Crucial for proper operation of mobile networks - Part 2 of the series on Cable and Antenna verification

Key points: Critical Infrastructure: Learn why the antenna system, as part of mobile base stations, is irreplaceable and demands meticulous attention due to its impact on network quality and availability.Vulnerability to Environmental Factors: Understand the challenges posed by weather conditions and environmental stresses on antenna systems, highlighting the importance of robust design and maintenance.Fundamental Properties: Delve into the core concepts of antenna systems, gaining insights into fundamental properties of antennas and the antenna cables.Measurement Techniques: Explore discontinuity or distance to fault measurements to identify reflections of forward RF energy due to impedance changes (connector, compression or kink of a cable, etc.).

18-Jun-2024 | AN-No. 8NT16

Automated test equipment (ATE) is a cornerstone in production facilities. Devices under test (DUT) have to be measured according to various limits to ensure safe and reliable operation for the user. A production facility must ensure that these tests are performed properly and cover all the necessary test cases. However, the tests must also be executed with sufficient speed. Oscilloscopes (e.g. the MXO series from Rohde & Schwarz) are often a typical part of ATE and can improve the workflow with a dedicated “waiting for trigger” signal.

30-May-2024

Automotive radar sensors concealed in bumpers must transmit in the correct frequency domain. To effectively hide sensors, radar-transparent areas usually have the exact same paint as the rest of the vehicle. When selecting paint and coatings for bumpers, you need to know their material properties. In the past, either quasi-optical or waveguide based setups with vector network analyzers (VNA) were used. The following application card describes a simplified material characterization method in the automotive radar frequency domain (76 GHz to 81 GHz) with the R&S®QAR50 automotive radome tester.

22-May-2024

End-to-end conformance testing of 4G and 5G next generation eCall (NG eCall) modules under controlled network conditions

13-May-2024

O-RAN makes radio access networks more open, disaggregated and flexible. O-RUs need to comply with 3GPP and O-RAN standards. Automation is crucial for extensive O-RAN conformance testing since O-RAN network elements are asynchronously released.

08-May-2024

Filter tuning has never been easier and faster. SynMatrix advanced computer-aided tuning enables real time filter optimization in an easy guided process using the R&S®ZNB, R&S®ZND and R&S®ZNL vector network analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz. The SynMatrix solution provides a feature-rich GUI for R&D and lab use, as well as a simplified version for production applications.

02-May-2024

5G NR Reduced Capabilities (RedCap) network scanning

Purpose of RedCap: RedCap is designed for use cases requiring reasonable data throughput, cost-efficient devices, reduced power consumption and smaller device footprint to support applications like wireless industrial sensors, video surveillance and smart wearables in which ultralow latency isn’t essential. Technology basics: Understanding the technology basics helps facing configuration complexities and avoiding potential coexistence issues with regular 5G. RedCap field verification: New mobile network technology introductions like 5G RedCap benefit from field measurements during their typical life-cycle phases (engineering, network roll-out, and operation). Measurement Techniques: In early phases of new technologies, passive network measurements using network scanners are reliable and effective in detecting actual network and cell configurations.

23-Apr-2024 | AN-No. 8NT13

Today’s complex circuits must integrate several components that feed on different power levels. A robust circuit that ensures interoperability of these components needs carefully designed, clean and stable power distribution networks for power timing. At lower voltage levels, tolerance is defined in percentages and can make precise measurements challenging.

22-Apr-2024

Spectrum clearance in mobile networks is becoming ever more important as operators use new bands that previously contained other services. This is particularly important for the 5G NR rollout. 5G NR has already initiated a worldwide deployment of TDD networks in an unknown radio environment where unwanted transmitters can create uplink interference masked by downlink signals, making interference hunting particularly demanding. Automated detection of interference signals before a network switches on can be a big help in addition to traditional manual techniques.

19-Apr-2024

This application card examines the best practices for testing video service quality over mobile networks and discusses the different types of video services and recent changes in video streaming.

18-Apr-2024

Best practices for national regulatory authorities

Key points:Importance of field measurements: Traditional network planning tools and models only offer an estimated view of mobile coverage. Field measurements are conducted under real geographical and load conditions, and therefore provide a more accurate picture and can discover interferences more effectively. Coverage investigations: When deploying a mobile network, operators must adhere to regulatory standards and licensing conditions. As a result, regulatory authorities carry out field measurements on a regular or ad hoc basis to validate compliance or investigate customer complaints. This process identifies coverage gaps and areas of poor network quality, enabling regulatory authorities to take actions to enhance service quality for consumers and guide network expansion.Foster competition: If the field measurements of the coverage and performance are performed on a scale representative of a given country, the transparency of these results can promote healthy competition between operators and better service for consumers, which is essential for economic growth and social development.Measurement Techniques: The harmonized methodology for measuring and evaluating data throughput and QoE based on popular services is described in ETSI TR 103 559.

15-Apr-2024 | AN-No. 8NT14

Gated mode measurements in private 5G networks

11-Apr-2024

R&S®NESTOR cellular network analysis software supports law enforcement agencies in alibi verification by analyzing mobile network traces. R&S®NESTOR gives users reliable confirmation of whether an individual’s mobile phone was at a specific location at the time of a crime.

10-Apr-2024

All electronic devices have capacitive or inductive parts that that generate inrush current when switched on. This is more than just a part of operations – it is a vital aspect and demands keen oversight. The R&S®NPA power analyzers are the right instrument for the job.

28-Mar-2024

Today’s electronic devices often draw non-sinusoidal, irregular current where harmonic current is fed back into the universal supply system. Monitoring this current is both crucial and mandatory for CE compliant devices. The R&S®NPA701 compliance tester seamlessly and efficiently monitors this current.

28-Mar-2024

Today’s electronic devices often draw non-sinusoidal, irregular current where harmonic current is fed back into the universal supply system. Monitoring this current is both crucial and mandatory for CE compliant devices. The R&S®NPA701 compliance tester seamlessly and efficiently monitors this current.

27-Mar-2024

O-RAN radio units (O-RU) contribute significantly to the high power consumption of 5G networks. Making O-RUs energy efficient without sacrificing O-RAN innovations is a top priority.

19-Mar-2024

R&S®NESTOR cellular network analysis software supports law enforcement agencies (LEA) in forensics activities and crime scene investigations (CSI) by gathering information through analysis of surrounding mobile networks. R&S®NESTOR increases public safety by reducing crime scene investigation time by up to 50 %.

14-Mar-2024

The automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards electrification. Precise measurement and analysis of electric drivetrains are vital to improved performance, efficiency and reliability. MXO oscilloscopes have become an essential test tool for these measurements, with real-time insight into voltage and current waveforms that let engineers and technicians explore the intricate mechanisms to improve drivetrain performance and efficiency.

12-Mar-2024

P25 and FRMCS scanning

Key points: Critical Infrastructure: Learn about mission-critical communication for various agencies who deal with Public Safety such as first responders, police, firefighters, medics and its crucial role in ensuring safety of society.Reliability of Communication: Understand the challenges posed by mission-critical communication, highlighting performance and reliability needs and special requirements such as safe group communications.Technology Migration: Delve into the migration of mission-critical communication from long-standing narrow-band technologies to broadband use cases considering migration timelines.Measurement Techniques: Explore network measurement methods for passive testing of legacy MCX technologies planned to be used in the networks for quite some time (a later release of the document will focus on the broadband successors)

12-Mar-2024 | AN-No. 8NT12

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is a pillar of 6G. Combining two different yet similar worlds – communications and environmental sensing – brings the future to life in the 6G era. The key ISAC drivers are beamforming with MIMO arrays, artificial intelligence (AI), modern modulation schemes and dense network infrastructure. The R&S®AREG800A automotive radar echo generator is a core element of a versatile research and development test solution in the ISAC community.

11-Mar-2024

Transformers are passive devices that are primarily used to convert or "transform" alternating current (AC) from one voltage level to another. One very common application of transformers is in AC to DC power supplies, in which mains voltage is stepped down before being rectified and filtered to produce DC. There are numerous other applications for transformers, such as providing electrical isolation or for impedance matching.This educational note provides a brief technical introduction to measurements made on the types of transformers used in electronics. These transformers are typically physically small, work on relatively low voltages or powers, and are used for “indoor” applications. Although many of the testing concepts described below also apply to the larger, higher-power "outdoor" transformers used for electrical power distribution, the specific tests and test procedures for these types of transformers are often specified by standards bodies such as the IEEE and may differ substantially from the types of measurements described here.Read this educational note and dive into the discussion about the six most important transformer measurements: turns ratio, mutual inductance, phase angle, primary and secondary inductance, leakage inductance, and interwinding capacitance.

28-Feb-2024

Mobile network operators worldwide face cost pressures and escalating network complexity. The advent of 5G-NR has ushered in new use cases and flexibility, but it also comes with more stringent performance and availability requirements.Machine Learning can serve as a catalyst for the market to unearth deep insights that would otherwise remain concealed. It can also significantly streamline everyday tasks by fostering a smarter system that guides users through their routine work processes, rather than obliging them to repeat each (manual) step. Rohde & Schwarz Mobile Network Testing has focused its efforts on delivering Machine Learning use cases that distill relevant insights from drive testing data, thereby offering substantial benefits to users.This educational note explains the motivation and reasoning why this kind of approach is needed, what are the benefits of the machine learning offering and it takes a deeper look into how it can be used in various levels of statistical and technical analysis. Finally, this document provides real measurement results and analysis findings based on the Rohde & Schwarz post processing SW suite SmartAnalytics and its machine learning based features Call Stability Score and Network Utilization Rating.

28-Feb-2024 | AN-No. 8NT10

Part 1 of the Cable and Antenna verification series – essential for Mobile Networks

Key points: Critical Infrastructure: Learn why the antenna system, as part of mobile base stations, is irreplaceable and demands meticulous attention due to its impact on network quality and availability.Vulnerability to Environmental Factors: Understand the challenges posed by weather conditions and environmental stresses on antenna systems, highlighting the importance of robust design and maintenance.Fundamental Properties: Delve into the core concepts of antenna systems, gaining insights into their transmit and receive characteristics, which serve as the foundation for effective measurement and verification.Measurement Techniques: Explore various measurement methods for antenna systems, focusing on return loss and decoupling, and their significance in assessing system performance and integrity.

23-Feb-2024 | AN-No. 8NT11

Useful tips and tricks for your first measurement experience

Resistors, capacitors and inductors are the most basic components in electric circuits. It must be ensured that they work properly and accurately. Therefore, they need to be tested thoroughly during circuit design. This is usually done using LCR meters, which have become indispensable in the lab and in production. This application note looks at how to perform basic capacitor and inductor measurements accurately and reliably.

22-Feb-2024 | AN-No. 1GP142

With advanced FFT capabilities and unparalleled sensitivity and dynamic range, the MXO oscilloscopes are the perfect choice for electromagnetic interference (EMI) debugging. Swiftly and accurately detect and analyze EMI emanating from electronic circuits and boards with time-correlated RF analysis. Elevate your debugging experience with the fast performance of the MXO oscilloscopes.

07-Feb-2024

MIPI D-PHY is a low-power, cost-effective physical layer interface, essential in mobile devices and advanced technology systems. It's a high-speed, source-synchronous interface used in smartphone cameras, smartwatch displays, drones, in-car entertainment, automobile cameras, and radar sensors. This application note explores MIPI D-PHY's features, functionality, and testing practices for device compliance, addressing common issues. It highlights Rohde & Schwarz's equipment for ensuring compatibility and solving issues with MIPI D-PHY, aligned with MIPI D-PHY specification version 2.5.Developed by the MIPI Alliance, D-PHY connects cameras and displays to a host processor via CSI-2 or DSI protocols. It features a master-slave, asymmetrical design for reduced link complexity. Key aspects include a unidirectional clock, optional data signal directions, different data rates for half-duplex operation, point-to-point communication, and high-speed (HS) and low-power (LP) modes for data transfer and battery preservation. In HS mode, D-PHY uses differential signaling with specific impedance, while in LP mode, it operates in a single-ended manner with high impedance termination.The application note from Rohde & Schwarz provides insights into characterizing and debugging MIPI D-PHY, offering conformance verification with MIPI Alliance standards and protocol decoding options.

31-Jan-2024 | AN-No. 1SL410

This application note describes Methods of Implementation (MOI) for precise, fast, and error-free compliance testing of USB Type-C to legacy adapter assemblies supporting USB3.1 Gen1, and USB2.0. Based on 5 Gbps signaling per lane with vector network analyzers from Rohde & Schwarz.

18-Jan-2024 | AN-No. 1SL407

This application note describes Methods of Implementation (MOI) for precise, fast, and error-free compliance testing of USB Type-C to legacy cable assemblies supporting USB3.1 Gen2, USB3.1 Gen1, and USB2.0. Based on 5 Gbps signaling per lane with vector network analyzers from Rohde & Schwarz.

18-Jan-2024 | AN-No. 1SL406

Power converters with a full-bridge topology are frequently used in telecommunications and servers that need to be compact, efficient and cost sensitive, making them more complex. Switching patterns for all the main primary switches including synchronous rectifier switches need to be validated after the first protype is built. This complex validation requires proper measurement of switching patterns to prevent catastrophic switching patterns. Expertise and the right measurement tools are essential when identifying unexpected events in the converter switching process.

17-Jan-2024