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R&S®VSE-K6
Pulse Measurement Application
User Manual
(;ÚçF2)
1176892202
Version 11
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This manual applies to the following software, version 2.20 and later:
●
R&S®VSE Enterprise Edition base software (1345.1105.06)
●
R&S®VSE Basic Edition base software (1345.1011.06)
The following firmware options are described:
●
R&S VSE-K6 (1320.7516.02)
●
R&S VSE-K6A (1345.1286.06)
●
R&S VSE-KT6 (1345.1934.02)
●
R&S VSE-KT6A (1345.2101.02)
© 2022 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Muehldorfstr. 15, 81671 Muenchen, Germany
Phone: +49 89 41 29 - 0
Email: info@rohde-schwarz.com
Internet: www.rohde-schwarz.com
Subject to change – data without tolerance limits is not binding.
R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.
Trade names are trademarks of the owners.
1176.8922.02 | Version 11 | R&S®VSE-K6
The following abbreviations are used throughout this manual: R&S®VSE is abbreviated as R&S VSE.
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R&S®VSE-K6
1.1 About this manual.........................................................................................................9
1.2 Typographical conventions..........................................................................................9
2.1 Starting the pulse application.................................................................................... 11
2.2 Understanding the display information.................................................................... 12
3.1 Pulse parameters........................................................................................................ 15
3.1.1 Timing parameters........................................................................................................ 16
3.1.2 Power/amplitude parameters........................................................................................ 19
Contents
Contents
1 Preface.................................................................................................... 9
2 Welcome to the pulse measurements application............................ 11
3 Measurements and result displays.................................................... 15
3.1.3 Frequency parameters.................................................................................................. 23
3.1.4 Phase parameters.........................................................................................................24
3.1.5 Envelope model (cardinal data points) parameters.......................................................25
3.2 Evaluation methods for pulse measurements......................................................... 29
4 Measurement basics............................................................................45
4.1 Parameter definitions................................................................................................. 45
4.1.1 Amplitude droop............................................................................................................ 46
4.1.2 Ripple............................................................................................................................ 46
4.1.3 Overshoot......................................................................................................................48
4.2 Pulse detection............................................................................................................48
4.3 Parameter spectrum calculation................................................................................50
4.4 Segmented data capturing......................................................................................... 53
4.5 Trace evaluation..........................................................................................................57
4.5.1 Trace statistics.............................................................................................................. 57
4.5.2 Normalizing traces........................................................................................................ 58
5 Configuration........................................................................................62
5.1 Configuration overview.............................................................................................. 62
5.2 Signal description....................................................................................................... 64
5.3 Input source settings..................................................................................................67
5.3.1 Radio frequency input................................................................................................... 67
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5.3.2 I/Q file input................................................................................................................... 73
5.4 Frontend settings........................................................................................................75
5.4.1 Frequency settings........................................................................................................75
5.4.2 Amplitude settings.........................................................................................................77
5.5 Trigger settings........................................................................................................... 80
5.6 Data acquisition.......................................................................................................... 85
5.7 Pulse detection............................................................................................................87
5.8 Pulse measurement settings..................................................................................... 90
5.8.1 Measurement levels...................................................................................................... 90
5.8.2 Measurement point....................................................................................................... 93
5.8.3 Measurement range...................................................................................................... 96
5.9 Automatic settings......................................................................................................97
Contents
6 Analysis................................................................................................ 98
6.1 Result configuration................................................................................................... 98
6.1.1 Pulse selection.............................................................................................................. 98
6.1.2 Result range..................................................................................................................99
6.1.3 Result range spectrum configuration.......................................................................... 100
6.1.4 Result range frequency configuration......................................................................... 102
6.1.5 Parameter configuration for result displays.................................................................102
6.1.5.1 Parameter distribution configuration........................................................................... 102
6.1.5.2 Parameter spectrum configuration.............................................................................. 104
6.1.5.3 Parameter trend configuration.....................................................................................107
6.1.6 Table configuration......................................................................................................108
6.1.6.1 Table export configuration...........................................................................................109
6.1.6.2 Limit settings for table displays....................................................................................111
6.1.7 Y-Scaling..................................................................................................................... 112
6.1.8 Units............................................................................................................................ 114
6.2 Markers.......................................................................................................................115
6.2.1 Individual marker settings............................................................................................116
6.2.2 General marker settings..............................................................................................120
6.2.3 Marker search settings................................................................................................121
6.2.4 Marker positioning functions....................................................................................... 122
6.3 Trace configuration...................................................................................................124
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6.4 Trace / data export configuration............................................................................ 128
7.1 How to perform a standard pulse measurement....................................................131
7.2 How to configure a limit check for a pulse measurement.....................................132
8.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 134
8.1.1 Conventions used in descriptions............................................................................... 135
8.1.2 Long and short form.................................................................................................... 136
8.1.3 Numeric suffixes..........................................................................................................136
8.1.4 Optional keywords.......................................................................................................136
8.1.5 Alternative keywords................................................................................................... 137
8.1.6 SCPI parameters.........................................................................................................137
Contents
7 How to perform measurements in the pulse application............... 131
8 Remote commands for pulse measurements................................. 134
8.1.6.1 Numeric values........................................................................................................... 137
8.1.6.2 Boolean....................................................................................................................... 138
8.1.6.3 Character data............................................................................................................ 138
8.1.6.4 Character strings.........................................................................................................139
8.1.6.5 Block data................................................................................................................... 139
8.2 Common suffixes...................................................................................................... 139
8.3 Activating Pulse measurements..............................................................................139
8.4 Configuring the measurement................................................................................. 140
8.4.1 Restoring the default configuration (Preset)................................................................140
8.4.2 Signal description........................................................................................................140
8.4.3 Configuring data input................................................................................................. 143
8.4.3.1 RF input.......................................................................................................................144
8.4.3.2 Using external mixers..................................................................................................155
Basic settings.............................................................................................................. 155
Mixer settings.............................................................................................................. 156
Programming example: working with an external mixer..............................................162
8.4.3.3 Remote commands for external frontend control........................................................ 163
Commands for initial configuration..............................................................................164
Commands for alignment............................................................................................ 170
8.4.3.4 Working with power sensors....................................................................................... 173
Configuring power sensors......................................................................................... 173
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8.4.4 Frontend configuration................................................................................................ 181
8.4.4.1 Frequency................................................................................................................... 181
8.4.4.2 Amplitude settings.......................................................................................................182
8.4.4.3 Configuring the attenuation......................................................................................... 185
8.4.5 Triggering measurements........................................................................................... 187
8.4.5.1 Configuring the triggering conditions...........................................................................187
8.4.5.2 Configuring the trigger output......................................................................................193
8.4.6 Segmented data capturing.......................................................................................... 195
8.4.7 Data acquisition...........................................................................................................199
8.4.8 Pulse detection............................................................................................................202
8.4.9 Configuring the pulse measurement........................................................................... 205
8.4.9.1 Measurement levels.................................................................................................... 205
Contents
Configuring power sensor measurements.................................................................. 174
8.4.9.2 Measurement point..................................................................................................... 208
8.4.9.3 Measurement range.................................................................................................... 210
8.4.10 Configuring the result display...................................................................................... 211
8.4.10.1 Global layout commands.............................................................................................211
8.4.10.2 Working with windows in the display...........................................................................215
8.4.10.3 General window commands........................................................................................220
8.4.11 Configuring the results................................................................................................ 221
8.4.11.1 Selecting the pulse......................................................................................................222
8.4.11.2 Defining the result range............................................................................................. 222
8.4.11.3 Configuring a parameter distribution........................................................................... 224
8.4.11.4 Configuring a parameter spectrum..............................................................................230
8.4.11.5 Configuring a pulse-pulse spectrum............................................................................237
8.4.11.6 Configuring a parameter trend.................................................................................... 239
8.4.11.7 Configuring a result range spectrum........................................................................... 258
8.4.11.8 Configuring the statistics and parameter tables.......................................................... 259
8.4.11.9 Configuring limit checks.............................................................................................. 278
8.4.11.10 Configuring the Y-Axis scaling and units.....................................................................282
8.5 Analyzing results...................................................................................................... 285
8.5.1 Configuring standard traces........................................................................................ 286
8.5.2 Working with markers..................................................................................................292
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8.5.2.1 Individual marker settings........................................................................................... 292
8.5.2.2 General marker settings..............................................................................................297
8.5.2.3 Positioning the marker................................................................................................ 299
8.6 Retrieving results......................................................................................................303
8.6.1 Retrieving results........................................................................................................ 303
8.6.1.1 Retrieving and storing trace data................................................................................ 304
8.6.1.2 Retrieving information on detected pulses.................................................................. 309
8.6.1.3 Retrieving parameter results....................................................................................... 314
Contents
Positioning normal markers.........................................................................................299
Positioning delta markers............................................................................................301
Retrieving power / amplitude parameters................................................................... 315
Retrieving timing parameters...................................................................................... 332
Retrieving frequency parameters................................................................................ 341
Retrieving phase parameters...................................................................................... 346
Retrieving envelope model parameters...................................................................... 351
8.6.1.4 Retrieving limit results................................................................................................. 365
8.6.1.5 Exporting trace results to an ASCII file....................................................................... 366
8.6.1.6 Exporting table results to an ASCII file........................................................................368
8.6.2 Retrieving marker results............................................................................................ 370
8.7 Programming example: pulse measurement......................................................... 371
Annex.................................................................................................. 377
A Menu reference...................................................................................379
A.1 Common R&S VSE menus....................................................................................... 379
A.1.1 File menu.................................................................................................................... 379
A.1.2 Window menu............................................................................................................. 380
A.1.3 Help menu...................................................................................................................381
A.2 Pulse Measurements Menus.................................................................................... 381
A.2.1 Input & Output Menu................................................................................................... 382
A.2.2 Meas Setup Menu....................................................................................................... 382
A.2.3 Trace Menu................................................................................................................. 383
A.2.4 Marker Menu............................................................................................................... 383
A.2.5 Limits Menu.................................................................................................................383
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Contents
B Reference of toolbar functions......................................................... 384
C Reference: ASCII file export format..................................................388
D Effects of large gauss filters.............................................................390
List of Remote Commands (Pulse)...................................................391
Index....................................................................................................410
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1.1 About this manual
Typographical conventions
1 Preface
This R&S VSE Pulse User Manual provides all the information specific to the application. All general software functions and settings common to all applications and oper-
ating 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 Pulse 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
●
Data Export
Description of general functions to export measurement data
●
How to Perform Measurements in the R&S VSE Pulse 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 R&S VSE Pulse application Measurements
Remote commands required to configure and perform R&S VSE Pulse application
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
Preface
1.2 Typographical conventions
The following text markers are used throughout this documentation:
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Preface
Typographical conventions
Convention Description
"Graphical user interface elements"
[Keys] Key and knob names are enclosed by square brackets.
Filenames, commands,
program code
Input Input to be entered by the user is displayed in italics.
Links Links 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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R&S®VSE-K6
Welcome to the pulse measurements application
Starting the pulse application
2 Welcome to the pulse measurements appli-
cation
The R&S VSE-K6 is a firmware application that adds functionality to perform measurements on pulsed signals to the R&S VSE.
The R&S VSE Pulse application provides measurement and analysis functions for
pulse signals frequently used in radar applications, for example.
The R&S VSE Pulse application features:
●
Measurement of basic pulse characteristics
●
Analysis of parameter trends over time
●
Display of amplitude, frequency and phase measurement traces for individual pulses
The additional option R&S VSE-K6A offers multi-channel analysis. It is based on the
premise that a similar pulse is captured on all input channels, with some differences in
the pulse parameters according to timing, amplitude, phase, etc. It is also expected
that the same number of pulses is captured on each input channel. Therefore the
analysis groups the n-th pulse measured on each input channel into the same
"Selected Pulse" result for the different displays. This allows the user to compare e.g.
the pulse amplitude and phase values across every input channel in the same display
in a straightforward manner.
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).
2.1 Starting the pulse application
Pulse measurements require a separate application on the R&S VSE. It is activated by
creating a new measurement channel in Pulse mode.
To activate the Pulse 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 pulse measurements application
Understanding the display information
2. Select the "Pulse" item.
The R&S VSE opens a new measurement channel for the R&S VSE Pulse application.
2.2 Understanding 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 pulse measurements 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 Pulse application, the R&S VSE shows the following settings:
Table 2-1: Information displayed in the channel bar in the Pulse application
Ref Level Reference level
Att Mechanical and electronic RF attenuation (if available)
Freq Center frequency for the RF signal
Meas Time Measurement time (data acquisition time)
Meas BW Measurement bandwidth
SRate Sample rate
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 (e.g. transducer or trigger settings). This information is displayed only when applicable for the current measurement. For details see the
R&S VSE Base Software User Manual.
Window title bar information
For each diagram, the header provides the following information:
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Welcome to the pulse measurements application
Understanding the display information
0
1 2 5 6 7
Figure 2-1: Window title bar information in the Pulse application
0 = Color coding for windows of same channel
1 = Edit result display function
2 = Channel name
3 = Window number
4 = Window type (+ pulse number for pulse-based displays)
5 = Trace color, trace number, trace detector, trace mode
6 = Dock/undock window function
7 = Close window function
3 4
Diagram area
The diagram area displays the results according to the selected result displays (see
Chapter 3.2, "Evaluation methods for pulse measurements", on page 29).
Diagram footer information
The diagram footer (beneath the diagram) contains the start and stop values for the
displayed time 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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Measurements and result displays
Pulse parameters
3 Measurements and result displays
During a pulse measurement, I/Q data from the input signal is captured for a specified
time or for a specified record length. Pulses are detected from the signal according to
specified thresholds and user-defined criteria. The measured signal is then compared
with the ideal signal described by the user and any deviations are recorded. The
defined range of measured data is then evaluated to determine characteristic pulse
parameters. These parameters can either be displayed as traces, in a table, or be evaluated statistically over a series of measurements.
Measurement range vs. result range vs. detection range
The measurement range defines which part of an individual pulse is measured (for
example for frequency deviation), whereas the result range determines which data is
displayed on the screen in the form of amplitude, frequency or phase vs. time traces.
The detection range (if enabled) determines which part of the capture buffer is analyzed. The pulse numbers in the result displays are always relative to the current
detection range, that is: pulse number 1 is the first pulse within the detection range in
the capture buffer. If disabled (default), the entire capture buffer is used as the detection range. See also "Detection range" on page 50.
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 Pulse 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.
● Pulse parameters....................................................................................................15
● Evaluation methods for pulse measurements.........................................................29
3.1 Pulse parameters
The pulse parameters to be measured are based primarily on the IEEE 181 Standard
181-2003. For detailed descriptions refer to the standard documentation ("IEEE Standard on Transitions, Pulses, and Related Waveforms", from the IEEE Instrumentation
and Measurement (I&M) Society, 7 July 2003).
"Add Window"
The following graphic illustrates the main pulse parameters and characteristic values.
(For a definition of the values used to determine the measured pulse parameters see
Chapter 4.1, "Parameter definitions", on page 45.)
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Measurements and result displays
Pulse parameters
Figure 3-1: Definition of the main pulse parameters and characteristic values
In order to obtain these results, select the corresponding parameter in the result configuration (see Chapter 6.1, "Result configuration", on page 98) or apply the required
SCPI parameter to the remote command (see Chapter 8.4.11, "Configuring the
results", on page 221 and Chapter 8.6.1, "Retrieving results", on page 303).
● Timing parameters.................................................................................................. 16
● Power/amplitude parameters.................................................................................. 19
● Frequency parameters............................................................................................23
● Phase parameters...................................................................................................24
● Envelope model (cardinal data points) parameters.................................................25
3.1.1 Timing parameters
The following timing parameters can be determined by the R&S VSE Pulse application.
Timestamp.....................................................................................................................17
Settling Time................................................................................................................. 17
Rise Time......................................................................................................................17
Fall Time........................................................................................................................17
Pulse Width (ON Time)................................................................................................. 18
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Measurements and result displays
Pulse parameters
Off Time.........................................................................................................................18
Duty Ratio..................................................................................................................... 18
Duty Cycle (%).............................................................................................................. 18
Pulse Repetition Interval............................................................................................... 18
Pulse Repetition Frequency (Hz).................................................................................. 19
Timestamp
The time stamp uniquely identifies each pulse in the capture buffer. It is defined as the
time from the capture start point to the beginning of the pulse period of the current
pulse. (As opposed to the pulse number, which is always relative to the start of the
detection range, see also "Detection range" on page 50).
Depending on the user-specified definition of the pulse period, the period begins with
the mid-level crossing of the current pulse's rising edge (period: high-to-low) or the
mid-level crossing of the previous pulse's falling edge (period low-to-high). See also
"Pulse Period" on page 65.
Note: For external triggers, the trigger point within the sample (TPIS) is considered in
the timestamp (see TRACe:IQ:TPISample? on page 314).
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:TSTamp? on page 340
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:TSTamp on page 277
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:TSTamp:LIMit? on page 366
Settling Time
The difference between the time at which the pulse exceeds the mid threshold on the
rising edge to the point where the pulse waveform remains within the pulse boundary
(ON Inner/ ON Outer)
See Figure 3-1
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:SETTling? on page 339
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:SETTling on page 277
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:SETTling:LIMit? on page 366
Rise Time
The time required for the pulse to transition from the base to the top level. This is the
difference between the time at which the pulse exceeds the lower and upper thresholds.
See Figure 3-1
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:RISE? on page 339
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:RISE on page 277
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:RISE:LIMit? on page 366
Fall Time
The time required for the pulse to transition from the top to the base level. This is the
difference between the time at which the pulse drops below the upper and lower
thresholds.
See Figure 3-1
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Measurements and result displays
Pulse parameters
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:FALL? on page 335
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:FALL on page 276
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:FALL:LIMit? on page 366
Pulse Width (ON Time)
The time that the pulse remains at the top level ("ON"). This is the time between the
first positive edge and the subsequent negative edge of the pulse in seconds, where
the edges occur at crossings of the mid threshold.
See Figure 3-1
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:PWIDth? on page 338
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:PWIDth on page 277
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:PWIDth:LIMit? on page 366
Off Time
The time that the pulse remains at the base level ("OFF"). This is the time between the
first negative edge and the subsequent positive edge of the pulse in seconds, where
the edges occur at crossings of the mid threshold.
See Figure 3-1
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:OFF? on page 335
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:OFF on page 276
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:OFF:LIMit? on page 366
Duty Ratio
The ratio of the "Pulse Width" to "Pulse Repetition Interval" expressed as a value
between 0 and 1 (requires at least two measured pulses)
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:DRATio? on page 334
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:DRATio on page 275
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:DRATio:LIMit? on page 366
Duty Cycle (%)
The ratio of the "Pulse Width" to "Pulse Repetition Interval" expressed as a percentage
(requires at least two measured pulses)
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:DCYCle? on page 333
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:DCYCle on page 275
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:DCYCle:LIMit? on page 366
Pulse Repetition Interval
The time between two consecutive edges of the same polarity in seconds (requires at
least two measured pulses). The user-specified definition of the pulse period
(see"Pulse Period" on page 65) determines whether this value is calculated from consecutive rising or falling edges.
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3.1.2 Power/amplitude parameters
Measurements and result displays
Pulse parameters
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:PRI? on page 337
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:PRI on page 276
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:PRI:LIMit? on page 366
Pulse Repetition Frequency (Hz)
The frequency of occurrence of pulses, i.e. inverse of the "Pulse Repetition Interval"
(requires at least two measured pulses)
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:PRF? on page 336
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:TIMing:PRF on page 276
[SENSe:]PULSe:TIMing:PRF:LIMit? on page 366
The following power/amplitude parameters can be determined by the R&S VSE Pulse
application.
Top Power..................................................................................................................... 19
Base Power...................................................................................................................19
Pulse Amplitude............................................................................................................ 20
In-Phase Amplitude/Quadrature Amplitude...................................................................20
Average ON Power....................................................................................................... 20
Average Tx Power.........................................................................................................20
Minimum Power............................................................................................................ 20
Peak Power...................................................................................................................21
Peak-to-Avg ON Power Ratio........................................................................................21
Peak-to-Average Tx Power Ratio..................................................................................21
Peak-to-Min Power Ratio.............................................................................................. 21
Droop............................................................................................................................ 21
Ripple............................................................................................................................22
Overshoot......................................................................................................................22
Power (at Point)............................................................................................................ 22
Pulse-to-Pulse Power Ratio.......................................................................................... 22
Top Power
The median pulse ON power. The value of this parameter is used as a reference
(100%) to determine other parameter values such as the rising / falling thresholds. Various algorithms are provided to determine the top power (see "Measurement Algo-
rithm" on page 92).
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:TOP? on page 331
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:TOP on page 275
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:TOP:LIMit? on page 366
Base Power
The median pulse OFF power. The value of this parameter is used as a reference (0%)
to determine other parameter values such as the rising / falling thresholds.
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Measurements and result displays
Pulse parameters
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:BASE? on page 321
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:BASE on page 271
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:BASE:LIMit? on page 365
Pulse Amplitude
The difference between the "Top Power" and the "Base Power", calculated in linear
power units (W). This value determines the 100% power range (amplitude). This value
is converted to dBm for the "Pulse Results" table.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude? on page 318
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:AMPLitude on page 270
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude:LIMit? on page 365
In-Phase Amplitude/Quadrature Amplitude
The pulse in-phase or quadrature amplitude as a voltage, measured at the measurement point of the pulse (see Chapter 5.8.2, "Measurement point", on page 93). Values
range from -10 mV to +10 mV.
Remote command:
Querying results:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude:I? on page 319
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude:Q? on page 320
Including results in result summary table:
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:AMPLitude:I on page 270
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:AMPLitude:Q on page 271
Querying limit check results:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude:I:LIMit? on page 365
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude:Q:LIMit? on page 365
Average ON Power
The average power during the pulse ON time
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:ON? on page 324
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:ON on page 272
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:ON:LIMit? on page 365
Average Tx Power
The average transmission power over the entire pulse ON + OFF time
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AVG? on page 321
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:AVG on page 271
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AVG:LIMit? on page 365
Minimum Power
The minimum power over the entire pulse ON + OFF time
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Measurements and result displays
Pulse parameters
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:MIN? on page 323
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:MIN on page 272
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:MIN:LIMit? on page 365
Peak Power
The maximum power over the entire pulse ON + OFF time
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:MAX? on page 322
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:MAX on page 271
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:MAX:LIMit? on page 365
Peak-to-Avg ON Power Ratio
The ratio of maximum to average power over the pulse ON time (also known as crest
factor)
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PON? on page 328
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:PON on page 273
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PON:LIMit? on page 366
Peak-to-Average Tx Power Ratio
The ratio of maximum to average power over the entire pulse ON + OFF interval.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PAVG? on page 326
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:PAVG on page 273
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PAVG:LIMit? on page 365
Peak-to-Min Power Ratio
The ratio of maximum to minimum power over the entire pulse ON + OFF time
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PMIN? on page 327
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:PMIN on page 273
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PMIN:LIMit? on page 365
Droop
The rate at which the pulse top level decays, calculated as the difference between the
power at the beginning of the pulse ON time and the power at the end of the pulse ON
time, divided by the pulse amplitude.
Droop values are only calculated if Pulse Has Droop is set to "On" (default ).
For more information see Chapter 4.1.1, "Amplitude droop", on page 46
Note: The percentage ratio values are calculated in %V if the "Measurement Level" is
defined in V (see "Reference Level Unit" on page 92), otherwise in %W.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:ADRoop:DB? on page 317
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:ADRoop[:PERCent]? on page 318
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:ADRoop:DB on page 269
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Pulse parameters
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:ADRoop[:PERCent] on page 270
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:ADRoop:DB:LIMit? on page 365
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:ADRoop[:PERCent]:LIMit? on page 365
Ripple
The ripple is calculated as the difference between the maximum and minimum deviation from the pulse top reference, within a user specified interval.
For more information see Chapter 4.1.2, "Ripple", on page 46
Note: The percentage ratio values are calculated in %V if the "Measurement Level" is
defined in V (see "Reference Level Unit" on page 92), otherwise in %W.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:RIPPle:DB? on page 330
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:RIPPle[:PERCent]? on page 331
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:RIPPle:DB on page 274
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:RIPPle[:PERCent] on page 274
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:RIPPle:DB:LIMit? on page 366
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:RIPPle[:PERCent]:LIMit? on page 366
Overshoot
The height of the local maximum after a rising edge, divided by the pulse amplitude.
For more information see Chapter 4.1.3, "Overshoot", on page 48.
Note: The percentage ratio values are calculated in %V if the "Measurement Level" is
defined in V (see "Reference Level Unit" on page 92), otherwise in %W.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:OVERshoot:DB? on page 324
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:OVERshoot[:PERCent]? on page 325
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:OVERshoot:DB on page 272
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:OVERshoot[:PERCent] on page 272
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:OVERshoot:DB:LIMit? on page 365
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:OVERshoot[:PERCent]:LIMit? on page 365
Power (at Point)
The power measured at the pulse "measurement point" specified by the Measurement
Point Reference and the "Offset" on page 95
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:POINt? on page 328
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:POINt on page 273
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:POINt:LIMit? on page 365
Pulse-to-Pulse Power Ratio
The ratio of the "Power" values from the first measured pulse to the current pulse.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PPRatio? on page 329
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:POWer:PPRatio on page 274
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:PPRatio:LIMit? on page 366
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3.1.3 Frequency parameters
Measurements and result displays
Pulse parameters
The following frequency parameters can be determined by the R&S VSE Pulse application.
Frequency..................................................................................................................... 23
Pulse-Pulse Frequency Difference................................................................................23
Frequency Error (RMS).................................................................................................23
Frequency Error (Peak).................................................................................................23
Frequency Deviation..................................................................................................... 24
Chirp Rate.....................................................................................................................24
Frequency
Frequency of the pulse measured at the defined Measurement point
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:POINt? on page 344
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:FREQuency:POINt on page 267
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:POINt:LIMit? on page 365
Pulse-Pulse Frequency Difference
Difference in frequency between the first measured pulse and the currently measured
pulse
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:PPFRequency? on page 345
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:FREQuency:PPFRequency on page 267
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:PPFRequency:LIMit? on page 365
Frequency Error (RMS)
The RMS frequency error of the currently measured pulse. The error is calculated relative to the given pulse modulation. It is not calculated at all for modulation type "Arbitrary". The error is calculated over the Measurement range.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:RERRor? on page 345
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:FREQuency:RERRor on page 267
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:RERRor:LIMit? on page 365
Frequency Error (Peak)
The peak frequency error of the currently measured pulse. The error is calculated relative to the given pulse modulation. It is not calculated at all for modulation type "Arbitrary". The error is calculated over the Measurement range.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:PERRor? on page 343
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:FREQuency:PERRor on page 267
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:PERRor:LIMit? on page 365
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Pulse parameters
Frequency Deviation
The frequency deviation of the currently measured pulse. The deviation is calculated
as the absolute difference between the maximum and minimum frequency values
within the Measurement range.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:DEViation? on page 342
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:FREQuency:DEViation on page 266
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:DEViation:LIMit? on page 365
Chirp Rate
A known frequency chirp rate (per μs) to be used for generating an ideal pulse waveform.
Note: a chirp rate is only available for the Pulse Modulation type "Linear FM".
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:CRATe? on page 342
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:FREQuency:CRATe on page 266
[SENSe:]PULSe:FREQuency:CRATe:LIMit? on page 365
3.1.4 Phase parameters
The following phase parameters can be determined by the R&S VSE Pulse application.
Phase............................................................................................................................24
Pulse-Pulse Phase Difference.......................................................................................24
Phase Error (RMS)........................................................................................................24
Phase Error (Peak)....................................................................................................... 25
Phase Deviation............................................................................................................25
Phase
Phase of the pulse measured at the defined Measurement point
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:POINt? on page 348
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:PHASe:POINt on page 268
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:POINt:LIMit? on page 365
Pulse-Pulse Phase Difference
Difference in phase between the first measured pulse and the currently measured
pulse
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:PPPHase? on page 349
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:PHASe:PPPHase on page 269
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:PPPHase:LIMit? on page 365
Phase Error (RMS)
The RMS phase error of the currently measured pulse. The error is calculated relative
to the given pulse modulation. It is not calculated at all for the Pulse Modulation type
"Arbitrary". The error is calculated over the Measurement range.
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Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:RERRor? on page 350
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:PHASe:RERRor on page 269
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:RERRor:LIMit? on page 365
Phase Error (Peak)
The peak phase error of the currently measured pulse. The error is calculated relative
to the given pulse modulation. It is not calculated at all for the Pulse Modulation type
"Arbitrary". The error is calculated over the Measurement range.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:PERRor? on page 348
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:PHASe:PERRor on page 268
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:PERRor:LIMit? on page 365
Phase Deviation
The phase deviation of the currently measured pulse. The deviation is calculated as
the absolute difference between the maximum and minimum phase values within the
Measurement range.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:DEViation? on page 347
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:PHASe:DEViation on page 268
[SENSe:]PULSe:PHASe:DEViation:LIMit? on page 365
3.1.5 Envelope model (cardinal data points) parameters
The pulse envelope model has the shape of a trapezoid of amplitude (V) versus time
(s) values. This model allows for a finite rise and fall time, as well as an amplitude
droop across the top of the pulse. During measurement of each pulse, the points of this
trapezoidal model are determined as the basis for further measurements. For example,
the rise and fall time amplitude thresholds or the "pulse top" duration are determined
from the parameters of the envelope model.
Figure 3-2: Envelope model parameters
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Pulse parameters
Each of these parameters has a time and an amplitude value. The time values are relative to the pulse timestamp and displayed in seconds. The amplitude values are displayed as power in dBm units.
You configure the desired high, mid and low thresholds for the rise and fall slopes relative to the base (0%) and top (100%) levels. See Chapter 5.8.1, "Measurement levels",
on page 90.
The power value of the rise base point and the fall base point is assumed to be equal
and is defined by the "Base Power" parameter found in the "Amplitude Parameters"
group of the table configuration (see "Base Power" on page 19).
Rise Base Point Time....................................................................................................26
Rise Low Point Time..................................................................................................... 26
Rise Mid Point Time......................................................................................................26
Rise High Point Time.....................................................................................................27
Rise Top Point Time......................................................................................................27
Rise Low Point Level.....................................................................................................27
Rise Mid Point Level..................................................................................................... 27
Rise High Point Level....................................................................................................27
Rise Top Point Level..................................................................................................... 27
Fall Base Point Time.....................................................................................................28
Fall Low Point Time.......................................................................................................28
Fall Mid Point Time........................................................................................................28
Fall High Point Time......................................................................................................28
Fall Top Point Time........................................................................................................28
Fall Low Point Level......................................................................................................28
Fall Mid Point Level.......................................................................................................28
Fall High Point Level..................................................................................................... 29
Fall Top Point Level.......................................................................................................29
Rise Base Point Time
The time the amplitude starts rising above 0 %.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RBPTime? on page 359
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RBPTime on page 263
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RBPTime:LIMit? on page 365
Rise Low Point Time
The time the amplitude reaches the Low (Proximal) Threshold in the rising edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RLPTime? on page 361
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RLPTime on page 264
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RLPTime:LIMit? on page 365
Rise Mid Point Time
The time the amplitude reaches the Mid (Mesial) Threshold in the rising edge.
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Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RMPTime? on page 363
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RMPTime on page 265
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RMPTime:LIMit? on page 365
Rise High Point Time
The time the amplitude reaches the High (Distal) Threshold in the rising edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RHPTime? on page 360
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RHPTime on page 264
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RHPTime:LIMit? on page 365
Rise Top Point Time
The time the amplitude reaches the 100 % level in the rising edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RTPTime? on page 364
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RTPTime on page 266
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RTPTime:LIMit? on page 365
Rise Low Point Level
The amplitude of the Low (Proximal) Threshold in the rising edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RLPLevel? on page 361
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RLPLevel on page 264
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RLPLevel:LIMit? on page 365
Rise Mid Point Level
The amplitude of the Mid (Mesial) Threshold in the rising edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RMPLevel? on page 362
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RMPLevel on page 265
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RMPLevel:LIMit? on page 365
Rise High Point Level
The amplitude of the High (Distal) Threshold in the rising edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RHPLevel? on page 359
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RHPLevel on page 264
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RHPLevel:LIMit? on page 365
Rise Top Point Level
The amplitude at 100 % in the rising edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RTPLevel? on page 363
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:RTPLevel on page 265
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:RTPLevel:LIMit? on page 365
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Pulse parameters
Fall Base Point Time
The time the amplitude reaches 0 % on the falling edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FBPTime? on page 353
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FBPTime on page 261
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FBPTime:LIMit? on page 365
Fall Low Point Time
The time the amplitude reaches the Low (Proximal) Threshold in the falling edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FLPTime? on page 355
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FLPTime on page 262
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FLPTime:LIMit? on page 365
Fall Mid Point Time
The time the amplitude reaches the Mid (Mesial) Threshold in the falling edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FMPTime? on page 357
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FMPTime on page 263
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FMPTime:LIMit? on page 365
Fall High Point Time
The time the amplitude reaches the High (Distal) Threshold in the falling edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FHPTime? on page 354
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FHPTime on page 262
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FHPTime:LIMit? on page 365
Fall Top Point Time
The time the amplitude falls below the 100 % level in the falling edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FTPTime? on page 358
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FTPTime on page 263
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FTPTime:LIMit? on page 365
Fall Low Point Level
The amplitude of the Low (Proximal) Threshold in the falling edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FLPLevel? on page 355
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FLPLevel on page 262
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FLPLevel:LIMit? on page 365
Fall Mid Point Level
The amplitude of the Mid (Mesial) Threshold in the falling edge.
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Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FMPLevel? on page 356
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FMPLevel on page 262
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FMPLevel:LIMit? on page 365
Fall High Point Level
The amplitude of the High (Distal) Threshold in the falling edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FHPLevel? on page 353
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FHPLevel on page 261
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FHPLevel:LIMit? on page 365
Fall Top Point Level
The amplitude at 100 % in the falling edge.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FTPLevel? on page 357
CALCulate<n>:TABLe:EMODel:FTPLevel on page 263
[SENSe:]PULSe:EMODel:FTPLevel:LIMit? on page 365
3.2 Evaluation methods for pulse measurements
The data that was measured by the R&S VSE Pulse application can be evaluated
using various different methods.
By default, the Pulse measurement results are displayed in the following windows:
●
"Magnitude Capture"
●
"Pulse Results"
●
"Pulse Frequency"
●
"Pulse Magnitude"
●
"Pulse Phase"
The following evaluation methods are available for Pulse measurements:
Magnitude Capture........................................................................................................30
Marker Table ................................................................................................................ 31
Parameter Distribution.................................................................................................. 31
Parameter Spectrum.....................................................................................................33
Parameter Trend...........................................................................................................33
Pulse Frequency........................................................................................................... 36
Pulse I and Q................................................................................................................ 36
Pulse Magnitude........................................................................................................... 37
Pulse Phase..................................................................................................................38
Pulse Phase (Wrapped)................................................................................................39
Pulse Results................................................................................................................ 39
Pulse-Pulse Spectrum...................................................................................................41
Pulse Statistics..............................................................................................................42
Result Range Spectrum................................................................................................43
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Magnitude Capture
Displays the captured data. Detected pulses are indicated by green bars along the xaxis. The currently selected pulse is highlighted in blue.
Additionally, the following parameters are indicated by horizontal lines in the diagram:
●
"Ref": the pulse detection reference level (see Chapter 5.8.1, "Measurement lev-
els", on page 90)
●
"Det": the pulse detection threshold (see "Threshold" on page 89)
●
"100 %": a fixed top power level (see "Fixed Value" on page 92)
You can drag the line in the diagram to change the top power level.
The detection range is indicated by vertical lines ("DR", see "Detection Range"
on page 89). You can drag the lines within the capture buffer to change the detection
range.
With option R&S VSE-K6A installed, the R&S VSE can display up to four measurement
channels simultaneously.
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Figure 3-3: Option R&S VSE-K6A
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,MCAP see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 215
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 304
Marker Table
Displays a table with the current marker values for the active markers.
This table is displayed automatically if configured accordingly.
Remote command:
LAY:ADD? '1',RIGH, MTAB, see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 215
Results:
CALCulate<n>:MARKer<m>:X on page 294
CALCulate<n>:MARKer<m>:Y? on page 371
Parameter Distribution
Plots a histogram of a particular parameter, i.e. all measured parameter values from
the current capture vs pulse count or occurrence in %. Thus you can determine how
often a particular parameter value occurs. For each "parameter distribution" window
you can configure a different parameter to be displayed.
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This evaluation method allows you to distinguish transient and stable effects in a specific parameter, such as a spurious frequency deviation or a fluctuation in power over
several pulses.
With option R&S VSE-K6A installed, the R&S VSE can display up to four measurement
channels simultaneously.
Figure 3-4: Option R&S
VSE-K6A
Note that averaging is not possible for "parameter distribution" traces.
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Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PDIS see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 215
Chapter 8.4.11.3, "Configuring a parameter distribution", on page 224
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 304
Parameter Spectrum
Calculates an FFT for a selected column of the "Pulse Results" table. This "spectrum"
allows you to easily determine the frequency of periodicities in the pulse parameters.
For example, the "Parameter Spectrum" for "Pulse Top Power" might display a peak at
a particular frequency, indicating incidental amplitude modulation of the amplifier output
due to the power supply.
The "Parameter Spectrum" is calculated by taking the magnitude of the FFT of the
selected parameter and normalizing the result to the largest peak. In order to calculate
the frequency axis the average PRI (pulse repetition interval) is taken to be the "sample rate" for the FFT. Note that in cases where the signal has a non-uniform or staggered PRI the frequency axis must therefore be interpreted with caution.
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PSP see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 215
Chapter 8.4.11.4, "Configuring a parameter spectrum", on page 230
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 304
Parameter Trend
Plots all measured parameter values from the current capture buffer (or detection
range, if enabled) vs pulse number or pulse timestamp. This is equivalent to plotting a
column of the "Pulse Results" table for the rows highlighted green. This evaluation
allows you to determine trends in a specific parameter, such as a frequency deviation
or a fluctuation in power over several pulses.
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The "parameter trend" evaluation can also be used for a more general scatter plot - the
parameters from the current capture buffer cannot only be displayed over time, but
also versus any other pulse parameter. For example, you can evaluate the rise time vs
fall time.
For each "parameter trend" window you can configure a different parameter to be displayed for both the x-axis and the y-axis, making this a very powerful and flexible
analysis tool.
Figure 3-5: Pulse rise time trend display (over pulse numbers)
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Figure 3-6: Top power vs frequency scatter plot
With option R&S VSE-K6A installed, the R&S VSE can display up to four measurement
channels simultaneously. The channels are displayed combined in one result display
with different colors for each channel.
Figure 3-7: Option R&S
VSE-K6A
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Note that averaging is not possible for "parameter trend" traces.
Note: Setting markers in "Parameter Trend" Displays. In "Parameter Trend" displays,
especially when the x-axis unit is not pulse number, positioning a marker by defining its
x-axis value can be very difficult or ambiguous. Thus, markers can be positioned by
defining the corresponding pulse number in the "Marker" edit field for all parameter
trend displays, regardless of the displayed x-axis parameter. The "Marker" edit field is
displayed when you select one of the "Marker" softkeys.
However, the position displayed in the marker information area or the marker table is
shown in the defined x-axis unit.
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PTR see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 215
Chapter 8.4.11.6, "Configuring a parameter trend", on page 239
Pulse Frequency
Displays the frequency trace of the selected pulse. The length and alignment of the
trace can be configured in the "Result Range" dialog box (see Chapter 6.1.2, "Result
range", on page 99).
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PFR see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 215
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 304
Pulse I and Q
Displays the magnitude of the I and Q components of the selected pulse versus time
as separate traces in one diagram. The length and alignment of the trace can be configured in the "Result Range" dialog box (see Chapter 6.1.2, "Result range",
on page 99).
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Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PIAQ see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 215
Results:
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude:I? on page 319
[SENSe:]PULSe:POWer:AMPLitude:Q? on page 320
Pulse Magnitude
Displays the magnitude vs. time trace of the selected pulse. The length and alignment
of the trace can be configured in the "Result Range" dialog box (see Chapter 6.1.2,
"Result range", on page 99).
With option R&S VSE-K6A installed, the R&S VSE can display up to four measurement
channels simultaneously. The channels are displayed combined in one result display
with different colors for each channel.
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Figure 3-8: Option R&S VSE-K6A
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PMAG see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 215
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 304
Pulse Phase
Displays the phase vs. time trace of the selected pulse. The length and alignment of
the trace can be configured in the "Result Range" dialog box (see Chapter 6.1.2,
"Result range", on page 99).
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Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PPH see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 215
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 304
Pulse Phase (Wrapped)
Displays the wrapped phase vs. time trace of the selected pulse. The length and alignment of the trace can be configured in the "Result Range" dialog box (see Chap-
ter 6.1.2, "Result range", on page 99).
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PPW see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 215
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 304
Pulse Results
Displays the measured pulse parameters in a table of results. Which parameters are
displayed can be configured in the "Result Configuration" (see Chapter 6.1, "Result
configuration", on page 98). The currently selected pulse is highlighted blue. The pul-
ses contained in the current capture buffer (or detection range, if enabled) are highlighted green. The number of detected pulses in the current capture buffer ("Curr") and the
entire measurement ("Total") is indicated in the title bar.
For multi-channel analysis with option R&S VSE-K6A , the “point in pulse” at which certain values are measured (see Measurement Point) is defined per pulse and is calculated separately for each channel. This means the time instant used to calculate a “point
in pulse” result may be different on each channel, if the pulses have some time offset
with each other across the different input channels. If the same time instant on each
channel should be used for the measurement of “point in pulse” values, this can be
achieved using the segmented capture mode and aligning the measurement point to
the trigger instant which is common to all channels (see Measurement Point Refer-
ence).
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With option R&S VSE-K6A installed, the R&S VSE can display up to four measurement
channels simultaneously. One value for the same pulse is displayed in each channel. If
no pulse was detected in a channel, "..." is displayed.
Figure 3-9: Option R&S
VSE-K6A
Limit check
Optionally, the measured results can be checked against defined limits (see Chap-
ter 6.1.6.2, "Limit settings for table displays", on page 111). The results of the limit
check are indicated in the Pulse Results table as follows:
Table 3-1: Limit check results in the result tables
Display color Limit check result
White No limit check active for this parameter
Green Limit check passed
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Display color Limit check result
Red, asterisk before Limit check failed; limit exceeds lower limit
Red, asterisk behind Limit check failed; limit exceeds upper limit
Note: The results of the limit check are for informational purposes only; special events
such as stopping the measurement are not available.
Note: Optionally, limit lines can be displayed in the Parameter Distribution and Param-
eter Trend diagrams. You can drag these lines to a new position in the window. The
new position is maintained, the limit check is repeated, and the results of the limit
check in any active table displays are adapted.
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PRES see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 215
Chapter 8.4.11.8, "Configuring the statistics and parameter tables", on page 259
Results:
Chapter 8.6.1.3, "Retrieving parameter results", on page 314
Number of pulses: [SENSe:]PULSe:COUNt? on page 311
Chapter 8.6.1.4, "Retrieving limit results", on page 365
Pulse-Pulse Spectrum
The pulse-to-pulse spectrum is basically a Parameter Spectrum, based on complex I/Q
data. The I and Q values for each pulse (taken at the Measurement Point Reference)
are integrated over all pulses to create a spectrum that consists of positive and negative frequencies. You cannot select a parameter for the spectrum. All other settings are
identical to the "parameter spectrum".
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The pulse-to-pulse spectrum is useful to analyze small frequency shifts which cannot
be detected within an individual pulse, for example Doppler effects.
Remote command:
LAY:ADD? '1',RIGH,PPSP, see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 215
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 304
Pulse Statistics
Displays statistical values (minimum, maximum, average, standard deviation) for the
measured pulse parameters in a table of results. The number of evaluated pulses is
also indicated. Both the current capture buffer data and the cumulated captured data
from a series of measurements are evaluated. The statistics calculated only from pulses within the current capture buffer (or detection range, if enabled) are highlighted
green. For reference, the measured parameters from the "Selected Pulse" are also
shown, highlighted blue. The displayed parameters are the same as in the "Pulse
Results" and can be configured in the "Result Configuration" (see Chapter 6.1, "Result
configuration", on page 98).
With option R&S VSE-K6A installed, the R&S VSE can display up to four measurement
channels simultaneously. In the pulse statistics result display, the values are displayed
for each channel seperately.
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Figure 3-10: Option R&S VSE-K6A
Note: Limit checks are also available for "Pulse Statistics"; see "Pulse Results"
on page 39.
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,PST see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 215
Chapter 8.4.11.8, "Configuring the statistics and parameter tables", on page 259
Results:
Chapter 8.6.1.3, "Retrieving parameter results", on page 314
[SENSe:]PULSe:<ParameterGroup>:<Parameter>:COUNt? on page 313
Chapter 8.6.1.4, "Retrieving limit results", on page 365
Result Range Spectrum
Calculates a power spectrum from the captured I/Q data, within the time interval
defined by the result range (see Chapter 6.1.2, "Result range", on page 99.
The "Result Range Spectrum" is calculated using a Welch periodogram, which involves
averaging the spectrum calculated by overlapping windows.
With option R&S VSE-K6A installed, the trace data from any selected channel is time
aligned to the pulse on the first measurement channel. This means that any timing differences between input channels are visible in the traces shown. It allows the user to
see how the pulses align to one another across input channels on a per sample basis.
The shape of the window used for the calculation can be specified. The length of the
window is calculated such that a specific resolution bandwidth is obtained.
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Figure 3-11: Option R&S VSE-K6A
Remote command:
LAY:ADD:WIND '2',RIGH,RRSP see LAYout:ADD[:WINDow]? on page 215
Results:
TRACe<n>[:DATA]? on page 304
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4.1 Parameter definitions
Measurement basics
Parameter definitions
4 Measurement basics
Some background knowledge on basic terms and principles used in pulse measurements is provided here for a better understanding of the required configuration settings.
● Parameter definitions.............................................................................................. 45
● Pulse detection........................................................................................................48
● Parameter spectrum calculation..............................................................................50
● Segmented data capturing......................................................................................53
● Trace evaluation......................................................................................................57
The pulse parameters to be measured are based primarily on the IEEE 181 Standard
181-2003. For detailed descriptions refer to the standard documentation ("IEEE Standard on Transitions, Pulses, and Related Waveforms", from the IEEE Instrumentation
and Measurement (I&M) Society, 7 July 2003).
The following definitions are used to determine the measured pulse power parameters:
Value Description
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
The magnitude in V corresponding to the pulse OFF level (base level)
0%
The magnitude in V corresponding to the pulse ON level (top level)
100%
The magnitude in V at the peak level occurring directly after the pulse rising edge (mid-level
Ov
crossing)
The magnitude in V of the reference model at the top of the rising edge (beginning of the pulse
rise
top)
The magnitude in V of the reference model at the top of the falling edge (end of the pulse top)
fall
The magnitude in V corresponding to the largest level above the reference model which occurs
rip+
within the ripple portion of the pulse top
The magnitude in V of the reference model at the point in time where L
top+
The magnitude in V corresponding to the lowest measured level below the reference model which
rip-
occurs within the ripple portion of the pulse top
The magnitude in V of the reference model at the point in time where L
top-
is measured
rip+
is measured
rip-
● Amplitude droop......................................................................................................46
● Ripple......................................................................................................................46
● Overshoot................................................................................................................48
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100 (%V) Droop
%0%100
LL
LL
fallrise
100 (%W) Droop
2
%0
2
%100
22
LL
LL
fallrise
fall
rise
L
L
10
log20 (dB) Droop
4.1.1 Amplitude droop
Measurement basics
Parameter definitions
The amplitude droop is calculated as the difference between the power at the beginning of the pulse ON time and the power at the end of the pulse ON time, divided by
the pulse amplitude:
Figure 4-1: Illustration of levels used to define the droop measurement
4.1.2 Ripple
The ripple is calculated as the difference between the maximum and minimum deviation from the pulse top reference, within a user specified interval.
The default behavior compensates for droop in the pulse top using the following formulae:
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100 (%V) Ripple
%0%100
LL
LLLL
riptoptoprip
100 (%W) Ripple
2
%0
2
%100
2222
LL
LLLL
riptoptoprip
222
%100
222
%100
10
log10 (dB) Ripple
riptop
toprip
LLL
LLL
100 (%V) Ripple
%0%100
LL
LL
ripri p
100 (%W) Ripple
2
%0
2
%100
22
LL
LL
riprip
rip
rip
L
L
10
log20 (dB) Ripple
Measurement basics
Parameter definitions
However, if Pulse Has Droop is set to "Off" or the 100 % Level Position is set to "Center", then the reference model has a flat pulse top and L
formulae are reduced to:
top+
= L
top-
= L
. Thus, the
100%
The following illustration indicates the levels used for calculation.
Figure 4-2: Illustration of levels used to define the ripple measurement.
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100 (%V)Overshoot
%0%100
%100
LL
LL
Ov
100 (%W)Overshoot
2
%0
2
%100
2
%100
2
LL
LL
Ov
%100
10
log20 (dB)Overshoot
L
L
Ov
4.1.3 Overshoot
Measurement basics
Pulse detection
The overshoot is defined as the height of the local maximum after a rising edge, divided by the pulse amplitude:
Figure 4-3: Illustration of levels used to define the overshoot measurement
4.2 Pulse detection
A pulsed input signal is a signal whose carrier power is modulated by two states: ON
and OFF. Basically, a pulse is detected when the input signal power exceeds a threshold, then falls below that threshold, or vice versa. Pulses that rise to and then remain at
a peak (positive) power level for a certain duration, and then fall again are referred to
as positive pulses. The opposite - falling to and remaining at a minimum (negative)
power level, then rising - is referred to as a negative pulse. The "ON" power level is
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Pulse detection
referred to as the top or 100% level, whereas the "OFF" level is referred to as the
base or 0% level.
Top
Base
Positive
pulse
A hysteresis can refine the detection process and avoid falsely interpreting unstable
signals as additional pulses. Optionally, detection can be restricted to a maximum number of pulses per capture process.
A top power level that is not constant is called an amplitude droop. Since the top level
is an important reference for several pulse parameters, take a droop into consideration
where possible. If a signal is known to have a droop, the reference level is not calculated as an average or median value over the ON time. Instead, it is calculated separately for the rising and falling edges.
The time it takes the signal power to rise from the base level to the top is called the
rise time.
The duration the signal power remains at the top level is considered the ON time,
which also defines the pulse width.
Base
Top
Negative
pulse
The time it takes the signal power to fall from the top to the base level is called the fall
time.
The duration the signal power remains at the base level is called the OFF time.
The pulse repetition interval (also known as pulse period) is defined as the duration
of one complete cycle consisting of:
●
The rise time
●
The ON time
●
The fall time
●
The OFF time
To avoid taking noise, ripples, or other signal instabilities into consideration, the absolute peak or minimum power values are not used to calculate these characteristic values. Instead, threshold values are defined.
See Chapter 3.1, "Pulse parameters", on page 15 for more precise definitions and an
illustration of how these values are calculated.
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Parameter spectrum calculation
Detection range
If the capture buffer contains a large number of pulses, it can be tedious to find a particular pulse for analysis. In this case, you can enable the use of a detection range
instead of the entire capture buffer for analysis.
A detection range determines which part of the capture buffer is analyzed. It is defined
by the Detection Start and the Detection Length. If disabled (default), the entire capture
buffer is used as the detection range.
The pulse numbers in the result displays are always relative to the current detection
range, that is: pulse number 1 is the first pulse within the detection range. If you
change the position of the detection range within the capture buffer, pulse number 1
can be a different pulse. All pulse-based results are automatically updated, if necessary. To navigate to a particular pulse in the capture buffer, use the pulse timestamps,
which are relative to the start of the capture buffer.
An active detection range is indicated by vertical lines ("DR") in the "Magnitude Capture" Buffer display. You can also change the detection range graphically by dragging
the vertical lines in the window.
4.3 Parameter spectrum calculation
When a signal is measured over time, it is possible to calculate the frequency spectrum
for the measured signal by performing an FFT on the measured data. Similarly, it is
possible to calculate a "spectrum" for a particular pulse parameter by performing an
FFT. This "spectrum" allows you to determine the frequency of periodicities in the pulse
parameters easily. For example, the "Parameter Spectrum" for "Pulse Top Power" can
display a peak at a particular frequency, indicating incidental amplitude modulation of
the amplifier output due to the power supply.
Basically, the "parameter spectrum" is calculated by taking the magnitude of the FFT of
the selected parameter and normalizing the result to the largest peak.
Frequency axis
When calculating a spectrum from a measured signal, the sample rate ensures a regular distance between two frequencies. To calculate the frequency axis for a "parameter
spectrum", the average PRI (pulse repetition interval) is taken to be the "sample rate"
for the FFT.
Interpolation
However, in cases where the signal has a non-uniform or staggered PRI the frequency
axis must be interpreted with caution. In cases where the pulses only occur in non-contiguous intervals, using the PRI no longer provides useful results. A good solution to
create equidistant samples for calculation is to "fill up" the intervals between pulses
with interpolated values. Based on the measured and interpolated values, the frequency axis can then be created.
The number of possible interpolation values is restricted to 100,000 by the R&S VSE
Pulse application . Thus, the resulting spectrum is limited. By default, the frequency
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Parameter spectrum calculation
span for the resulting spectrum is determined automatically. However, to improve the
accuracy (and performance) of the interpolation, the maximum required frequency
span can be restricted further manually.
Non-contiguous pulses - sections vs gaps
For the non-contiguous pulse measurements described above, interpolation in the long
intervals where no pulses occur distort the result. Therefore, time intervals without pulses are identified, referred to as gaps. The time intervals that contain pulses are also
identified, referred to as sections. Interpolation is then performed only on the sections,
whereas the gaps are ignored for the spectrum calculation.
A gap threshold ensures that pulses with large intervals are not split into multiple sections. A section threshold ensures that singular pulses within a long gap are not included in calculation.
Example: Non-contiguous pulse measurement
A typical measurement setup that results in non-contiguous pulses is a rotating radar
antenna scanning the air. For most of the time required for a single rotation, no pulses
are received. However, when an object comes within the scan area, several pulses are
detected within a short duration in time (identified as a section). When the object
leaves the scan area again, the pulses will stop, defining a gap until the next object is
detected.
Blocks
Spectrum calculation is then performed for the individual sections only. However, the
Fourier transformation is not performed on the entire section in one step. Each section
is split into blocks, which can overlap. An FFT is performed on each block to calculate
an individual result. The smaller the block size, the more individual results are calculated, and the more precise the final result. Thus, the block size determines the resolution bandwidth in the final spectrum. Note that while the block size can be defined
manually, the RBW cannot.
Window functions
Each block with its measured and interpolated values is multiplied with a specific window function. Windowing helps minimize the discontinuities at the end of the measured
signal interval and thus reduces the effect of spectral leakage, increasing the frequency resolution.
Various different window functions are provided in the R&S VSE Pulse application.
Each of the window functions has specific characteristics, including some advantages
and some trade-offs. Consider these characteristics carefully to find the optimum solution for the measurement task.
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1length
n4
cos
2
alpha
1length
n2
cos5.0
2
1alpha
)n(w
blackman
1length
2
cos1
5.0
alpha
Measurement basics
Parameter spectrum calculation
Table 4-1: FFT window functions
Window type Function
Rectangular The rectangular window function is in effect not a function at all, it maintains the original
sampled data. This can be useful to minimize the required bandwidth; however, heavy
sidelobes can occur, which do not exist in the original signal.
Hamming
Hann
Blackman
(default)
Bartlett
Averaging and final spectrum
After windowing, an FFT is performed on each block, and the individual spectrum
results are then combined to a total result by averaging the traces. The complete process to calculate a "parameter spectrum" is shown in Figure 4-4.
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Segmented data capturing
Figure 4-4: Calculating a parameter spectrum for non-contiguous pulses
4.4 Segmented data capturing
As described above, measuring pulses with a varying repetition interval is a common
task in the R&S VSE Pulse application. Pulses to be measured can have a relatively
short duration compared to the repetition interval (low duty cycle). Performing a measurement over a long time period can lead to large volumes of data with only minor
parts of it being relevant. Thus, a new segmented data capturing function has been
introduced. Using this function, the input signal is measured for the entire time span,
which can be very long; however, only user-defined segments of the data are actually
stored on the R&S VSE. Thus, much less data, and only relevant data, needs to be
analyzed. Analyzing pulses becomes much quicker and more efficient.
Although segmented data capturing is similar to the common gated trigger method for
data acquisition, there is a significant difference: absolute timing information is provided for the entire acquisition, in addition to the samples within the gating intervals. Fur-
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thermore, pretrigger information for the pulses within a segment is available, as
opposed to gates that are triggered by a rising or falling edge, and do not provide pretrigger data.
Trigger and trigger offset
A precondition for segmented data capturing is a trigger, as the segment definition is
based on the trigger event. A specified trigger offset is applied to each segment, thus
allowing for pretrigger data to be included in the segment. Furthermore, the length of
each segment (that is: the measurement time for an individual segment) must be
defined such that the longest expected pulse can be captured in one segment. Finally,
the number of trigger events for which data is to be captured can be defined.
Measurement time
If segmented capturing is active, the total measurement time is defined by the number
of trigger events and the segment length. Thus, the Measurement Time setting in the
"Data Acquisition" dialog box is not available.
A process indicator in the status bar shows the progress of the measurement if segmented capturing is used.
Alignment based on trigger event
Since segment definition is based on the trigger event, this event can also be used as
a reference point for the measurement point and result range definition (see Chap-
ter 5.8.2, "Measurement point", on page 93 and "Alignment" on page 100).
To align the measurement point to a trigger event on a per-pulse basis, the R&S VSE
Pulse application needs to associate one trigger event with each measured pulse. The
following rule applies to both power and external trigger sources:
●
Trigger source - rising slope: The pulse whose rising edge is closest to the trigger
event is associated
●
Trigger source - falling slope: The pulse whose falling edge is closest to the trigger
event is associated
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Figure 4-5: Measurement point aligned to trigger on falling edge
Number of events vs number of segments
Generally, the number of trigger events corresponds to the number of captured segments. However, sometimes, multiple trigger events can occur within a time interval
shorter than the specified segment length. Thus, the segments for the individual trigger
events overlap. In this case, the overlapping segments are merged together and the
number of segments is lower than the number of trigger events.
t1 t2 t3 t4
s1 s3s2
measurement time
Figure 4-6: Number of segments vs. number of trigger events
trigger events
captured
segments
Result displays for segmented data
The "Magnitude Capture" display provides an overview of the entire measurement.
However, for segmented data, the time span can be very long, whereas the relevant
signal segments can be relatively short. Thus, to improve clarity, the display is compressed to eliminate the gaps between the captured segments. The segment ranges
are indicated by vertical lines. Between two segments, the gap can be compressed in
the display. The time span indicated for the x-axis in the diagram footer is only up-todate when the measurement is completed. (See also "Magnitude Capture"
on page 30.)
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Markers "jump" over the gaps, but indicate the correct absolute time within the segments.
This compressed time-axis display is also used for the pulse-based results.
The result tables are identical for segmented or full data capture.
Timestamps vs. sample number
As mentioned above, timing information is available for the entire measurement span,
not only for the captured data segments. Thus, the absolute time that each segment
starts at is available as a timestamp. On the other hand, only the data samples within
the specified segments are actually stored. The samples are indexed. Thus, in addition
to the timestamps, the start of a segment can also be referenced by the index number
of the first sample in the segment. This is useful, for example, when retrieving the captured segment data in remote operation. (See also TRACe<n>:IQ:SCAPture:
BOUNdary? on page 197.)
Interface type for segmented capture
Using a "HiSLIP" interface type for the device connection is recommended when performing a segmented capture measurement, as it can improve the overall measurement speed.
For more information on how to select the interface type, see the R&S VSE Base Software User Manual.
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4.5 Trace evaluation
Measurement basics
Trace evaluation
Traces in graphical result displays based on the defined result range (see Chap-
ter 6.1.2, "Result range", on page 99) can be configured. For example, you can per-
form statistical evaluations over a defined number of measurements, pulses, or samples.
You can configure up to 6 individual traces for the following result displays (see Chap-
ter 6.1.2, "Result range", on page 99):
●
"Pulse Frequency" on page 36
●
"Pulse Magnitude" on page 37
●
"Pulse Phase" on page 38
●
"Pulse Phase (Wrapped)" on page 39
● Trace statistics........................................................................................................ 57
● Normalizing traces.................................................................................................. 58
4.5.1 Trace statistics
Each trace represents an analysis of the data measured in one result range. Statistical
evaluations can be performed over several traces, that is, result ranges. Which ranges
and how many are evaluated depends on the configuration settings.
Selected pulse vs all pulses
The "Capture Count" determines how many measurements are evaluated.
For each measurement, in turn, either the selected pulse only (that is: one result
range), or all detected pulses (that is: possibly several result ranges) can be included
in the statistical evaluation.
Thus, the overall number of averaging steps depends on the "Capture Count" and the
statistical evaluation mode.
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Figure 4-7: Trace statistics - number of averaging steps
4.5.2 Normalizing traces
For pulse results based on an individual pulse, sometimes, the absolute value is not of
interest. Instead, the relative offset of each point in the trace from a specific measurement point within the pulse, or from a reference pulse, is of interest.
Normalization based on a measurement point
In a standard trace for a pulse result display, the measured frequency, magnitude, or
phase value for each measurement point in the result range is displayed. If only the relative deviations within that pulse are of interest, you can subtract a fixed value from
each trace point. The fixed value is the value measured at a specified point in the
pulse. Thus, the trace value at the specified measurement point is always 0. This happens when a trace is normalized based on the measured pulse.
The measurement point used for normalization is the same point used to determine the
pulse parameter results, see Chapter 5.8.2, "Measurement point", on page 93.
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Figure 4-8: Normalization of the Pulse Phase trace based on the measured pulse
By default, the measurement point is the center of the pulse. However, this position
can be moved arbitrarily within the pulse by defining an offset.
If the measurement point is defined with an offset in time, the trace value does not
pass 0 at the measurement point. It passes 0 at the time of the measurement point +
the offset value.
Figure 4-9: Normalization of the Pulse Phase trace based on the measured pulse + 100
ns offset
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Trace evaluation
Normalization + averaging window
Together with an Averaging Window for the measurement point, normalization based
on the measured pulse can provide for a very stable pulse trace. However, the calculated average value does not always coincide with the measured trace point value. So in
this case, the maxhold, minhold or average traces do not necessarily pass 0 at the
measurement point.
Figure 4-10: Normalization based on the measured pulse with an average window
Normalization based on a reference pulse
Sometimes you are not interested in the deviations of the pulse results within a single
pulse, but rather in the deviations to a reference pulse. Then you can also base normalization on the measurement point of a specified reference pulse. In this case, the
trace value for the measurement point in the reference pulse is deducted from all trace
values in the measured pulse.
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Measurement basics
Trace evaluation
Figure 4-11: Normalization based on a reference pulse
Note that in this case, the value at the measurement point used to determine pulse
parameter results is also normalized. Thus, normalization based on a reference pulse
modifies the results in the Pulse Results and "Pulse Statistics" on page 42 tables! The
pulse parameter values in the pulse tables for the (normalized) reference pulse are
always 0.
However, as opposed to normalization based on a measured pulse, the pulse-to-pulse
deviations are maintained when normalized to a reference pulse.
The reference pulse can be defined as one of the following:
●
A fixed pulse number
●
The currently selected pulse
●
A previous (-n) or subsequent (+n) pulse, relative to the currently evaluated pulse
Normalization of pulse phase traces
Phase traces for an individual pulse can be normalized just like magnitude and frequency traces, as described above. However, you can also define a phase offset. In
this case, the pulses are not normalized to 0, but to the phase offset value. The phase
measured at a specified point in the reference or measured pulse, plus the phase off-
set, is subtracted from each trace point.
The phase offset for normalization is defined in the "Units" settings (see "Phase Nor-
malization" on page 115).
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Configuration
Configuration overview
5 Configuration
Pulse 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, "Menu reference", on page 379.
General R&S VSE functions
The application-independent functions for general tasks on the R&S VSE are also
available for Pulse measurements and are described in the R&S VSE Base Software
User Manual. In particular, this comprises the following functionality:
●
Controlling Instruments and Capturing I/Q Data
●
Data Management
●
General Software Preferences and Information
● Configuration overview............................................................................................62
● Signal description....................................................................................................64
● Input source settings...............................................................................................67
● Frontend settings.................................................................................................... 75
● Trigger settings....................................................................................................... 80
● Data acquisition.......................................................................................................85
● Pulse detection........................................................................................................87
● Pulse measurement settings...................................................................................90
● Automatic settings...................................................................................................97
5.1 Configuration overview
Access: "Meas Setup" > "Overview"
Throughout the measurement configuration, an overview of the most important currently defined settings is provided in the "Overview".
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Configuration
Configuration overview
In addition to the main measurement settings, the "Overview" provides quick access to
the main settings dialog boxes. Thus, you can easily configure an entire measurement
channel from input over processing to output and evaluation 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 5.2, "Signal description", on page 64
2. Input and Frontend Settings
See Chapter 5.3.1, "Radio frequency input", on page 67 and Chapter 5.4, "Fron-
tend settings", on page 75
3. (Optionally:) Trigger/Gate
See Chapter 5.5, "Trigger settings", on page 80
4. Data Acquisition
See Chapter 5.6, "Data acquisition", on page 85
5. Pulse Detection
See Chapter 5.7, "Pulse detection", on page 87
6. Pulse Measurement
See Chapter 5.8, "Pulse measurement settings", on page 90
7. Result Configuration
See Chapter 6.1, "Result configuration", on page 98
To configure settings
► Select any button in the "Overview" to open the corresponding dialog box.
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Configuration
Signal description
Select a setting in the channel bar (at the top of the measurement channel tab) to
change a specific setting.
Preset Channel............................................................................................................. 64
Specifics for ..................................................................................................................64
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 140
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.
5.2 Signal description
Access: "Overview" > "Signal Description"
Or: "Meas Setup" > "Signal Description"
The signal description provides information on the expected input signal, which optimizes pulse detection and measurement.
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Configuration
Signal description
Pulse Period..................................................................................................................65
Pulse Has Droop...........................................................................................................65
Pulse Modulation...........................................................................................................65
Timing Auto Mode.........................................................................................................65
Minimum Pulse Width................................................................................................... 66
Maximum Pulse Width.................................................................................................. 66
Min Pulse Off Time........................................................................................................66
Frequency Offset Auto Mode........................................................................................ 66
Frequency Offset Value.................................................................................................66
Chirp Rate Auto Mode...................................................................................................66
Chirp Rate.....................................................................................................................67
Pulse Period
Defines how a pulse is detected.
"High to Low"
"Low to High"
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:PERiod on page 143
The pulse period begins with the falling edge of the preceding pulse
and ends with the falling edge of the current pulse.
The pulse period begins with the rising edge of the current pulse and
end with the rising edge of the succeeding pulse.
Pulse Has Droop
If enabled, a pulse can be modeled as having amplitude droop, i.e. the pulse top may
not be flat.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:ADRoop on page 143
Pulse Modulation
Defines the expected pulse modulation:
"Arbitrary"
"CW"
"Linear FM"
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:MODulation on page 143
Timing Auto Mode
If enabled, the timing parameters (minimum pulse width, maximum pulse width, minimum pulse off time) are determined automatically from the current capture settings.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:DURation:AUTO on page 141
Modulation not considered (no phase error/frequency error results
available)
Continuous wave modulation, i.e. only the carrier power is modulated
(On/Off)
For CW modulation, additional parameters are available to define the
frequency offset.
Linear frequency modulation (FM) (The frequency changes linearly
over time within each pulse)
For linear pulse modulation, additional parameters are available to
define the chirp rate.
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Configuration
Signal description
Minimum Pulse Width
Defines a minimum pulse width; pulses outside this range are not detected. The available value range is restricted by the sample rate.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:DURation:MIN on page 141
Maximum Pulse Width
Defines a maximum pulse width; pulses outside this range are not detected. The available value range is restricted by the sample rate.
The analysis of a single pulse is limited to 1 million samples.
Table 5-1: Measurement example for 10 MHz and 1 GHz Meas BW, default oversampling factor for
Gauss filter is 4 and 1.25 for flat filter.
Meas BW Filter R&S VSE
10 MHz Gauss 25 ms
Flat 80 ms
1 GHz Gauss 250 µs
Flat 800 µs
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:DURation:MAX on page 141
Min Pulse Off Time
The minimum time the pulse is "off", i.e. the time between successive pulses. This
value is used to determine noise statistics and to reject short drops in amplitude during
pulse "on" time. The available value range is 50ns to 100s, but may be restricted further by the sample rate.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:DURation:OFF on page 141
Frequency Offset Auto Mode
If enabled, the frequency offset is estimated automatically for each individual pulse.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:FREQuency:OFFSet:AUTO on page 142
Frequency Offset Value
Defines a known frequency offset to be corrected in the pulse acquisition data.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:FREQuency:OFFSet on page 142
Chirp Rate Auto Mode
If enabled, the chirp rate is estimated automatically for each individual pulse.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:FREQuency:RATE:AUTO on page 142
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5.3 Input source settings
Configuration
Input source settings
Chirp Rate
Defines a known frequency chirp rate (in Hz/μs) to be used to generate an ideal pulse
waveform for computing frequency and phase error parameters. This value is assumed
constant for all measured pulses.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:FREQuency:RATE on page 142
Access: "Overview" > "Input/Frontend" > "Input Source"
Or: "Input & Output" > "Input Source"
The R&S VSE can control the input sources of the connected instruments.
With option R&S VSE-K6A installed, measurements on up to four channels of the
same input source can be executed simultaneously.
● Radio frequency input............................................................................................. 67
● I/Q file input.............................................................................................................73
5.3.1 Radio frequency input
Access: "Overview" > "Input/Frontend" > "Input Source" > "Radio Frequency"
Or: "Input & Output" > "Input Source" > "Radio Frequency"
The default input source for the connected instrument is "Radio Frequency". Depending on the connected instrument, different input parameters are available.
Figure 5-1: RF input source settings for an R&S FSW with B2000 option
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Configuration
Input source settings
If the Frequency Response Correction option (R&S VSE-K544) is installed, the R&S
VSE Pulse application also supports frequency response correction using Touchstone
(.snp) files or .fres files.
If option R&S VSE-K6A is installed, the R&S VSE Pulse application also supports individual frequency response correction for each measurement channel.
For details on user-defined frequency response correction, see the R&S VSE Base
Software User Manual.
Input Type (Instrument / File)........................................................................................68
Instrument..................................................................................................................... 68
Input 1 / Input 2............................................................................................................. 68
Input Coupling ..............................................................................................................69
Impedance ................................................................................................................... 69
Direct Path ................................................................................................................... 69
High Pass Filter 1 to 3 GHz ..........................................................................................70
YIG-Preselector ............................................................................................................70
Capture Mode............................................................................................................... 70
B2000 State.................................................................................................................. 71
Oscilloscope Sample Rate............................................................................................71
Oscilloscope Splitter Mode............................................................................................72
Oscilloscope IP Address............................................................................................... 72
Preselector State...........................................................................................................72
Preselector Mode..........................................................................................................72
10 dB Minimum Attenuation..........................................................................................73
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 151
INPut<ip>:SELect on page 150
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"
"Input2"
R&S FSW85: 1.00 mm RF input connector for frequencies up to
85 GHz (90 GHz with option R&S FSW-B90G)
R&S FSW85: 1.85 mm RF input connector for frequencies up to
67 GHz
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Configuration
Input source settings
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:TYPE on page 151
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).
For an active external frontend, input coupling is always 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 145
Impedance
For some measurements, the reference impedance for the measured levels of the connected instrument can be set to 50 Ω or 75 Ω.
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 147
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.
For an active external frontend, the direct path is always used automatically for frequencies close to zero.
"Auto"
"Off"
(Default) The direct path is used automatically for frequencies close
to zero.
The analog mixer path is always used.
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Configuration
Input source settings
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:DPATh on page 146
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 147
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.
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:FILTer:YIG[:STATe] on page 147
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).
With option R&S VSE-K6A installed and a multichannel measurement running, only
"Waveform" capture mode is supported.
"I/Q"
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.)
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Configuration
Input source settings
"Waveform"
"Auto"
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:RF:CAPMode on page 148
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&S FSW 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.
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).
Remote command:
SYSTem:COMMunicate:RDEVice:OSCilloscope[:STATe] on page 153
Oscilloscope Sample Rate
Determines the sample rate used by the connected oscilloscope.
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"
"40 GHz"
Remote command:
Input source R&S FSW via oscilloscope:
SYSTem:COMMunicate:RDEVice:OSCilloscope:SRATe on page 154
Input source oscilloscope waveform mode:
INPut<ip>:RF:CAPMode:WAVeform:SRATe on page 150
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
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)
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Configuration
Input source settings
Input source oscilloscope I/Q mode:
INPut<ip>:RF:CAPMode:IQ:SRATe on page 149
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 153
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.
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 153
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.
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:PRESelection[:STATe] on page 148
Preselector Mode
Selects the preselection filters to be applied to the measurement.
"Auto"
"Auto Wide"
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.
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Configuration
Input source settings
"Auto Narrow"
"Manual"
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:PRESelection:SET on page 148
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 145
Automatically applies the most suitable narrowband preselection filters 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.
5.3.2 I/Q file input
Access: "Overview" > "Input/Frontend" > "Input Source" > "I/Q File"
Or: "Input & Output" > "Input Source" > "I/Q File"
Loading a file via drag&drop
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.
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Configuration
Input source settings
If the Frequency Response Correction option (R&S VSE-K544) is installed, the R&S
VSE Pulse application also supports frequency response correction using Touchstone
(.snp) files or .fres files.
If option R&S VSE-K6A is installed, the R&S VSE Pulse application also supports individual frequency response correction for each measurement channel.
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)........................................................................................74
Input File....................................................................................................................... 74
Zero Padding.................................................................................................................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.
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 151
INPut<ip>:SELect on page 150
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.
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Configuration
Frontend settings
With option R&S VSE-K6A installed and option "Auto" selected in the input file dialog
box, all available measurement channels of the I/Q file are displayed simultaneously.
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.
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:FILE:ZPADing on page 146
5.4 Frontend settings
Access: "Overview" > "Input/Frontend"
The frequency and amplitude settings represent the "frontend" of the measurement
setup.
● Frequency settings..................................................................................................75
● Amplitude settings...................................................................................................77
5.4.1 Frequency settings
Access: "Overview" > "Input/Frontend" > "Frequency"
Or: "Input & Output" > "Frequency"
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Configuration
Frontend settings
Center Frequency ........................................................................................................ 76
Center Frequency Stepsize ..........................................................................................76
Frequency Offset ..........................................................................................................76
Center Frequency
Defines the center frequency of the signal in Hertz.
0 Hz ≤ f
f
and span
max
center
≤ f
max
depend on the instrument and are specified in the data sheet.
min
Note: For file input, you can shift the center frequency of the current measurement
compared to the stored measurement data. The maximum shift depends on the sample rate of the file data.
If the file does not provide the center frequency, it is assumed to be 0 Hz.
To ensure that the input data remains within the valid analysis bandwidth, define the
center frequency and the analysis bandwidth for the measurement such that the following applies:
Remote command:
[SENSe:]FREQuency:CENTer on page 181
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.
"= Center"
Sets the step size to the value of the center frequency. The used
value is indicated in the "Value" field.
"Manual"
Defines a fixed step size for the center frequency. Enter the step size
in the "Value" field.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]FREQuency:CENTer:STEP on page 181
Frequency Offset
Shifts the displayed frequency range along the x-axis by the defined offset.
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5.4.2 Amplitude settings
Configuration
Frontend settings
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 182
Access: "Overview" > "Input/Frontend" > "Amplitude"
Or: "Input & Output" > "Amplitude"
Amplitude settings affect the y-axis values.
Reference Level ...........................................................................................................77
└ Shifting the Display ( Offset ).......................................................................... 78
RF Attenuation.............................................................................................................. 78
└ Attenuation Mode / Value ...............................................................................78
Using Electronic Attenuation ........................................................................................79
Input Settings................................................................................................................ 79
└ Preamplifier ....................................................................................................79
└ Input Coupling ................................................................................................80
└ Impedance ..................................................................................................... 80
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.
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Frontend settings
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).
Note that for input from the External Mixer (R&S VSE-B21) the maximum reference
level also depends on the conversion loss; see the R&S VSE base software user manual for details.
For an active external frontend, the reference level refers to the RF input at the external frontend, not the levels at the RF input of the connected instrument. The hardware
is adjusted to the defined reference level optimally for input signals with a crest factor
of 10 dB. Thus, the required reference level for an optimal measurement can differ
depending on the crest factor of the input signal.
Remote command:
DISPlay[:WINDow<n>][:SUBWindow<w>]:TRACe<t>:Y[:SCALe]:
RLEVel<ant> on page 183
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 183
RF Attenuation
Defines the mechanical attenuation for RF input.
Attenuation Mode / Value ← RF 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.
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Frontend settings
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.
Remote command:
INPut<ip>:ATTenuation on page 185
INPut<ip>:ATTenuation:AUTO on page 185
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.
For an active external frontend, electronic attenuation is not available.
Note: Note that restrictions can apply concerning which frequencies electronic attenua-
tion 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 187
INPut<ip>:EATT:AUTO on page 186
INPut<ip>:EATT on page 186
Input Settings
Some input settings affect the measured amplitude of the signal, as well.
For details see Chapter 5.3.1, "Radio frequency input", on page 67.
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.
For an active external frontend, a preamplifier is not available.
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Trigger settings
"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 184
INPut<ip>:GAIN<ant>[:VALue] on page 184
Input Coupling ← Input Settings
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).
For an active external frontend, input coupling is always 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 145
Deactivates the preamplifier.
The RF input signal is amplified by about 15 dB.
The RF input signal is amplified by about 30 dB.
Impedance ← Input Settings
For some measurements, the reference impedance for the measured levels of the connected instrument can be set to 50 Ω or 75 Ω.
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 147
5.5 Trigger settings
Access: "Overview" > "Trigger" > "Trigger Source"
Or: "Input & Output" > "Trigger"
Trigger settings determine when the input signal is measured.
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Trigger settings
External triggers from one of the [TRIGGER INPUT/OUTPUT] connectors on the connected instrument are also available.
See the R&S VSE Base Software User Manual.
Trigger Source...............................................................................................................81
└ Free Run ........................................................................................................81
└ External Trigger / Trigger Channel X.............................................................. 82
└ I/Q Power .......................................................................................................82
└ IF Power .........................................................................................................82
└ RF Power .......................................................................................................82
└ Manual............................................................................................................ 83
Trigger Level ................................................................................................................ 83
Drop-Out Time ..............................................................................................................83
Trigger Offset ............................................................................................................... 83
Slope ............................................................................................................................84
Hysteresis .................................................................................................................... 84
Trigger Holdoff ..............................................................................................................84
Segmented Capture......................................................................................................84
└ Activating/de-activating segmented data capturing........................................ 85
└ Events.............................................................................................................85
└ Trigger Offset..................................................................................................85
└ Segment Length..............................................................................................85
Trigger Source
Defines 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: When triggering is activated, the squelch function is automatically disabled.
Remote command:
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:SOURce on page 192
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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Configuration
Trigger settings
Remote command:
TRIG:SOUR IMM, see TRIGger[:SEQuence]:SOURce on page 192
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
Remote command:
TRIG:SOUR EXT, TRIG:SOUR EXT2, TRIG:SOUR EXT3, TRIG:SOUR EXT4
See TRIGger[:SEQuence]:SOURce on page 192
I/Q Power ← Trigger 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 192
IF Power ← Trigger Source
The R&S VSE starts capturing data as soon as the trigger level is exceeded around
the third intermediate frequency.
(The third IF represents the center frequency.)
This trigger source is only available for RF input.
The available trigger levels depend on the RF attenuation and preamplification. A refer-
ence level offset, if defined, is also considered.
When using the optional 2 GHz bandwidth extension (R&S FSW-B2000) with an IF
power trigger, the IF power trigger corresponds to a "width" trigger on the oscilloscope,
with a negative polarity and the range "longer". Thus, data acquisition starts when both
of the following conditions apply to the signal fed into the CH1 input connector on the
oscilloscope:
●
The power level has remained below the specified trigger level for a duration longer than the drop-out time.
●
The power level then rises above the specified trigger level.
For details on available trigger levels and trigger bandwidths, see the data sheet.
Note: Be aware that in auto sweep type mode, due to a possible change in sweep
types, the trigger bandwidth can vary considerably for the same RBW setting.
Remote command:
TRIG:SOUR IFP, see TRIGger[:SEQuence]:SOURce on page 192
RF Power ← Trigger Source
Defines triggering of the measurement via signals which are outside the displayed
measurement range.
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Trigger settings
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 192
Manual ← Trigger Source
Only available for a connected R&S RTP:
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 192
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 189
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:LEVel:IQPower on page 190
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:LEVel[:EXTernal<port>] on page 189
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:LEVel:RFPower on page 191
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 188
Trigger Offset
Defines the time offset between the trigger event and the start of the measurement.
Offset > 0: Start of the measurement is delayed
Offset < 0: Measurement starts earlier (pretrigger)
Only possible for zero span (e.g. I/Q Analyzer application) and gated trigger switched off
Maximum allowed range limited by the measurement time:
Pretrigger
= measurement time
max
max
Tip: To determine the trigger point in the sample (for "External" or "IF Power" trigger
source), use the TRACe:IQ:TPISample? command.
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Trigger settings
(If supported by the connected instrument.)
Remote command:
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:HOLDoff[:TIME] on page 188
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.
When using the optional 2 GHz bandwidth extension (R&S FSW-B2000) with an IF
power trigger, only rising slopes can be detected.
Remote command:
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:SLOPe on page 192
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.
When using the optional 2 GHz bandwidth extension (R&S FSW-B2000) with an IF
power trigger, the hysteresis refers to the robust width trigger.
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 189
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:MAPower:HYSTeresis on page 191
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 188
TRIGger[:SEQuence]:MAPower:HOLDoff on page 190
Segmented Capture
Access: "Overview" > "Trigger" > "Segmented Capture"
Configures data capturing with a gating function, that is non-continuous data acquisition.
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Data acquisition
Segmented capture is only possible if an R&S RTO, R&S RTP or R&S FSW device is
connected, an external trigger or trigger channel <n> is used as trigger source and
"Waveform" capture mode is selected.
For details on segmented data capture and recommended settings see Chapter 4.4,
"Segmented data capturing", on page 53.
Activating/de-activating segmented data capturing ← Segmented Capture
If activated, data is captured for the specified duration before and after each trigger
event, for the specified number of trigger events. The signal data between these capture times is not stored in the capture buffer.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]SWEep:SCAPture[:STATe] on page 196
Events ← Segmented Capture
Specifies the number of trigger events for which data segments are to be captured. If
multiple events occur within one segment length, the segment is extended (see "Num-
ber of events vs number of segments" on page 55).
Remote command:
[SENSe:]SWEep:SCAPture:EVENts on page 196
Trigger Offset ← Segmented Capture
Defines an offset to the trigger event at which data capturing starts. For a negative offset, data capturing starts before the actual trigger event.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]SWEep:SCAPture:OFFSet[:TIME] on page 196
TRACe<n>:IQ:SCAPture:TSTamp:SSTart? on page 197
TRACe<n>:IQ:SCAPture:TSTamp:TRIGger? on page 199
Segment Length ← Segmented Capture
Defines a time period starting from the Trigger Offset in which data is captured. If multiple events occur within one segment length, the segment is extended (see "Number of
events vs number of segments" on page 55).
Remote command:
[SENSe:]SWEep:SCAPture:LENGth[:TIME] on page 196
5.6 Data acquisition
Access: "Overview" > "Data Acquisition" > "Acquisition"
Or: "Meas Setup" > "Data Acquisition" > "Acquisition" tab
You must define how much and how data is captured from the input signal.
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Configuration
Data acquisition
Filter type...................................................................................................................... 86
Measurement Bandwidth.............................................................................................. 86
Sample rate...................................................................................................................87
Measurement Time....................................................................................................... 87
Record length................................................................................................................87
Filter type
Defines the filter to be used for demodulation.
"Flat"
"Gauss"
Remote command:
[SENSe:]BWIDth:DEMod:TYPE on page 200
Measurement Bandwidth
The measurement bandwidth is defined by the used filter and the sample rate. Either a
flat or a Gauss filter are available. For information on supported sample rates and filter
bandwidths see the data sheet.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]BANDwidth:DEMod on page 199
Standard flat demodulation filter
Filter with optimized settling behavior (default)
Note: For Gaussian filters whose -3dB bandwidth is large compared
to the maximum I/Q bandwidth, the ideal Gaussian filter shape would
exceed the maximum I/Q bandwidth at its outer edges. Thus, the
actual filter only follows the ideal Gaussian filter shape in the inner
range of the set I/Q bandwidth. At a certain frequency offset it must
deviate from the ideal Gauss filter and drop off faster.
For details see Chapter D, "Effects of large gauss filters",
on page 390.
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Configuration
Pulse detection
Sample rate
The sample rate for I/Q data acquisition is indicated for reference only. It is calculated
from the defined measurement bandwidth and measurement time, or taken from the
I/Q data input file.
Measurement Time
Defines how long data is captured for analysis ("Meas Time"), or how many samples
are captured in each record ("Record Length").
The maximum measurement time in the R&S VSE Pulse application is limited only by
the available memory ("memory limit reached" message is shown in status bar). Note,
however, that increasing the measurement time (and thus reducing the available memory space) may restrict the number of measurement channels that can be activated
simultaneously on the R&S VSE.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]SWEep:TIME on page 201
Record length
The record length for I/Q data acquisition is indicated for reference only. It is calculated
from the defined measurement bandwidth and measurement time, or taken from the
I/Q data input file.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]RLENgth? on page 201
5.7 Pulse detection
Access: "Overview" > "Detection"
Or: "Meas Setup" > "Detection"
The pulse detection settings define the conditions under which a pulse is detected
within the input signal.
For multi-channel measurements using option R&S VSE-K6A the pulse detection is initially performed separately on each channel. However, the same number of pulses on
each input channel is expected. Therefore the total number of pulses analyzed is set to
the number of pulses detected on the first acquired channel. If more pulses are found
on channels other than the first, these are not included in the analysis. If fewer pulses
are found on other channels than the first, then no results ("…" in the table or blank
trace data) are shown for these channels, at positions where no pulse was detected.
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Configuration
Pulse detection
Reference Source......................................................................................................... 88
Threshold...................................................................................................................... 89
Hysteresis..................................................................................................................... 89
Detection Limit.............................................................................................................. 89
Maximum Pulse Count..................................................................................................89
Detection Range........................................................................................................... 89
Detection Start.............................................................................................................. 89
Detection Length...........................................................................................................90
Reference Source
Defines the level to be used as a reference for the pulse detection threshold.
"Reference"
"Peak"
"Noise"
"Absolute"
Remote command:
[SENSe:]DETect:REFerence on page 204
Current reference level
Peak level as measured over the entire capture data interval
Noise level determined from the current capture data according to the
Min Pulse Off Time parameter set in Signal description.
Absolute level defined by the Threshold
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Configuration
Pulse detection
Threshold
The threshold determines whether a pulse is detected or not. The top of a pulse must
exceed the threshold in order to be detected. The threshold is defined in dB in relation
to the defined reference, or as an absolute threshold in dBm.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]DETect:THReshold on page 204
Hysteresis
Defines a hysteresis for pulse detection in dB in relation to the defined threshold. As
long as the signal does not exceed the hysteresis, the next threshold crossing is
ignored.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]DETect:HYSTeresis on page 203
Detection Limit
Restricts the number of pulses to be detected. When the maximum number is exceeded, measurement is stopped for the current capture buffer. This limitation can be used
to speed up the measurement if only a small number of pulses is of interest.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]DETect:LIMit on page 202
Maximum Pulse Count
Defines the maximum number of pulses to be detected.
This limit is ignored if Detection Limit is disabled.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]DETect:LIMit:COUNt on page 202
Detection Range
Enables or disables the use of a detection range instead of the entire capture buffer for
analysis.
A detection range determines which part of the capture buffer is analyzed. It is defined
by the Detection Start and the Detection Length. An active detection range is indicated
in the "Magnitude Capture" Buffer display by vertical lines ("DR").
See also "Detection range" on page 50.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]DETect:RANGe on page 203
Detection Start
Defines the beginning of the detection range as the time in seconds from the capture
buffer start. You can also change the detection start graphically by dragging the left
vertical line ("DR") in the "Magnitude Capture" Buffer.
The pulse numbers in the result displays are always relative to the current detection
range, that is: pulse number 1 is the first pulse within the detection range in the capture
buffer. (Timestamps are in relation to the capture buffer start.)
Remote command:
[SENSe:]DETect:RANGe:STARt on page 204
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5.8 Pulse measurement settings
Configuration
Pulse measurement settings
Detection Length
Defines the length of the detection range as a time in seconds. You can also change
the detection length graphically by dragging one of the vertical lines ("DR") in the "Magnitude Capture" Buffer.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]DETect:RANGe:LENGth on page 203
Access: "Overview" > "Measurement"
The pulse measurement settings determine how much data is measured for each
pulse, in relation to defined levels, points, or ranges. Which definition is actually used
during measurement depends on the selected evaluation method.
● Measurement levels................................................................................................90
● Measurement point................................................................................................. 93
● Measurement range................................................................................................96
5.8.1 Measurement levels
Access: "Overview" > "Measurement" > "Meas Levels" tab
Or: "Meas Setup" > "Pulse Meas" > "Meas Levels"tab
Some measurements are performed depending on defined levels.
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Configuration
Pulse measurement settings
Position......................................................................................................................... 91
Measurement Algorithm................................................................................................92
Fixed Value....................................................................................................................92
Ripple Portion................................................................................................................92
Reference Level Unit.....................................................................................................92
High (Distal) Threshold................................................................................................. 92
Mid (Mesial) Threshold..................................................................................................93
Low (Proximal) Threshold............................................................................................. 93
Boundary.......................................................................................................................93
Position
Determines where the 100% value (from base to top) for the rise and fall time measurements is calculated.
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Configuration
Pulse measurement settings
This allows you to consider a "droop" in the pulse top during the pulse measurements.
If a droop is to be considered, the 100% value must be calculated separately for the
rising and falling edges.
"Edge"
"Center"
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:COMPensate:ADRoop on page 206
Measurement Algorithm
Defines the algorithm used to detect the pulse top level.
"Mean"
"Median"
"Fixed"
"Peak Power"
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:ALGorithm on page 205
The 100% value is measured separately for the rising and falling
edges.
The 100% value is measured at the pulse center and used for all
measurements.
The arithmetic average of the measured values
The level for which half the values lie above, the other half below in
the histogram
A Fixed Value is used.
Useful if some pulses do not reach the top level, but you want to
measure them nevertheless, while maintaining a specified top level.
The peak power is used to detect the pulse top level.
Fixed Value
Defines the value (in dBm) to be used by the "Fixed" measurement algorithm.
Note that if the fixed value is much higher than the actual pulse top level, pulse param-
eters cannot be measured ("---" indicated in the table results). In this case, reduce the
fixed power level or the High (Distal) Threshold used for rise/fall time measurements.
You can also change the fixed top power level graphically, by moving the "100 %" horizontal line in the "Magnitude Capture" Buffer display.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:TOP:FIXed on page 207
Ripple Portion
Defines the portion of the pulse top which is used to measure the ripple.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:RIPPle on page 206
Reference Level Unit
Defines the unit of the pulse amplitude values, i.e. whether magnitude (V) or power (W,
dBm) values are used to determine the threshold levels for fall and rise times.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:AMPLitude:UNIT on page 205
High (Distal) Threshold
The upper threshold in percent of the pulse amplitude used to signify the end of a rising or beginning of a falling signal level.
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Configuration
Pulse measurement settings
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:TRANsition:HREFerence on page 207
Mid (Mesial) Threshold
The middle threshold in percent of the pulse amplitude used to signify the mid-transition level between pulse states.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:TRANsition:REFerence on page 207
Low (Proximal) Threshold
The lower threshold in percent of the pulse amplitude used to signify the end of a falling or beginning of a rising signal level.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:TRANsition:LREFerence on page 207
Boundary
The boundary in percent of the pulse amplitude to either side of the pulse top (ON
state). Used to determine the settling time, for example. Once the signal remains within
the boundary, it is assumed to have settled.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:BOUNdary:TOP on page 206
5.8.2 Measurement point
Access: "Overview" > "Measurement" > "Meas Point" tab
Or: "Meas Setup" > "Pulse Meas" > "Meas Point" tab
Some specific pulse parameters, e.g. the phase or the frequency, are determined at a
specific time instant (measurement point) within the pulse. You can configure this point
based on a reference and offset value.
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Configuration
Pulse measurement settings
Measurement Point Reference..................................................................................... 94
Offset.............................................................................................................................95
Averaging Window........................................................................................................ 95
Reference for Pulse-Pulse Measurements................................................................... 95
Measurement Point Reference
Defines the reference which the Offset refers to.
With option R&S VSE-K6A installed, the measurement point is positioned individually
for each measurement channel according to the selected reference and not absolutely
time synchronous for all channels.
"Rise"
"Center"
"Fall"
"Trigger"
The measurement point is defined in reference to the rising edge
(mid-level crossing).
The measurement point is defined in reference to the center of the
pulse (equal distance from the rising and falling mid-level crossings).
The measurement point is defined in reference to the falling edge
(mid-level crossing).
The measurement point is defined in reference to the trigger event.
This setting is only available for segmented capture. Configure a trigger and activate segmented capture mode (see "Trigger Source"
on page 81 and "Activating/de-activating segmented data capturing"
on page 85).
For details see "Alignment based on trigger event" on page 54.
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R&S®VSE-K6
Configuration
Pulse measurement settings
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:INSTant:REFerence
on page 208
Offset
The time offset of the measurement point in reference to the pulse center or an edge,
depending on the Measurement Point Reference setting.
The "Offset" is indicated in the dialog box.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:INSTant on page 208
Averaging Window
Measurement point results are averaged over a window centered at the measurement
point. The length of the averaging window in seconds can be defined. A minimum
length of 1 sample is enforced internally.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:INSTant:AWINdow on page 208
Reference for Pulse-Pulse Measurements
Reference pulse on which relative pulse results are based (e.g. for traces normalized
to reference pulse, see Chapter 4.5.2, "Normalizing traces", on page 58).
"Fixed"
"Selected"
"Before Pulse"
"After Pulse"
A fixed pulse number
Relative results for the specified pulse number itself are not valid and
are indicated as "...".
The currently selected pulse (see Chapter 6.1.1, "Pulse selection",
on page 98)
Relative results for the selected pulse itself are not valid and are indicated as "...".
If you change the value for the reference pulse here, the Chap-
ter 6.1.1, "Pulse selection", on page 98 value is adapted accordingly,
and vice versa.
The nth pulse before the currently evaluated pulse, where n is the
specified number
No values are available for the first n pulses, as no valid reference
pulse is available. These results are indicated as "...".
For example, a value of 2 will use row 1 as the reference row for
Pulse-Pulse results for pulse number 3. In this case, pulse numbers 1
and 2 will not have a valid reference row and the Pulse-Pulse results
will be invalid for these rows.
The nth pulse after the currently evaluated pulse, where n is the
specified number
No values are available for the last n pulses, as no valid reference
pulse is available. These results are indicated as "...".
For example, a value of 2 will use row 5 as the reference row for
Pulse-Pulse results for pulse number 3. In this case, the last two
pulse rows will not have a valid reference row and the Pulse-Pulse
results will be invalid for these rows.
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5.8.3 Measurement range
Configuration
Pulse measurement settings
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:REFerence:POSition
on page 209
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:REFerence on page 209
Access: "Overview" > "Measurement" > "Meas Range" tab
Or: "Meas Setup" > "Pulse Meas" > "Meas Range"tab
Some measurements are performed over a range within the pulse, for example the
phase or frequency deviation. The measurement range is specified either by start and
end points relative to the rising and falling edges, or as a proportion of the pulse top.
Reference, Length, Offset.............................................................................................96
Reference, Length, Offset
Defines the reference for the measurement range definition. Depending on the
selected reference type, an additional setting is available to define the range.
"Center"
Defines a relative range around the center of the pulse. The range is
defined by its length in percent of the pulse top.
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Configuration
Automatic settings
"Edge"
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:ESTimation:REFerence
on page 211
Relative range (Center):
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:ESTimation:LENGth
on page 210
Absolute range (Edge):
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:ESTimation:OFFSet:LEFT
on page 210
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:ESTimation:OFFSet:RIGHt
on page 210
Defines the start and stop of the measurement range with respect to
the pulse edges. The range is defined by a time offset from the middle of the rising edge and a time offset from the middle of the falling
edge.
5.9 Automatic settings
Access: "Auto Set" toolbar
Some settings can be adjusted by the R&S VSE automatically according to the current
measurement settings.
Auto Scale Continuous (All).......................................................................................... 97
Auto Scale Once (All)....................................................................................................97
Auto Scale Continuous (All)
Automatically determines the optimal result range and reference level position for each
new measurement in all displayed diagrams (for graphical or pulse-based result dis-
plays only).
Remote command:
SENS:TRAC:MEAS:DEF:RRAN:AUTO ON, see [SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:
DEFine:RRANge:AUTO on page 223
DISP:TRAC:Y:SCAL:AUTO ON, see DISPlay[:WINDow<n>][:SUBWindow<n>]:
TRACe<t>:Y[:SCALe]:AUTO on page 283
Auto Scale Once (All)
Automatically determines the optimal result range and reference level position once for
the current measurement settings in all displayed diagrams and pulse-based result displays. All automatic scaling functions are then switched off.
Remote command:
SENS:TRAC:MEAS:DEF:RRAN:AUTO ONCE, see [SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:
DEFine:RRANge:AUTO on page 223
DISP:TRAC:Y:SCAL:AUTO ONCE, see DISPlay[:WINDow<n>][:
SUBWindow<n>]:TRACe<t>:Y[:SCALe]:AUTO on page 283
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6.1 Result configuration
Analysis
Result configuration
6 Analysis
After a Pulse measurement has been performed, you can analyze the results in various ways.
● Result configuration................................................................................................ 98
● Markers................................................................................................................. 115
● Trace configuration............................................................................................... 124
● Trace / data export configuration.......................................................................... 128
Access: "Overview" > "Result Configuration"
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-
ics for " on page 64).
● Pulse selection........................................................................................................98
● Result range............................................................................................................99
● Result range spectrum configuration.................................................................... 100
● Result range frequency configuration................................................................... 102
● Parameter configuration for result displays...........................................................102
● Table configuration................................................................................................108
● Y-Scaling............................................................................................................... 112
● Units...................................................................................................................... 114
6.1.1 Pulse selection
Access: "Meas Setup" > "Selected Pulse"
The pulse traces (frequency, magnitude and pulse vs. time) always display the trace
for one specific pulse, namely the currently selected pulse. The currently selected
pulse is highlighted blue in the "Pulse Results" and "Pulse Statistics" displays.
As soon as a new pulse is selected, all pulse-specific displays are automatically updated.
You can also select a pulse simply by clicking on it in the Pulse Results display.
The selected pulse (number) is relative to the currently defined detection range, if
enabled (see "Detection Range" on page 89). If you change the detection range within
the capture buffer, the selected pulse is adapted automatically, and all pulse-based
results are updated, if necessary.
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6.1.2 Result range
Analysis
Result configuration
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:PULSe:SELected on page 222
Access: "Overview" > "Result Configuration" > "Result Range" tab
Or: "Meas Setup" > "Result" > "Result Range" tab
The result range determines which data is displayed on the screen (see also "Mea-
surement range vs. result range vs. detection range" on page 15). This range applies
to the "pulse magnitude", frequency and phase vs time displays.
The range is defined by a reference point, alignment and the range length.
Automatic Range Scaling..............................................................................................99
Result Range Reference Point....................................................................................100
Offset...........................................................................................................................100
Alignment.................................................................................................................... 100
Length......................................................................................................................... 100
Automatic Range Scaling
Defines whether the result range length is determined automatically according to the
width of the selected pulse (see Chapter 6.1.1, "Pulse selection", on page 98).
Note: The result range is applied to all pulse-based result displays.
"OFF"
"ON"
"ONCE"
Switches automatic range scaling off
Switches automatic range scaling on
Executes automatic range scaling once and then switches it off
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Analysis
Result configuration
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:RRANge:AUTO on page 223
Result Range Reference Point
Defines the reference point for positioning the result range. The Offset is given with
respect to this value.
"Rise"
"Center"
"Fall"
"Trigger"
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:RRANge:REFerence on page 224
Offset
The offset in seconds from the pulse edge or center at which the result range reference
point occurs.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:RRANge:OFFSet on page 223
The result range is defined in reference to the rising edge.
The result range is defined in reference to the center of the pulse top.
The result range is defined in reference to the falling edge.
The result range is defined in reference to the trigger event.
This setting is only available for segmented capture. Configure a trigger and activate segmented capture mode (see "Segmented Capture"
on page 84).
Alignment
Defines the alignment of the result range in relation to the selected Result Range Ref-
erence Point.
With option R&S VSE-K6A installed, the R&S VSE always uses the first measurement
channel as a reference for the alignment. The same time window is cut out in every
channel and the same starting time is applied onto all channels.
"Left"
"Center"
"Right"
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:RRANge:ALIGnment on page 222
Length
Defines the length or duration of the result range.
Remote command:
[SENSe:]TRACe:MEASurement:DEFine:RRANge:LENGth on page 223
The result range starts at the pulse center or selected edge.
The result range is centered around the pulse center or selected
edge.
The result range ends at the pulse center or selected edge.
6.1.3 Result range spectrum configuration
Access: "Overview" > "Result Configuration" > "Result Range" tab > "Result Range
Spectrum" tab
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