα
e
-jα
-e
jα
-e
The AQPSK modulation constellation diagram is shown in Figure 5-4, where the value
α is an angle related to the SCPIR as follows:
SCPIRdB = 20*log10[tan(α) ] dB
Figure 5-4: AQPSK constellation [reproduced from 3GPP TS 45.004].
5.5Trigger settings
The GSM measurements can be performed in "Free Run" (untriggered) mode; however, an external trigger or a power trigger can speed up measurements. To perform
measurements the R&S VSE GSM application needs the frame start as a time reference. The R&S VSE GSM application searches for a frame start after every I/Q data
acquisition. The required search effort depends on the trigger mode.
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Defining the scope of the measurement
Consider the following trigger mode settings:
●
In "Free Run" mode, i.e. without any trigger, the R&S VSE GSM application totally
relies on the frame/slot configuration to find the frame start. The start of a measurement is not triggered. Once a measurement is completed, another is started immediately. For an unambiguous frame configuration, the GSM application searches for
the frame start inside the captured I/Q data. This is the slowest frame search
mode.
●
With a "Power Trigger", the measurement is triggered by the power ramp of the
received GSM bursts. Nevertheless the R&S VSE GSM application still relies on
the frame/slot configuration to find the frame start inside the captured I/Q data.
Once a measurement is completed, the R&S VSE GSM application waits for the
next trigger event to start the next measurement. The search for the frame start is
as in "Free Run" mode, except that the I/Q data capture is triggered.
●
With the "External Trigger", the measurement is triggered by an external signal
(connected to the "EXT TRIGGER" input of the connected instrument). The R&S
VSE GSM application assumes that the frame start (i.e. the "active part" in slot 0)
directly follows the trigger event. An external trigger requires a correct setting of the
trigger offset. The search is faster compared to the free run and power trigger
modes. Use an external trigger to maximize the measurement speed or if the frame
configuration is ambiguous (i.e. if the slot properties are cyclic with a cycle less
than the frame duration).
Refer to Chapter 6.4, "Trigger settings", on page 83 to learn more about appropriate
trigger settings and to Chapter 6.2, "Signal description", on page 60 for information on
the frame/slot configuration.
Refer to "Automatic Trigger Offset"on page 98 to learn more about setting the trigger
offset automatically.
5.6Defining the scope of the measurement
The R&S VSE GSM application is slot-based. It can measure up to 8 consecutive GSM
slots (1 frame) and store the power results for all slots ("Power vs Time" and "Power vs
Slot" measurements, see "PvT Full Burst"on page 26 and "Power vs Slot"
on page 25).
In previous Rohde & Schwarz signal and spectrum analyzers, the term "burst" was
used synonymously for "slot". In this documentation, we use the term "burst" when the
signal behaves like a pulse, i.e. power is ramped up and down. The up ramp is referred
to as the rising edge, the down ramp as the falling edge. A burst may occur within one
or more slots, which is a measure of time in the captured signal. Thus, a burst may
coincide with a slot, but it must not necessarily do so.
Usually only slots in which a burst is expected are of interest. Such slots are defined as
active slots in the signal description.
Within this slot scope (defined by First Slot to measure and Number of Slots to mea-
sure), a single slot ( Slot to Measure) is selected for a more detailed analysis (e.g.
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Defining the scope of the measurement
"Modulation Accuracy" measurement, see "Modulation Accuracy"on page 19). The
Slot to Measure is required for the following reasons:
●
To provide the reference power and time reference for the "Power vs Time" measurement (see "PvT Full Burst"on page 26). Typically, the masks for all slots are
time-aligned according to the timing of the Slot to Measure (see "Limit Line Time
Alignment"on page 94).
●
All "Modulation Spectrum" results are based on the Slot to Measure (see "Modula-
tion Spectrum Graph"on page 21). (The results of all "Transient Spectrum" dia-
grams are based on the slot scope, i.e. on the interval defined by the First Slot to
measure and the Number of Slots to measure, see "Transient Spectrum Graph"
on page 28).
●
All results that require demodulation of one slot and statistical analysis (e.g. Modu-
lation Accuracy, Phase Error, and EVM) are based on the Slot to Measure.
The slot scope is defined in the "Demodulation Settings" (see Chapter 6.6.1, "Slot
scope", on page 88), and it is indicated by a filled green box in the "Frame Configura-
tion" (see Figure 5-6). The Slot to Measure is indicated by a filled blue box.
Frame configuration and slot scope in the channel bar
In the channel bar of the R&S VSE GSM application, as well as in the configuration
"Overview", the current frame configuration and slot scope are visualized in a miniature
graphic. Furthermore, the burst type and modulation of the Slot to Measure are indicated.
Figure 5-5: Frame configuration in GSM application channel bar
The graphic can be interpreted as follows:
Shape/ColorMeaning
Each slot is represented by a small box
Active slots are indicated by polygonal symbols
Slots within the defined slot scope are highlighted green
The defined Slot to Measure is highlighted blue; the burst type and modulation defined
for this slot are indicated to the right of the graphic
Frame configuration in the Frame and Slot Scope dialog boxes
The same graphic is displayed in the "Frame Configuration" of the "Frame" dialog box
(see "Frame Configuration: Select Slot to Configure"on page 63) and in the "Slot
Scope" tab of the "Demodulation" dialog box (see Chapter 6.6.1, "Slot scope",
on page 88).
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Basics on GSM measurements
Overview of filters in the R&S VSE GSM application
Figure 5-6: Frame configuration in "Slot Scope" settings
This graphic can be interpreted as follows:
●
Each slot is represented by its number (0 to 7).
●
Slot numbers within the defined slot scope are highlighted green.
●
The number of the defined Slot to Measure is highlighted blue.
●
Active slots are indicated by polygonal symbols above the number which contain
the following information:
–The burst type, e.g. "Norm" for a normal burst
–The modulation, e.g. GMSK
–The training sequence TSC (and Set) or Sync (for access bursts)
5.7Overview of filters in the R&S VSE GSM application
The R&S VSE GSM application requires a number of filters for different stages of signal processing. These include the "Multicarrier" filter (for multicarrier base station mea-
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Overview of filters in the R&S VSE GSM application
surements only), the "Power vs Time" filter and the "Measurement" filter. A signal flow
diagram is shown in Figure 5-7 to illustrate where the different filters are used.
Figure 5-7: Signal flow diagram highlighting filtering operations
5.7.1Power vs time filter
The "Power vs Time" filter is used to suppress out-of-band interference in the "Power
vs Time" measurement (see "PvT Full Burst"on page 26).
The following filters are available:
Single-carrier filters:
●
1 MHz Gauss
●
500 kHz Gauss
●
600 kHz
Multicarrier filters:
●
400 kHz MC
●
300 kHz MC
The magnitude and step responses of the different "Power vs Time" filters are shown in
Figure 5-8 and Figure 5-9, respectively. In general, the smaller the filter bandwidth, the
worse the step response becomes (in terms of "ringing" effects) and the better the suppression of interference at higher frequencies. Gaussian type filters are especially useful for signals with "sharp" edges as the step response does not exhibit overshoot.
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Basics on GSM measurements
Overview of filters in the R&S VSE GSM application
Figure 5-8: Magnitude response of the Power vs Time filters
Figure 5-9: Step response of the Power vs Time filters
5.7.2Multicarrier filter
The "Multicarrier" filter is a special filter that is applied to the captured I/Q data if the
device is defined as a multicarrier type (see "Device Type"on page 61). This filter is
used to suppress neighboring channels which may disturb measurement of the channel of interest. The output from the "Multicarrier" filter is used to perform synchronization and demodulation. The frequency response of the "Multicarrier" filter is shown in
Figure 5-10.
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5.7.3Measurement filter
Basics on GSM measurements
Overview of filters in the R&S VSE GSM application
Figure 5-10: Frequency response of the Multicarrier filter
The "Measurement" filter is used to limit the bandwidth of the demodulation measurements and is described in the 3GPP standard document TS 45.005 for QPSK, 8PSK,
16QAM and 32QAM as follows:
●
a raised-cosine filter with roll-off 0.25 and single side-band 6 dB bandwidth 90 kHz
for normal symbol rate and for higher symbol-rate using narrow bandwidth pulseshaping filter
●
a raised-cosine filter with roll-off 0.25 and single side-band 6 dB bandwidth 108
kHz for higher symbol-rate using wide bandwidth pulse-shaping filter
In addition to these filters, a "Measurement" filter for GMSK is used in the R&S VSE
GSM application to limit the effects of out-of-band interference due to the high sample
rate of 6.5 MHz which is used. The magnitude responses of all the "Measurement" filters are shown in Figure 5-11.
Figure 5-11: Magnitude responses of Measurement filters for demodulation measurements
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iTt
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5.8Dependency of slot parameters
Basics on GSM measurements
Definition of the symbol period
The parameters that define a slot used for a GSM measurement are dependent on
each other, and only the following combinations of these parameters are available in
the R&S VSE GSM application (see Chapter 6.2.3, "Slot settings", on page 63).
The following sections define the symbol period for various modulation types.
5.9.1GMSK modulation (normal symbol rate)
The GMSK frequency pulse is defined in the standard document "3GPP TS 45.004" as
a Gaussian pulse convolved with a rectangular pulse, as illustrated at the top of Fig-
ure 5-12. The phase of a GMSK signal due to a sequence of symbols {α} is defined in
the standard as:
Equation 5-1: Phase of a GMSK signal due to a sequence of symbols
where:
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Basics on GSM measurements
Definition of the symbol period
●
g(t): the frequency pulse
●
T: the normal symbol period
The modulating index is chosen such that the maximum phase change of π/2 radians
per data interval is achieved.
Note that the standard 3GPP TS 45.004 specifies in chapter "2.5 Output phase" for
Normal Burst GMSK:
"The time reference t' = 0 is the start of the active part of the burst as shown in figure 1.
This is also the start of the bit period of bit number 0 (the first tail bit) as defined in
3GPP TS 45.002."
The phase change due to the first tail symbol is illustrated at the bottom of Figure 5-12,
where you can see that the "decision instant" corresponding to the center of the frequency pulse occurs at the beginning of the first symbol period, i.e. at t' = 0."
Figure 5-12: GMSK frequency pulse (top) and phase of the first tail symbol (bottom)
5.9.28PSK, 16QAM, 32QAM, AQPSK modulation (normal symbol rate)
The EDGE transmit pulse is defined in the standard document "3GPP TS 45.004" as a
linearized GMSK pulse, as illustrated at the top of Figure 5-13. Note that according to
the definition in the standard, the center of the pulse occurs at 2.5 T, where T is the
normal symbol period (NSP). The baseband signal due to a sequence of symbols { }
is defined in the standard as:
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i
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0
Basics on GSM measurements
Definition of the symbol period
Equation 5-2: Baseband signal due to a sequence of symbols
where:
c0(t): the transmit pulse
Note that the standard 3GPP TS 45.004 specifies in chapter "3.5 Pulse shaping" for
normal burst 8PSK, 16QAM and 32QAM:
"The time reference t' = 0 is the start of the active part of the burst as shown in figure 3.
This is also the start of the symbol period of symbol number 0 (containing the first tail
bit) as defined in 3GPP TS 45.002."
For normal burst AQPSK, the standard 3GPP TS 45.004 specifies in chapter "6.5
Pulse shaping":
"The time reference t' = 0 is the start of the active part of the burst as shown in figure 6.
This is also the start of the symbol period of symbol number 0 (containing the first tail
bit) as defined in 3GPP TS 45.002."
The transmitted pulse for the first tail symbol is illustrated in the lower part of Fig-
ure 5-13, where it can be seen that the "decision instant" corresponding to the center
of the transmit pulse occurs in the center of the first symbol period, i.e. at t'=0.5T.
Figure 5-13: EDGE transmit pulse (top) and the first transmitted symbol (bottom)
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5.9.3QPSK, 16QAM and 32QAM modulation (higher symbol rate)
Basics on GSM measurements
Definition of the symbol period
The description above also applies to the 16QAM and 32QAM modulations defined for
EDGE Evolution, using the "normal" symbol rate.
For the newer "reduced" symbol period (higher symbol rate) the standard document
"3GPP TS 45.004" defines two transmit pulse shapes; the so-called "narrow" and
"wide" pulses. The narrow pulse is the same linearized GMSK pulse as described in
Chapter 5.9.2, "8PSK, 16QAM, 32QAM, AQPSK modulation (normal symbol rate)",
on page 47, while the wide pulse was designed based on a numerically optimized set
of discrete filter coefficients. Both narrow and wide pulse shapes are illustrated at the
top of Figure 5-14, where you can see that the center of the pulse occurs at 3T, with T
being the reduced symbol period. For a sequence of symbols {
nal is defined in the standard as:
}, the transmitted sig-
Equation 5-3: The transmitted signal for a sequence of symbols
where:
c(t): the transmit pulse(which may be either the narrow or wide pulse)
Note that the standard 3GPP TS 45.004 specifies in chapter "5.5 Pulse shaping" for
higher symbol rate burst QPSK, 16QAM and 32QAM:
"The time reference t' = 0 is the start of the active part of the burst as shown in figure 3.
This is also the start of the symbol period of symbol number 0 (containing the first tail
bit) as defined in 3GPP TS 45.002."
The transmitted pulse for the first tail symbol is illustrated at the bottom of Figure 5-14,
where you can see that the "decision instant" corresponding to the center of the transmit pulse occurs in the center of the first symbol period, i.e. at t'=0.5T.
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Basics on GSM measurements
Synchronization
Figure 5-14: EDGE Evolution transmit pulses (top) and the first transmitted symbols (bottom)
5.10Synchronization
In order to detect and distinguish the individual slots and frames in the measured signal, the known signal sequence (Sync or TSC) must be found in each frame.
The synchronization process in the R&S VSE GSM application depends on how or if
the measurement is triggered.
Synchronization process for power trigger or free run mode
If a power trigger or no trigger is used (free run mode), the synchronization process
consists of the following steps:
1. Beginning at the start of a capture, the application searches for the synchronization
pattern (or TSC) of the Slot to Measure within one GSM frame length. This search
must be performed over the entire area, as the time of occurrence of the TSC
within the signal is not known. Thus, it is referred to as a "wide" search.
2. Once the synchronization point has been found, the application checks whether
enough samples remain in the capture buffer in order to analyze another frame. If
so, the process continues with the next step.
Otherwise, a new capture is started and the process begins with step 1 again.
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Synchronization
3. Assuming the signal is periodic, the synchronization point in the signal is moved by
exactly one GSM frame length. From there, a "narrow" search for the next TSC is
performed within only a small search area.
Thus, the remaining frames in the capture buffer can be synchronized quickly after
the initial "wide" search.
Steps 2 and 3 are repeated until all frames have been detected.
Figure 5-15: Synchronization using "wide" and "narrow" searches
Synchronization errors
The process described above assumes the GSM frame length in the signal is periodic
(within a given tolerance: "frame length error"). If this is not the case, however, for
example if a frame is too short, the application cannot synchronize to further frames
after the initial search.
Frequency hopping can lead to the same problem, as successive frames may not be
detected on the measured frequency channel.
Figure 5-16: Failed synchronization due to frame length error and resulting false search area
A special "Measure only on sync" option ensures that only those sections of the captured signal are processed further for which synchronization was possible, thus improving performance.
For frequency-hopping signals, it is recommended that you use a power trigger to
ensure capture starts with an active frame.
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5.11Timeslot alignment
Basics on GSM measurements
Timeslot alignment
External trigger
When using an external trigger source, the application assumes that the trigger offset
is set such that the GSM frame start is aligned with the start of a capture. Therefore
only "narrow" searches are performed from the beginning of the Synchronization proc-
ess for power trigger or free run mode.
Reference Time
The definition of a "reference time" is necessary for the following description of timeslot
alignment. In the standard document "3GPP TS 45.010", in Section 5.7 it is stated that:
"Irrespective of the symbol duration used, the center of the training sequence shall
occur at the same point in time. "
This is illustrated in Figure 5.7.3 of the standard document "3GPP TS 45.010" which is
reproduced below for convenience (Figure 5-17). Due to this requirement, the "middle
of TSC" or "center of Active Part" shall be used as the reference time when specifying
timeslot alignment. Additionally, the "middle of TSC" is used for the alignment of the
Power vs Time limit masks (see also "Limit Line Time Alignment"on page 94).
Figure 5-17: Timing alignment between normal symbol period and reduced symbol period bursts
As described in Chapter 5.9, "Definition of the symbol period", on page 46, the middle
of TSC can be defined with respect to symbol periods and symbol decision instants.
This is illustrated in Figure 5-18. You can see that for normal symbol period bursts
(Normal bursts), the middle of TSC for GMSK occurs exactly at the decision instant of
symbol 74. However, for EDGE it occurs between the decision instants of symbols 73
and 74, while for reduced symbol period bursts (Higher Symbol Rate bursts), it occurs
exactly at the decision instant of symbol 88.
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Basics on GSM measurements
Timeslot alignment
Figure 5-18: Middle of TSC for normal and reduced symbol period bursts.
Timeslot alignment within the frame
The standard document "3GPP TS 45.010" provides details on the alignment of slots
within the GSM frame:
"Optionally, the BTS may use a timeslot length of 157 normal symbol periods on timeslots with TN = 0 and 4, and 156 normal symbol periods on timeslots with TN = 1, 2, 3,
5, 6, 7, rather than 156.25 normal symbol periods on all timeslots"
The alignment of slots therefore falls under the "Not Equal Timeslot Length" (Equal
Timeslot Length = off) or the "Equal Timeslot Length" (Equal Timeslot Length = on) criterion (see also "Equal Timeslot Length"on page 63), which are illustrated in Fig-
ure 5-19.
Figure 5-19: "Not equal"(top) and "equal" (bottom) timeslot length criteria
Note that, since the reference point at the "middle of TSC" of each slot must coincide,
the length of the guard interval between successive bursts will depend on both the
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Basics on GSM measurements
Delta to sync values
timeslot length and the symbol rate of bursts in successive slots. As stated in the standard "3GPP TS 45.010", for the "Equal Timeslot Length" case:
"… if there is a pair of different symbol period bursts on adjacent timeslots, then the
guard period between the two bursts shall be 8.5 normal symbol periods which equals
10.2 reduced symbol periods."
For the "Not Equal Timeslot Length" case, deriving the guard period length is somewhat more complicated, and the possible values are summarized in Table 5.7.2 of
"3GPP TS 45.010", reproduced below as Guard period lengths between different time-
slots, for convenience:
Table 5-6: Guard period lengths between different timeslots
Burst TransitionGuard Period Between Timeslots (In
terms of normal symbol periods)
normal symbol
period to
normal symbol
period
normal symbol
period to
reduced symbol
period
reduced symbol
period to
normal symbol
period
reduced symbol
period to
reduced symbol
period
TS0 and TS1 or
TS4 and TS5
9810.89.6
9.258.2511.19.9
9.258.2511.19.9
9.58.511.410.2
Any other timeslot pair
Guard Period Between Timeslots (In
terms of reduced symbol periods)
TS0 and TS1 or
TS4 and TS5
Any other timeslot
pair
5.12Delta to sync values
The "Delta to Sync" value is defined as the distance between the mid of the TSC and
the TSC of the Slot to Measure.
The results are provided in the unit NSP, which stands for Normal Symbol Period, i.e.
the duration of one symbol using a normal symbol rate (approx. 3.69μs). The measured "Delta to Sync" values have a resolution of 0.02 NSP.
These values are either assumed to be constant (according to the 3GPP standard) or
measured, depending on the setting of the Limit Line Time Alignment parameter ("Slot
to measure" or "Per Slot").
According to the standard (see "Timeslot length" in 3GPP TS 45.010), there are either
eight slots of equal length (156.25 NSP), or slot 0 and slot 4 have a length of 157 NSP
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Basics on GSM measurements
Limit checks
while all other slots have a length of 156 NSP. For details see Chapter 5.11, "Timeslot
alignment", on page 52.
The timeslot length is defined as the distance between the centers of the TSCs in successive slots. By setting the "Limit Time Alignment" parameter to "Per Slot", the "Delta
to Sync" values can be measured and used in order to verify the timeslot lengths.
Setting the Limit Line Time Alignment to "Slot to measure" displays the expected values (according to the standard and depending on the value of Equal Timeslot Length).
These values are summarized in Expected "Delta to Sync" values in normal symbol
periods (Slot to measure = 0, No. of slots = 8 and First slot to measure = 0).
Table 5-7: Expected "Delta to Sync" values in normal symbol periods
Slot
Number
Equal
Timeslot
Length =
On
Equal
Timeslot
Length =
Off
0 = Slot
to measure
0156.25312.50468.75625.00781.25937.501093.75
01573134696257829381094
1234567
5.13Limit checks
●Limit check for modulation spectrum.......................................................................55
●Limit check for transient spectrum.......................................................................... 56
●Limit check for power vs time results...................................................................... 56
5.13.1Limit check for modulation spectrum
The determined "Modulation Spectrum" values in the average (Avg) trace can be
checked against limits defined by the standard; the limit lines and the result of the limit
check are indicated in the "Modulation Spectrum" diagram (see "Modulation Spectrum
Graph"on page 21).
The GSM standards define both absolute and relative limits for the spectrum. The limit
check is considered to fail if both limits are exceeded.
The limits depend on the following parameters:
●
Frequency band
●
Device Type (only BTS type, not MS type)
●
Burst Type / Modulation / Filter - limits are different for Higher Symbol Rate and
Wide Pulse Filter (case 2) and others (case 1), see 3GPP TS 45.005, chapter
4.2.1.3
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5.13.2Limit check for transient spectrum
Basics on GSM measurements
Limit checks
●
The measured reference power (30 kHz bandwidth)
●
The measured burst power (power level)
●
Number of active carriers for multicarrier BTS. The limit is relaxed by 10*log10(N)
dB for offset frequencies ≥1.8 MHz, see 3GPP TS 45.005 chapter 4.2.1.2
The determined "Transient Spectrum Accuracy" values can be checked against limits
defined by the standard; the limit lines and the result of the limit check are indicated in
the "Transient Spectrum" diagram (see "Transient Spectrum Graph"on page 28).
The limits depend on the following parameters:
●
Graph: Limit check of maximum (Max) trace
●
Table: Limit check of absolute and relative scalar values
●
The limit masks are generated adaptively from the measured signal.
●
The limits depend on the following parameters:
–Frequency band (not for MS)
–Burst Type / Modulation / Filter (not for MS)
–The measured reference (slot) power
5.13.3Limit check for power vs time results
The determined "Power vs Time" values can be checked against limits defined by the
standard; the limit lines and the result of the limit check are indicated in the "Power vs
Time" diagram (see "PvT Full Burst"on page 26) and in the "Power vs Slot" table (see
"Power vs Slot"on page 25).
The limits depend on the following parameters:
●
The maximum (Max) trace is checked against the upper limit.
●
The minimum (Min) trace is checked against the lower limit.
●
The limit masks are generated adaptively from the measured signal according to
the following parameters:
–Frequency band (special masks for PCS1900 and DCS1800 BTS with GMSK)
–Burst type
–Modulation
–Filter
–The reference burst power is measured and the "0 dB line" of the limit mask is
assigned to it.
–For MS, the "-6 dB line" of the limit mask depends on the PCL. The PCL is
derived from the measured burst power.
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5.14Impact of the "Statistic count"
Basics on GSM measurements
Impact of the "Statistic count"
Generally, the "Statistic Count" defines how many measurements (or: analysis steps)
are performed - equivalent to the "Sweep Count" in applications that perform sweeps.
In particular, the "Statistic Count" defines the number of frames to be included in statistical evaluations. For measurements on the Slot to Measure, the same slot is evaluated
in multiple frames, namely in the number specified by the "Statistic Count", for statistical evaluations.
For Trigger to Sync measurements, where only one result is calculated per data acquisition, the "Statistic Count" determines how many values are considered for averaging.
Statistic count for Trigger to Sync vs other measurements
As mentioned above, the "Statistic Count" for Trigger to Sync measurements refers to
the number of data acquisitions, whereas for all other measurements, the value refers
to the number of frames. Since usually more than one frame is captured per data
acquisition, the number of data acquisitions required to obtain the required number of
results (the "Statistic Count") may vary considerably. If both Trigger to Sync and other
result types are active at the same time, the latter are finished first and the traces (in
particular the current measurement trace) remains unchanged until the Trigger to Sync
measurement has also finished. The counter in the channel bar counts the "slower" of
the two events, i.e. the number of measurements if a Trigger to Sync result display is
active.
Tip: You can query the current value of the counter for both Trigger to Sync and other
measurements in remote control, as well. See [SENSe:]SWEep:COUNt:TRGS:
CURRent? on page 192.
Obviously, the "Statistic Count" has an impact on all results and values that are re-calculated after each measurement. The higher the count, the more values are taken into
consideration, and the more likely the result of the calculation will converge to a stable
value. On the other hand, the fewer measurements are considered, the higher the variance of the individual results, and the less reliable the calculation result will be.
For instance, if the "Statistic Count" is set to values smaller than 5, the measured reference power for "Modulation Spectrum Table" (see "Modulation Spectrum Table"
on page 22) and "Transient Spectrum Table" (see "Transient Spectrum Table"
on page 29) measurements increases. This leads to a higher variance of the measured
relative powers at the offset frequencies, and thus to a reduced measurement
dynamic.
For the Power vs Time (see "PvT Full Burst"on page 26) and "Power vs Slot" (see
"Power vs Slot"on page 25) measurements, a small "Statistic Count" increases the
variance of the measured slot powers. The slot power is required to calculate the PVT
limit lines.
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6Modulation accuracy measurement configu-
Modulation accuracy measurement configuration
Configuration overview
ration
GSM measurements require a special application on the R&S VSE.
Multiple access paths to functionality
The easiest way to configure a measurement channel is via the "Overview" dialog box,
which is displayed when you select the "Overview" icon from the main toolbar or the
"Meas Setup" > "Overview" menu item.
Alternatively, you can access the individual dialog boxes from the corresponding menu
items, or via tools in the toolbars, if available.
In this documentation, only the most convenient method of accessing the dialog boxes
is indicated - usually via the "Overview". For an overview of all available menu items
and toolbar icons see Chapter A, "Annex: reference", on page 293.
General R&S VSE functions
The application-independent functions for general tasks on the R&S VSE are also
available for GSM measurements and are described in the R&S VSE Base Software
User Manual. In particular, this comprises the following functionality:
Throughout the measurement channel configuration, an overview of the most important
currently defined settings is provided in the "Overview".
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Modulation accuracy measurement configuration
Configuration overview
Figure 6-1: Configuration "Overview" for Modulation Accuracy measurement
In addition to the main measurement settings, the "Overview" provides quick access to
the main settings dialog boxes. The individual configuration steps are displayed in the
order of the data flow. Thus, you can easily configure an entire measurement channel
from input over processing to output and analysis by stepping through the dialog boxes
as indicated in the "Overview".
In particular, the "Overview" provides quick access to the following configuration dialog
boxes (listed in the recommended order of processing):
1. Signal Description
See Chapter 6.2, "Signal description", on page 60
2. Input and Frontend Settings
See Chapter 6.3, "Input, output and frontend settings", on page 69
3. Triggering
See Chapter 6.4, "Trigger settings", on page 83
4. Data Acquisition
See Chapter 6.5, "Data acquisition", on page 86
5. Demodulation Settings
See Chapter 6.6, "Demodulation", on page 88
6. Measurement Settings
See Chapter 6.7, "Measurement settings", on page 93
7. Result Configuration
See Chapter 6.9, "Result configuration", on page 98
8. Display Configuration
See "Result display windows"on page 16
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Modulation accuracy measurement configuration
Signal description
To configure settings
► Select any button to open the corresponding dialog box. The corresponding dialog
box is opened with the focus on the selected setting.
For step-by-step instructions on configuring GSM measurements, see Chapter 7, "How
to perform measurements in the GSM application", on page 109.
Preset Channel
Select the "Preset Channel" button in the lower left-hand corner of the "Overview" to
restore all measurement settings in the current channel to their default values.
Remote command:
SYSTem:PRESet:CHANnel[:EXEC] on page 125
Select Measurement
Selects a measurement to be performed.
Specifics for
The channel can contain several windows for different results. Thus, the settings indicated in the "Overview" and configured in the dialog boxes vary depending on the
selected window.
Select an active window from the "Specifics for" selection list that is displayed in the
"Overview" and in all window-specific configuration dialog boxes.
The "Overview" and dialog boxes are updated to indicate the settings for the selected
window.
6.2Signal description
Access: "Overview" > "Signal Description"
The signal description provides information on the expected input signal, which optimizes frame detection and measurement.
●Device under test settings.......................................................................................60
Frequency Band............................................................................................................61
Power Class..................................................................................................................62
Maximum Output Power per Carrier (multicarrier measurements only)........................62
Device Type
Defines the type of device under test (DUT). The following types are available:
●
BTS Normal
●
BTS Micro
●
BTS Pico
●
MS Normal
●
MS Small
●
Multicarrier BTS Wide Area
●
Multicarrier BTS Medium Range
●
Multicarrier BTS Local Area
The default device type is "BTS Normal".
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:DEVice:TYPE on page 126
Frequency Band
The frequency band defines the frequency range used to transmit the signal.
For details see "Frequency bands and channels"on page 34.
The following frequency bands are supported:
●
DCS 1800
●
E-GSM 900
●
GSM 450
●
GSM 480
●
GSM 710
●
GSM 750
●
GSM 850
●
PCS 1900
●
P-GSM 900
●
R-GSM 900
●
T-GSM 380
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Modulation accuracy measurement configuration
●
T-GSM 410
●
T-GSM 810
●
T-GSM 900
The default frequency band is "E-GSM 900".
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:NETWork[:TYPE] on page 127
CONFigure[:MS]:NETWork:FREQuency:BAND on page 127
Power Class
The following power classes are supported:
●
1, …, 8 (BTS)
●
1, …,5 (MS: GMSK)
●
E1, E2, E3 (MS: all except GMSK)
●
M1, M2, M3 (Micro BTS)
●
P1 (Pico BTS)
The default power class is 2.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:POWer:CLASs on page 128
Signal description
Maximum Output Power per Carrier (multicarrier measurements only)
Defines the maximum output power per carrier, which determines the limit lines for the
modulation spectrum.
In "Auto" mode, the maximum measured power level for the carriers is used.
This setting is only available for multicarrier measurements.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:POWer:PCARrier:AUTO on page 129
CONFigure[:MS]:POWer:PCARrier on page 129
Frame settings determine the frame configuration used by the device under test.
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Signal description
Equal Timeslot Length
This parameter is only taken into account if "Limit Time Alignment" is set to "Slot to
measure" (see "Limit Line Time Alignment"on page 94).
If activated, all slots of a frame are considered to have the same length (8 x 156.26
normal symbol periods).
In this case, the limit line for each slot (required for the "Power vs Time" spectrum
masks) is aligned by measuring the TSC of the Slot to Measure only, and using this
value to align the limit line for all slots in the frame (see also "PvT Full Burst"
on page 26).
If deactivated, slots number 0 and 4 of a frame have a longer duration, all others have
a shorter duration compared to the "Equal Timeslot Length" (157, 156, 156, 156, 157,
156, 156, 156 normal symbol periods).
See GPP TS 51.021 and 3GPP TS 45.010 chapter "6.7 Timeslot length" for further
details.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:CHANnel:FRAMe:EQUal on page 130
Frame Configuration: Select Slot to Configure
This area shows a graphical representation of the configuration of each slot. Select a
slot to display its "Slot" dialog box (see Chapter 6.2.3, "Slot settings", on page 63).
For active slots the following information is shown:
●
The burst type, e.g. "Normal (NB)" for a normal burst.
●
The modulation, e.g. GMSK.
●
The training sequence TSC (and Set)
For details on how to interpret the graphic, see "Frame configuration and slot scope in
The individual slots are configured on separate tabs. The dialog box for the selected
slot is displayed directly when you select a slot in the "Frame Configuration" graphic on
the "Frame" tab (see "Frame Configuration: Select Slot to Configure"on page 63).
Slot structure display
The basic slot structure according to the selected Frequency Band and Power Class is
displayed graphically for reference.
White fields indicate unknown data; colored fields indicate known symbol sequences.
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Signal description
The slot settings vary slightly for different burst types.
Figure 6-2: Slot configuration for normal and higher symbol rate bursts
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Modulation accuracy measurement configuration
Signal description
Figure 6-3: Slot configuration for access burst
The "Slot" settings are dependant on each other, and only specific combinations of
these parameters are available in this dialog box (see Chapter 5.8, "Dependency of
slot parameters", on page 46).
Slot State (On/Off)
Activates or deactivates the selected slot. The R&S VSE GSM application expects an
input signal within the active slots only.
At least the Slot to Measure must be active in order to evaluate it.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:CHANnel:SLOT<Number>[:STATe] on page 131
Burst Type
Assigns a burst type to the selected slot.
The following burst types are supported:
●
Normal (NB)
●
Higher Symbol Rate (HB)
●
Access (AB)
The graphical slot structure is adapted according to the selected burst type.
Note: The "Slot" settings are dependant on each other, and only specific combinations
of these parameters are available in this dialog box (see Chapter 5.8, "Dependency of
slot parameters", on page 46).
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Signal description
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:CHANnel:SLOT<Number>:TYPE on page 136
Modulation
Defines the modulation used in the slot.
The possible modulations depend on the set burst type (see Chapter 5.8, "Dependency
of slot parameters", on page 46).
The graphical slot structure is adapted according to the selected modulation.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:CHANnel:SLOT<Number>:MTYPe on page 131
SCPIR
This parameter is only available for AQPSK modulation.
It specifies the Subchannel Power Imbalance Ratio (SCPIR). The value of SCPIR
affects the shape of the AQPSK constellation (see Chapter 5.4, "AQPSK modulation",
on page 38). For an SCPIR of 0 dB the constellation is square (as in "normal" QPSK),
while for other values of SCPIR the constellation becomes rectangular.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:CHANnel:SLOT<s>:SCPir on page 132
Filter
Specifies the pulse shape of the modulator on the DUT and thus the measurement filter in the R&S VSE GSM application.
(For details see Chapter 5.7.3, "Measurement filter", on page 45).
The following filter types are supported for normal and higher symbol rate bursts:
●
GMSK Pulse
●
Linearized GMSK Pulse
●
Narrow Pulse
●
Wide Pulse
For access bursts, only a GMSK Pulse filter is supported.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:CHANnel:SLOT<Number>:FILTer on page 130
Timing Advance (Access Burst only)
Specifies the position of an access burst within a single slot as an offset in symbols
from the slot start.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:CHANnel:SLOT<Number>:TADVance on page 134
Training Sequence TSC[/]Sync
(Note: for Access bursts, this setting is labeled "Sync", but the functionality is the
same.)
The "Training Sequence TSC" or "Sync" values are known symbol sequences used to
synchronize the measured signal with the expected input signal in a single slot.
The available values depend on the modulation as indicated in the table below.
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For user-defined TSCs, select "User" and define the training sequence in the User
TSC[/]User Sync table.
For more information on TSCs see "Training sequences (TSCs)"on page 37.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:CHANnel:SLOT<s>:TSC on page 134
AQPSK:
CONFigure[:MS]:CHANnel:SLOT<s>:SUBChannel<ch>:TSC on page 133
User TSC[/]User Sync
(Note: for Access bursts, this setting is labeled "User Sync", but the functionality is the
same.)
Defines the bits of the user-defined TSC or Sync. The number of bits depend on the
burst type and the modulation and is indicated in Table 6-1.
For AQPSK modulation, the training sequence is defined for each subchannel, see
Chapter 5.4, "AQPSK modulation", on page 38.
Note:
As the "User TSC" table in the dialog box only displays 25 bits at a time, a scrollbar
beneath the table allows you to display the remaining bits. The currently selected bit
number is indicated in the center of the scrollbar.
Table 6-1: Number of TSC bits depending on burst type and modulation
Burst TypeModulationNumber of Bits
NormalGMSK26
Normal8PSK78
Normal16QAM104
Normal32QAM130
Higher Symbol RateQPSK62
Higher Symbol Rate16QAM124
Higher Symbol Rate32QAM155
AccessGMSK41
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:CHANnel:SLOT<s>:TSC:USER on page 136
AQPSK:
CONFigure[:MS]:CHANnel:SLOT<s>:SUBChannel<ch>:TSC:USER on page 133
The "Carrier" settings define whether the expected signal contains a single or multiple
carriers. Multiple carriers can only be defined if a multicarrier Device Type is selected
(see Chapter 6.2.1, "Device under test settings", on page 60.
Defines whether a multicarrier measurement setup contains one subblock of regularly
spaced carriers only (contiguous), or two subblocks of carriers with a gap in-between
(non-contiguous).
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:MCARrier:FALLocation[:MODE] on page 139
Gap start after carrier (Non-contiguous carriers only)
For non-contiguous setups (see Carrier Allocation) the position of the gap must be
defined as the number of the active carrier after which the gap starts.
Defines which of the defined carriers are active for the current measurement.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:MCARrier:CARRier<c>[:STATe]? on page 137
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Modulation accuracy measurement configuration
Input, output and frontend settings
Frequency
Defines the absolute frequency of each (active) carrier.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:MCARrier:CARRier<c>:FREQuency on page 137
Modulation
Defines the burst type, modulation and pulse shape filter of each (active) carrier.
For possible combinations see Chapter 5.8, "Dependency of slot parameters",
on page 46.
Note: This setting determines the appropriate limits from the 3GPP standard.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:MCARrier:CARRier<c>:MTYPe on page 138
Access: "Overview" > "Input/Frontend"
The R&S VSE can evaluate signals from different input sources and provide various
types of output (such as noise or trigger signals).
Output settings are described in the R&S VSE Base Software User Manual.
The default input source for the connected instrument is "Radio Frequency". Depending on the connected instrument, different input parameters are available.
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Figure 6-4: RF input source settings for an R&S FSW with B2000 option
If the Frequency Response Correction option (R&S VSE-K544) is installed, the R&S
VSE GSM application also supports frequency response correction using Touchstone
(.snp) files or .fres files.
For details on user-defined frequency response correction, see the R&S VSE Base
Software User Manual.
Input Type (Instrument / File)........................................................................................70
10 dB Minimum Attenuation..........................................................................................75
Input Type (Instrument / File)
Selects an instrument or a file as the type of input provided to the channel.
Note: External mixers are only available for input from a connected instrument.
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Note: If the R&S VSE software is installed directly on an instrument, or integrated in
Cadence®AWR®VSS, some restrictions apply on the available input type.
Remote command:
INSTrument:BLOCk:CHANnel[:SETTings]:SOURce<si> on page 147
INPut<ip>:SELect on page 146
Instrument
Specifies a configured instrument to be used for input.
Input 1 / Input 2
For instruments with two input connectors, you must define which input source is used
for each measurement channel.
Note that you cannot use both RF inputs simultaneously.
"Input 1"
R&S FSW85: 1.00 mm RF input connector for frequencies up to
85 GHz (90 GHz with option R&S FSW-B90G)
"Input2"
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:TYPE on page 147
Input Coupling
The RF input of the R&S VSE can be coupled by alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).
The RF input of the connected instrument can be coupled by alternating current (AC)
or direct current (DC).
AC coupling blocks any DC voltage from the input signal. AC coupling is activated by
default to prevent damage to the instrument. Very low frequencies in the input signal
can be distorted.
However, some specifications require DC coupling. In this case, you must protect the
instrument from damaging DC input voltages manually. For details, refer to the data
sheet.
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:COUPling<ant> on page 141
Impedance
For some measurements, the reference impedance for the measured levels of the connected instrument can be set to 50 Ω or 75 Ω.
R&S FSW85: 1.85 mm RF input connector for frequencies up to
67 GHz
For GSM and Avionics measurements, the impedance is always 50 Ω and cannot be
changed.
Select 75 Ω if the 50 Ω input impedance is transformed to a higher impedance using a
75 Ω adapter of the RAZ type. (That corresponds to 25Ω in series to the input impedance of the instrument.) The correction value in this case is 1.76 dB = 10 log (75Ω/
50Ω).
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:IMPedance<ant> on page 143
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Direct Path
Enables or disables the use of the direct path for small frequencies.
In spectrum analyzers, passive analog mixers are used for the first conversion of the
input signal. In such mixers, the LO signal is coupled into the IF path due to its limited
isolation. The coupled LO signal becomes visible at the RF frequency 0 Hz. This effect
is referred to as LO feedthrough.
To avoid the LO feedthrough the spectrum analyzer provides an alternative signal path
to the A/D converter, referred to as the direct path. By default, the direct path is
selected automatically for RF frequencies close to zero. However, this behavior can be
disabled. If "Direct Path" is set to "Off" , the spectrum analyzer always uses the analog
mixer path.
"Auto"
"Off"
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:DPATh on page 141
(Default) The direct path is used automatically for frequencies close
to zero.
The analog mixer path is always used.
High Pass Filter 1 to 3 GHz
Activates an additional internal highpass filter for RF input signals from 1 GHz to
3 GHz. This filter is used to remove the harmonics of the analyzer to measure the harmonics for a DUT, for example.
For some connected instruments, this function requires an additional hardware option
on the instrument.
Note: For RF input signals outside the specified range, the high-pass filter has no
effect. For signals with a frequency of approximately 4 GHz upwards, the harmonics
are suppressed sufficiently by the YIG-preselector, if available.)
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:FILTer:HPASs[:STATe] on page 142
YIG-Preselector
Enables or disables the YIG-preselector.
This setting requires an additional option on the connected instrument.
An internal YIG-preselector at the input of the connected instrument ensures that
image frequencies are rejected. However, image rejection is only possible for a restricted bandwidth. To use the maximum bandwidth for signal analysis you can disable the
YIG-preselector at the input of the connected instrument, which can lead to image-frequency display.
Note: Note that the YIG-preselector is active only higher frequencies, depending on
the connected instrument. Therefore, switching the YIG-preselector on or off has no
effect if the frequency is below that value.
To use the optional 90 GHz frequency extension (R&S FSW-B90G), the YIG-preselector must be disabled.
To use the optional 54 GHz frequency extension (R&S FSV3-B54G), the YIG-preselector must be disabled.
Note:
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For the following measurements, the YIG-"Preselector" is off by default (if available).
●
I/Q Analyzer
●
GSM
●
VSA
●
OFDM VSA
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:FILTer:YIG[:STATe] on page 143
Capture Mode
Determines how data from an oscilloscope is input to the R&S VSE software.
This function is only available for a connected R&S oscilloscope with a firmware ver-
sion 3.0.1.1 or higher (for other versions and instruments the input is always I/Q data).
"I/Q"
"Waveform"
"Auto"
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:RF:CAPMode on page 144
The measured waveform is converted to I/Q data directly on the R&S
oscilloscope (requires option K11), and input to the R&S VSE software as I/Q data.
For data imports with small bandwidths, importing data in this format
is quicker. However, the maximum record length is restricted by the
R&S oscilloscope. (Memory options on the R&S oscilloscope are not
available for I/Q data.)
The data is input in its original waveform format and converted to I/Q
data in the R&S VSE software. No additional options are required on
the R&S oscilloscope.
For data imports with large bandwidths, this format is more convenient as it allows for longer record lengths if appropriate memory
options are available on the R&S oscilloscope.
Uses "I/Q" mode when possible, and "Waveform" only when required
by the application (e.g. Pulse measurement, oscilloscope baseband
input).
B2000 State
Activates the optional 2 GHz bandwidth extension (R&S FSW-B2000).
Note: The R&S VSE software supports input from a connected R&SFSW with a
B2000 option installed. However, the R&S FSW interface to the oscilloscope must be
set up and aligned directly on the instrument before the R&S VSE software can start
analyzing the input.
The analysis bandwidth is defined in the data acquisition settings of the application as
usual. Note that the maximum bandwidth cannot be restricted manually as for other
bandwidth extension options.
Manual operation on the connected oscilloscope, or remote operation other than by the
R&S VSE, is not possible while the B2000 option is active.
Remote command:
SYSTem:COMMunicate:RDEVice:OSCilloscope[:STATe] on page 149
Oscilloscope Sample Rate
Determines the sample rate used by the connected oscilloscope.
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This setting is only available if an R&S oscilloscope is used to obtain the input data,
either directly or via the R&S FSW.
"10 GHz"
"20 GHz"
Default for waveform Capture Mode (not available for I/Q Capture
Mode); provides maximum record length
Achieves a higher decimation gain, but reduces the record length by
half.
Only available for R&S oscilloscope models that support a sample
rate of 20 GHz (see data sheet).
For R&S oscilloscopes with an analysis bandwidth of 4 GHz or larger,
a sample rate of 20 GHZ is always used in waveform Capture Mode
"40 GHz"
Remote command:
Input source R&S FSW via oscilloscope:
SYSTem:COMMunicate:RDEVice:OSCilloscope:SRATe on page 150
Input source oscilloscope waveform mode:
INPut<ip>:RF:CAPMode:WAVeform:SRATe on page 145
Input source oscilloscope I/Q mode:
INPut<ip>:RF:CAPMode:IQ:SRATe on page 145
Oscilloscope Splitter Mode
Activates the use of the power splitter inserted between the [IF 2 GHZ OUT] connector
of the R&S FSW and the [CH1] and [CH3] input connectors of the oscilloscope. Note
that this mode requires an additional alignment with the power splitter.
For details see the R&S FSW I/Q Analyzer and I/Q Input User Manual.
Remote command:
SYSTem:COMMunicate:RDEVice:OSCilloscope:PSMode[:STATe] on page 149
Oscilloscope IP Address
When using the optional 2 GHz bandwidth extension (R&S FSW-B2000) with an R&S
FSW as the connected instrument, the entire measurement, as well as both instruments, are controlled by the R&S VSE software. Thus, the instruments must be connected via LAN, and the TCPIP address of the oscilloscope must be defined in the
R&S VSE software.
Provides a maximum sample rate.
Only available for I/Q Capture Mode, and only for R&S RTP13/RTP16
models that support a sample rate of 40 GHz (see data sheet)
For tips on how to determine the computer name or TCPIP address, see the oscilloscope's user documentation.
Remote command:
SYSTem:COMMunicate:RDEVice:OSCilloscope:TCPip on page 149
Preselector State
Turns the preselector on and off.
When you turn on the preselector, you can configure the characteristics of the prese-
lector and add the preamplifier into the signal path.
When you turn off the preselector, the signal bypasses the preselector and the pream-
plifier, and is fed into the input mixer directly.
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Remote command:
INPut<ip>:PRESelection[:STATe] on page 144
Preselector Mode
Selects the preselection filters to be applied to the measurement.
"Auto"
"Auto Wide"
"Auto Narrow"
"Manual"
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:PRESelection:SET on page 144
Automatically applies all available bandpass filters in a measurement.
Available with the optional preamplifier.
Automatically applies the wideband filters consecutively:
●
Lowpass 40 MHz
●
Bandpass 30 MHz to 2250 MHz
●
Bandpass 2 GHz to 8 GHz
●
Bandpass 8 GHz to 26.5 GHz
Available with the optional preselector.
Automatically applies the most suitable narrowband preselection fil-
ters in a measurement, depending on the bandwidth you have
selected.
For measurement frequencies up to 30 MHz, the connected instrument uses combinations of lowpass and highpass filters. For higher
frequencies, the connected instrument uses bandpass filters.
Available with the optional preselector.
Applies the filter settings you have defined manually.
10 dB Minimum Attenuation
Turns the availability of attenuation levels of less than 10 dB on and off.
When you turn on this feature, the attenuation is always at least 10 dB. This minimum
attenuation protects the input mixer and avoids accidental setting of 0 dB, especially if
you measure EUTs with high RFI voltage.
When you turn it off, you can also select attenuation levels of less than 10 dB.
The setting applies to a manual selection of the attenuation as well as the automatic
selection of the attenuation.
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:ATTenuation:PROTection:RESet on page 141
You can load a file simply by selecting it in a file explorer and dragging it to the
R&S VSE software. Drop it into the "Measurement Group Setup" window or the channel bar for any channel. The channel is automatically configured for file input, if necessary. If the file contains all essential information, the file input is immediately displayed
in the channel. Otherwise, the "Recall I/Q Recording" dialog box is opened for the
selected file so you can enter the missing information.
If the file contains data from multiple channels (e.g. from LTE measurements), it can be
loaded to individual input sources, if the application supports them.
For details see the R&S VSE Base Software User Manual.
The "Input Source" settings defined in the "Input" dialog box are identical to those configured for a specific channel in the "Measurement Group Setup" window.
If the Frequency Response Correction option (R&S VSE-K544) is installed, the R&S
VSE GSM application also supports frequency response correction using Touchstone
(.snp) files or .fres files.
For details on user-defined frequency response correction, see the R&S VSE Base
Software User Manual.
Encrypted .wv files can also be imported. Note, however, that traces resulting from
encrypted file input cannot be exported or stored in a saveset.
Input Type (Instrument / File)........................................................................................77
Zero Padding.................................................................................................................77
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Input Type (Instrument / File)
Selects an instrument or a file as the type of input provided to the channel.
Note: External mixers are only available for input from a connected instrument.
Note: If the R&S VSE software is installed directly on an instrument, or integrated in
Cadence®AWR®VSS, some restrictions apply on the available input type.
Remote command:
INSTrument:BLOCk:CHANnel[:SETTings]:SOURce<si> on page 147
INPut<ip>:SELect on page 146
Input File
Specifies the I/Q data file to be used for input.
Select "Select File" to open the "Load I/Q File" dialog box.
Zero Padding
Enables or disables zero padding for input from an I/Q data file that requires resampling. For resampling, a number of samples are required due to filter settling. These
samples can either be taken from the provided I/Q data, or the software can add the
required number of samples (zeros) at the beginning and end of the file.
If enabled, the required number of samples are inserted as zeros at the beginning and
end of the file. The entire input data is analyzed. However, the additional zeros can
effect the determined spectrum of the I/Q data. If zero padding is enabled, a status
message is displayed.
If disabled (default), no zeros are added. The required samples for filter settling are
taken from the provided I/Q data in the file. The start time in the R&S VSE Player is
adapted to the actual start (after filter settling).
Note: You can activate zero padding directly when you load the file, or afterwards in
the "Input Source" settings.
Center Frequency Stepsize ..........................................................................................79
Frequency Offset ..........................................................................................................79
Frequency Band
The frequency band defines the frequency range used to transmit the signal.
For details see "Frequency bands and channels"on page 34.
The following frequency bands are supported:
●
DCS 1800
●
E-GSM 900
●
GSM 450
●
GSM 480
●
GSM 710
●
GSM 750
●
GSM 850
●
PCS 1900
●
P-GSM 900
●
R-GSM 900
●
T-GSM 380
●
T-GSM 410
●
T-GSM 810
●
T-GSM 900
The default frequency band is "E-GSM 900".
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:NETWork[:TYPE] on page 127
CONFigure[:MS]:NETWork:FREQuency:BAND on page 127
Center Frequency
Specifies the center frequency of the signal to be measured (typically the center of the
Tx band).
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If the frequency is modified, the "ARFCN" is updated accordingly (for I/Q measurements, see ARFCN).
Remote command:
[SENSe:]FREQuency:CENTer on page 177
ARFCN
Defines the Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN). The "Center Fre-
quency"on page 78 is adapted accordingly.
Possible values are in the range from 0 to 1023; however, some values may not be
allowed depending on the selected Frequency Band.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:ARFCn on page 177
Center Frequency Stepsize
Defines the step size by which the center frequency is increased or decreased using
the arrow keys.
When you use the mouse wheel, the center frequency changes in steps of only 1/10 of
the span.
The step size can be coupled to another value or it can be manually set to a fixed
value.
"X * Span"
Sets the step size for the center frequency to a defined factor of the
span. The "X-Factor" defines the percentage of the span.
Values between 1 % and 100 % in steps of 1 % are allowed. The
default setting is 10 %.
"= Center"
"Manual"
Remote command:
[SENSe:]FREQuency:CENTer:STEP on page 177
Frequency Offset
Shifts the displayed frequency range along the x-axis by the defined offset.
This parameter has no effect on the instrument's hardware, on the captured data, or on
data processing. It is simply a manipulation of the final results in which absolute frequency values are displayed. Thus, the x-axis of a spectrum display is shifted by a
constant offset if it shows absolute frequencies. However, if it shows frequencies relative to the signal's center frequency, it is not shifted.
A frequency offset can be used to correct the display of a signal that is slightly distorted
by the measurement setup, for example.
The allowed values range from -1 THz to 1 THz. The default setting is 0 Hz.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]FREQuency:OFFSet on page 178
Sets the step size to the value of the center frequency. The used
value is indicated in the "Value" field.
Defines a fixed step size for the center frequency. Enter the step size
in the "Value" field.
P1 (Pico BTS)
The default power class is 2.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:POWer:CLASs on page 128
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Reference Level
Defines the expected maximum input signal level. Signal levels above this value are
possibly not measured correctly, which is indicated by the "IF Overload" status display.
Defines the expected maximum reference level. Signal levels above this value are possibly not measured correctly. Signals above the reference level are indicated by an "IF
Overload" status display.
The reference level can also be used to scale power diagrams; the reference level is
then used for the calculation of the maximum on the y-axis.
Since the hardware of the connected instrument is adapted according to this value, it is
recommended that you set the reference level close above the expected maximum signal level. Thus you ensure an optimal measurement (no compression, good signal-tonoise ratio).
Remote command:
DISPlay[:WINDow<n>][:SUBWindow<w>]:TRACe<t>:Y[:SCALe]:
RLEVel<ant> on page 179
Shifting the Display ( Offset ) ← Reference Level
Defines an arithmetic level offset. This offset is added to the measured level. In some
result displays, the scaling of the y-axis is changed accordingly.
Define an offset if the signal is attenuated or amplified before it is fed into the R&S VSE
so the application shows correct power results. All displayed power level results are
shifted by this value.
The setting range is ±200 dB in 0.01 dB steps.
Note, however, that the internal reference level (used to adjust the hardware settings to
the expected signal) ignores any "Reference Level Offset" . Thus, it is important to
keep in mind the actual power level the R&S VSE must handle. Do not rely on the displayed reference level (internal reference level = displayed reference level - offset).
Remote command:
DISPlay[:WINDow<n>][:SUBWindow<w>]:TRACe<t>:Y[:SCALe]:
RLEVel<ant>:OFFSet on page 179
Mechanical Attenuation
Defines the mechanical attenuation for RF input.
Attenuation Mode / Value ← Mechanical Attenuation
The RF attenuation can be set automatically as a function of the selected reference
level (Auto mode). Automatic attenuation ensures that no overload occurs at the RF
Input connector for the current reference level. It is the default setting.
In "Manual" mode, you can set the RF attenuation in 1 dB steps (down to 0 dB). Other
entries are rounded to the next integer value. The range is specified in the data sheet.
If the defined reference level cannot be set for the defined RF attenuation, the reference level is adjusted accordingly and the warning "limit reached" is displayed.
NOTICE! Risk of hardware damage due to high power levels. When decreasing the
attenuation manually, ensure that the power level does not exceed the maximum level
allowed at the RF input, as an overload can lead to hardware damage.
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Remote command:
INPut<ip>:ATTenuation on page 181
INPut<ip>:ATTenuation:AUTO on page 182
Using Electronic Attenuation
If the (optional) Electronic Attenuation hardware is installed on the connected instrument, you can also activate an electronic attenuator.
In "Auto" mode, the settings are defined automatically; in "Manual" mode, you can
define the mechanical and electronic attenuation separately.
Note: Note that restrictions can apply concerning which frequencies electronic attenuation is available for, depending on which instrument is connected to the R&S VSE software. Check your instrument documentation for details.
In "Auto" mode, RF attenuation is provided by the electronic attenuator as much as
possible to reduce the amount of mechanical switching required. Mechanical attenuation can provide a better signal-to-noise ratio, however.
When you switch off electronic attenuation, the RF attenuation is automatically set to
the same mode (auto/manual) as the electronic attenuation was set to. Thus, the RF
attenuation can be set to automatic mode, and the full attenuation is provided by the
mechanical attenuator, if possible.
If the defined reference level cannot be set for the given attenuation, the reference
level is adjusted accordingly and the warning "limit reached" is displayed in the status
bar.
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:EATT:STATe on page 183
INPut<ip>:EATT:AUTO on page 182
INPut<ip>:EATT on page 182
Input Settings
Some input settings affect the measured amplitude of the signal, as well.
See Chapter 6.3.1.1, "Radio frequency input", on page 69.
Preamplifier ← Input Settings
If the (optional) internal preamplifier hardware is installed on the connected instrument,
a preamplifier can be activated for the RF input signal.
You can use a preamplifier to analyze signals from DUTs with low output power.
Note: If an optional external preamplifier is activated, the internal preamplifier is auto-
matically disabled, and vice versa.
"Off"
"15 dB"
"30 dB"
Depending on the connected instrument, different settings are available. See the
instrument's documentation for details.
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:GAIN<ant>:STATe on page 180
INPut<ip>:GAIN<ant>[:VALue] on page 180
Deactivates the preamplifier.
The RF input signal is amplified by about 15 dB.
The RF input signal is amplified by about 30 dB.
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6.4Trigger settings
Modulation accuracy measurement configuration
Trigger settings
Access: "Overview" > "Trigger"
or: "Input & Output" > "Trigger"
Trigger settings determine when the input signal is measured. Which settings are available depends on the connected instrument.
External triggers from one of the [TRIGGER INPUT/OUTPUT] connectors on the connected instrument are also available.
Selects the trigger source. If a trigger source other than "Free Run" is set, "TRG" is displayed in the channel bar and the trigger source is indicated.
Note that the availability of trigger sources depends on the connected instrument.
Remote command:
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:SOURce on page 188
Free Run ← Trigger Source
No trigger source is considered. Data acquisition is started manually or automatically
and continues until stopped explicitly.
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Trigger settings
Remote command:
TRIG:SOUR IMM, see TRIGger[:SEQuence]:SOURce on page 188
External Trigger / Trigger Channel X ← Trigger Source
Data acquisition starts when the signal fed into the specified input connector or input
channel of the connected instrument meets or exceeds the specified trigger level.
Note: Which input and output connectors are available depends on the connected
instrument. For details, see the instrument's documentation.
For a connected R&S oscilloscope, the following signals are used as trigger input:
●
"External Trigger": EXT TRIGGER INPUT connector on rear panel of instrument
●
"Trigger Channel 2"/"Trigger Channel 3"/"Trigger Channel 4": Input at channel connectors CH 2/3/4 on front panel of instrument - if not used as an input source
Triggers the measurement when the magnitude of the sampled I/Q data exceeds the
trigger threshold.
Remote command:
TRIG:SOUR IQP, see TRIGger[:SEQuence]:SOURce on page 188
RF Power ← Trigger Source
Defines triggering of the measurement via signals which are outside the displayed
measurement range.
For this purpose, the software uses a level detector at the first intermediate frequency.
The resulting trigger level at the RF input depends on the RF attenuation and preampli-
fication. For details on available trigger levels, see the instrument's data sheet.
Note: If the input signal contains frequencies outside of this range (e.g. for fullspan
measurements), the measurement can be aborted. A message indicating the allowed
input frequencies is displayed in the status bar.
A "Trigger Offset" , "Trigger Polarity" and "Trigger Holdoff" (to improve the trigger stability) can be defined for the RF trigger, but no "Hysteresis" .
Remote command:
TRIG:SOUR RFP, see TRIGger[:SEQuence]:SOURce on page 188
Magnitude (Offline) ← Trigger Source
For (offline) input from a file, rather than an instrument. Triggers on a specified signal
level.
Remote command:
TRIG:SOUR MAGN, see TRIGger[:SEQuence]:SOURce on page 188
Manual ← Trigger Source
Only available for a connected R&S RTP:
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Trigger settings
Any trigger settings in the R&S VSE software are ignored; only trigger settings defined
on the connected instrument are considered. Thus, you can make use of the more
complex trigger settings available on an R&S RTP.
Remote command:
TRIG:SOUR MAN, see TRIGger[:SEQuence]:SOURce on page 188
Trigger Level
Defines the trigger level for the specified trigger source.
For details on supported trigger levels, see the instrument data sheet.
Remote command:
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:LEVel:IFPower on page 185
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:LEVel:IQPower on page 186
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:LEVel[:EXTernal<port>] on page 185
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:LEVel:RFPower on page 186
Drop-Out Time
Defines the time that the input signal must stay below the trigger level before triggering
again.
Remote command:
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:DTIMe on page 184
Trigger Offset
Defines the time offset between the trigger event and the start of the measurement.
Note: When using an external trigger, the trigger offset is particularly important to
detect the frame start correctly! (See Chapter 5.5, "Trigger settings", on page 39.) The
R&S VSE GSM application expects the trigger event to be the start of the "active part"
in slot 0.
(If supported by the connected instrument.)
Remote command:
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:HOLDoff[:TIME] on page 184
Hysteresis
Defines the distance in dB to the trigger level that the trigger source must exceed
before a trigger event occurs. Setting a hysteresis avoids unwanted trigger events
caused by noise oscillation around the trigger level.
This setting is only available for "IF Power" or "Magnitude (Offline)" trigger sources.
The range of the value depends on the connected instrument.
Remote command:
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:IFPower:HYSTeresis on page 185
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:MAPower:HYSTeresis on page 187
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6.5Data acquisition
Modulation accuracy measurement configuration
Data acquisition
Trigger Holdoff
Defines the minimum time (in seconds) that must pass between two trigger events.
Trigger events that occur during the holdoff time are ignored.
Remote command:
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:IFPower:HOLDoff on page 184
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:MAPower:HOLDoff on page 187
Slope
For all trigger sources except time, you can define whether triggering occurs when the
signal rises to the trigger level or falls down to it.
Remote command:
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:SLOPe on page 188
Access: "Overview" > "Data Acquisition"
You must define how much and how often data is captured from the input signal.
The sample rate for I/Q data acquisition is indicated for reference only. It is a fixed
value, depending on the frequency range to be measured (see also Chapter 6.7.2,
"Spectrum", on page 95).
Remote command:
TRACe<t>:IQ:SRATe? on page 193
Analysis Bandwidth
The analysis bandwidth is indicated for reference only. It defines the flat, usable bandwidth of the final I/Q data. This value is dependent on the Frequency list and the
defined signal source.
The following rule applies:
analysis bandwidth = 0.8 * sample rate
Remote command:
TRACe:IQ:BWIDth on page 193
Capture Time
Specifies the duration (and therefore the amount of data) to be captured in the capture
buffer.
Be sure to define a sufficiently long capture time. If the capture time is too short,
demodulation will fail.
Note: The duration of one GSM slot equals 15/26 ms = 0.576923 ms. The duration of
one GSM frame (8 slots) equals 60/13 ms = 4.615384 ms.
Tip: In order to improve the measurement speed further by using short capture times,
consider the following:
●
Use an external trigger which indicates the frame start. In this case, the minimum
allowed capture time is reduced from 10 ms to 866 us (see Chapter 5.5, "Trigger
settings", on page 39)
●
Measure only slots at the beginning of the frame, directly after the trigger (see
Chapter 6.6.1, "Slot scope", on page 88)
●
Use a small statistic count (see "Statistic Count"on page 88)
Remote command:
[SENSe:]SWEep:TIME on page 193
Swap I/Q
Activates or deactivates the inverted I/Q modulation. If the I and Q parts of the signal
from the DUT are interchanged, the R&S VSE can do the same to compensate for it.
Tip: Try this function if the TSC cannot be found.
Defines the number of frames to be included in statistical evaluations. For measurements on the Slot to Measure, the same slot is evaluated in multiple frames, namely in
the number specified by the "Statistic Count", for statistical evaluations.
The default value is 200 in accordance with the GSM standard.
For details on the impact of this value, see Chapter 5.14, "Impact of the "Statistic
count"", on page 57.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]SWEep:COUNt on page 191
6.6Demodulation
Access: "Overview" > "Demodulation"
Demodulation settings determine how frames and slots are detected in the input signal
and which slots are to be evaluated.
The "Frame" and "Slot" settings are identical to those in the "Signal Description" dialog
box, see Chapter 6.2.2, "Frame", on page 62 and Chapter 6.2.3, "Slot settings",
on page 63.
The slot scope defines which slots are to be evaluated (see also Chapter 5.6, "Defining
the scope of the measurement", on page 40).
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Demodulation
Slot to Measure.............................................................................................................89
Number of Slots to measure......................................................................................... 90
First Slot to measure.....................................................................................................90
Frame Configuration: Select Slot to Configure..............................................................90
Slot to Measure
This parameter specifies the slot to be measured in single-slot measurements relative
to the GSM frame boundary. The following rule applies:
0 ≤ Slot to Measure ≤ 7
The "Slot to Measure" is used as the (only) slot to measure in the following measure-
ments: (see "First Slot to measure"on page 90)
●
Modulation Accuracy
●
EVM
●
Phase Error
●
Magnitude Error
●
Modulation Spectrum
●
Constellation
Furthermore, the "Slot to Measure" is used to measure the reference power for the following measurements:
●
Power vs Time
●
Modulation Spectrum
●
Transient Spectrum
Finally, the "Slot to Measure" is used to measure the position of its TSC, which represents the timing reference for the Power vs Time mask (limit lines) of all slots.
See also Chapter 5.6, "Defining the scope of the measurement", on page 40. For
details on the measurement types see Chapter 4, "GSM I/Q measurement results",
on page 16.
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Demodulation
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:CHANnel:MSLots:MEASure on page 194
Number of Slots to measure
This parameter specifies the "Number of Slots to measure" for the measurement interval of multi-slot measurements, i.e. the Power vs Time and Transient Spectrum mea-
surements. Between 1 and 8 consecutive slots can be measured.
See also Chapter 5.6, "Defining the scope of the measurement", on page 40.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:CHANnel:MSLots:NOFSlots on page 194
First Slot to measure
This parameter specifies the start of the measurement interval for multi-slot measurements, i.e. Power vs Time and Transient Spectrum measurements, relative to the GSM
frame boundary. The following conditions apply:
●
First Slot to measure ≤ Slot to Measure
●
Slot to Measure ≤ First Slot to measure + Number of Slots to measure -1
See also Chapter 5.6, "Defining the scope of the measurement", on page 40.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:CHANnel:MSLots:OFFSet on page 195
Frame Configuration: Select Slot to Configure
This area shows a graphical representation of the configuration of each slot. Select a
slot to display its "Slot" dialog box (see Chapter 6.2.3, "Slot settings", on page 63).
For active slots the following information is shown:
●
The burst type, e.g. "Normal (NB)" for a normal burst.
●
The modulation, e.g. GMSK.
●
The training sequence TSC (and Set)
For details on how to interpret the graphic, see "Frame configuration and slot scope in
Sets the synchronization mode of the R&S VSE GSM application.
"Burst+TSC"
"TSC"
"Burst"
"None"
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:SYNC:MODE on page 195
First search for the power profile (burst search) according to the
frame configuration in the capture buffer. Second, inside the found
bursts search for the TSC of the Slot to Measure as given in the
frame configuration. "Burst +TSC" is usually faster than "TSC" for
bursted signals.
Search the capture buffer for the TSC of the Slot to Measure as given
in the frame configuration. This mode corresponds to a correlation
with the given TSC. This mode can be used for continuous (but
framed) signals or bursted signals.
Search for the power profile (burst search) according to the frame
configuration in the capture buffer.
Note: For "Burst" no demodulation measurements (e.g. "Modulation
Accuracy") are supported. Only "Power vs Time", "Modulation Spectrum", "Transient Spectrum" measurements are supported.
Do not synchronize at all. If an external or power trigger is chosen,
the trigger instant corresponds to the frame start.
Tip: Manually adjust the trigger offset to move the burst to be analyzed under the mask in the "Power vs Time" measurement.
Note: For "None" no demodulation measurements (e.g. "Modulation
Accuracy") are supported. Only "Power vs Time", "Modulation Spectrum", "Transient Spectrum" measurements are supported.
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Demodulation
Measure only on Sync
If activated (default), only results from frames (slots) where the Slot to Measure was
found are displayed and taken into account in the averaging of the results. The behavior of this option depends on the value of the Synchronization parameter.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:SYNC:ONLY on page 196
I/Q Correlation Threshold
This threshold determines whether a burst is accepted if Measure only on Sync is activated. If the correlation value between the ideal I/Q signal of the given TSC and the
measured TSC is below the I/Q correlation threshold, then the application reports
"Sync not found" in the status bar. Additionally, such bursts are ignored if "Measure
only on Sync" is activated.
Note: If the R&S VSE GSM application is configured to measure GMSK normal bursts,
a threshold below 97% will also accept 8PSK normal bursts (with the same TSC) for
analysis. In this case, activate Measure only on Sync and set the "I/Q Correlation
Threshold" to 97%. This will exclude the 8PSK normal bursts from the analysis.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:SYNC:IQCThreshold on page 196
Symbol Decision
The symbol decision determines how the symbols are detected in the demodulator.
Setting this parameter does not affect the demodulation of normal bursts with GMSK
modulator. For normal bursts with 8PSK, 16QAM, 32QAM or AQPSK modulation, or
higher symbol rate bursts with QPSK, 16QAM or 32QAM modulation, use this parameter to get a trade-off between performance (symbol error rate of the R&S VSE GSM
application) and measurement speed.
"Auto"
"Linear"
"Sequence"
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:DEMod:DECision on page 197
Automatically selects the symbol decision method.
Linear symbol decision: Uses inverse filtering (a kind of zero-forcing
filter) and a symbol-wise decision method. This method is recommended for high symbol to noise ratios, but not for higher symbol rate
bursts with a narrow pulse. The inverse filter colors the noise inside
the signal bandwidth and therefore is not recommended for narrowband signals or signals with a low signal to noise ratio. Peaks in the
"EVM vs Time" measurement (see "EVM"on page 17) may occur if
the "Linear" symbol decision algorithm fails. In that case use the
"Sequence" method. Linear is the fastest option.
Symbol decision via sequence estimation. This method uses an algorithm that minimizes the symbol errors of the entire burst. It requires
that the tail bits in the analyzed signal are correct. It has a better performance (lower symbol error rate) compared to the "Linear" method,
especially at low signal to noise ratios, but with a loss of measurement speed. This method is recommended for normal bursts with
16QAM or 32QAM modulation and for Higher Symbol Rate bursts
with a narrow pulse.
Tip: Use this setting if it reduces the "EVM RMS" measurement result.
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Measurement settings
Tail & TSC Bits
The demodulator in the R&S VSE GSM application requires the bits of the burst (tail,
data, TSC, data, tail) to provide an ideal version of the measured signal. The "data"
bits can be random and are typically not known inside the demodulator of the R&S
VSE GSM application. "tail" and "TSC" bits are specified in the "Slot" dialog box (see
"Training Sequence TSC[/]Sync"on page 66).
"Detected"
"Standard"
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:DEMod:STDBits on page 198
The detected Tail and TSC bits are used to construct the ideal signal.
The standard tail and TSC bits (as set in the "Slot" dialog box) are
used to construct the ideal signal.
Using the standard bits can be advantageous to verify whether the
device under test sends the correct tail and TSC bits. Incorrect bits
would lead to peaks in the "EVM vs Time" trace (see "EVM"
on page 17) at the positions of the incorrect bits.
6.7Measurement settings
Access: "Overview" > "Measurement"
Measurement settings define how power or spectrum measurements are performed.
6.7.1Power vs time
Access: "Overview" > "Measurement" > "Power vs Time"
The "Power vs Time" filter is used to suppress out-of-band interference in the Power vs
Time measurement (see Chapter 5.7.1, "Power vs time filter", on page 43). A limit line
is available to determine if the power exceeds the limits defined by the standard in
each slot.
Power vs Time Filter
The PvT filter controls the filter used to reduced the measurement bandwidth in "Power
vs Time" measurements.
Note: The PvT filter is optimized to get smooth edges after filtering burst signals and to
suppress adjacent, active channels.
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Measurement settings
Depending on the Device Type (single carrier or multicarrier), different PvT filters are
supported:
" 1 MHz Gauss"
default for single carrier device
"600 kHz"
(single carrier only) for backwards compatibility to FS-K5
"500 kHz Gauss"
(single carrier only) for backwards compatibility to FS-K5
"400 kHz (multicarrier)"
(default for multicarrier device) Recommended for measurements
with multi channels of equal power.
"300 kHz (multicarrier)"
Recommended for multicarrier measurement scenarios where a total
of six channels is active and the channel to be measured has a
reduced power (e.g. 30 dB) compared to its adjacent channels.
Remote command:
CONFigure:BURSt:PTEMplate:FILTer on page 199
Limit Line Time Alignment
Controls how the limit lines are aligned in a "Power vs Time" measurement graph (see
"PvT Full Burst"on page 26). Limit lines are defined for each slot. The limit lines are
time-aligned in each slot, based on the position of the TSC (the center of the TSC is
the reference point). This parameter affects how the center of the TSC is determined
for each slot:
●
Slot to measure (default): For each slot the center of the TSC is derived from the
measured center of the TSC of the Slot to Measure and the timeslot lengths speci-
fied in the standard (see "Timeslot length" in 3GPP TS 45.010 and "Equal Timeslot
Length"on page 63).
●
Per Slot: For each slot the center of the TSC is measured. This provides reasona-
ble time-alignment if the slot lengths are not according to standard. Note that in this
case the "Power vs Time" limit check may show "pass" even if the timeslot lengths
are not correct according to the standard.
Note: The "Limit Time Alignment" also decides whether the "Delta to sync" values of
the "Power vs Time" list result are measured (for "Limit Time Alignment" = "Per Slot")
or if they are constant as defined by the 3PP standard (for "Limit Time Alignment" =
"Slot to measure").
The R&S VSE GSM application offers a strictly standard-conformant, multiple-slot PvT
limit line check. This is based on time alignment to a single specified slot (the "Slot to
Measure") and allows the user to check for correct BTS timeslot alignment in the DUT,
according to the GSM standard. In addition, a less stringent test which performs PvT
limit line alignment on a per-slot basis ("Per Slot") is also available.
Note:
When measuring access bursts the parameter "Limit Time Alignment" should be set to
"Per Slot", since the position of an access burst within a slot depends on the set timing
advance of the DUT.
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6.7.2Spectrum
Modulation accuracy measurement configuration
Measurement settings
Remote command:
CONFigure:BURSt:PTEMplate:TALign on page 199
Access: "Overview" > "Measurement" > "Spectrum"
The modulation and transient spectrum measurements allow for further configuration.
Enable Left Limit/ Enable Right Limit............................................................................ 95
Controls whether the results for the frequencies to the left or to the right of the center
frequency, or both, are considered in the limit check of the spectrum trace (spectrum
graph measurement). This parameter affects the "Modulation Spectrum Graph"
on page 21 and "Transient Spectrum Graph"on page 28 measurements.
Note: For measurements on multicarrier signals, using either the check on the left or
right side only allows you to measure the spectrum of the left or right-most channel
while ignoring the side where adjacent channels are located.
Remote command:
CONFigure:SPECtrum:LIMit:LEFT on page 200
CONFigure:SPECtrum:LIMit:RIGHt on page 201
Filter Type
Defines the filter type for the resolution filter for the "Modulation Spectrum" and "Transient Spectrum" measurements.
"Normal"
"5-pole"
3 dB Gauss filter
according to the GSM standard
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Measurement settings
Remote command:
[SENSe:]BANDwidth[:RESolution]:TYPE on page 203
Modulation Spectrum Table: Frequency List
This setting is only required by the "Modulation Spectrum Table" evaluation (see "Mod-
ulation Spectrum Table"on page 22). In this evaluation, the spectrum of the signal at
fixed frequency offsets is determined. The list of frequencies to be measured is defined
by the standard. Additionally, sparse versions of the specified frequency lists with fewer
intermediate frequencies are provided for quicker preliminary tests.
Note: Modulation RBW at 1800 kHz.
As opposed to previous R&S signal and spectrum analyzers, in which the modulation
RBW at 1800 kHz was configurable, the R&S VSE configures the RBW (and VBW)
internally according to the selected frequency list (see "Modulation Spectrum Table:
Frequency List"on page 96). For the "Modulation Spectrum Graph" both the RBW and
VBW are set to 30 kHz. For the "Modulation Spectrum Table", they are set according to
Table 4-6.
The frequency list also determines the used sample rate, see "Sample rate"
on page 87).
"1.8 MHz"
"1.8 MHz
(sparse)"
"6 MHz"
"6 MHz
(sparse)"
Remote command:
CONFigure:WSPectrum:MODulation:LIST:SELect on page 202
The frequency list comprises offset frequencies up to 1.8 MHz from
the carrier. The sample rate is 6.5 MHz.
In previous R&S signal and spectrum analyzers, this setting was
referred to as "narrow".
More compact version of "1.8 MHz". The sample rate is 6.5 MHz.
The frequency list comprises offset frequencies up to 6 MHz from the
carrier. The sample rate is 19.5 MHz.
In previous R&S signal and spectrum analyzers, this setting was
referred to as "wide".
More compact version of "6 MHz". The sample rate is 19.5 MHz.
Transient Spectrum: Reference Power
This setting is only required by the "Transient Spectrum" evaluation (see Transient
Spectrum Graph).
In this evaluation, the power vs spectrum for all slots in the slot scope is evaluated and
checked against a spectrum mask. To determine the relative limit values, a reference
power is required. In order to detect irregularities, it is useful to define the peak power
as a reference. However, the standard requires the reference power to be calculated
from the RMS power.
To perform the measurement according to the 3GPP standard set the reference power
to RMS and the Slot to Measure to the slot with the highest power (see also "Transient
Spectrum Table"on page 29).
"RMS"
(Default:) The reference power is the RMS power level measured
over the useful part of the Slot to Measure and averaged according to
the defined Statistic Count.
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Adjusting settings automatically
"Peak"
Remote command:
CONFigure:SPECtrum:SWITching:TYPE on page 201
The reference power is the peak power level measured over the
selected slot scope (see Chapter 6.6.1, "Slot scope", on page 88) and
its peak taken over Statistic Count measurements (GSM frames).
6.7.3Trigger to sync
Access: "Overview" > "Measurement" > "Trigger to Sync"
The Trigger to Sync measurement allows for further configuration.
No. of Bins
Specifies the number of bins for the histogram of the "Trigger to Sync" measurement.
For details see "Trigger to Sync Graph"on page 30.
Remote command:
CONFigure:TRGS:NOFBins on page 204
Adaptive Data Size
Specifies the number of measurements (I/Q captures) after which the x-axis of the
"Trigger to Sync" histogram is adapted to the measured values and fixed for subsequent measurements.
Up to the defined number of measurements, the Trigger to Sync value is stored. When
enough measurements have been performed, the x-axis is adapted to the value range
of the stored results. For subsequent measurements, the result is no longer stored and
the x-axis (and thus the dimensions of the bins) is maintained at the set range.
The higher the "Adaptive Data Size", the more precise the x-axis scaling.
For details see "Trigger to Sync Graph"on page 30.
Remote command:
CONFigure:TRGS:ADPSize on page 204
6.8Adjusting settings automatically
Access: "Auto Set" toolbar
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Result configuration
Some settings can be adjusted by the R&S VSE automatically according to the current
measurement settings.
Setting the Reference Level Automatically (Auto Level)...............................................98
Setting the Reference Level Automatically (Auto Level)
Automatically determines the optimal reference level for the current input data. At the
same time, the internal attenuators and the preamplifier are adjusted so the signal-tonoise ratio is optimized, while signal compression, clipping and overload conditions are
minimized.
In order to do so, a level measurement is performed to determine the optimal reference
level.
Remote command:
CONFigure[:MS]:AUTO:LEVel ONCE on page 205
Automatic Frame Configuration
When activated, a single auto frame configuration measurement is performed.
The auto frame configuration measurement may take a long time, therefore it is deacti-
vated by default. The following parameters are detected and automatically measured:
For VAMOS normal burst and GMSK: TSCs of set 1 and set 2
●
For VAMOS normal burst and AQPSK: TSCs of both subchannels (restrictions see
"Restriction for auto frame configuration"on page 38) and SCPIR
Remote command:
CONF:AUTO:FRAM ONCE, see CONFigure[:MS]:AUTO:FRAMe ONCE on page 204
Automatic Trigger Offset
If activated, the trigger offset (for external and IF power triggers) are detected and
automatically measured.
For details on the trigger offset refer to " Trigger Offset "on page 85.
Remote command:
CONF:AUTO:TRIG ONCE, see CONFigure[:MS]:AUTO:TRIGger ONCE
on page 205
6.9Result configuration
Access: "Overview" > "Result Config"
or: "Meas Setup" > "Result"
Some evaluation methods require or allow for additional settings to configure the result
display. Note that the available settings depend on the selected window (see " Specif-
Preset All Traces.........................................................................................................101
Trace 1/Trace 2/Trace 3/Trace 4
Selects the corresponding trace for configuration. The currently selected trace is highlighted orange.
Remote command:
DISPlay[:WINDow<n>][:SUBWindow<w>]:TRACe<t>[:STATe] on page 216
Selected via numeric suffix of TRACe<t> commands
Trace Mode
Defines the update mode for subsequent traces.
The available trace modes depend on the selected result display. Not all evaluations
support all trace modes.
"Clear Write"
"Max Hold"
"Min Hold"
"Average"
"PDFAvg"
"Blank"
Overwrite mode: the trace is overwritten by each capture.
The maximum value is determined over several captures and dis-
played. The R&S VSE saves the capture result in the trace memory
only if the new value is greater than the previous one.
The minimum value is determined from several captures and displayed. The R&S VSE saves the capture result in the trace memory
only if the new value is lower than the previous one.
The average is formed over several captures.
The Statistic Count determines the number of averaging procedures.
Displays the probability density function (PDF) of the average value.
Removes the selected trace from the display.
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