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R&S® ZVA-Z75, -Z90, -Z110, -Z140, Z170, -Z220, -Z325, -Z500
Converters
Quick Start Guide
Quick Start Guide
1307.7039.62 ─ 10
(=7ÔWÌ)
Test & Measurement
Page 2
This Quick Start Guide describes the following converter types:
●
R&S® ZVA-Z75, Converter WR15, stock no. 1307.7400.02
●
R&S® ZVA-Z90, Converter WR12, stock no. 1322.3024.02
●
R&S® ZVA-Z110, Converter WR10, stock no. 1307.7000.03
●
R&S® ZVA-Z140, Converter WR08, stock no. 1307.7800.02
●
R&S® ZVA-Z170, Converter WR06, stock no. 1311.8707.02
●
R&S® ZVA-Z220, Converter WR05, stock no. 1307.8006.02
●
R&S® ZVA-Z325, Converter WR03, stock no. 1317.0514.02
●
R&S® ZVA-Z500, Converter WR02, stock no. 1317.0520.02
© 2015 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Mühldorfstr. 15, 81671 München, Germany
Phone: +49 89 41 29 - 0
Fax: +49 89 41 29 12 164
Email: [email protected]
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.
Throughout this guide R&S® is abbreviated as R&S.
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Contents
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3Quick Start Guide 1307.7039.62 ─ 10
Contents
1 Safety Instructions.................................................................................5
2 Preparing for Use...................................................................................6
2.1 Test Port Adapter (Waveguide Flange)....................................................................... 6
2.2 Output Power Adjusting Screw................................................................................... 7
2.3 Rear Panel......................................................................................................................8
2.4 Putting the Converter into Operation........................................................................10
2.5 Maintenance................................................................................................................ 17
2.6 Storing and Packing................................................................................................... 17
3 Basic Operation....................................................................................18
3.1 Required Equipment................................................................................................... 18
3.2 Measurement Principle...............................................................................................18
3.3 Activating the Frequency Converter Mode...............................................................19
3.4 Connecting the Frequency Converters.....................................................................20
3.5 Calibration................................................................................................................... 20
3.6 Measurement............................................................................................................... 22
3.7 Additional Information................................................................................................23
Index......................................................................................................24
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4Quick Start Guide 1307.7039.62 ─ 10
Page 5
Safety Instructions
R&S® ZVA-Z75, -Z90, -Z110, -Z140, -Z170, -Z220, -Z325, -Z500
5Quick Start Guide 1307.7039.62 ─ 10
1 Safety Instructions
This frequency converter has been designed and tested in accordance with the EC
Certificate of Conformity and has left the manufacturer’s plant in a condition fully complying with safety standards.
Risk of instrument damage
To prevent instrument damage make sure to read through and observe the following
safety instructions.
ESD protective measures
To protect the frequency converter against damage due to Electrostatic Discharge
(ESD) use the wrist strap and grounding cord supplied with the network analyzer and
connect yourself to the GND connector at the front panel of the analyzer. For details
refer to the Quick Start Guide of your analyzer.
Input powers RF IN and LO IN
The RF input power at the connectors RF IN and LO IN must not exceed the maximum
values quoted in the data sheet. The maximum values are below the maximum RF
source power of the network analyzer. The frequency converter mode ensures compatible source powers.
Before you connect your converter to the network analyzer, always activate the frequency converter mode using the Frequency Converter dialog (see chapter 3.3, "Acti-
vating the Frequency Converter Mode", on page 19) and select the proper converter
type and connecting diagram.
Protection of waveguide flanges
The waveguide flanges of the converter and of the test port adapters must be protected against mechanical damage. Furthermore the waveguides must be shielded from
dust.
Protect the waveguide flange of the converter by leaving a test port adapter mounted.
When the converter is not in use attach one of the included protective caps to the
adapter. Also attach protective caps to the second test port adapter. Avoid scratching
the contact surfaces of the waveguide flanges.
Avoid heavy shocks
Heavy shocks can damage inner parts of the instrument. Shock-proof packing should
therefore be used for storing or dispatching the frequency converter.
Opening the instrument
Do not open the instrument. The converter must be repaired at the manufacturer's
servicing department.
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6Quick Start Guide 1307.7039.62 ─ 10
2 Preparing for Use
This chapter gives an overview of the controls and connectors of the frequency converter and provides all information that is required to put the converter into operation
and connect external devices.
Chapter 3 provides an introduction to the operation of the frequency converter. For a
list of (additional) required equipment see chapter 3.1, "Required Equipment",
on page 18.
2.1 Test Port Adapter (Waveguide Flange)
The test port with a mounted test port adapter is located at the front of the instrument.
The device under test (DUT) has to be connected to the test port adapter.
Fig. 2-1: Front of the instrument R&S ZVA-Z500 (the other models are similar in design)
The precision waveguide flange of the test port adapter is equipped with two alignment
pins and two holes receiving the alignment pins of the DUT (see figure 2-2). Two additional holes in the middle allow to insert additional alignment pins (delivered with the
instrument). Additional pins should be used if the flange of the DUT also has holes for
receiving these pins and the accuracy of the connection shall be enhanced.
The converters R&S ZVA-Z140, R&S ZVA-Z170, R&S ZVA-Z220, R&S ZVA-Z325, and
R&S ZVA-Z500 are delivered with a standard test port adapter.
The R&S ZVA-Z110 converter is delivered with a standard adapter plus an alternative
adapter. The two adapters differ in the size of the holes receiving the alignment pins of
the flange of the DUT. The standard test port adapter has holes with a diameter of
Test Port Adapter (Waveguide Flange)
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1.565 mm at both ends. The alternative adapter has holes with a diameter of 1.605 mm
at the DUT side. The DUT side is marked by the label "HP/A", indicating that this side
is HP/Agilent compatible (i.e. supports thicker pins).
R&S ZVA-Z75 and R&S ZVA-Z90 converters are delivered with an HP/A compatible
adapter.
Fig. 2-2: Test port adapter of R&S ZVA-Z110
Risk of damaging waveguide flanges
The waveguide flanges of the converter and of the test port adapters must be protected against mechanical damage. Furthermore the waveguides must be shielded from
dust.
Protect the waveguide flange of the converter by leaving a test port adapter mounted.
When the converter is not in use attach one of the included protective caps to the
adapter. Also attach protective caps to the second test port adapter. Avoid scratching
the contact surfaces of the waveguide flanges.
2.2 Output Power Adjusting Screw
The output power of the converter can be adjusted via the network analyzer only for
the models ZVA-Z90 and ZVA-Z110. The converter models R&S ZVA-Z75, R&S ZVAZ140, R&S ZVA-Z170, R&S ZVA-Z220, R&S ZVA-Z325 and R&S ZVA-Z500 (and additionally R&S ZVA-Z110) comprise an output power adjusting screw on the top of the
converter housing. When the frequency converter mode is activated at the network
analyzer, the output power of the analyzer is set to a fixed value optimized for the
selected type of frequency converter. For the R&S ZVA-Z90 and R&S ZVA-Z110 the
R&S®ZVA Frequency Converter Leveling Tool can be applied for making full use of
these converters' ability to adjust test port output power via RF input power.
The screw at the top of the converter allows to adjust the output power of the waveguide test port. Turning the screw clockwise reduces the output power while turning the
screw counter-clockwise increases the output power. Adjusting the screw to 0 mm
results in minimum power while maximum power is reached at about 2 mm. If you accidentally unscrew the knob completely, simply screw it on again. If you readjust the
Output Power Adjusting Screw
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screw after calibration, the power calibration is still valid but the system error correction
has to be repeated.
2.3 Rear Panel
The rear panel of the frequency converter provides the connectors and control elements described below:
●
Standby Switch
●
Power Supply Connector
●
Fuse Holder
●
RF Connectors – Input
●
RF Connectors – Output
Fig. 2-3: Rear view of the frequency converter
2.3.1 Standby Switch
The standby toggle switch connects (ready state) or disconnects (standby state) the
internal modules of the frequency converter from the power supply.
A green light-emitting diode (LED) next to the switch indicates that the instrument is in
ready state. An orange LED further to the right indicates that the instrument is in
standby state. These LEDs are only lit when the converter is properly connected to the
power supply and the fuse of the instrument is intact.
Rear Panel
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Fig. 2-4: Standby switch and LEDs
2.3.2 Power Supply Connector
To supply the frequency converter with power, connect the external DC power supply
to the "9 V / MAX. 1.1 A" DC input (labeled "9 V / MAX. 1.6 A" on R&S ZVA-Z500 converters). For details see chapter 2.4.6, "Connecting the Converter to the DC Supply",
on page 15.
Always switch the instrument to standby state before removing the power supply.
Risk of instrument damage
The input voltage and current must not exceed the maximum values according to the
rear panel labeling or the data sheet.
Notice that the external DC power supply units of R&S ZVA-Z500 converters support
higher output powers. Always use the DC power supply delivered with your frequency
converter.
2.3.3 Fuse Holder
The power supply connector at the rear panel is protected by a fuse of type IEC60127
T1 L/H (IEC60127 T1.8 L/H on R&S ZVA-Z500 converters). For fuse replacement see
chapter 2.4.9, "Replacing Fuses", on page 16.
2.3.4 RF Connectors – Input
Two 3.5 mm input connectors:
●
RF IN (RF source signal input)
●
LO IN (local oscillator signal input)
For correct cabling please refer to chapter 2.4.5, "Connecting RF Cables",
on page 13.
Rear Panel
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Risk of instrument damage
The RF input power at the connectors RF IN and LO IN must not exceed the maximum
values quoted in the data sheet. The maximum values are below the maximum RF
source power of the network analyzer. The frequency converter mode ensures compatible source powers.
Before you connect your converter to the network analyzer, always activate the frequency converter mode using the Frequency Converter dialog (see chapter 3.3, "Acti-
vating the Frequency Converter Mode", on page 19) and select the proper converter
type and connecting diagram.
2.3.5 RF Connectors – Output
Two SMA connectors:
●
MEAS OUT (measurement signal output)
●
REF OUT (reference signal output)
For correct cabling please refer to chapter 2.4.5, "Connecting RF Cables",
on page 13.
2.4 Putting the Converter into Operation
This section describes the basic steps to be taken when setting up the frequency converter for the first time.
Risk of instrument damage
Before turning on the converter, please make sure that the following conditions are fulfilled:
●
Converter covers are in place and all fasteners are tightened.
●
Ventilation openings are unobstructed.
●
The converter is dry and shows no condensation.
Non-observance may cause damage to the converter!
2.4.1 Unpacking the Unit and Checking the Shipment
When your receive the converter, please take the following steps:
1. Unpack the converter and the other contents of the wooden shipping box.
Putting the Converter into Operation
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2. Check the shipment against the list of accessories to ensure that all items are
included.
3. Remove the protective cap from the test port adapter at the front of the instrument
and carefully inspect the frequency converter to make sure that it was not damaged during shipment.
Should the converter be damaged, immediately notify the forwarder who shipped the
converter to you and keep the container and packing material.
Equipment returned or sent in for repair should be packed in the original wooden box.
Risk of damaging waveguide flanges
The waveguide flanges of the converter and of the test port adapters must be protected against mechanical damage. Furthermore the waveguides must be shielded from
dust.
Protect the waveguide flange of the converter by leaving a test port adapter mounted.
When the converter is not in use attach one of the included protective caps to the
adapter. Also attach protective caps to the second test port adapter.
The wooden box should also be kept and used for storage of the instrument and the
accessories.
2.4.2 Setting up the Converter
The frequency converter is designed for use under laboratory conditions on a bench
top. The surface of the bench top should be flat. The converter must be used in horizontal position.
The general ambient conditions required at the operating site are as follows:
●
The ambient temperature must be in the ranges specified for operation and for
compliance with specifications (see data sheet).
●
All ventilation openings must be unobstructed.
Risk of instrument and DUT damage
To avoid damage of electronic components of the DUT and the frequency converter,
the operating site must be protected against electrostatic discharge (ESD).
To prevent ESD damage use the wrist strap and grounding cord supplied with the network analyzer and connect yourself to the GND connector at the front panel of the analyzer. For details refer to the Quick Start Guide of your analyzer.
Putting the Converter into Operation
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2.4.3 Adjusting the Feet of the Instrument
The instrument can be used with three or four feet attached to the bottom side. It is
recommended to use three feet: two in the front and one in the middle of the rear. In
most cases a suitable start setup for instrument alignment is as follows: Screw the front
feet into the instrument as far as possible and use the rear foot to align the instrument
parallel to the surface of the bench top. When you mount a DUT to two instruments
(see chapter 2.4.8, "Mounting a DUT", on page 16) use the feet for further alignment.
Fig. 2-5: Setup with three feet (left) and four feet (right)
2.4.4 Selecting and Mounting a Test Port Adapter
Depending on the instrument model one or two test port adapters are available (see
chapter 2.1, "Test Port Adapter (Waveguide Flange)", on page 6). Select the appropri-
ate adapter depending on the DUTs to be measured:
●
Standard adapter (R&S ZVA-Z110, R&S ZVA-Z140, R&S ZVA-Z170, R&S ZVAZ220, R&S ZVA-Z325, R&S ZVA-Z500):
Use this adapter if you want to measure DUTs with thin pins only.
●
HP/Agilent compatible adapter (R&S ZVA-Z75, R&S ZVA-Z90 and R&S ZVAZ110):
Use this adapter if you want to measure DUTs with thick pins.
DUTs with thin pins can also be connected to the HP/A adapter (useful if you have
both types of DUT). But the connection of DUTs with small pins is more accurate if the
standard adapter is used. The reduced alignment condition can typically be compensated using two additional pins above and below the waveguide cross-section.
Mount the selected adapter to the waveguide flange of the instrument using the delivered screws and the included hex ball driver. A tight and accurate connection is very
important to ensure precise calibration and measurement results.
Putting the Converter into Operation
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2.4.5 Connecting RF Cables
The connectors RF IN, LO IN, MEAS OUT and REF OUT have to be connected to the
NWA; LO IN can alternatively be connected to an external generator.
Risk of connector and cable damage
Tightening the cables too strongly may damage cables and connectors. Loose tightening may result in inaccurate measurement results.
Therefore always use an appropriate torque wrench, suitable for the type of connector.
Rohde & Schwarz offers an optional 5/16” torque wrench that fits for SMA, 3.5 mm,
2.92 mm and 1.85 mm connectors (order number 1328.8534.35). Similar wrenches are
available for other sizes of spanner, too. See ordering information in R&S ZVA-Z110
data sheet or product brochure.
Connecting the input connectors (RF IN, LO IN)
The type of cable required for connecting the input connectors depends on the type of
the network analyzer / external generator. Since the converter inputs are fitted with 3.5
mm female connectors, the cable should ideally have male connectors of the same
type (e.g. R&S ZV-Z193, order number 1306.4520.xx). Alternatively, 2.92 mm or SMA
male connectors are possible. These are mechanically compatible with 3.5 mm connectors while providing tolerable electrical mismatch (e.g. R&S ZV-Z195, order number
1306.4536.xx).
For a complete test setup for a 2-port transmission measurement - as shown in fig-
ure 2-6 - a cable length of about 1 m is recommended. For a setup with only one con-
verter shorter cables may be sufficient. Always use cables with low attenuation and
excellent phase stability.
Depending on the NWA model, additional 1.85 mm to 2.92 mm adapters may be
required to connect the cables.
1. Connect port 1 or port 2 of the analyzer to RF IN of the converter.
2. Connect port 3 or port 4 of the analyzer to LO IN of the converter.
For NWAs with 4 sources (R&S ZVA24 var. 28, R&S ZVA40 var. 48 or
R&S ZVA67), connect LO IN to port 4 only. For these NWA models, or in case an
external generator is used, a power splitter is required for a two-port converter
setup. If the outputs of the splitter are so close that two cables cannot be mounted
in parallel, additional angled adapters are required. This setup is shown in fig-
ure 2-7 below.
If a power splitter is used and the phases of S21 and S12 deviate or drift by equal
magnitude, but opposite sign, check the phase stability of the LO paths of both
converters.
The required adapters and splitters are offered as complementary adaption kits (see
"Adaption Kits R&S ZCAK" on page 14).
Putting the Converter into Operation
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Fig. 2-6: Test setup: 2-port transmission measurement for a NWA with two sources
Connecting the output connectors (MEAS OUT, REF OUT)
Suitable cables for connecting the output connectors to the network analyzer are included in the converter shipment. The connectors of these cables are labeled accordingly.
R&S ZVA50 and R&S ZVA67 require additional 1.85 mm to 2.92 mm adapters to connect the cables. These adapters are offered as complementary adaption kits (see
"Adaption Kits R&S ZCAK" on page 14).
1. Connect MEAS OUT of the converter to the NWA. Use the MEAS IN connector of
the NWA port that provides the RF source signal.
2. Connect REF OUT of the converter to the REF IN connector of the same NWA
port.
Fig. 2-7: Test setup: 2-port transmission measurement for a NWA with four sources
Adaption Kits R&S ZCAK
As explained in the previous sections, depending on the NWA model, additional adapters, power splitters and angled adapters may be required to connect the cables. Rohde
Putting the Converter into Operation
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& Schwarz offers three different adaption kits R&S ZCAK to meet the requirements of
different NWAs:
●
For the R&S ZVA24 var. 28 and the R&S ZVA40 var. 48 (NWAs with four sources),
Rohde & Schwarz offers the adaption kit R&S ZCAK Var. 24 (order number
1323.7746.24).
It includes a power splitter and two right angled SMA (m-m) adapters.
●
For the R&S ZVA50, Rohde & Schwarz offers the adaption kit R&S ZCAK Var. 50
(order number 1323.7746.50).
It includes four 1.85 mm (f) to 2.92 mm (m) adapters and four 1.85 mm (m) to 2.92
mm (f) adapters.
●
For the R&S ZVA67, Rohde & Schwarz offers the adaption kit R&S ZCAK Var. 67
(order number 1323.7746.67).
It includes a power splitter and two right angled SMA (m-m) adapters, three 1.85
mm (f) to 2.92 mm (m) adapters and four 1.85 mm (m) to 2.92 mm (f) adapters.
2.4.6 Connecting the Converter to the DC Supply
An external DC power supply and several plug adapters are provided with the instrument. Select the appropriate adapter and attach it to the power supply. To remove a
mounted adapter press the small button next to the adapter and push the adapter
away from the button.
Connect the power supply to the "9 V / MAX. 1.1 A" DC input on the rear panel (see
chapter 2.3.2, "Power Supply Connector", on page 9) and to a power outlet. The power
supply supports input AC voltages between 100 V and 240 V and frequencies between
47 Hz and 63 Hz.
A lit LED next to the standby switch indicates that the power supply operates appropriately. If neither of the two LEDs is lit, check the fuse of the instrument (see chap-
ter 2.4.9, "Replacing Fuses", on page 16).
R&S ZVA-Z500 converters
The external DC power supply units of R&S ZVA-Z500 converters support higher output powers; the DC input connector at the rear panel is labeled "9 V / MAX 1.6 A".
Always use the DC power supply delivered with your frequency converter.
2.4.7 Switching on the Instrument
The standby toggle switch is located at the rear panel (see chapter 2.3.1, "Standby
Switch", on page 8). To switch the instrument to ready state, press the key. The green
LED next to the switch must be lit now.
After switching the instrument to the ready state a warm-up time of one hour is
required to ensure accurate measurements. The instrument is only warmed-up in
ready state, not in standby state.
Putting the Converter into Operation
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2.4.8 Mounting a DUT
The DUT has to be mounted to the test port adapter at the front of the converter. Use
the included screws and hex ball driver. For higher precision, a torque-controlled hex
ball driver R&S ZV-Z1000 is available as an accessory (order number 1314.5467.02).
Rohde & Schwarz also offers a special angled hex ball driver R&S ZCAW (order number 1175.1960.00) that can advantageously be applied in the tight space between rear
side of the test port adapter flange and converter front side (see figure 2-8).
Fig. 2-8: Angled hex ball driver R&S ZCAW (accessory)
A tight and accurate connection is very important to ensure precise calibration and
measurement results. Depending on the type of waveguide flange of the DUT it may
be required to exchange the test port adapter (see chapter 2.4.4, "Selecting and
Mounting a Test Port Adapter", on page 12).
For a test setup involving two frequency converters connected to one DUT, converters
and DUT have to be aligned accurately, using the adjustable instrument feet. A bubble
level may help for proper alignment.
2.4.9 Replacing Fuses
The power supply connector at the rear panel is protected by a fuse of type IEC60127
T1 L/H (IEC60127 T1.8 L/H on R&S ZVA-Z500 converters). To replace the fuse open
the fuse holder by slightly turning the lid counter-clockwise, preferably using a small
coin. A replacement fuse is provided with the instrument.
Putting the Converter into Operation
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2.5 Maintenance
The frequency converter does not require any special maintenance. Make sure that the
air vents are not obstructed. The outside of the instrument is suitably cleaned using a
soft, line-free dust cloth.
Risk of instrument damage
Cleaning agents contain substances that may damage the instrument, e.g. solventcontaining cleaning agents may damage the front panel labeling or plastic parts.
Never use cleaning agents such as solvents (thinners, acetone etc.), acids, bases or
other substances.
For our support center address and a list of useful R&S contact addresses refer to the
pages at the beginning of this document.
2.6 Storing and Packing
The converter can be stored at the temperature range quoted in the data sheet. When
it is stored for a longer period of time the instrument should be protected against dust.
When the instrument is to be transported or dispatched, the original packing should be
used, particularly the protective cap and the wooden box (see also chapter 2.4.1,
"Unpacking the Unit and Checking the Shipment", on page 10).
Maintenance
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3 Basic Operation
This chapter describes the use of an R&S ZVA vector network analyzer and two R&S
ZVA-Z110 frequency converters for 2-port transmission measurements.
Measurements using other converter types are performed in an analogous way.
3.1 Required Equipment
Measurements with Frequency Converters can be carried out with the following equipment:
●
Vector network analyzer (NWA) R&S ZVA or R&S ZVT with an upper frequency
limit of 20 GHz or higher (R&S ZVT 20, R&S ZVA 24, R&S ZVA 40 ...).
The required firmware version depends on the frequency converter model:
– R&S ZVA-Z75: at least version V2.47
– R&S ZVA-Z90: at least version V3.30
– R&S ZVA-Z110: at least version V2.20
– R&S ZVA-Z140: at least version V2.71
– R&S ZVA-Z170: at least version V2.71
– R&S ZVA-Z220: at least version V2.72
– R&S ZVA-Z325: at least version V2.45
– R&S ZVA-Z500: at least version V2.80
●
Two NWA ports per Frequency Converter port.
Alternatively: One NWA port per Frequency Converter plus a common external
generator for the LO signals. The R&S SMF100A signal generator with suitable
options is recommended.
●
N Frequency Converters for an N-port measurement
●
Option R&S ZVA<n>-B16, "Direct Generator/Receiver Access" at each port
●
Option R&S ZVA-K8, "Converter Control"
●
a suitable set of calibration standards
3.2 Measurement Principle
The frequency converters use frequency multipliers to transform the RF source signal
from one of the network analyzer ports into a high-frequency stimulus signal. A second
signal (Local Oscillator, LO) is used for down-conversion of the reference and measurement channels. The LO signal can be provided either by a second analyzer port or
by an external generator.
The measurement involves the following steps:
1. Selection of the converter and test setup, activation of the converter mode
Required Equipment
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2. Connection of the frequency converters
3. Calibration using a suitable waveguide calibration kit
4. Connection of the DUT and measurement
3.3 Activating the Frequency Converter Mode
To activate the converter mode for a setup without external generator,
1. Click "System > System Config ..." and open the "Frequency Converter" tab of the
"System Configuration" dialog.
2. Select your converter "Type": R&S ZVA-Z75, R&S ZVA-Z90, R&S ZVA-Z110,
R&S ZVA-Z140, R&S ZVA-Z170, R&S ZVA-Z220, R&S ZVA-Z325, or R&S ZVAZ500.
3. Select a test setup with an analyzer port as external source, click "Apply" to activate the frequency converter mode and "Close".
Analyzer settings with active frequency converter
In frequency converter mode, the frequency and level settings of the network analyzer
are automatically set to be compatible with the selected frequency converters. "Low
Phase Noise" is enabled, Automatic Level Control (ALC) is disabled. The frequency
and levels of all ports are displayed in the "Port Configuration" dialog ("Channel >
Mode > Port Config …").
Activating the Frequency Converter Mode
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Basic Operation
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20Quick Start Guide 1307.7039.62 ─ 10
Fig. 3-1: Frequency Converter dialog (example: R&S ZVA-Z110)
3.4 Connecting the Frequency Converters
Each frequency converter must be connected to the analyzer, the power supply and
the DUT. Please refer to the following sections for details.
●
Analyzer ports: chapter 2.4.5, "Connecting RF Cables", on page 13
●
Power supply: chapter 2.4.6, "Connecting the Converter to the DC Supply",
on page 15
●
DUT (usually connected after calibration): chapter 2.4.8, "Mounting a DUT",
on page 16
3.5 Calibration
The R&S ZVA-Z90 and the latest variant of the R&S ZVA-Z110 (order number
1307.7000.03) allow for a variation of the output power by changing the input power.
With these converter types the "R&S ZVA Frequency Converter Leveling Tool" can be
applied for the linearization of output power in the frequency range of interest. See
documentation "Software Utility R&S ZVA frequency converter leveling tool. Getting
Started" for further details.
With other converter models, the output power can only be manually set using the
adjusting screw. This does not allow for a power flatness calibration. A power calibra-
Connecting the Frequency Converters
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21Quick Start Guide 1307.7039.62 ─ 10
tion of the reference receiver (a-wave) using an appropriate external power meter is
possible for all converters and recommended.
A source power calibration for a frequency converter requires an appropriate external
power meter, to be connected to the converter's waveguide flange; see chapter 2.1,
"Test Port Adapter (Waveguide Flange)", on page 6. Waveguide power meters are
configured in the ordinary way using the "System Configuration > External Power
Meters" tab.
To perform the source power calibration, proceed as follows:
1. Connect the waveguide power meter and open the "Channel > Calibration > Start
Power Cal > Source Power Cal" dialog.
2. Select your converter and source port from the "Source" pull-down list (e.g. "Conv
1" for a frequency converter connected to NWA port 1).
3. Click "Modify Settings" and ensure that both "Flatness Cal" and "Reference
Receiver Cal" are checked.
4. Set "Convergence Factor" in the "Source Power Cal Settings" subdialog to 0.3.
5. Start the calibration sweep.
If a precise flatness calibration over frequency and power is needed, use the R&S ZVA
Frequency Converter Levelling Tool (Free download from the R&S®ZVA-Z Millimeter-
Wave Converters site).
A receiver power calibration of the reference channel (a wave) is always possible if an
appropriate external power meter is available. With a calibrated reference receiver, all
measurement receivers (b waves) can also be power calibrated. This provides absolute power measurement capability for all wave quantities. Proceed as follows:
1. Ensure that the output power of the frequency converter is not attenuated; adjust
the adjusting screw (knurled knob) at the top of the converter to 2 mm.
2. Connect the waveguide power meter to the converter's waveguide flange and open
the "Channel > Calibration > Start Power Cal > Source Power Cal" dialog.
3. Click "Modify Settings" and disable "Flatness Cal", leaving "Reference Receiver
Cal" checked.
4. Start the calibration sweep via button "Take Cal Sweep". Wait until the "Finished"
message appears.
5. Disconnect the power meter and connect the measurement receiver instead. Then
open the "Channel > Calibration > Start Power Cal > Receiver Power Cal..." dialog.
6. Select the wave quantity to be calibrated and the source port that you have calibrated in steps 1...4.
7. Start the calibration sweep via button "Take Cal Sweep".
Calibration
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22Quick Start Guide 1307.7039.62 ─ 10
After the power calibration procedure a system error correction is recommended. Due
to the physical properties of the mm-waves and the waveguides, measurements with
frequency converters require a special calibration kit for system error correction.
Rohde & Schwarz offers kits for this purpose:
●
Calibration kit R&S ZV-WR15, for converter R&S ZVA-Z75
●
Calibration kit R&S ZV-WR12, for converter R&S ZVA-Z90
●
Calibration kit R&S ZV-WR10, for converter R&S ZVA-Z110
●
Calibration kit R&S ZV-WR08, for converter R&S ZVA-Z140
●
Calibration kit R&S ZV-WR06, for converter R&S ZVA-Z170
●
Calibration kit R&S ZV-WR05, for converter R&S ZVA-Z220
●
Calibration kit R&S ZV-WR03, for converter R&S ZVA-Z325
●
Calibration kit R&S ZV-WR02, for converter R&S ZVA-Z500
The standards in the calibration kit allow all one-port and two-port calibration types
supported by the network analyzer except TNA. Refer to the documentation of the calibration kit or the help system of your network analyzer for details.
3.6 Measurement
After power calibration and system error correction, the mm-wave measurement can
be performed like any other network analyzer measurement. The "Port Configuration"
settings (together with the "Stimulus" settings), determine the sweep range of the converted signals (i.e. the input and output frequencies at the DUT ports). All measured
quantities (S-parameters, wave quantities, ratios etc.) and other trace settings are
available.
The following restrictions hold for measurements with external frequency converters:
●
Power flatness calibration and power sweep are only available for the R&S ZVAZ90 and the latest variant of the R&S ZVA-Z110 (order number 1307.7000.03); for
these converter types, use the "Frequency Converter Leveling Tool" to linearize the
output power in the frequency range of interest.
●
In order to adjust the output power of other converter models (e.g. for measuring
wave quantities or testing compression effects), use the adjusting screw on top of
the converters (see chapter 2.2, "Output Power Adjusting Screw", on page 7). This
is also possible with the R&S ZVA-Z110.
The following example shows the transmission and reflection coefficients of a bandpass filter in the frequency range between 75 GHz and 110 GHz, which is covered by
the frequency converter R&S ZVA-Z110.
Measurement
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23Quick Start Guide 1307.7039.62 ─ 10
Fig. 3-2: Transmission and reflection of a bandpass filter measured with an R&S ZVA-Z110
Please note that the measurement results may be degraded if the setup is exposed to
an electromagnetic field at the R&S ZVA/ZVT receiver frequency (typically 279 MHz).
3.7 Additional Information
For a comprehensive description of the frequency converter mode including remote
control refer to the R&S ZVA/ZVT online help system or to the printable operating manual, which is available for download at http://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/zva.
Application notes related to the frequency converter are also available for download,
see http://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/zva-z.
The text book "Fundamentals of Vector Network Analysis" by Michael Hiebel is an
ideal complement for the information given in the user documentation. The book combines theoretical background and practical measurements on an R&S ZVA network
analyzer. In case of interest please contact your local R&S office.
Additional Information
Page 24
Index
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24Quick Start Guide 1307.7039.62 ─ 10
Index
A
Adjusting screw ................................................................... 7
B
Basic operation ................................................................. 18
C
Calibration ......................................................................... 20
D
DC power .......................................................................... 15
DUT ................................................................................... 16
F
Feet ................................................................................... 12
Frequency converter mode ............................................... 19
Fuse .................................................................................... 9
Fuses (replace) ................................................................. 16
I
Input powers ........................................................................ 9
Instrument setup ............................................................... 11
L
LO IN ................................................................................... 9
M
Maintenance ...................................................................... 17
MEAS OUT ....................................................................... 10
Measurement .................................................................... 22
Measurement principle ...................................................... 18
P
Power adjusting screw ........................................................ 7
Power calibration ............................................................... 20
Power on ........................................................................... 15
Power supply connector ...................................................... 9
Preparing for use ................................................................. 6
R
Rear panel ........................................................................... 8
REF OUT .......................................................................... 10
Replacing fuses ................................................................. 16
Required Equipment ......................................................... 18
RF connection ................................................................... 13
RF connector inputs ............................................................ 9
RF connector outputs ........................................................ 10
RF IN ................................................................................... 9
S
Standby switch .................................................................... 8
Storing the instrument ....................................................... 17
System Configuration ........................................................ 20
System error correction ..................................................... 22
T
Test port .............................................................................. 6
Test port adapter ........................................................... 6, 12
U
Unpacking ......................................................................... 10
W
Waveguide flange ............................................................... 6
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