Rohde&Schwarz SMW200A User manual

R&S®SMW-K553

Frontend Control

User Manual

1179424002

Version 07

(;ÝZX2)

This document describes the following software options:

●R&S®SMW-K553 Frontend Control (1414.6758.xx)

This manual describes firmware version FW 5.30.047.xx and later of the R&S®SMW200A.

Muehldorfstr. 15, 81671 Muenchen, Germany

Phone: +49 89 41 29 - 0

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.

All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

1179.4240.02 | Version 07 | R&S®SMW-K553

The following abbreviations are used throughout this manual: R&S®SMW200A is abbreviated as R&S SMW, R&S®FE is abbreviated

as R&S FE and R&S®FSV3000 and the R&S®FSVA3000 are abbreviated as R&S FSV/A. The license types 02/03/07/11/12/13/16

are abbreviated as xx.

Contents

R&S®SMW-K553

3User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

Contents

1 Welcome to the Frontend Control option............................................ 5

1.1 Key features...................................................................................................................5

1.2 Accessing the Frontend Control dialog......................................................................5

1.3 What's new.....................................................................................................................6

1.4 Documentation overview..............................................................................................6

1.4.1 Getting started manual....................................................................................................6

1.4.2 User manuals and help................................................................................................... 6

1.4.3 Tutorials...........................................................................................................................7

1.4.4 Service manual............................................................................................................... 7

1.4.5 Instrument security procedures.......................................................................................7

1.4.6 Printed safety instructions............................................................................................... 7

1.4.7 Data sheets and brochures............................................................................................. 7

1.4.8 Release notes and open source acknowledgment (OSA).............................................. 7

1.4.9 Application notes, application cards, white papers, etc...................................................8

1.4.10 Videos............................................................................................................................. 8

1.5 Scope............................................................................................................................. 8

1.6 Notes on screenshots...................................................................................................8

2 About the Frontend Control option.................................................... 10

2.1 Required options.........................................................................................................10

2.2 External frontend basics............................................................................................ 10

2.3 Test setup.....................................................................................................................11

3 Operating external frontends..............................................................13

3.1 Connecting external frontends.................................................................................. 13

3.2 Controlling external frontends...................................................................................17

3.3 Generating RF output signals....................................................................................27

3.4 Updating the firmware................................................................................................ 28

4 External frontend configuration and settings................................... 31

4.1 External RF settings................................................................................................... 31

4.2 RF frontend settings................................................................................................... 32

4.2.1 General settings............................................................................................................ 32

Contents

R&S®SMW-K553

4User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

4.2.2 Versions and options information.................................................................................. 36

4.2.3 Attenuator settings........................................................................................................ 37

4.2.4 Cable correction settings...............................................................................................38

4.2.5 Network settings............................................................................................................40

4.2.6 External devices settings.............................................................................................. 42

4.2.7 LO Config settings.........................................................................................................44

5 Troubleshooting Frontend Control.....................................................46

6 Remote control commands.................................................................48

6.1 SOURce:EFRontend subsystem................................................................................49

6.2 CALibration subsystem..............................................................................................64

List of commands................................................................................ 65

Index......................................................................................................66

Welcome to the Frontend Control option

R&S®SMW-K553

5User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

1 Welcome to the Frontend Control option

The R&S SMW-K553 option Frontend Control is a firmware application that allows you

to configure and calibrate external frontends connected to the R&S SMW.

This user manual contains a description of the functionality that the application pro-

vides, including remote control operation.

All functions not discussed in this manual are the same as in the base unit and are

described in the R&S SMW user manual. The latest version is available at:

www.rohde-schwarz.com/manual/SMW200A

Installation

You can find detailed installation instructions in the delivery of the option or in the

R&S SMW service manual.

1.1 Key features

The R&S SMW-K553 features:

●Configuring external frontends, including setting the output RF level and RF fre-

quency of the connected external frontend at R&S SMW taskbar

●Correcting frequency responses of the external frontend

●Correcting cable losses within the connecting cable between external frontend and

R&S SMW

1.2 Accessing the Frontend Control dialog

Accessing the functionality requires, that an external frontend is connected to the

R&S SMW. You need connections for control of the external frontend (LAN), for the ref-

erence signal and for the IF signal.

How to: Chapter 3, "Operating external frontends", on page 13

To open the dialog with Frontend Control settings

► Select one of the following in the block diagram:

● Click the "FE ..." icon to the right of the "RF A/RF B" block.

For example, the icon displays "FE44S" for an R&S FE44S connected to the

R&S SMW.

● Select "RF A/RF B" > "RF Frontend" > "Frontend Device".

A dialog box opens to configure external frontend settings.

Accessing the Frontend Control dialog

Welcome to the Frontend Control option

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6User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

To output the upconverted IF signal from the R&S SMW at the external frontend, select

"RF A/RF B > On".

1.3 What's new

This manual describes firmware version FW 5.30.047.xx and later of the

R&S®SMW200A.

Compared to the previous version, it provides the new information listed below:

●Added function local oscillator (LO) configuration, see

–"To connect multiple external frontends with coupled LO signal" on page 16

–"To configure LO settings with multiple external frontends" on page 26

–Chapter 4.2.7, "LO Config settings", on page 44

1.4 Documentation overview

This section provides an overview of the R&S SMW user documentation. Unless speci-

fied otherwise, you find the documents at:

www.rohde-schwarz.com/manual/smw200a

1.4.1 Getting started manual

Introduces the R&S SMW and describes how to set up and start working with the prod-

uct. Includes basic operations, typical measurement examples, and general informa-

tion, e.g. safety instructions, etc. A printed version is delivered with the instrument.

1.4.2 User manuals and help

Separate manuals for the base unit and the software options are provided for down-

load:

●Base unit manual

Contains the description of all instrument modes and functions. It also provides an

introduction to remote control, a complete description of the remote control com-

mands with programming examples, and information on maintenance, instrument

interfaces and error messages. Includes the contents of the getting started manual.

●Software option manual

Contains the description of the specific functions of an option. Basic information on

operating the R&S SMW is not included.

The contents of the user manuals are available as help in the R&S SMW. The help

offers quick, context-sensitive access to the complete information for the base unit and

the software options.

Documentation overview

Welcome to the Frontend Control option

R&S®SMW-K553

7User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

All user manuals are also available for download or for immediate display on the Inter-

net.

1.4.3 Tutorials

The R&S SMW provides interactive examples and demonstrations on operating the

instrument in form of tutorials. A set of tutorials is available directly on the instrument.

1.4.4 Service manual

Describes the performance test for checking compliance with rated specifications, firm-

ware update, troubleshooting, adjustments, installing options and maintenance.

The service manual is available for registered users on the global Rohde & Schwarz

information system (GLORIS):

https://gloris.rohde-schwarz.com

1.4.5 Instrument security procedures

Deals with security issues when working with the R&S SMW in secure areas. It is avail-

able for download on the internet.

1.4.6 Printed safety instructions

Provides safety information in many languages. The printed document is delivered with

the product.

1.4.7 Data sheets and brochures

The data sheet contains the technical specifications of the R&S SMW. It also lists the

options and their order numbers and optional accessories.

The brochure provides an overview of the instrument and deals with the specific char-

acteristics.

See www.rohde-schwarz.com/brochure-datasheet/smw200a

1.4.8 Release notes and open source acknowledgment (OSA)

The release notes list new features, improvements and known issues of the current

firmware version, and describe the firmware installation.

The software makes use of several valuable open source software packages. An open-

source acknowledgment document provides verbatim license texts of the used open

source software.

Documentation overview

Welcome to the Frontend Control option

R&S®SMW-K553

8User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

See www.rohde-schwarz.com/firmware/smw200a

1.4.9 Application notes, application cards, white papers, etc.

These documents deal with special applications or background information on particu-

lar topics.

See www.rohde-schwarz.com/application/smw200a and www.rohde-schwarz.com/

manual/smw200a

1.4.10 Videos

Find various videos on Rohde & Schwarz products and test and measurement topics

on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RohdeundSchwarz

On the menu bar, search for your product to find related videos.

Figure 1-1: Product search on YouTube

1.5 Scope

Tasks (in manual or remote operation) that are also performed in the base unit in the

same way are not described here.

In particular, it includes:

●Managing settings and data lists, like saving and loading settings, creating and

accessing data lists, or accessing files in a particular directory.

●Information on regular trigger, marker and clock signals and filter settings, if appro-

priate.

●General instrument configuration, such as checking the system configuration, con-

figuring networks and remote operation

●Using the common status registers

For a description of such tasks, see the R&S SMW user manual.

1.6 Notes on screenshots

When describing the functions of the product, we use sample screenshots. These

screenshots are meant to illustrate as many as possible of the provided functions and

Notes on screenshots

Welcome to the Frontend Control option

R&S®SMW-K553

9User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

possible interdependencies between parameters. The shown values may not represent

realistic usage scenarios.

The screenshots usually show a fully equipped product, that is: with all options instal-

led. Thus, some functions shown in the screenshots may not be available in your par-

ticular product configuration.

Notes on screenshots

About the Frontend Control option

R&S®SMW-K553

10User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

2 About the Frontend Control option

This chapter provides information on required options and basics for controlling exter-

nal frontends.

2.1 Required options

The equipment layout for external frontend operation includes:

●Standard or wideband baseband generator (R&S SMW-B10/-B9)

●Baseband main module (R&S SMW-B13/-B13T) or wideband baseband main mod-

ule (R&S SMW-B13XT)

●Frequency option:

For external Frontends R&S FE44S and R&S FE50DTR:

– RF A: R&S SMW-B106/B1006 or higher

– RF B: R&S SMW-B206/B2006 or higher

For external Frontend R&S FE170ST:

– RF A: R&S SMW-B120/1020 or higher

– RF B: R&S SMW-B220/2020 or higher

●Frontend control option R&S SMW-K553

For more information, see data sheet.

2.2 External frontend basics

Due to the physical dimensions of modern signal generators, long RF cables between

the DUT and the signal generator are often necessary in complex test setups. When

measuring high frequency signals, the long RF cable can lead to unwanted loss.

An external frontend with smaller physical dimensions allows for testing closer to the

DUT. The test signal is transferred (Tx mode) from the R&S SMW to the external fron-

tend on a lower intermediate frequency (IF). At the external frontend, the IF signal is

upconverted and further transerred to the DUT, for which loss does not have a major

effect.

Thus, the external frontend outsources the conversion of the IF input signal to the RF

output signal required for processing at the DUT. The external frontend upconverts the

low-frequency IF input signal to a higher frequency RF signal using its own internal

local oscillator (LO). For all subsequent signal generation steps in the R&S SMW, this

process is transparent.

Outsourcing has two main advantages:

●Extended frequency range:

External frontend basics

About the Frontend Control option

R&S®SMW-K553

11User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

The external frontend can process RF data in a higher frequency range than the

R&S SMW itself supports. For example, using an R&S FE44S external frontend

and R&S SMW, you can generate RF signals in a range of 24 GHz to 44 GHz.

●Minimized RF cable loss:

Difficult testing environments, long RF cables between the R&S SMW and the DUT

are no longer necessary. The external frontend, which is much smaller than the

R&S SMW, can be placed closer to the DUT using much shorter RF cables. The

required IF cable between the R&S SMW and the external frontend is not as vul-

nerable to distortion effects and power loss. Furthermore, since the IF cable is usu-

ally part of the fixed setup, any existing frequency response can be calculated in

advance. The R&S SMW can then adapt signal generation automatically.

A typical application is a test involving a DUT placed in an RF shield box, see "OTA

microwave test setup" on page 11. The external frontend is connected directly to the

RF shield box, while the R&S SMW and R&S FSV/A are placed in a measurement rack

elsewhere in the laboratory.

2.3 Test setup

The R&S SMW supports the following external frontend types:

●R&S FE44S

●R&S FE50DTR

●R&S FE170ST

For details, see the data sheet of the R&S SMW.

OTA microwave test setup

You can use an external frontend, e.g., for over-the-air (OTA) microwave testing. Fig-

ure 2-1 illustrates an example of a test setup including a vector signal generator, an

external frontend, a DUT inside an RF shield box and a vector signal analyzer.

The signal generator provides the IF signal and the reference signal to the external

frontend. The signal analyzer can also provide the reference signal. All instruments are

connected to the same LAN. The signal generator or signal analyzer control the exter-

nal frontend via LAN using a secure sockets layer (SSL) connection, see "Frontend

control connection" on page 12

The external frontend up-converts the IF signal from the signal generator and transmits

the RF signal to the DUT (Tx mode). The DUT receives the RF signal and responds by

transmitting an RF signal to the external frontend. The frontend down-converts the RF

signal to an IF signal and transmits the IF signal to the signal analyzer (RX mode).

Test setup

About the Frontend Control option

R&S®SMW-K553

12User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

Vector signal

analyzer

Vector signal

generator

RF

Ref Out

RF

LAN

IF In

Ref

IF Out

IF Out A

LAN

IF In B

RF A

RF B

Ref In

LAN LAN

LAN

DUT

RF shield box

RF Out

RF In

R&S

FE50DTR

Rx mode

Tx mode

Figure 2-1: Typical setup using an external frontend

Frontend control connection

You can control an external frontend via LAN by one control instrument, that exclu-

sively controls the external frontend. Using an SSL connection, the control instrument

sends commands to the external frontend to perform the following actions:

●To lock the external frontend

●To unlock the external frontend for frontend control by another instrument

●To set network settings of the external frontend

●To read out the IF frequency

●To set and read out the frequency bands

●To calibrate the external frontend

●To check and update the frontend firmware

●To set the frontend frequency and level

Some test setups require that more than one instrument controls the external frontend

during test execution. R&S FE50DTR-type external frontend has two channels that are

an Rx and a Tx signal path. Both channels use the same internal LO and thus both

signal paths operate on the same frequency.

You can connect up to two instruments to one frontend, e.g a R&S SMW and a spec-

trum analyzer. If one instrument locks the frontend, the second instrument is still acces-

sible.

Once two locks of the SSL connection are established, the external frontend is not

accessible by other instruments in the LAN via this path. When an external frontend is

locked, the LAN LED on the front panel is orange.

For details on setting up and operating external frontends, see Chapter 3, "Operating

external frontends", on page 13.

Test setup

Operating external frontends

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13User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

3 Operating external frontends

This chapter provides an overview on step-by-step instructions related to connecting

and configuring external frontends.

It includes the following:

●Connecting external frontends................................................................................ 13

●Controlling external frontends................................................................................. 17

●Generating RF output signals................................................................................. 27

●Updating the firmware.............................................................................................28

3.1 Connecting external frontends

This chapter provides step-by-step descriptions for connecting external frontends. Con-

necting procedures for relevant connector types are summarized for the R&S FE44S

as an example. Connecting to these connector types is analogous for all other external

frontends. The step-by-step descriptions cover the following topics:

●"To connect an R&S FE44S" on page 13

●"To connect an R&S FE50DTR" on page 15

●"To connect an R&S FE170ST" on page 15

●"To connect multiple external frontends with coupled LO signal" on page 16

To connect an R&S FE44S

The following procedure describes how to connect the R&S SMW to an R&S FE44S

using the "RF A" connector as IF signal output. The R&S FE44S and R&S SMW are

switched on and connected to power.

1. NOTICE! Cable selection. Use all cables delivered with the frontend. Other con-

nections can require additional cables.

For the IF connection, use the cable IF Connecting Cable Ext. FE as delivered with

the external frontend. The cable is available under order number 1347.7552.00.

For the reference signal connection and the LAN connection, use high-quality

cables.

See "Cable selection and electromagnetic interference (EMI)" in the R&S SMW

Getting Started.

2. NOTICE! Risk of SMA connector damage and cable damage. Excessive tightening

can damage the connecting cable, the SMA connectors and components inside the

R&S SMW.

Connect the "RF A" connector of the R&S SMW with the "IF In" connector of the

R&S FE44S.

See also section "Connecting to RF" in the R&S SMW user manual.

3. Connect the "LAN" connector with the "LAN" connector of the R&S FE44S.

See also section "Connecting to LAN" in the R&S SMW user manual.

Connecting external frontends

Operating external frontends

R&S®SMW-K553

14User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

4. Check if the hostname (1), IP address (2), subnet mask (3) and gateway address

(4) of the R&S FE44S are correct.

Once connected to LAN, the electronic label on the right side panel of the

R&S FE44S displays these network parameters:

<x> <xxxxxx> 1

2

4

3

For more information, see chapter "Electronic label" in the manual of the external

frontend.

5. Connect the "REF OUT" connector of the R&S SMW with the "Ref In" connector of

the R&S FE44S.

At the R&S SMW, you have two options:

● For 10 MHz reference frequency, use the BNC connector.

● For 1 GHz reference frequency, use the SMA connector.

See also section "Connecting to Ref In/Ref Out" in the R&S SMW user manual.

Table 3-4 and Figure 3-1 provide an overview on connections and a test setup.

Table 3-1: R&S

SMW and R&S

FE44S connections

Signal R&S SMW R&S FE44S

Reference Connector: "REF OUT"

Frequency: 1 GHz, 10 MHz

"Ref In"

LAN (Control) "LAN" "LAN"

IF In "RF A"/"RF B" "IF In"

RF Out - "RF In/Out"

DUT

RF shield box

Vector signal

generator

RF

Ref Out Ref

LAN

IF In RF Out

Ref In

LAN RF Out

R&S

FE44S

LAN

IF In

Figure 3-1: Test setup with R&S

FE44S in Tx mode: R&S

SMW, R&S

FE44S and RF shield box

Vector signal generator = R&S SMW

Note, that the R&S FE44S can input (Rx mode) or output (Tx mode) one RF signal at a

time. For analyzing the input RF signal from the DUT, the R&S FE44S downconverts

the signal. Also, the R&S FE44S routes the resulting IF output signal to the signal ana-

lyzer. During RF signal analysis, the R&S FE44S does not process the IF input signal

from the R&S SMW.

Connecting external frontends

Operating external frontends

R&S®SMW-K553

15User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

For a more general test setup, see "OTA microwave test setup" on page 11.

To connect an R&S FE50DTR

The R&S FE50DTR and R&S SMW are switched on and connected to power. At the

R&S FE50DTR, you connect the IF input signal from the R&S SMW, to the "IF In A" or

"IF In B" connector.

► To connect an R&S FE50DTR with the R&S SMW, follow the instructions described

in section "To connect an R&S FE44S" on page 13.

Table 3-4 and Figure 3-2 provide an overview on connections and a test setup.

Table 3-2: R&S

SMW and R&S

FE50DTR connections

Signal R&S SMW R&S FE50DTR

Reference Connector: "REF OUT"

Frequency: 1 GHz, 10 MHz

"Ref In"

LAN (Control) "LAN" "LAN"

IF In "RF A" "IF In B"

RF Out - "RF Out B"

DUT

RF shield box

R&S FSV/A

R&S SMx

RF

Ref Out

RF

LAN

IF In

Ref

IF Out

IF Out A

LAN

IF In B

RF A

RF B

Ref In

LAN LAN RF Out

LAN RF In

R&S

FE50DTR

Figure 3-2: Test setup: R&S

SMx = R&S

SMW, R&S FSV/A, R&S

FE50DTR and RF shield box

To connect an R&S FE170ST

The R&S FE170ST and R&S SMW are switched on and connected to power. At the

R&S FE170ST, you connect the IF input signal from the R&S SMW, to the "IF In" con-

nector.

► To connect an R&S FE170ST with the R&S SMW, follow the instructions described

in section "To connect an R&S FE44S" on page 13.

Table 3-3 and Figure 3-3 provide an overview on connections and a test setup.

Table 3-3: R&S

SMW and R&S

FE170ST connections

Signal R&S SMW R&S FE170ST

Reference Connector: "REF OUT"

Frequency: 1 GHz, 10 MHz

"Ref In"

LAN (Control) "LAN" "LAN"

Connecting external frontends

Operating external frontends

R&S®SMW-K553

16User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

Signal R&S SMW R&S FE170ST

IF In "RF A" "IF In"

RF Out - "RF Out"

DUT

RF shield box

Vector signal

generator

RF

Ref Out Ref

LAN

IF In RF Out

Ref In

LAN RF Out

R&S

FE170ST

LAN

IF In

Figure 3-3: Test setup: R&S

SMx = R&S

SMW, R&S

FE170ST and RF shield box

For a more general test setup, see "OTA microwave test setup" on page 11.

To connect multiple external frontends with coupled LO signal

In a test setup with more than one external frontend, you can build a phase coherent

test setup when using the same LO signal for all connected frontends.

Connecting multiple devices by their used LO signals is useful, for example, in setups

with multiple input streams to reduce the phase noise. To use the same LO signal on

coupled external frontends, both devices have to use the same LO frequency for

upconversion and downconversion. For coupled frontends of the same type, e.g. two

R&S FE44S, make sure to select the same frequency band configuration for all fron-

tends.

You can also connect different models (one TX and one RX) of the same external fron-

tend type, e.g an R&S FE170ST and an R&S FE170SR. Different models of the same

external frontend type can use different LO frequencies for the same output frequency

setting. In this case, use the "Shared LO" setting, which ensures that both devices use

the same LO frequency. See "Frequency Band Config" on page 34.

The frequency band configuration of the external frontend is stored on the device.

Since the "Shared LO" setting was introduced after product start, this setting is not yet

implemented on older devices. If you find the "Shared LO" setting is missing on your

FE170-type frontend and you require it, contact Rohde & Schwarz support.

In a phase coherent test setup with multiple external frontends, you can use the LO

signal from either frontend. Couple the LO output and LO input of the external fron-

tends as shown in the examples with R&S FE170ST and R&S FE170SR. Use always

the reference signal of the external frontend providing the LO signal.

Vector signal

generator

RF

Ref Out Ref

LAN

IF In RF Out

Ref In

LAN R&S

FE170ST

LAN

IF In

LO Out

DUT

Signal

analyzer

LAN

IF out

RF In

LAN

R&S

FE170SR LAN

IF Out RF Input 50 Ω

LO In

Figure 3-4: Phase coherent test setup with LO signal from R&S

FE170ST

See "To configure LO settings with multiple external frontends" on page 26.

Connecting external frontends

Operating external frontends

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17User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

Vector signal

generator

RF

LAN

IF In RF Out

LAN R&S

FE170ST

LAN

IF In

LO In

DUT

Signal

analyzer

Ref Output x MHz

Ref

LAN

IF out

RF In

Ref In

LAN

R&S

FE170SR LAN

IF Out RF Input 50 Ω

LO Out

Figure 3-5: Phase coherent test setup with LO signal from R&S FE170SR

For more information, see the user manual of the signal analyzer.

In this example, an R&S FE170ST is connected to an R&S FE170SR. Connecting

other external frontends is analogous.

You can only connect external frontends of the same type together, which cover the

same frequency range, e.g. two R&S FE44S or one R&S FE170ST and one

R&S FE170SR.

1. Connect the R&S FE170ST to the signal generator.

See "To connect an R&S FE170ST" on page 15.

2. Connect the "LO Out" connector of the R&S FE170ST to the "LO In" connector of

the R&S FE170SR.

3.2 Controlling external frontends

This chapter provides step-by-step descriptions for controlling, updating and operating

external frontends with the R&S SMW. The descriptions cover the following topics:

●"To configure the R&S SMW for frontend control" on page 17

●"To configure external frontend settings" on page 19

●"To configure frequency band settings for R&S FE44S or R&S FE50DTR"

on page 20

●"To configure frequency band settings for R&S FE170ST" on page 21

●Example"IF and frequency band configuration for R&S SMW-B1006 and

R&S FE44S" on page 22

●"To work with R&S FE50DTR Simultaneous RX/TX connection mode" on page 22

●"To handover frontend control to signal analyzer" on page 23

●"To add external devices to the R&S FE170ST" on page 24

●"To choose the correct external filter" on page 24

●"To connect an external device" on page 24

●"To check for additional external devices" on page 25

●"To configure LO settings with multiple external frontends" on page 26

To configure the R&S SMW for frontend control

The following procedure describes how to configure the R&S SMW to establish a con-

trol connection between R&S SMW and an external frontend.

Controlling external frontends

Operating external frontends

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18User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

The R&S SMW is connected to the R&S FE44S, see "To connect an R&S FE44S"

on page 13.

1. Select "Taskbar > System Config > System Configuration > External RF und I/Q".

2. Select "RF A > External Instrument > Config".

The "External Instrument Configuration" dialog opens.

3. Select the connected external frontend from "External Instrument" selection.

The selection displays available instruments in format

<product>-<serial_number>, e.g. "FE44S-123456".

4. In the field "Hostname or IP Address", check, if the hostname or IP address of the

connected external frontend is correct.

If read out correctly, hostname or IP address match with the information displayed

on the electronic label of the frontend. See step 4 of "To connect an R&S FE44S"

on page 13.

5. Select "Apply and Connect".

A message displays, if the remote connection to the external frontend is estab-

lished or not.

Figure 3-6: Message displaying established remote connection

If connected successfully, you can access "Frontend Configuration" settings. See

"To configure external frontend settings" on page 19.

6. The "System Config > System Configuration > External RF und I/Q" dialog displays

the settings and state of the connected external instrument.

Controlling external frontends

Operating external frontends

R&S®SMW-K553

19User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

The "RF A" > "Rem Conn" field displays an active control connection:

7. Optionally, specify connection characteristics:

a) Select "Auto Connect > On".

b) Select "Preset behavior: Keep connections to external instruments > On".

The control connection is established, the LAN LED on the front panel of the

R&S SMW switches from green to orange.

If you change the network configuration, e.g. the IP address, the connection to the

R&S SMW is aborted. Re-establish a connection to the frontend as in step 3).

If you have connection issues, see Chapter 5, "Troubleshooting Frontend Control",

on page 46.

To configure external frontend settings

The following procedure describes how to configure external frontend settings at the

R&S SMW.

The R&S SMW is connected to an external frontend and a remote control connection

between R&S SMW and the external frontend is established, see "To configure the

R&S SMW for frontend control" on page 17.

1. Select one of the following in the block diagram:

● Select the icon of the connected external frontend to the right of the "RF A/RF

B" block.

● Select "RF A/RF B" > "RF Frontend" > "Frontend Device".

2. Set the frequency of the reference signal between R&S SMW and external fron-

tend, e.g., "10 MHz".

3. Optionally, change the "Connection Mode".

See "Connection Mode" on page 33.

For "Connection Mode > Auto", R&S SMW read out frontend information automati-

cally, e.g. intermediate frequency (IF) and frequency band configuration.

For example, see "To work with R&S FE50DTR Simultaneous RX/TX connection

mode" on page 22.

4. Set the "Frequency Band Configuration".

Controlling external frontends

Operating external frontends

R&S®SMW-K553

20User Manual 1179.4240.02 ─ 07

See "To configure frequency band settings for R&S FE44S or R&S FE50DTR"

on page 20 and "To configure frequency band settings for R&S FE170ST"

on page 21.

Also, the R&S SMW sets and reads out the following parameters automatically at

the external frontend:

● "Intermediate Frequency": Frequency of the IF input signal input

● "Active RF Connector": RF output connector

● "Frequency Band x": Frequency ranges of the RF output signal

For more information, see data sheet.

To configure frequency band settings for R&S FE44S or R&S FE50DTR

Test setups typically require a defined setting of the frequency band configuration.

Configure this setting in the "RF Frontend" dialog of the R&S SMW.

1. Set the "Mode" for the "Frequency Band Configuration".

● "Auto": Configures the frequency band automatically.

● "Manual": Configures the frequency band manually.

2. To define IF range and internal LO of the R&S FE44S or R&S FE50DTR, set the

"Frequency Band Config" mode:

● "IF Low": Sets IF low mode.

The R&S SMW sets an IF frequency below 7.5 GHz.

● "IF High": Sets IF high mode.

The R&S SMW sets an IF frequency above 7.5 GHz.

The used IF and the used frequency band of the RF input signal are set automati-

cally.

Figure 3-7: Example: Frontend configuration FE44S

For information on how to generate output signals, see "To output the external frontend

RF signal with R&S FE44S" on page 27.

Controlling external frontends

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Rohde&Schwarz SMW200A User manual

Rohde&Schwarz SMW200A User manual

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