Power Viewer
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alexey1410R&S Power Viewer
Software Manual
R&S® Power Viewer
Version 11.0
Printed in Germany
Manual 1
R&S Power Viewer
Dear Customer,
R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.
R&S® is referred to as R&S throughout this manual.
Mac and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries.
Trade names are trademarks of their respective owners.
© 2018 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
81671 Munich, Germany
Printed in Germany – Subject to change – Data without tolerance limits is not binding.
Manual 2
R&S Power Viewer Contents
1 Contents
1 Contents 3
2 Overview 8
3 Key Software Features 9
4 Power Sensor Technologies 14
4.1 Thermal Power Sensors ......................... 14
4.2 CW Power Sensors ............................. 14
4.3 Multi-Path Diode Power Sensors ................... 15
4.4 Average Power Sensors ......................... 15
4.5 Wideband Diode Power Sensors ................... 15
4.6 Sensor Modules (OTA) .......................... 17
4.7 NRQ Frequency Selective Power Sensor ............. 17
5 Uncertainty Calculation 18
5.1 Measurements at –10 dBm ....................... 19
5.2 Measurements at –50 dBm ....................... 20
5.3 The Influence of Mismatch ........................ 20
6 Software Installation 22
6.1 System Requirements ........................... 22
6.2 Installation on Windows-Based Systems .............. 23
6.3 Installation on Mac OS X ......................... 24
6.4 Sensor Firmware Requirements .................... 25
6.5 Supported Power Sensors and USB IDs .............. 26
6.6 Running Multiple Instances ....................... 29
7 Connecting Sensors to the PC 30
7.1 Using Multiple Sensors .......................... 30
7.2 Using USB Extension Hardware .................... 31
7.2.1 R&S NRP-Z3 Active USB Adapter ............ 31
7.2.2 R&S NRP-Z4 Passive USB Adapter ........... 31
7.2.3 R&S NRP-Z5 Sensor Hub .................. 32
7.2.4 Third-Party Products ...................... 33
8 Configuring the Application 34
8.1 Data Format .................................. 34
8.2 Drawing Performance ........................... 35
8.3 Hardcopy Settings .............................. 36
8.4 Timeout-Related Settings ........................ 37
8.5 USB-Related Settings ........................... 38
8.6 USB Device Tree .............................. 39
8.7 Debug Options ................................ 40
8.8 Setting the Application Colors ..................... 41
9 First Steps 43
9.1 Numeric Entry Fields ............................ 44
Manual 3
R&S Power Viewer Contents
9.2 The Menu Bar ................................. 45
9.2.1 File .................................. 45
9.2.2 Sensor ................................ 45
9.2.3 Info .................................. 47
9.2.4 Measurement ........................... 47
9.2.5 Data Processing ......................... 49
9.2.6 Window ............................... 49
9.2.7 Help .................................. 51
9.3 The Toolbar .................................. 52
9.4 Selecting a Sensor ............................. 52
9.5 General Measurement Settings .................... 53
9.6 Corrections Dialog ............................. 54
9.7 NRQ Settings Dialog ............................ 55
10 Hardcopy Features 57
10.1 Print Report .................................. 57
10.2 Copy to Clipboard .............................. 58
10.3 Save Graphics to File ........................... 58
11 The Message Log 59
12 Channel Assignment 60
13 Measurements Overview 61
14 Continuous Power Measurement 62
14.1 Settings ..................................... 62
14.2 Numerical Data View ............................ 64
14.3 Negative Power Readings ........................ 65
14.4 Accuracy of Peak Power Measurements .............. 65
14.5 Relative Measurements .......................... 66
14.6 Analog Meter ................................. 67
14.7 Trend Chart .................................. 68
14.8 Histogram Display .............................. 69
14.9 Q-Q-Plot ..................................... 70
15 OTA Continuous Power Measurement 71
15.1 Settings ..................................... 71
16 Trace Measurements 72
16.1 Measurement Settings ........................... 72
16.2 Custom Settings ............................... 77
16.3 Graphical Trace View ........................... 78
16.4 Context Menu ................................. 79
16.5 Trace Representations .......................... 80
16.6 View Modes .................................. 81
16.7 Lines ....................................... 83
16.8 Reference Trace ............................... 83
16.9 Using Markers ................................ 84
16.9.1 Pulse Width Measurements ................. 85
16.9.2 Pulse Rise-Time Measurements ............. 86
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R&S Power Viewer Contents
16.10 Zooming ..................................... 87
16.10.1 Time Zoom ............................. 87
16.10.2 Level Zoom ............................ 88
16.11 Automatic Pulse Measurement ..................... 89
16.11.1 Measurement Results ..................... 92
16.12 Common Measurement Tasks ..................... 94
17 OTA Trace Measurement 95
17.1 Settings ..................................... 95
18 Statistics 96
18.1 Settings ..................................... 96
18.2 Graphical Data View ............................ 98
18.3 PDF Mode ................................... 99
18.3.1 PDF Background Information ............... 100
18.4 CDF Mode .................................. 102
18.5 CCDF Mode ................................. 103
19 Timeslot Mode 104
19.1 Settings .................................... 104
19.2 Graphical Data View ........................... 107
20 Multi-Channel Power Measurements 109
20.1 Channel Configuration .......................... 110
20.2 Measurement Settings .......................... 111
20.3 Mathematical Expressions ....................... 111
21 OTA Multi-Channel Measurement 113
21.1 Settings .................................... 113
22 NRQ Signal Check 114
23 NRQ IQ Analyzer 115
23.1 Settings .................................... 115
24 Script-Based Measurement 119
24.1 Script Syntax ................................ 120
24.2 Printing to the Script Output Window ............... 120
24.3 Printing to the Message Window .................. 120
24.4 Waiting Periods ............................... 120
24.5 Timers ..................................... 120
24.6 Power Conversion ............................. 121
24.7 File Operations ............................... 121
24.8 Defining Devices .............................. 122
24.9 Communication Timeout ........................ 122
24.10 Suppressing SCPI Log Messages ................. 122
24.11 SCPI Commands and Queries .................... 122
24.11.1 Simulated Queries for Use With NRP-Z sensors . 123
24.11.2 Reading Results from New Generation Sensors . 124
24.12 Waiting for Measurement Completion ............... 124
24.13 Checking for Errors ............................ 124
Manual 5
R&S Power Viewer Contents
24.14 Displaying Scalar Results ....................... 125
24.15 Displaying Array Data Numerically ................. 125
24.16 Displaying Array Data as a Bar Graph .............. 125
24.17 Displaying Array Data as a Trace .................. 125
24.18 Displaying Array Data as a Time Series Plot .......... 126
24.19 Displaying Text ............................... 126
24.20 Sending Data to Processing Panels ................ 126
24.21 Examples ................................... 127
24.21.1 Triggered Average Power Measurement ....... 127
24.21.2 Burst Power Measurement ................ 128
24.21.3 Buffered-Mode Measurements .............. 129
24.21.4 Connecting to the R&S®NRP2 Base Unit . . . . . . 130
24.21.5 Connecting to the R&S®NRT Base Unit ....... 131
25 Data Processing Panels 132
25.1 The Data Log ................................ 134
25.1.1 Settings .............................. 135
25.1.2 The Context Menu ...................... 136
25.1.3 The Time Line Indicator ................... 138
25.1.4 Zooming .............................. 138
25.2 Limit Monitoring .............................. 139
25.2.1 Settings .............................. 140
25.2.2 Configuring the Server ................... 141
25.2.3 Client Connections ...................... 143
25.3 Statistical Analysis ............................ 144
25.3.1 Histogram Display ....................... 145
25.3.2 Q-Q-Plot ............................. 146
25.3.3 The Context Menu ...................... 147
25.3.4 Analysis-Panel Settings ................... 148
25.4 Gauges Panel ................................ 149
25.4.1 Analog Meter .......................... 149
25.4.2 The Context Menu ...................... 150
25.4.3 Gauges-Panel Settings ................... 150
26 Using S-Parameter Profiles 151
27 VXI PnP Programming Guide 155
27.1 Sensor Resource Strings ........................ 155
27.2 Numeric Results .............................. 156
27.3 Opening and Closing the Sensor Connection ......... 156
27.4 Multiple Sensors .............................. 156
27.5 Error Handling ............................... 157
27.6 Zeroing ..................................... 157
27.7 Identifying a Sensor (*IDN?) ...................... 158
27.8 Continuous Average Power Measurement ........... 158
27.9 Trace Measurements .......................... 161
27.9.1 Single-Shot Events ...................... 163
27.9.2 Peak Trace Data ........................ 164
27.9.3 Automatic Pulse Measurement ............. 165
28 Customer Support 167
29 Appendix 168
29.1 Command Line Options ......................... 168
Manual 6
R&S Power Viewer Contents
29.2 Setting the Application Style ...................... 170
Manual 7
R&S Power Viewer Overview
2 Overview
The new R&S NRP power sensors from Rohde & Schwarz represent
the latest in power measurement technology. They offer all the
functionality of conventional power meters, and more, within the small
housing of a power sensor. The USB interface on an R&S NRP sensor
enables operation with an R&S NRP power meter, or with a PC running
under either Microsoft® Windows®, Mac OS X, or Linux.
R&S Power Viewer is an easy-to-use, feature-packed software package
that offers capabilities beyond those of a regular power meter. It
simplifies measurement tasks, such as average-power, timeslot,
statistics and trace measurements. In addition, up to 16 sensors can be
utilized for measuring average power simultaneously. Results, such as
the reflection coefficient or gain, can be computed from the measured
values.
Particularly the capabilities for use with a desktop or laptop PC make an
R&S NRP sensor an ideal and cost-effective solution for lab testing or
for automated systems. The rugged design is suitable for use in the field
for performing such tasks as servicing antenna systems.
This manual describes the installation and use of the Power Viewer
software. This application is available free of charge from the
Rohde & Schwarz website. As a prerequisite it requires the installation
of the R&S®NRP Toolkit. This toolkit contains drivers and small
applications. It is also available free of charge from the
Rohde & Schwarz website.
To enable integration of the sensor into custom ATE systems, a
versatile and powerful VXI PnP driver is available for
Microsoft® Windows®, Mac OS X, and Linux-based systems. The new
R&S NRP power sensor family also supports SCPI remote control
commands via USB-TCM.
Coding examples can be found in the application note 1GP69.
Manual 8
R&S Power Viewer Key Software Features
3 Key Software Features
Power Viewer is powerful PC software that simplifies many
measurement tasks. This software is part of the R&S NRP Toolkit and is
available free of charge. The following overview lists some of the key
features that Power Viewer offers.
Measuring the average and peak powers and viewing the
numeric results. Optionally, adding an analog bar display, a
trend chart or statistical analysis.
Fig. 3.1: Viewing measurement results.
Viewing the RF power envelope down to a resolution of
5 ns/div; measuring pulse parameters with automatic pulse
analysis; using markers, and measuring within time gates.
Fig. 3.2: Pulse measurement.
Manual 9
R&S Power Viewer Key Software Features
Measuring the average power of up to 16 sensors, and
optionally computing results from the measured values.
Fig. 3.3: Measuring average power.
Viewing the average and peak powers for up to 16 consecutive
timeslots in a bar chart.
Fig. 3.4: Viewing average and peak powers.
Manual 10
R&S Power Viewer Key Software Features
Performing statistical CCDF, CDF, or PDF analysis of the
envelope power.
Fig. 3.5: Statistical analysis.
Recording up to 4 channels of any measured data to memory
and/or to a file.
Fig. 3.6: Recording measured data.
Manual 11
R&S Power Viewer Key Software Features
Performing 4-channel statistical analysis on any measured
data.
Fig. 3.7: Four-channel statistical analysis.
Configuring 16-channel limit monitoring for any measured data;
optionally, sending limit violations to a remote host via a TCP/IP
server.
Fig. 3.8: Limit monitoring.
Manual 12
R&S Power Viewer Key Software Features
Creating custom measurements in script mode.
Fig. 3.9: Script mode for custom measurements.
Configurable analog and digital gauges.
Fig. 3.10: Two gauges showing measurement values.
Please note that some of the features listed above are only supported
by certain R&S NRP power sensors. For example, thermal sensors do
not provide statistical signal analysis or trace measurements.
Manual 13
R&S Power Viewer Power Sensor Technologies
4 Power Sensor Technologies
Rohde & Schwarz offers a large choice of USB power sensors that use
different technologies and cover a wide range of frequencies and power
levels. This chapter briefly outlines the differences between the sensor
technologies and indicates which sensor would best fit certain
measurement tasks.
All R&S NRP power sensors are standalone instruments that contain
the detector, the analog circuitry, and the digital signal processing in a
single housing. The entire instrument is fully characterized during the
production process, which eliminates the need for later calibration using
a reference power source.
Zeroing is generally only required for measuring low power levels, in
which case the zeroing offset, noise, and drift stated in the specification
sheet contribute to the overall accuracy.
4.1 Thermal Power Sensors
Thermal sensors use a load resistor for converting the RF power into
heat. The temperature difference between this resistor and the
surrounding area is measured by thermocouples. The resulting DC
voltage is proportional to the RF power.
coaxial RF feeder
co-planar line
thermal
transducer
1 mm
tapered
transmisssion
Fig. 4.1.1: Detector design in thermal power sensor.
The Rohde & Schwarz thermal power sensors can be used from DC up
to their specified upper frequency limit. The dynamic range is typically in
the order of 55 dB and starts at power levels of around –35 dBm.
Thermal power sensors provide the highest accuracy and linearity of all
power sensors on the market. Their measurements are not influenced
by the modulation or harmonics, and the results always represent the
average signal power.
However, the nature of the underlying sensor technology limits the
dynamic range. Furthermore, the measurement speed is generally
slower than that of diode sensors. Thermal sensors cannot measure the
envelope of an RF signal.
4.2 CW Power Sensors
CW sensors are simple diode sensors that contain a half-wave or
full-wave rectifier as the detector element. At power levels below
-20 dBm, the diode characteristic provides an almost linear relationship
between the detector output voltage and the RF power. This power
range is referred to as the square-law region of the detector diode.
CW sensors typically use the diode at power levels beyond the
square-law region, and the software must compensate for the resulting
Manual 14
R&S Power Viewer Power Sensor Technologies
non-linearities. With CW signals, this compensation is possible, and the
sensor provides correct readings of the average RF power. Modulated
or pulsed signals, as well as signals containing harmonics, may lead to
large measurement errors at levels that exceed the detector's
square-law region.
Due to these limitations, the Rohde & Schwarz NRP product range does
not include CW sensors.
4.3 Multi-Path Diode Power Sensors
The Rohde & Schwarz multi-path diode sensors use up to three
independent full-wave diode detectors. These detectors, along with their
analog and digital signal processing, are referred to as paths. Each path
is designed for operation in a separate power range, with a 6 dB overlap
between the paths.
Fig. 4.3.1: Multi-path diode sensor design.
The data from all paths is processed in parallel. For each power level
within the specified sensor limits, at least one path operates within the
detector's square-law region and delivers an output signal that is
proportional to the RF energy. The sensor software automatically
determines the path that best fits the incident RF power.
As a result, these sensors exhibit little sensitivity to modulation and
harmonics. The sensors always measure the average signal power at a
performance level that is close to that of thermal sensors. Due to the
ease of use and excellent performance offered by these sensors,
Rohde & Schwarz calls these devices R&S Universal Power Sensors.
The universal power sensors' dynamic range and measurement speed
are higher than can be achieved with thermal sensors. For most signals
and measurement tasks, universal power sensors are ideal devices.
These sensors also allow measurement of the RF envelope, but the
sampling rate of about 150 kHz must be considered as a limiting factor
in such cases.
4.4 Average Power Sensors
The Rohde & Schwarz Average Power Sensors also use three diode
paths. Unlike the universal power sensors, the detector design used for
average power sensors allows an RF frequency as low as 9 kHz. Due
to this detector design, the bandwidth is lower. Consequently, this
sensor is only intended for performing average power measurements.
4.5 Wideband Diode Power Sensors
Wideband diode sensors use a single full-wave diode detector and
operate it across the entire useful power range. The detector's
bandwidth is much higher than with CW sensors, and the sample rate is
in the order of 80 MHz.
Manual 15
R&S Power Viewer Power Sensor Technologies
Fig. 4.5.1: Wideband power sensor design.
Similar to CW sensors, the wideband diode sensor's digital signal
processing circuitry compensates the non-linear diode characteristic in
real-time. Due to the wider bandwidth and fast sampling rate, this is
even possible for fast amplitude changes (AM) of the RF envelope.
Wideband diode sensors are ideal when the RF envelope should be
measured, e.g. for the analysis of pulsed signals. Additionally, these
devices can measure the signal statistics, such as the PDF, CDF,
CCDF, and average power for modulated signals.
The following chart shows the relationship between power levels and
applications that generally fit a wideband diode sensor.
Average Power, fmod < BW
Av. Power, fmod > BW
Peak Power
Envelope (Averaged)
Envelope (Real Time)
-60 dBm -20 dBm +23 dBm
Fig. 4.5.2: Wideband power sensor applications.
At power levels below –20 dBm (square-law region), these sensors
exhibit little sensitivity to modulation and harmonics. Average power
measurements are possible down to a level of about –60 dBm.
For higher power levels, care must be taken when the RF envelope is
amplitude modulated at frequencies that exceed the detector's analog
bandwidth. In such cases, it is no longer possible to compensate the RF
envelope in real-time, and measurement errors in the order of several
percent may occur.
The wider bandwidth used by these sensors generally implies a higher
noise floor. Average power measurements overcome this issue by
using averaging techniques. When taking single-shot measurements,
however, the higher noise floor must be considered.
This is especially the case with peak power measurements. Please see
the chapter 14.4, "Continuous Power Measurements – Accuracy of
Peak Power Measurements" in this document for more details.
It must also be noted that triggering is always a real-time process that is
based on samples that have not yet been subject to averaging. As a
result, power levels in the order of –20 dBm or higher are required when
Manual 16
R&S Power Viewer Power Sensor Technologies
using the sensor's internal trigger feature. Decreasing the sensor's
bandwidth decreases the noise floor and, therefore, also decreases the
lower trigger-level limit.
4.6 Sensor Modules (OTA)
The sensor modules provide reliable over the air (OTA) measurement
of RF power on up to three antennas simultaneously. The sensor
modules do not contain internal RF detector diodes. Instead they
provide an interface for connecting up to three antennas with integrated
power detector.
Fig. 4.6.1: OTA antenna.
The power sensor is designed for measuring power in high frequency
bands, used in modern high-performance wireless system standard,
e.g. IEEE802.11ad and 5G. This sensor module and the specific
antennas have been developed to provide measurements of radiated
RF power.
4.7 NRQ Frequency Selective Power Sensor
The R&S®NRQ6 combines the accuracy of a power meter with the
dynamic range of a spectrum analyzer. It performs extremely precise
and fast power measurements down to -130 dBm.
This sensor is based on receiver technology and can perform
band-limited power measurements.
In addition to conventional continuous average measurements, the
R&S®NRQ6 has a trace display function and also performs ACLR
measurements. With option NRQ6-K1 installed, I/Q data can be
downloaded from the power sensor to a PC for further analysis.
This sensor is controlled via LAN, requiring power over Ethernet
(PoE+).
Manual 17
R&S Power Viewer Uncertainty Calculation
5 Uncertainty Calculation
This chapter briefly explains how to calculate the measurement
uncertainty based on the figures provided in the sensor's specifications.
The data sheet lists the absolute uncertainty for power measurements
in dB depending on the power level and frequency. Other contributors,
such as zero offset or noise, are provided in watts and can be
converted into dB using the following equation.
P P
e=10 dB⋅log
P
This equation uses P as the power level of interest and ΔP as the
relative error. The result is the error e in dB.
Uncertainties are statistical measures, and they must be added by
summing up the squared uncertainties and then calculating the square
root:
U = U 21U 22U 23
This equation can be used for uncertainties in logarithmic scale (dB) or
in percent (%).
Uncertainties are commonly provided in dB, but the following equation
permits conversion into percent:
U dB
10 dB
U %=100%⋅10 −1
To gain a simple approximation, the following formula can be used:
U %≈10⋅ln 10⋅U dB=23⋅U dB
Manual 18
R&S Power Viewer Uncertainty Calculation
5.1 Measurements at –10 dBm
The power level range from –10 dBm to 0 dBm is widely used.
Therefore, our first example here calculates the absolute uncertainty for
the R&S NRP-Z11 when measuring a CW signal at 2 GHz and at a
power level of –10 dBm. The temperature shall be 30 ºC.
All values marked with an arrow (►) are taken from the R&S NRPZxx
Power Sensor Specifications that are available on the
Rohde & Schwarz website.
Power level in W 100 µW
► Used path1 2
► Uncertainty for absolute
power measurements 0.077 dB
► Zero Offset2 47 nW 0.002 dB
► Zero Drift 3 nW N/A dB
► Measurement noise 6.3 nW
Multiplier for 40 ms integration
Time is sqrt(10.24s/T) x 16
= 100.8 nW 0.004 dB
Total expanded uncertainty 0.077 dB
1.79 %
The example shows that the influence of zero offset and drift is
negligible. Consequently, zeroing of the sensor is not required when
performing practical measurement tasks. The integration time can be
set to a very short value of 40 ms. This means that an averaging count
of one, combined with two chopper cycles and a measurement window
(aperture) of 20 ms, is sufficient.
The total integration time is twice the aperture time multiplied by the
averaging filter count.
1
Automatic path selection, see Transition regions in data sheet.
2
Without zeroing
Manual 19
R&S Power Viewer Uncertainty Calculation
5.2 Measurements at –50 dBm
This example calculates the absolute uncertainty for the R&S NRPZ11
when used for measuring a CW signal at 2 GHz and at a very low
power level of –50 dBm. The temperature shall be 30 ºC.
All values marked with an arrow (►) are taken from the R&S NRPZxx
Power Sensor Specifications that are available from the
Rohde & Schwarz website.
Power level in W 10 nW
► Used path 1
► Uncertainty for absolute
power measurements 0.081 dB
► Zero offset after zeroing 104 pW 0.045 dB
► Zero drift after zeroing 35 pW 0.0015 dB
► Measurement noise 65 pW
Multiplier for 1.28 s integration
time is sqrt(10.24s/T) x 2.8
= 182 pW 0.078 dB
Total expanded uncertainty 0.12 dB
2.8 %
After zeroing, the absolute accuracy is 0.12 dB when using an
integration time of 1.28 s. This integration time can be achieved with an
average filter count of 32 and a measurement window of 20 ms. Further
improvement of the uncertainty is possible by increasing the averaging
filter count.
The total integration time is twice the aperture time multiplied by the
averaging filter count.
5.3 The Influence of Mismatch
Power sensors are always calibrated to measure the power of the
incident RF wave. This means that the sensor corrects the reading for
the internal losses and reflections. As a result, different power sensors
that were connected to an ideal 50 ohm source would all show exactly
the same result.
In the real world, however, neither the power sensor nor the source
match an impedance of 50 ohms exactly. The reflection that is caused
by the power sensor itself is specified by the standing wave ratio
(SWR), which is typically around 1.2. This means that a small portion of
the RF wave is reflected back towards the source as a return wave. An
ideal source would absorb this return wave entirely. Since the power
sensor is calibrated to measure the incident wave and compensates for
its own reflections, the reading is correct.
Real signal sources are not ideal either. They also reflect a portion of
the return wave back to the power sensor. This portion adds to the
incident RF wave and influences the measurement result.
The uncertainty calculations in the previous chapter did not include the
error caused by mismatch.
Manual 20
R&S Power Viewer Uncertainty Calculation
The following equation shows the minimum and maximum possible
incident power based on the reflection coefficient of the source and the
load:
PGZ0: Power from signal source
Pi: Incident power to power
P GZ0 PGZ0 sensor
2
P i 2
rG: Generator reflection
1r G r L 1−r G r L coefficient
rL: Load reflection coefficient
Depending on the phase angle, the incident power varies between the
left and right term of the equation. The following equations can
approximate the maximum relative deviation εmax between the source
power PGZ0 and the incident power Pi:
max %≈200 % r G r L for max 20 %
max dB≈8.7 dB r G r L for max 1 dB
Uncertainty calculations use statistical figures instead of the εmax errors
from the equations above. The following equation shows the
relationship between the expanded uncertainty (k = 2) and the error.
max dB
U dB=2⋅
2
This shows that the expanded uncertainty used for the uncertainty
calculation is higher than the maximum error.
Data sheets often express the impedance matching of a device as a
standing wave ratio (SWR). The relationship between the SWR and the
reflection coefficient is expressed by the following equations:
1r L s−1
s= r L=
1−r L s1
The example below demonstrates the influence of mismatch caused by
a signal source that is directly connected to a power sensor:
Load: R&S NRPZ11 SWR = 1.2 rL = 0.09
Source: R&S SMBV100A SWR = 1.6 rG = 0.23
UdB = 2 · 0.707 · ± 8.7 dB · 0.09 · 0.23 = ± 0.25 dB
Manual 21
R&S Power Viewer Software Installation
6 Software Installation
The following section outlines the process for installing Power Viewer
on various platforms.
6.1 System Requirements
The following hardware and software prerequisites must be fulfilled for
running the Power Viewer application.
Hardware requirements
• Standard desktop PC or laptop, or an Intel-based Apple Mac
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• USB 2.0 interface
• 100 Mbit LAN
• R&S NRP-Z3, R&S NRP-Z4, or R&S NRP-Z5 adapter
(required for R&S NRP-Z power sensors)
Operating systems (choice of)
• Microsoft® Windows® 7, Microsoft® Windows® 8,
Microsoft® Windows® 10
Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows XP Embedded
is not supported by the standard Power Viewer installer
package. Please contact the R&S customer support for a
special copy that runs on these operating systems.
• Mac OS X 10.6 or later
• 32/64-Bit Linux distribution with kernel ≥ 2.6.x
(e.g. Ubuntu 10.4 LTS x86, 11.4 x86)
Software packages
• R&S NRP Toolkit V4.10 or later. The toolkit provides the
required USB and low level drivers for all R&S NRP-Z power
sensors.
• R&S VISA or National Instruments VISA required for all new
R&S NRP power sensors. Please see
http://www.rohde-schwarz.com/rsvisa for details.
Manual 22
R&S Power Viewer Software Installation
6.2 Installation on Windows-Based Systems
Since fall 2015 the Power Viewer is not part of the R&S NRP Toolkit
anymore. Instead it is now a separate installer package.
Please note that the installation of the R&S NRP Toolkit is required
before installing the Power Viewer application.
1. Disconnect all NRP power sensors from the PC.
2. Install or update the R&S NRP Toolkit on your PC.
3. Start the R&S Power Viewer installer
Fig. 6.2.1: R&S Power Viewer installer.
4. Please follow the installer steps until the process completed.
After the installation has completed, the sensors can be connected to
the PC. If the USB drivers were updated or newly installed, recognizing
the sensor may take more time when it is plugged in for the very first
time.
The installer writes data to the following location on your system:
Application Files
%COMMONPROGRAMFILES(x86)%\Rohde-Schwarz\Power Viewer
Example Scripts
%PUBLIC%\Documents\Rohde-Schwarz\Power Viewer
Manual 23
R&S Power Viewer Software Installation
6.3 Installation on Mac OS X
In contrast to the Windows R&S NRP Toolkit, the Mac OS X toolkit
installer contains the following components:
• RsNrpLib.framework (low-level driver)
• RsNrpz.framework (VXI PnP driver)
• HTML help files for the VXI PnP driver
• Power Viewer and documentation
• Example programs for use with the VXI PnP driver
The toolkit comes as a .pkg installer. Double-click this file from any
folder on your desktop. Please follow all instructions provided by the
installer.
After successful installation, the Power Viewer application can be
started from the Rohde-Schwarz / Power Viewer folder that was
created in the Mac OS X application directory.
Fig. 6.3.1: The "Power Viewer" folder.
The folder Scripts contains examples for the Power Viewer script-
based measurement mode. Please see the chapter Script-Based
Measurement in this book for details.
The current .pkg installer cleans up any existing Power Viewer
installation from the previous disk image based installers.
In addition to the files placed in the /Application folder the installer
also adds two frameworks to the /Frameworks folder. The NrpLib
framework is the low level driver for all USB communication to the
NRP-Z power sensors. It can also be used to communicatate in legacy
mode with the newer NRP sensors.
The RsNrpZ driver is the VXI PnP driver. It provides a C interface and
can be used for own applications.
Power Viewer communicates through the NrpLib driver with all NRP-Z
sensors and it uses VISA for all new NRP power sensors.
Manual 24
R&S Power Viewer Software Installation
6.4 Sensor Firmware Requirements
Power Viewer may require newer firmware versions on certain power
sensors. Please see the firmware update section in this manual for
more details on updating the sensor firmware. The latest firmware files
are available free of charge from the Rohde & Schwarz website.
NRP-Z Power Sensors
R&S NRP-Z8x 1.20 or later
R&S NRP-Z1x 4.08 or later
R&S NRP-Z2x 4.08 or later
R&S NRP-Z3x 4.08 or later
R&S NRP-Z5x 4.08 or later
New generation NRP Power Sensors
R&S NRPxxS(N) 15.03 or later
R&S NRPxxA(N) 16.05 or later
R&S NRPxxT(N) 15.12 or later
R&S NRPM3 16.01 or later
R&S NRQ6 18.04 or later
Manual 25
R&S Power Viewer Software Installation
6.5 Supported Power Sensors and USB IDs
The following table provides an overview of the sensors that are
supported in Power Viewer.
The vendor ID for all R&S NRP sensors is 0x0AAD.
USB Supported Measurement
Sensor ID Cont Trace Timeslot Statistics
NRP-Z11 0x0C ● ● ●
NRP-Z21 0x03 ● ● ●
NRP-Z211 0xA6 ● ● ●
NRP-Z22 0x13 ● ● ●
NRP-Z221 0xA7 ● ● ●
NRP-Z23 0x14 ● ● ●
NRP-Z24 0x15 ● ● ●
NRP-Z31 0x2C ● ● ●
NRP-Z41 0x96 ● ● ●
NRP-Z51 0x16 ●
NRP-Z52 0x17 ●
NRP-Z55 0x18 ●
NRP-Z56 0x19 ●
NRP-Z57 0x70 ●
NRP-Z58 0xA8 ●
NRP-Z91 0x21 ●
NRP-Z81 0x23 ● ● ● ●
NRP-Z85 0x83 ● ● ● ●
NRP-Z86 0x95 ● ● ● ●
NRP-Z27 0x2F ●
NRP-Z28 0x51 ● ● ●
NRP-Z37 0x2D ●
NRP-Z92 0x62 ●
NRP-Z98 0x52 ●
NRPC33 0xB6 ●
NRPC40 0x8F ●
NRPC50 0x90 ●
NRPC33-B1 0xC2 ●
NRPC40-B1 0xC3 ●
NRPC50-B1 0xC4 ●
FSH-Z1 0x0B ●
FSH-Z18 0x1A ●
Manual 26
R&S Power Viewer Software Installation
The following tables list the new generation NRP power sensors
introduced by the end of 2014. These sensors are available with USB
interface and LAN interface. The LAN sensors use the N (Network)
suffix in their device name.
The USB interface supports both, legacy USB communication using the
existing VXI PnP drivers as well as USB-TMC with VISA.
3-Path Diode Sensors
USB Supported Measurement
Sensor ID Cont Trace Timeslot Statistics
NRP8S 0x00E2 ● ● ●
NRP8SN 0x0137 ● ● ●
NRP18S 0x0138 ● ● ●
NRP18SN 0x0139 ● ● ●
NRP33S 0x0145 ● ● ●
NRP33SN 0x0146 ● ● ●
NRP40S 0x015F ● ● ●
NRP40SN 0x0160 ● ● ●
NRP50S 0x0161 ● ● ●
NRP50SN 0x0162 ● ● ●
NRP67S 0x024A ● ● ●
NRP67SN 0x024B ● ● ●
NRP33SN-V 0x0168 ● ● ●
Manual 27
R&S Power Viewer Software Installation
Thermal Sensors
USB Supported Measurement
Sensor ID Cont Trace Timeslot Statistics
NRP18T 0x0150 ●
NRP18TN 0x0151 ●
NRP33T 0x0152 ●
NRP33TN 0x0153 ●
NRP40T 0x0154 ●
NRP40TN 0x0155 ●
NRP50T 0x0156 ●
NRP50TN 0x0157 ●
NRP67T 0x0158 ●
NRP67TN 0x0159 ●
NRP110T 0x015A ●
NRP75TWG 0x01D1 ●
NRP90TWG 0x01D2 ●
NRP110TWG 0x01D3 ●
Average Sensors for EMC Applications
USB Supported Measurement
Sensor ID Cont Trace Timeslot Statistics
NRP6A 0x0178 ●
NRP6AN 0x0179 ●
NRP18A 0x014E ●
NRP18AN 0x014F ●
Manual 28
R&S Power Viewer Software Installation
Sensor Modules (OTA)
USB Supported Measurement
Sensor ID Cont Trace Timeslot Statistics
NRPM3 0x0195 ● ●
NRPM3N 0x0196 ● ●
Frequency-Selective Power Sensors
USB Supported Measurement
Sensor ID Cont Trace ACLR Spectrum
NRQ6 0x015B ● ● ● ●
If no sensor is detected, Power Viewer automatically activates a
simulated sensor called NRP-Z00.
6.6 Running Multiple Instances
Since fall 2015 the low level drivers can handle multiple applications
using the drivers simultaneously. The drivers grant exclusive access to
the application opening a specific power sensor. Trying to open the
same sensor from another application generates a 'sensor in use' error
message. Starting with V8.0 Power Viewer supports this new driver
feature.
Power Viewer checks to see if any other instance is already running on
the system. If so, a warning message appears.
Fig. 6.6.1: Warning message indicating that an application is already
running.
Manual 29
R&S Power Viewer Connecting Sensors to the PC
7 Connecting Sensors to the PC
Please see your R&S NRP power sensor's manual for information on
how to put the sensor into operation. Follow these instructions to
prevent damage to the sensor, particularly if you are putting it into
operation for the first time.
The following section provides additional information that is related to
the USB interface or to operating multiple sensors simultaneously.
7.1 Using Multiple Sensors
If multiple sensors need to be connected to a single computer, check to
ensure that the overall current requirements for operating all sensors
can be met. Each single sensor draws between 300 mA and 500 mA,
depending on the sensor type.
Example:
The R&S NRP-Z81 sensor is rated at up to 500 mA supply current.
Using four sensors simultaneously on one hub requires a total current
of at least two amperes. Many consumer hubs cannot provide this
current over a long period of time, even if they are rated for this value.
Manual 30
R&S Power Viewer Connecting Sensors to the PC
7.2 Using USB Extension Hardware
7.2.1 R&S NRP-Z3 Active USB Adapter
The figure shows the configuration with the R&S NRP-Z3 active USB
adapter, which also makes it possible to feed in a trigger signal for the
timeslot and trace modes. The order in which the cables are connected
is not critical.
Fig. 7.2.1: Configuration with the active USB adapter.
7.2.2 R&S NRP-Z4 Passive USB Adapter
The figure below is a schematic of the measurement setup. The order in
which the cables are connected is not critical.
Fig. 7.2.2: Configuration with the passive USB adapter
Manual 31
R&S Power Viewer Connecting Sensors to the PC
7.2.3 R&S NRP-Z5 Sensor Hub
The R&S NRP-Z5 sensor hub allows up to four power sensors to be
operated on one PC. It combines the following functions:
• 4-port USB 2.0 hub with Multi-TT architecture
• Power supply
• Through-wired trigger bus
• Trigger input and trigger output via BNC sockets
It is possible to cascade several R&S NRP-Z5 sensor hubs by
connecting the R&S Instrument port of an R&S NRP-Z5 to one of the
sensor ports of another R&S NRP-Z5. However, external triggering and
the use of the Trigger Master function are then not possible. Instead, it
is recommended that you connect all R&S NRP-Z5 hubs individually to
the USB host or to an interposed USB hub. Then feed the external
trigger signal to all R&S NRP-Z5 hubs via their trigger inputs.
Fig. 7.2.3: Connecting the USB hub.
Manual 32
R&S Power Viewer Connecting Sensors to the PC
7.2.4 Third-Party Products
This section lists devices that are manufactured by other vendors and
have been used successfully with R&S NRP-Zxx power sensors.
Rohde & Schwarz cannot provide a continuous guarantee that these
products will work with R&S NRP-Zxx sensors, because technical
changes or newer versions of these products are not retested:
Icron (www.icron.com) offers the USB Ranger 110/410 products that
are compliant with the USB 1.1 specification and can be used to cover a
distance of up to 100 meters by using standard Cat 5 UTP cabling.
Icron (www.icron.com) offers the USB Ranger 2224 product that is
compliant with the USB 2.0 specification and can be used to cover a
distance of up to 500 meters by using a multi-mode optical fiber.
When large distances between the control PC and the sensor(s) are
required, a combination of the USB Ranger 2224 and the R&S NRP-Z5
has demonstrated reliable operation.
Fig. 7.2.4: Setup with 100 m optical fibre.
Digi (www.digi.com) makes the AnywhereUSB® Network-enabled USB
hub. This product is used to access a USB device over a TCP/IP
network.
Manual 33
R&S Power Viewer Configuring the Application
8 Configuring the Application
Power Viewer provides a settings dialog that can be accessed by
selecting Configure → Options from the main menu.
This dialog box is structured using separate tabs for drawing
operations, timeouts, hard copies, USB, and debugging.
8.1 Data Format
Fig. 8.1.1: Data format settings.
.csv Files
The list separator is the character that separates columns in a .csv file.
The default character is the semicolon.
Negative Power Readings
The power sensor zeroing procedure sets the zero power reference
level to the current A/D converter reading. Due to the Gaussian nature
of sample noise readings below this reference value may occur. The
sensor returns these readings as negative power values in Watts.
Mathematically it is not possible to convert negative numbers to a
logarithmic scale. This settings allows the user to select between two
methods for the conversion. By default the software uses the absolute
reading for the calculation of the logarithmic value. This method
produces naturally looking noise but undershoots following a falling
edge may appear as overshoots or ringing. The other clipping method
sets all power readings that fall below the sensor lower measurement
range to exactly this power level. Noise does not look quite as natural
anymore but it is clearly visible which numbers fall below the zero
reference level.
Manual 34
R&S Power Viewer Configuring the Application
8.2 Drawing Performance
The drawing performance can be adjusted to accommodate slow PCs.
Activating these features lowers CPU load or adds additional idle time.
Fig. 8.2.1: Drawing performance settings.
Disable Transparency Effects
Lowers CPU consumption by avoiding semi-transparent drawing
operations. Transparent drawing is used, for example, for the grid lines
in the trace mode, because it makes it possible to see trace points that
fall exactly onto a grid line.
Number of Video Points for Traces
Set to 500 by default, this number provides a good compromise
between measurement speed and resolution. The higher the number of
video points, the higher the CPU load and acquisition time. On low-
performance PCs, it may be desirable to lower this number.
Set Additional Video Update Time
Adds idle time between two measurements. This reduces CPU load and
provides resources to other applications. The default idle time between
two measurements is in the order of 100 ms.
Disable LCD Background
Replaces the blue color gradient used in all LCD displays with a simple
gray color. This option is useful for increasing the display contrast and
for reducing CPU usage.
Disable Trace Anti-Aliasing
Turns off anti-aliasing in all trace and statistics measurement panels.
Turning anti-aliasing off speeds up drawing operations and reduces
CPU usage.
Manual 35
R&S Power Viewer Configuring the Application
8.3 Hardcopy Settings
Power Viewer creates print reports or copies measurement results to
the system clipboard. This greatly simplifies documentation tasks.
Please see the "Hardcopy Features" and "Copy to Clipboard" sections
for additional details.
Fig. 8.3.1: Hardcopy settings.
Do Not Invert Colors
By default, the application uses printer-friendly colors when copying
data to the system clipboard. This feature can be turned off by choosing
not to invert the screen colors.
Use Custom Size...
The Copy to Clipboard function always creates a bitmap of a fixed size.
This simplifies documentation tasks, since any display resolution may
be used, and you do not need to specifically rescale captured images.
Manual 36
R&S Power Viewer Configuring the Application
8.4 Timeout-Related Settings
The Timeout tab is shown below and is mainly used for connections
across USB extenders or USB-to-LAN interfaces. These devices often
introduce large turnaround times that need to be taken care of.
Fig. 8.4.1: Timeout settings.
Set USB Communication
By default, this value is set internally to 5 seconds. Connections across
the Internet (e.g. using the Digi AnywhereUSB® device, www.digi.com)
may require values of up to 15 seconds.
Set Measurement Timeout
This function is used internally to set the time between the point when a
measurement is initiated and the maximum waiting time for the result.
Normally, the internal time of 5 seconds should be sufficient. However,
very slow connections may make it necessary to increase this time.
Manual 37
R&S Power Viewer Configuring the Application
8.5 USB-Related Settings
The USB tab is shown below and is used for altering USB interface
related settings on Microsoft Windows-based operating systems.
Fig. 8.5.1: USB settings.
Long Distance Mode
This mode is only available for Windows-based operating systems. It
reduces the number of simultaneous read processes, which lowers
USB resource allocation in the operation systems dramatically.
AnywhereUSB® connections, for example, require activation of the Long
Distance Connection mode.
Selective Suspend Mode
Windows can turn off unused USB hubs or unused ports on USB hubs.
This is the default setting on most fresh installations. In some situations
this mechanism does not work properly and can leave a hub turned off
or in an undefined state. Disabling selective suspend turns this power
saving mechanism off for all hubs and subsequently requires a system
reboot. The selective suspend should only be turned off if USB devices
do not get activated after they were plugged into a USB port.
Manual 38
R&S Power Viewer Configuring the Application
8.6 USB Device Tree
The Sensors tab is shown below and is used for analyzing the USB
device tree on Microsoft Windows-based operating systems. The tree is
mainly intended for diagnostic purposes because some sensor / hub
configurations have shown poor performance. These configurations are
highlighted with a yellow exclamation mark.
Fig. 8.6.1: USB device tree.
The following USB configurations should be avoided:
• NRP-Z sensors that are directly connected to Single-TT USB
hubs.
• NRP-Z sensors that are directly connected to bus powered
USB hubs.
• NRP-Z sensors that are directly connected to the PC's USB
port (root hub).
Rohde & Schwarz generally recommends to operate NRP-Z power
sensors with Multi-TT USB hubs. The hub should be equipped with a
power supply that is rated for the total current of all connected sensors.
Each individual hub port should be capable of delivering up to 500 mA
to the USB device.
Manual 39
R&S Power Viewer Configuring the Application
8.7 Debug Options
The debug options are mainly intended for debugging purposes. The
following list contains debug options that may be used with certain
measurements:
contav.fastmode=1
multi.fastmode=1
This option increases the measurement rate in the continuous power or
multi-channel measurement mode and is explained in more detail in the
related section in this manual.
trace.thick=1
This option draws bold traces in the trace measurement instead of using
thin lines. Combined with a low trace point count, this setting is useful
for outdoor service applications.
trace.meastime=1
When this option is enabled, the Power Viewer software displays the
total trace measurement time in the trace window. This time is the
period starting at the initiation of the measurement and ending when all
data is received by the host.
tsl.peak=0
When this setting is disabled, the Power Viewer software omits peak
readings in the timeslot measurement mode. Please note that peak
measurements are subject to higher noise content, and the readings are
only useful for levels greater than –5 dBm.
contav.cmd=<cmd_list>
trace.cmd=<cmd_list>
multi.cmd<ch>=<cmd_list>
If set accordingly, Power Viewer appends the SCPI commands
provided in the command list <cmd_list> at the end of the
measurement configuration. The command list can either be a single
SCPI command or a list of commands separated by a semicolon (;).
For the multi-channel measurement mode, the channel number must
also be provided.
Using these commands is risky, because it may leave the sensor and
user interface in different states.
trace.noinfo=1
This option suppresses the Measure information box in the trace
window.
Manual 40
R&S Power Viewer Configuring the Application
8.8 Setting the Application Colors
Power Viewer provides a color settings dialog box that can be accessed
by selecting Configure → Colors from the main menu.
All color changes are applied immediately in all application windows.
Therefore, it is possible to open windows, such as the trace
measurement, and observe the color changes directly.
Fig. 8.8.1: Color settings dialog box.
Preset
The entire application can be set to one of the predefined color
schemes or to a user-defined color set.
Save As…
This button saves the user color scheme to a file.
Load…
This button loads a color scheme from a file and replaces the current
user color set.
Brightness
The brightness control changes the brightness for the entire application.
Changing the brightness setting does not affect any of the user's color
definitions.
Contrast
The contrast control changes the contrast setting for the entire
application. Increasing the contrast reduces the brightness of
background colors and increases the brightness of foreground colors.
Changing the contrast does not affect any of the user's color definitions.
Color tiles
The small colored tiles represent the color of the individual elements.
Manual 41
R&S Power Viewer Configuring the Application
One of these tiles can be selected for editing using the HSV color
controls.
HSV color control
The application uses the HSV color model to define the application
colors. This color model uses hue, saturation and value instead of red,
green and blue components.
The hue represents the angle on the color wheel between 0° and 360°.
This value is meaningless for non-chromatic colors, such as gray. The
saturation is set in the range between 0 and 255; it defines how strong
the color is. Grayish colors have very low saturation, whereas strong
colors use high saturation values. The value defines the lightness; this
parameter is also set between 0 and 255. The brighter the color is, the
higher the value is.
Manual 42
R&S Power Viewer First Steps
9 First Steps
The main application window is divided into three major sections.
The measurement window area
The settings panel on the right side
The upper and lower toolbars
Only one measurement can be active at a time, but it is possible to tile
multiple measurement windows and switch from one to the other. All
measurement windows have the same sensor assigned.
If the settings panel is enabled, it is always located on the right side. Its
content changes with the currently activated measurement window.
Measurement window Measurement-related settings
Measurement selection
Sensor selection General
Data log running indicator parameters
Measurement running indicator
Fig. 9.1: The main application window.
Manual 43
R&S Power Viewer First Steps
9.1 Numeric Entry Fields
The Power Viewer Software uses custom entry fields for most numeric
data. These entry fields are closely related to regular text entry boxes
that allow the user to enter any text. Custom entry fields differ from
regular entry fields in that they format and validate the user input when
the enter button is pressed, or the field looses the focus.
Numbers are entered with or without their SI prefix. The SI prefix can be
one of the following letters:
G Giga
M Mega
k kilo
m milli
n nano
u micro
p pico
f femto
The entry fields also provide a "tooltip" help function that shows the
minimum and maximum permissible input value. Additionally, a step
size can be defined to increase or decrease the value when the mouse
wheel is turned.
Fig. 9.1.1 Example of the help tooltip function.
The step value is defined by the current cursor position within the entry
field.
Manual 44
R&S Power Viewer First Steps
9.2 The Menu Bar
9.2.1 File
Fig. 9.2.1: File settings.
File → Open Project
Loads a previously saved configuration. These settings affect all
measurements and fully restore the state of the entire application,
including window positions.
File → Save Project As
Saves the configuration of the entire application to a file. This file may
later be used to restore a measurement configuration. Measurement
data is not saved as part of the settings file.
File → Exit
Aborts all running measurements, disconnects from the power sensor,
and subsequently ends the application. All settings are saved.
9.2.2 Sensor
Fig. 9.2.2: Sensor menu.
Sensor → Legacy Sensors in Use
Opens a window that shows which application is using an R&S NRP-Z
Power Sensor in legacy mode.
Manual 45
R&S Power Viewer First Steps
Fig. 9.2.3: Sensor usage by application.
The window only lists NRP-Z Power Sensors that are in use by the low
level drivers in legacy mode. All newer R&S NRP Power Sensors are
controlled via the VISA interface and are not listed here.
Sensor → Channel Assignment
Displays a panel that allows the user to assign alias names to each
sensor. This simplifies working with multiple sensors. Alias names are
only valid within Power Viewer.
Sensor → VISA Connections
Displays a panel that allows the user to manage connections to
R&S NRP sensors. These sensors must be manually configured for use
with the application. Power Viewer supports LAN VXI-11 and USB-TMC
connections.
Sensor → LAN Configuration
Displays a panel that allows the user to configure the network settings
of the currently selected LAN sensor.
Sensor → S-Parameter
Opens the s-parameter profile editing dialog. This dialog is used to
download s-parameter sets of two-port devices to the sensor.
Manual 46
R&S Power Viewer First Steps
9.2.3 Info
Fig. 9.2.4: Info menu.
Info → Get Properties
Displays a panel that contains a set of important sensor properties,
such as the frequency and power range, as well as the firmware
version.
Info → Get Extended Information
Reads all available information from the selected sensor. This menu
option is only available when no measurements are running.
Info → Run Self Test
Performs a self-test on the selected sensor and returns the results as
text message. The detector's noise level is measured as part of the
sensor self-test routines. This only works when no RF signal is applied
to the sensor's input while the test is running.
9.2.4 Measurement
Fig. 9.2.5: Measurement menu.
Manual 47
R&S Power Viewer First Steps
Measurement → Start
Starts the measurement in the window that is currently active. This
button is disabled when another measurement window is already
running. Please note that some sensors may not support all
measurement modes. In such cases, the start button is disabled, even if
the measurement window is open and no measurement is running.
Measurement → Stop
Stops the currently active measurement. To add a level of protection, a
measurement can only be stopped when its window is active and
selected. This prevents unintentional stopping of a measurement.
Measurement → Reset to Defaults
Reset the currently active measurement settings back to default
parameters.
Measurement → Continuous
Opens the panel for the Continuous measurement mode. In this mode,
the power sensors perform asynchronous measurements on the signal
power over a definable time interval (aperture time).
Measurement → Trace
Opens the panel for the Trace measurement mode. The panel displays
the envelope power versus time.
Measurement → Statistics
Opens the panel for the Statistics measurement mode. In this mode, the
signals CDF, CCDF, or PDF can be measured.
Measurement → Timeslot
Opens the panel for the Timeslot measurement mode. This mode
measures the average and peak power of a definable number of
successive timeslots.
Measurement → Multi Channel
Opens a panel that can display continuous power readings for up to 16
sensors.
Measurement → OTA Single (only R&S NRPM)
Opens the panel for the OTA Continuous measurement mode. In this
mode, the power sensors perform asynchronous measurements of up
to three channels on the signal power over a definable time interval
(aperture time).
Measurement → OTA Trace (only R&S NRPM)
Opens the panel for the OTA Trace measurement mode. The panel
displays the envelope power of up to three channels versus time.
Measurement → OTA Multi Channel (only R&S NRPM)
Opens a panel that can display continuous power readings for up to 16
OTA sensors. Each sensor measures the signal power of up to three
channels.
Measurement → NRQ Signal Check
Opens the panel for the NRQ Signal Check. The panel displays the
power spectrum of the signal.
Measurement → NRQ ACLR
Opens the panel for the NRQ Adjacent Channel Power measurement.
The panel displays the ACLR as bar graph of the signal.
Measurement → NRQ IQ Analyzer
Manual 48
R&S Power Viewer First Steps
Opens the panel for the NRQ IQ Analysis measurement. The panel
displays the I/Q baseband signal versus time as well as a constellation
diagram and a power spectrum.
Measurement → Script Based
Opens the scripting window. The scripting measurement module is used
to execute SCPI scripts or to define custom measurements. Please see
the scripting section for additional details.
9.2.5 Data Processing
Fig. 9.2.6: Data Processing menu.
This menu contains functions that do not perform measurements but
receive measured values for evaluation. Most data processing functions
must be started manually after the measurement has begun. Typically,
the data processing automatically finishes when the measurement
stops.
Data Processing → Data Log
The data log captures up to four different values over a definable
period. The data is captured in two ways: The default method stores the
readings in up to 20000 data bins (memory). This data can be viewed
and exported to a file. The second method writes the captured values
directly to a file while the measurement is running. There is no limitation
on the number of data points when writing to a file.
Data Processing → Analysis
The analysis window evaluates up to four measurands statistically. In
the default configuration, the Power Viewer creates a histogram view in
each analysis channel.
Data Processing → Gauges
The gauges window displays up to four numerical values on a large
display. Each gauge can be switched between a digital and an analog
display. The gauges panel is useful if values need to be read from a
greater distance.
Data Processing → Limit Monitor
The limit monitor module compares up to 16 measurands against upper
and lower warning and error limits. It can send limit violations to a
remote host via its internal TCP/IP server.
9.2.6 Window
Manual 49
R&S Power Viewer First Steps
Fig.9.2.7: Window menu.
Window → Copy Graphics to Clipboard
Sends the content of the currently activated measurement window to
the system clipboard. This option is only available for measurements
that display their results in graphical form (such as trace, statistics,
timeslot and data log measurements). The copy-to-clipboard function
simplifies documentation tasks, because the graphics can simply be
pasted into other applications.
Please see chapter 10.2 "Copy to Clipboard" for a detailed description.
Window → Save Graphics to File
This function is similar to the above menu option, but it creates a .png
file on the user's desktop that contains the screen shot.
Window → Print Report
Creates a printout of the measurement that is currently activated. The
printout is a one-page document that contains the measurement and all
important sensor settings. Colors are inverted where necessary to avoid
a black background. This option is only available for measurements that
display their result as graphics (such as trace, statistics, timeslot, and
data log measurements).
Please see chapter 10.1 "Print Report" for additional details.
Window → Save Measurement Data
Saves measurement data from the currently active window to a .csv file.
This extension stands for comma-separated values. Files in this format
list data in columns that are separated by a single comma. This option
is only available for measurements such as the trace, statistics or data
log measurements. Comma-separated value lists can easily be
imported into most applications, such as Microsoft® Excel® or Open
Office.
Window → Show Tool Bar
Enables or disables the upper tool bar. Disabling the tool bar is useful if
the application shall be used with screen resolutions of 800 x 600 pixels
or less.
Window → Toggle Settings Panel
Enables or disables the settings panel on the right side of the
application window. Removing the settings panel frees some display
space and can be useful if the screen resolution is limited, e.g. 640x480
pixels.
Window → Message Log
The log window captures all internal messages generated by the
Manual 50
R&S Power Viewer First Steps
application. By default only information and error messages are
captured. Starting the application with the command line argument
--debug also enables log messages. The log message window is
automatically activated in case of an error. This menu item is used to
bring up the log window manually.
9.2.7 Help
Fig. 9.2.8: Help menu option.
Help → About This Software
Displays program information, such as the software version number and
licensing information.
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R&S Power Viewer First Steps
9.3 The Toolbar
The application provides a main toolbar that is located at the top of the
main program window. This toolbar hosts shortcuts to commonly used
functions and measurements.
Stop measurement
Start measurement
Toggle settings
Save measurement data
Save graphics to file
Copy graphics to clipboard
Print measurement report
Save project file
Load project file
Fig. 9.3.1: The main toolbar.
9.4 Selecting a Sensor
A second toolbar is located at the lower border. It is used for sensor
selection and for general settings. This toolbar is divided into two
sections: The left side provides measurement and data-log running
indicators as well as a control for sensor selection. If no sensor was
detected during the last USB bus scan, only the sensor simulation
function (NRP-Z00) is available. This simulation capability can be used
for basic demonstration and testing of the program's functionality.
Fig. 9.4.1: Second toolbar with sensor selection.
The application remembers the last sensor selection and tries to reuse
this device if it was detected during a USB scan. If the last sensor that
was used is no longer detected, the first detected sensor is used
instead.
Please note that changing the sensor type may affect measurement
settings. Power Viewer double-checks measurement settings before a
measurement is started and corrects values if necessary.
Manual 52
R&S Power Viewer First Steps
9.5 General Measurement Settings
The right toolbar section provides general settings for defining the signal
frequency, level offset, or gamma correction settings, or for selecting
the use of an S-parameter set.
Fig. 9.5.1: Second toolbar with general settings.
Please note that the general settings are applicable to all measurement
functions, except for multi-channel measurements. The multi-channel
measurement function provides individual settings for each sensor.
Signal Frequency
This frequency is used to correct measurement results in various ways.
It is essential that the current carrier frequency be set. Otherwise,
non-linearities or temperature dependencies considerably greater than
those stated in the data sheet can arise.
Level Offset
The offset accounts for external losses. If, for example, a 60 dB
directional coupler is used to sense power from a DVB-T transmitter,
the coupling loss can be used as the offset. Power Viewer sets up the
sensor accordingly and displays the corrected power measurements.
Manual 53
R&S Power Viewer First Steps
9.6 Corrections Dialog
The Corrections dialog contains advanced correction options that are
less frequently used. The dialog settings apply to all power
measurements, except for multi-channel mode and the script mode.
Fig. 9.6.1: Corrections dialog.
S-Parameters (embedding)
This check box activates one of the S-parameter correction data sets
stored in the sensor. S-parameter correction is used to compensate for
a component (attenuator, directional coupler) connected ahead of the
sensor by means of its S-parameter data set. Using S-parameters
instead of a fixed offset allows more precise measurements, because
the interaction between the sensor and the component can be taken
into account.
The S-parameter controls may be grayed out if the s-parameter state is
locked in the sensor. Please see the S-Parameters section in this
manual for detailed information on how to lock or unlock S-parameters.
Further information about practical applications in which S-parameter
correction is useful can be found in the application note 1GP70 on the
Rohde&Schwarz web site.
Gamma Correction
The gamma correction value sets the source's complex reflection
coefficient. A magnitude value of zero corresponds to an ideally
matched source, and a value of one to total reflection. The phase angle
can be set between –360.0 and +360.0 degrees.
Manual 54
R&S Power Viewer First Steps
9.7 NRQ Settings Dialog
The NRQ settings dialog contains specific settings related to the
frequency selective power sensors. The dialog settings apply to all NRQ
power measurements, except for the script mode.
Fig. 9.7.1: NRQ settings dialog.
Filter, Bandwidth
The R&S NRQ sensor supports different filter types. Each filter type is
optimized for a different purpose.
Flat
Possesses a flat passband with a nearly linear phase response. If the
signal bandwidth does not exceed the passband bandwidth, the signal
shape is not affected by the filter. Otherwise, the filter reduces the
bandwidth of the signal.
Normal (RRC) - Bandwidth >= 25 MHz
Gaussian-like filter that is optimized for a small rise time, where the
overshoot in the power domain caused by the filter itself is limited to
5 %. Since the filter is not flat, the power of the input signal decreases
away from the center frequency. The spectral components in the middle
of the filter are correctly leveled.
Normal (Gaussian) - Bandwidth <= 10 MHz
Gaussian filter with configurable 3 dB bandwidths. Gaussian filters have
a short impulse response, which makes the Gaussian filter advantages
for very short measurement times. In this case, the settling time which
subtracts from the total measurement time is minimized and the
effective measurement time is maximized. As a side effect, the shortest
possible measurement time is decreased. Furthermore, the filter is
smooth both in the frequency and in the time domain.
Attenuator
Adjust the input attenuator to prevent that mixers and amplifiers operate
close to their compression points. Thus, uncertainties in the
measurement result due to nonlinear effects such as intermodulation
products and gain compression are decreased. However, as a side
effect, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is decreased. This increases the
measurement uncertainty.
Reference Oscillator
By default, the R&S NRQ generates its conversion frequency, sampling
Manual 55
R&S Power Viewer First Steps
clock and reference clock internally. Alternatively, you can use external
clock sources.
Averaging
In continuous average and trace mode, the R&S NRQ supports three
different averaging domains with the following characteristics.
Power Video Linear
Averaging Unit Watt dBm V
Bias caused by High Low Medium
noise floor
Uncertainty caused Low High Medium
by noise floor
Frequency Tracker
The R&S NRQ offers an in-built frequency tracker. The frequency
tracker is available for bandwidths ≤ 10 MHz. The frequency tracker is
suitable to correct slow drifts and constant offsets for CW signal levels
of 20 dB above the noise floor.
Manual 56
R&S Power Viewer Hardcopy Features
10 Hardcopy Features
Power Viewer provides two features that greatly simplify documentation
tasks. With a simple mouse click, it is possible to create a print report
for the trace, statistics, or data log panel. Additionally, the current
graphics can be copied to the system clipboard and pasted into any
other application.
10.1 Print Report
The print button in the toolbar automatically creates a one-page
measurement report from the current data. Colors are inverted for
printer friendliness. The picture below shows an example of the
generated form.
Fig. 10.1.1: Example of a printed report.
On Linux-based systems, the printer selection dialog offers printing
directly to a .pdf file, in which case a PDF document is created without
the use of any third-party software.
Manual 57
R&S Power Viewer Hardcopy Features
10.2 Copy to Clipboard
The copy-to-clipboard function creates a bitmap of fixed size from the
current measurement and subsequently places the bitmap into the
system clipboard.
By default, colors are inverted, and a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels is
used. If this is not acceptable, these parameters can be changed in the
settings dialog box.
The figure below shows a captured measurement at a resolution of
800 x 600 pixels.
Fig. 10.2.1: Graphics copied to clipboard.
10.3 Save Graphics to File
The save graphics to file function creates a bitmap of fixed size from the
current measurement and subsequently creates a .png file on the
desktop or in the user's home directory.
By default, colors are inverted, and a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels is
used. If this is not acceptable, these parameters can be changed in the
settings dialog box.
Manual 58
R&S Power Viewer The Message Log
11 The Message Log
The Message Log window can be activated from the Window menu.
This window lists text messages, warnings, and errors that are
generated by the application or by the VXI PnP driver.
Fig. 11.1: The message log window.
Clear
Clears all of the window's content.
Copy
Copies the window content as text to the system clipboard. This text
may then be pasted into other applications, such as email clients.
Dealing with unexpected behavior
If the program or sensor displays unexpected behavior, it is advisable to
forward a detailed problem description along with system information
(such as the sensor type, serial number and firmware version string) to
the R&S customer support:
Manual 59
R&S Power Viewer Channel Assignment
12 Channel Assignment
Power Viewer maintains a list of alias names that can be assigned to
sensors. Each R&S NRP sensor can have an individual name assigned
to it, which is displayed throughout the application as an additional piece
of information.
If no alias name is set for a sensor, the application only displays its type
and serial number in all sensor selection controls.
The Channel Assignment dialog uses the placeholder <name> if no
alias name has been defined. Double-clicking the name field allows the
user to edit the entry.
Fig. 12.1: The channel assignment dialog.
Using alias names simplifies measurement tasks that involve multiple
sensors. For example, calculating an amplifier gain requires
measurement of the input and output power. Alias names, such as
“input” or “output,” may be assigned to the sensors connected to these
ports.
Sensors that are detected during a scan are indicated by illuminated
light bulbs, whereas unavailable devices appear as gray bulbs.
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R&S Power Viewer Measurements Overview
13 Measurements Overview
The following list briefly describes all measurements available in
Power Viewer. The availability of the individual measurements depends
on the selected sensor. Not all sensors support all measurement
modes, e.g. a thermal power sensor does not offer a trace
measurement.
Continuous Average
Continuous average power measurement with one
single sensor.
OTA (Continuous Average)
Continuous average power measurement with all
antenna elements connected to the OTA sensor.
Timeslot
Average power measurement in consecutive
timeslots.
Statistics
Measure the power distribution such as CCDF or
PDF.
Trace
Measure the RF power envelope.
OTA (Trace)
Measure the RF power envelope with all antennas
connected to the OTA sensor.
Multi Channel
Measure the average power with multiple sensors
simultaneously.
OTA (Multi Channel)
Measure the average power with multiple OTA
sensors simultaneously.
Script
Use Java Script for custom measurement tasks.
NRQ Signal Checking
Shows the power spectrum.
NRQ ACLR
Measures the Adjacent channel power of a signal.
NRQ I/Q Analyzer
Shows the I/Q signal versus time, a constellation
plot and the power spectrum.
Please see the following chapters for a detailed description of these
measurements.
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R&S Power Viewer Measurements Overview
14 Continuous Power Measurement
In this mode, the measurement signal's average power is measured
asynchronously within definable time intervals. This time interval is
referred to as the sampling window or aperture time. The width of a
sampling window is preset to a length that is optimal for the selected
sensor, but it can be changed to other values. The measurements are
performed with chopper stabilization to obtain more accurate results
with reduced noise and zero offset. Therefore, a measurement is
always performed over two sampling windows, with the polarity of the
detector output signal being reversed for the second window. Taking the
difference between the output signals minimizes the video path's
influence on noise and on zero drift. When the averaging function is
activated, the averaging factor determines how often the described
measurement cycle is repeated.
14.1 Settings
Fig. 14.1.1: Settings for continuous power measurements.
Zero
This option is only available while the measurement is running. It starts
the zeroing sequence for the current sensor. For this purpose, the RF
signal must be switched off, or the sensor must be disconnected from
the signal source. The sensor automatically detects the presence of any
significant power, which causes zeroing to be aborted and an error to
be generated. The LED next to the zeroing button changes it's color
depending on the current zeroing state.
Grey Zeroing was not performed since the measurement
got started.
Blue Zeroing is in progress. The measurement results are
not updated during this time.
Green Zeroing finished successfully.
Red Zeroing failed. In this case the LED initially flashes and
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R&S Power Viewer Continuous Power Measurement
then turns red continuously.
The zeroing process may take more then 8 seconds to complete and
varies with the sensor model.
Generally, it is possible to run the sensor zeroing with a small signal
(such as broadband noise) applied to the sensor. This makes it possible
to compensate for this signal in later measurements.
Averaging
The averaging mode can be set to either Auto or Manual. In manual
mode, the sensor uses an averaging factor that is set by the user
between 1 (no averaging) and 65536.
In auto mode, the sensor determines the optimum average filter count
based on a resolution of 0.01 dB.
Count
This is the number of measured values that have to be averaged to
generate the measurement results. Raising the averaging factor
reduces fluctuation in measured values and lengthens the amount of
time required to complete the measurement.
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle can be set as a percentage when pulse-modulated
signals are corrected. With correction activated, the sensor calculates
pulse power from the duty cycle and the average power.
Aperture Time (Sampling Window)
The sampling window (aperture time) is the time period that is used to
form one sample. The Power Viewer software automatically uses a
default window that best fits the selected sensor. Wider sampling
windows may be required if the measurement result exhibits fluctuations
due to modulation. In this case, it is beneficial to set the sampling
window length to a value equal to the modulation period.
Smoothing
The smoothing filter is a steep-slope digital lowpass filter used to
suppress result variations due to modulation. Smoothing should be
activated to reduce result variations due to modulation when the size of
the sampling window cannot, or should not, be set to exactly equal the
modulation period. If the selected sampling window is 5 to 9 times larger
than a modulation period, the display variations are usually sufficiently
reduced. With smoothing deactivated, 300 to 3000 periods are required
to obtain the same effect.
When smoothing is deactivated, the sampling values are considered to
be equivalent, and they are averaged in a sampling window, which
means that the measuring instrument acts as an integrator. As
described above, optimum suppression of result variations is obtained
when the size of the sampling window exactly equals the modulation
period. Otherwise, modulation can have a considerable influence, even
if the sampling window is much larger than the modulation period. The
response can be improved considerably by weighting samples, which is
equivalent to video filtering. This is exactly what happens when
smoothing is activated.
Since the smoothing filter increases the sensor's inherent noise by
approx. 20%, it should always be deactivated when it is not required.
Debug settings
Debug settings are entered in the debug options field in the program
settings dialog. Open this dialog from the program menu by selecting
Configure → Options → Debug.
contav.fastmode=0|1
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R&S Power Viewer Continuous Power Measurement
In normal measurement mode, the sensor measurements are initiated
at a lower rate. All measurements are forwarded to the data processing
panels. Only one measurement within a time period of 100 ms is sent to
the numeric display. This ensures a convenient display update rate
while simultaneously allowing for fast settling of the moving average
filter.
In applications in which CPU consumption is not critical, it is possible to
increase the measurement rate to capture more sensor readings in data
processing panels, such as the data log.
14.2 Numerical Data View
Power Viewer displays average power readings in numerical and
graphical form. The numerical display shows the main measurement as
well as additional information, such as the averaging count,
measurement mode, and measurement window (aperture).
Icons Sampling window (aperture)
Averaging filter count Relative indicator
Peak power Peak-to-average ratio
Average power
Fig. 14.2.1: The numerical data view.
The units can be switched between dBm, dBW, dBµV, and W.
A context menu can be activated by right-clicking in the display area.
This menu sets the display resolution to 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1. The display
resolution setting does not affect the measurement itself, it only limits
the number of visible digits.
Both linear and logarithmic power readings are average measurements
based on the current average filter setting. If the sensor provides peak
power data, these readings are displayed below the main reading.
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R&S Power Viewer Continuous Power Measurement
In the upper left display corner, a set of icons informs the user about the
measurement state.
Duty-cycle correction
This icon is displayed in the display's upper left corner when duty-cycle
correction is active.
S-parameter device
This icon is displayed in the display's upper left corner when S-
parameter correction is active.
Offset
This icon is displayed in the display's upper left corner when a level
offset is set.
Over-range warning
This icon is displayed in the display's upper left corner when the power
level approaches the sensor destruction limit.
14.3 Negative Power Readings
When a noisy signal is measured close to the power level at which the
sensor was zeroed, negative power readings may occur in the linear
scale. The logarithmic scale ignores the polarity and always uses the
linear power reading's absolute value.
In rare cases, the reading may be exactly zero. Since it is impossible to
convert zero into a logarithmic scale, a value that is 20 dB below the
minimum specified measurement level is used instead.
14.4 Accuracy of Peak Power Measurements
Please note that care must be taken to ensure the accuracy of peak
power readings. Chopper stabilization or averaging techniques cannot
be used with peak measurements. As a result, the measurement noise
level is substantially higher. The following section discusses the
influence of the higher noise level in great detail.
Noise needs to be looked at as a statistical process which can be
described by a normal distribution. The figure below shows the shape of
this distribution. The dark area marks values that are less than one
standard deviation away from the mean value µ. For a normal
distribution, 68.2 % of all values fall into this range.
Fig. 14.4.1: Normal distribution.
Manual 65
R&S Power Viewer Continuous Power Measurement
Peak power measurements record the maximum power that was
detected within the observation period. The longer this observation
period is, the more likely it is that a higher power value will occur.
The following discussion explains the influence of noise on the
peak-power measurement accuracy. This example uses the technical
data for the R&S NRP-Z81 wideband power sensor.
An observation time of 500 µs at full bandwidth (a 12.5 ns
sampling time) results in 40000 samples that are to be
evaluated.
The sample noise specified for the NRP-Z81 sensor running at
full bandwidth is typically 2 µW (for 2 standard deviations). This
means that 34.1 % of all values are less than 1 µW above the
average value.
The probability for one sample out of the given 40000 values is
1 / 40000 = 2.5-5. The associated σ value for this probability for
the normal distribution is about 4.5 according to the following
equation:
1 2
1 − x
2
x= e
2⋅
The peak sampling noise that needs to be expected based on
the normal distribution is, therefore: 1 µW * 4.5 = 4.5 µW.
Due to the detector's non-linear response, additional noise
multiplying factors need to be considered depending on the
signal level applied to the sensor. These factors are provided in
the sensor's technical specifications. For a signal level of 1 mW
at room temperature, the noise multiplication factor is 3.8.
The overall noise power that needs to be expected calculates
to: 4.5 µW * 3.8 = 17.1 µW.
The total error based on the above assumption for a 0 dBm
signal would then be:
17.1 µW
100 %⋅ =1.71 %
1 mW
Power Viewer removes the numeric peak and peak-to-average ratio for
peak readings below –3 dBm.
14.5 Relative Measurements
Relative measurements display the current reading relative to a
previously set reference power level. This measurement mode is useful
when the measurement task requires analysis of a power reading's
stability or drift.
When the measurement mode is changed to relative, Power Viewer
saves the current reading as a reference value. Subsequent mode
changes then no longer alter this reference power level, and a new level
is set using the →REF button.
Manual 66
R&S Power Viewer Continuous Power Measurement
14.6 Analog Meter
Power Viewer also displays power readings graphically as an analog
bar graph. The bar graph shows the average power level as a blue
arrow and the peak power level as a red arrow. Each arrow holds the
maximum value for a time period of about 5 seconds. Maximum
readings are indicated by the smaller and darker arrows.
Average power reading
with 5 seconds max. hold
Peak power reading
Fig. 14.6.1: Analog meter in absolute measurement mode.
The analog meter can also be used in the relative measurement mode,
in which case it displays the change in the measured value relative to a
previously set value. A context menu can be invoked by a right mouse
click and used to change the display range between a 20 dB, 10 dB,
2 dB, and 1 dB full scale.
Fig. 14.6.2: Analog meter in relative measurement mode.
Please note that some sensors only provide average power
measurements. In such cases, the red arrow is not visible.
Manual 67
R&S Power Viewer Continuous Power Measurement
14.7 Trend Chart
For analysis of power readings over time, Power Viewer provides an
additional statistics panel. This panel supports multiple views, such as a
trend chart, a histogram, or the Q-Q-plot. The view mode is selected via
the panel's context menu.
The trend display shows past measured values over time. New values
are appended on the right side of the chart, and they move to the left
side with time.
Average power Peak power
Fig. 14.7.1: Trend chart in absolute measurement mode.
Analogously to the analog meter, the blue trace indicates average
power, whereas the red trace is used for peak power readings. The
trend chart does not provide a time scale, because the time varies
depending on the filter and measurement-window settings.
Please note that Power Viewer sets the sensor to a moving average
filter mode. This ensures a constant measurement rate regardless of
the averaging filter count or sampling window length. As a result, fast
level changes do not appear as a step in the trend chart. Instead, they
exhibit a smooth transition from one level to the other.
Fig. 14.7.2: Step response for a measurement taken with an NRP-Z81
on a 3GPP signal with the manual averaging filter set to 256
and the aperture set to 10 ms.
Manual 68
R&S Power Viewer Continuous Power Measurement
14.8 Histogram Display
The histogram sorts the measured values into categories (data bins)
that are evenly distributed between the minimum and maximum
readings. The results are displayed as a bar chart in which the height of
a bar indicates how many measurements fall into each category. The
number of samples that are used for evaluation can be 250, 1000 or
5000.
Statistics
Count
Average power
Standard deviation
Fig. 14.8.1: Histogram display.
The minimum (Min) and maximum (Max) power readings are displayed
in the upper left corner.
The count (Cnt) indicates how many readings were accumulated for the
analysis. The count remains at a constant value as soon as the set
number of readings has been reached.
The average (Avg) power of all accumulated readings and the sample
standard deviation (s) is displayed in the panel's upper right corner. The
following formulas are used to calculate these two parameters:
N
1
x =
N
∑ xi
i =1
N
1
s= ∑ x −x 2
N −1 i=1 i
The terms "L95" and "U95" are used for the 95 % confidence intervals
for the average power level:
2⋅s 2⋅s
L95≃x − U95≃x
N N
Manual 69
R&S Power Viewer Continuous Power Measurement
14.9 Q-Q-Plot
The Q-Q-Plot (Quantile-Quantile-Plot) is a graphical method for
comparing two probability distributions.
The Power Viewer software provides a normal probability plot that
compares the probability distribution of the measured values against an
ideal normal distribution.
If the measured values are distributed normally, all graph points are
located on a straight line. Departures from this straight line indicate that
the normal distribution model is a poor fit for the distribution of the
measured values.
Fig. 14.9.1: Q-Q-Plot display.
Two additional red lines mark the 95 % confidence band. If all graph
points are located within this band, the measured values have a normal
distribution at a 95 % confidence level.
The diagram is vertically and horizontally scaled to σ. Therefore, each
grid line represents a step size of 1 σ.
The Q-Normal-Plot is used as a graphical test for normal distribution.
Manual 70
R&S Power Viewer OTA Continuous Power Measurement
15 OTA Continuous Power Measurement
The OTA continuous average power measurement is very similar to the
regular continuous average power measurement. The main difference is
that OTA sensors deliver three individual power readings from their
individual antenna elements. The OTA measurement therefore displays
three continuous average power readings simultaneously.
This chapter only describes the differences to the regular continuous
average power measurement.
15.1 Settings
Fig. 15.1.1: Settings for OTA continuous power measurements.
Channels
The three channels of the OTA sensor can be individually enabled or
disabled. Channels without an antenna connection must be disabled to
avoid error messages.
Manual 71
R&S Power Viewer Trace Measurements
16 Trace Measurements
In the trace mode, the envelope power can be recorded as a function of
time. This is done by sampling power over a time interval that can be
specified by the user. The power values are assigned to a number of
pixels (video points) that each contain data, such as the average power,
the maximum power and a randomly sampled value.
16.1 Measurement Settings
Fig. 16.1.1: Zeroing controls.
Zero
This option is only available while the measurement is running. It starts
the zeroing sequence for the current sensor. For this purpose, the RF
signal must be switched off, or the sensor must be disconnected from
the signal source. The sensor automatically detects the presence of any
significant power, which causes zeroing to be aborted and an error to
be generated. The LED next to the zeroing button changes it's color
depending on the current zeroing state.
Grey Zeroing was not performed since the measurement
got started.
Blue Zeroing is in progress. The measurement results are
not updated during this time.
Green Zeroing finished successfully.
Red Zeroing failed. In this case the LED initially flashes and
then turns red continuously.
The zeroing process may take more then 8 seconds to complete and
varies with the sensor model.
Generally, it is possible to run the sensor zeroing with a small signal
(such as broadband noise) applied to the sensor. This makes it possible
to compensate for this signal in later measurements.
Manual 72
R&S Power Viewer Trace Measurements
The power scale is defined by two parameters: the reference level and
the level step per division. Both values can be changed in steps by
pressing the plus and minus buttons on the settings panel. In addition,
values can be entered manually in a logarithmic or linear scale.
Fig. 16.1.2: Setting the vertical scale.
Reference level (Ref)
Specifies the upper limit of the trace view area. This setting only affects
the graphical data representation in the application. It has no influence
on the measurement or sensor configuration.
/div
Sets the scaling of the level axis. Zooming operations keep the
reference level constant and adjust the lower level accordingly.
Auto Set
Tries to adjust the level scaling, trigger level and timing to match the
applied signal. All other parameters are set back to defaults. If the auto
set process fails, all settings are left untouched.
Fig. 16.1.3: Setting the horizontal scale.
Power Viewer uses a fixed grid of 10 divisions for the time scale. The
time resolution is set per division with the lowest possible value being
5 ns/div.
Please note that not all sensors support the same time resolution.
Additional information can be found in the sensor data sheets.
The two buttons (plus and minus) increase or decrease the time per
division value in fixed steps. These steps follow the order
1 → 2 → 5 → 10 or vice versa. The appropriate unit is automatically
added to the numeric value.
Trigger Position
This setting defines the trigger point's position within the trace view
area. The arrow buttons move the trace back or forth by one division.
The trace position setting allows the user to view the signal at times
before the physical trigger point. Please note that this time interval
(pre-trigger) depends on the sensor hardware used. Power Viewer
automatically corrects invalid ranges for the current sensor.
Manual 73
R&S Power Viewer Trace Measurements
Delay
The trigger delay creates a delayed trigger point that is not identical to
the physical trigger point. Power Viewer uses the delayed trigger point
as the zero position for the time axis. The delay setting can be used to
compensate for signal delays caused by long cabling and external
trigger source.
Fig. 16.1.4: Setting the averaging count.
Averaging Count
This value sets the number of traces to be evaluated to form one
measurement result. Averaging reduces the noise level of the average
trace but increases measurement time. Changing the averaging count
does not have any effect on traces that represent random sampling
data. A peak trace representation usually increases slightly in level with
an increase in the averaging count.
It should also be noted that using trace averaging requires a stable
trigger event. Otherwise, traces with different timings are averaged,
which leads to erratic results.
The averaging count can be set to Real Time, in which case all
averaging is turned off entirely. This is useful for measuring single-shot
events. When the averaging function is deactivated, measurements are
performed without chopper stabilization, meaning that a measurement
then consists of a single sampling sequence activated by a trigger
event. Otherwise, the detector’s output-voltage polarity is reversed
automatically for alternate sampling sequences. This suppresses low-
frequency noise and increases the accuracy with which the average
power is measured at each pixel. Averaging has no effect on the
randomly selected samples; the largest values for each averaging
sequence are output as peak values.
Fig. 16.1.5: Setting the trigger.
Mode
The trigger mode can be set to Free Run, Auto, Normal, or Single
mode.
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In free run mode, the sensor does not wait for trigger events and
continuously acquires waveforms. The waveform display is not
synchronized, and the waveforms typically roll across the display.
Averaging is disabled in this mode.
In auto trigger mode, the sensor acquires data, even if no trigger event
occurs. Auto mode uses a timer that starts when a trigger occurs. After
1 s has elapsed, the software forces a trigger release and restarts its
timer. In the absence of valid trigger events, the acquired waveforms
are not synchronized. Average filter settings do not apply in this case.
When valid triggers exist, the waveforms become synchronized and
averaging can be used.
In normal mode, the sensor only acquires a waveform when it is
triggered by an internal or external trigger event. If no trigger event
occurs over a period of about 2 seconds, the Trig? indication is shown
on the user interface. The last waveform acquired remains on the
display, and the sensor keeps waiting for the next trigger event. If no
waveform has been acquired, the display remains blank.
In single mode, the sensor arms its trigger unit when the ARM button is
pressed. Subsequently, it performs one acquisition as soon as the
trigger condition is met. If no trigger event occurs over a period of about
2 seconds, the Trig? indication is shown on the user interface. The
waveform acquisition includes averaging, which means that 2*N trigger
events must occur before the acquisition completes. If single-shot
events are to be analyzed, the averaging filter count must be set to Real
Time.
Source
This setting establishes the trigger signal's source. Internal means that
the trigger event is generated by the applied RF signal and by the set
trigger level. The External setting uses the BNC input signal from the
R&S NRP-Z3 or R&S NRP-Z5 adapter. When an external source is
used, the trigger level and hysteresis functions are not effective. The
option 'External SMB' activates the SMB trigger input that is available on
all new generation NRP power sensors. In the case the user can select
between an input impedance of 10 kOhms or 50 Ohms.
Output
The new R&S NRP Power Sensors can use their built in SMB connector
as trigger output. In this case a rising edge is generated when the
power measurement starts. Please see the power sensor user manual
for details on how to use this feature.
Slope
The trigger slope can be set to either the positive or negative edge. This
setting is available for all trigger sources.
Level
This level setting establishes the trigger threshold for internal triggering
derived from the test signal. In order to achieve stable triggering
conditions, a trigger level above −40 dBm is advisable.
Holdoff
The holdoff setting suppresses trigger events within the set holdoff time
(in seconds), starting from the time of the last successful triggering. The
holdoff time must be larger than the total trace time.
Dropout
This setting establishes the dropout time in microseconds. With a
positive (or alternatively: negative) trigger slope, the dropout time is the
minimum time for which the signal must be below (above) the trigger
power level before triggering can occur again. As with the holdoff
parameter, unwanted trigger events can be excluded. The set dropout
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time only affects the internal trigger source.
Trigger level
Fig. 16.1.6: Holdoff time (red) and dropout time (blue).
The figure above shows the various times related to a trigger event.
The green diamonds mark the trigger point in time, located on the rising
edge of a pulse. The red arrow marks the holdoff time. This time must
elapse before the trigger system is rearmed and the system can re-
trigger. The blue arrows mark the dropout time periods. The signal level
must remain below the trigger threshold before the system can re-
trigger.
Using the dropout time is useful in many applications:
• Triggering on the first pulse of a pulse train.
• Triggering on bursts that contain intra-pulse modulation with AM
content.
• Triggering on levels that are close to the pulse top.
Fig. 16.1.7: Additional measurement settings.
Pulse
This button opens the Auto Pulse Settings panel. Use this panel to
configure all parameters that are relevant to the automatic pulse
measurement. The check-box is used to enable or disable the
automatic pulse measurement globally.
Marker
This button opens the Advanced Marker Settings panel. Use this panel
to configure all parameters that are relevant to the marker
measurements. The check-box is used to enable or disable the marker
measurements globally.
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16.2 Custom Settings
The Power Viewer software provides a mechanism for adding custom
settings to the trace measurement configuration. For this purpose, SCPI
commands can be sent at the end of the trace measurement
configuration. Adding these commands is generally not required, but it
may be useful for special applications or for debugging.
The SCPI commands can be specified on the debug page for the
program settings dialog. This dialog is reached from the menu bar by
selecting Configure → Options → Debug.
The syntax for adding custom commands is:
trace.cmd=<command>
Multiple lines may be appended after each other. Lines starting with a
hash mark (#) are treated as a comment and ignored.
• Disabling the NRP-Z81 equivalent sampling mode:
trace.cmd=SENS:TRAC:ESAM:AUTO OFF
• NRP-Z81 trace measurements at reduced bandwidth:
trace.cmd=SENS:BWID:VID "5 MHz"
• Using a specific sensor path with the 3-path diode sensors:
trace.cmd=SENS:RANG:AUTO OFF
trace.cmd=SENS:RANG 2
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16.3 Graphical Trace View
The graphical trace view contains the information shown below.
Reference level
Delayed trigger Legend
Physical trigger Level lines
Scaling Trigger
level
Measurement Number of samples / Trigger
Time gate area Time at right screen border
Time at left screen border
Fig. 16.3.1: The graphical trace view.
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If the trigger level is located outside of the visible area, the green trigger
level line disappears. In its place, a little arrow next to the T indicates
the direction in which the trigger level is located.
Fig. 16.3.2: Trigger level located above the visible area.
If the trigger position (time) is located outside the display area, the
green arrow rotates and indicates the direction in which the physical
trigger position is located.
Fig. 16.3.3: Trigger position to the left of the visible area.
16.4 Context Menu
The graphical trace view provides a context menu that can be activated
by right-clicking the mouse. This context menu contains all functions
directly related to the graphical data representation, and its settings do
not affect sensor settings.
Fig. 16.4.1: Context menu for the graphical trace view.
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Log / Lin
Trace data can be viewed in a linear scale (watts) or in a logarithmic
scale (dBm). The menu switches back and forth between these two
views. However, when switching from linear to log mode, negative
y-values are truncated, and the lowest dBm level set to −60 dBm.
16.5 Trace Representations
Some power sensors (e.g. the R&S® NRP-Z8x) return multiple trace
data representations. Due to the high sampling rate that these sensors
use, the average, random and peak power information is available for
each video point. The difference between these representations is
outlined below.
Average
This representation averages the power values of identical
measurement points, i.e. points at the same distance from the trigger
point. This reduces noise, since the noise reduction is proportional to
the square root of the averaging factor. This is the default
representation, and it is available with all sensors.
Peak
The maximum of all samples taken at identical measurement points, i.e.
points at the same distance from the trigger point, are found and output.
Random
The random values are obtained from the first measurement cycle.
Repetition of the measurement cycle has no effect on the result.
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16.6 View Modes
The view modes affect the way that trace data is rendered on the
display. View modes do not affect the sensor configuration. Therefore,
any view mode can be combined with any sensor configuration.
Normal
In normal mode, each trace captured by the sensor is rendered on the
screen. Newer traces replace older ones. This is the default view mode,
and it is useful for most applications.
Envelope
In the envelope mode, trace data is accumulated over up to 256 traces,
and the area between the minimum and maximum readings is filled with
a semi-transparent color. The current trace is highlighted within this
area. This mode is very useful for finding glitches, transients, or other
random events.
The screen shot below shows an EDGE burst in the envelope view
mode, and all traces average, random and peak activated.
Fig. 16.6.1: EDGE burst in envelope view mode.
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Persistent Dots
In the persistent-dots mode, the software collects data on up to 32 trace
measurements. These trace data points are displayed without
interconnecting lines. This mode is useful for analyzing waveform
anomalies.
The example below shows a jittered AM signal that is captured in
realtime mode (no averaging).
Fig. 16.6.2: Jittered AM signal in persistent dots view mode.
Moving Average and Exp. Moving Average
The moving average modes provide additional video filtering of up to
512 trace measurements. The regular moving-average mode displays
the average trace data of the last 512 measurements. All traces are
weighted equally. This filter provides the best noise reduction.
The exponential moving average filter uses an exponential weighting of
the last 512 measurements. The last measurement is weighted the
most, whereas older measurements only have little influence on the
displayed result. This filter responds faster to signal changes but
provides less noise reduction.
Since the view modes do not affect the measurement itself, it is
generally possible to combine these video averaging filters with
un-triggered measurements, e.g. noise-like signals. The result is the
average power of uncorrelated signal portions.
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16.7 Lines
Fig. 16.7.1: Measurements related to level lines and the time gate.
Time-gate and level lines may be activated for simple measurement
tasks. Both line sets can be dragged by holding down the left mouse
button. Text boxes at the lower border show all related readings, such
as delta values and power readings within the gated area.
Time Gate
1 The position of line 1 relative to the trigger position
2 The position of line 2 relative to the trigger position
Δ The time difference between both lines
Gated Meas.
Av The average power between the time-gate lines
Pk The peak power between the time-gate lines
Δ The ratio of the peak and average powers
Level Lines
1 The level at which line 1 is positioned
2 The level at which line 2 is positioned
Δ The ratio of both levels
Measure Mod. Depth
The level lines can optionally be used for measuring a signal's
modulation depth according to the following equation:
Depth %=100⋅
∣ P 1− P 2
P 1 P 2 ∣
16.8 Reference Trace
Trace data can be saved to memory and shown as a reference curve.
The To Ref context menu entry saves all active traces to memory and
displays them in a slightly darker color together with the measured
traces. Reference trace data gets scaled or moved when the x- or
y-scaling is changed. Clicking Clear Ref removes all reference trace
data from memory.
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16.9 Using Markers
Markers can be tied to trace points for performing automated
measurements. The context menu is used to activate the Marker
Configuration dialog shown below.
Fig. 16.9.1: Marker configuration dialog.
Power Viewer offers one reference and up to four delta markers. Each
of the markers can be assigned to the average, random, or peak trace.
This assignment is independent of whether the trace is enabled for
viewing.
The reference marker is set to a point in time relative to the trigger
point. Alternatively, it may be set to automatic peak-tracking mode,
which positions the marker to the maximum power value within the
visible trace area.
Fig. 16.9.2: Markers in trace display.
The reference marker is indicated with a small purple arrow that points
downward to the trace that it is associated with.
Delta markers can be defined relative to the reference marker or
relative to other delta markers. This allows the user to build chains of
markers and perform measurements between marker points.
Each delta marker can be operated in different operating modes. These
modes are outlined below.
Fixed Time
This mode is available for the reference and the delta markers. The
marker is positioned at a fixed point in time. This time is relative to the
trigger point, whereas the delta marker time is related to the marker that
it is dependent on. Fixed time markers can be dragged using the
mouse.
Auto Peak
This option is only available for the reference marker. If selected, this
marker automatically tracks the peak-power value within the visible
trace area.
Δ Level
This option is only available for the delta markers. If selected, this
marker is automatically positioned at the desired signal level by
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searching to the right or left. The level is entered as a value that is
relative to the power level upon which the marker is dependent. An
additional exclude time can be set to inhibit searching within this period
of time.
Next Peak
This option is only available for the delta markers. If selected, this
marker automatically searches for the next signal peak. The level value
defines a relative threshold for the peak search. It should be set so that
noise peaks are not accidentally evaluated as signal peaks. An
additional exclude time can be set to inhibit searching within this period.
16.9.1 Pulse Width Measurements
An automatic pulse width measurement can be performed using three
markers. The reference marker is set to a fixed point in time at which its
level exactly matches the pulse top power.
The first delta marker is set to search a level that is 3 dB down from the
reference marker to the left side. This positions marker one at the rising
edge's 50 % power level.
The second delta marker is set to search the same power level to the
right side. It is related to the first delta marker and thus marks positions
at the same power level on the falling edge.
The result is shown in the figure below.
Fig. 16.9.3: Markers in a pulse-width measurement.
The pulse width can be read from the ΔT measurement for delta marker
two.
Fig. 16.9.4: Marker readings for the pulse width measurement.
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16.9.2 Pulse Rise-Time Measurements
The rise or fall time of a pulse can be measured using a set of two delta
markers and the reference marker. The reference marker is set to a
fixed point in time at which its level exactly matches the pulse top
power.
The first delta marker is set to search a level that is 1 dB down to the
left side. It is related to the reference marker.
The second delta marker is set to search a level that is 19 dB down to
the left side. It is related to the first delta marker.
The result is shown in the figure below.
Fig. 16.9.5: Rise time measurement using markers.
The pulse rise time can be read from the ΔT measurement for delta
marker two.
Fig. 16.9.6: Marker readings for the pulse rise-time measurement.
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16.10 Zooming
The Power Viewer Software supports time and level zooming in the
trace panel. Both zoom operations are controlled using the left mouse
key and the mouse wheel. Time zoom operations always reconfigure
the sensor, whereas level zooms only adjust the view port.
16.10.1 Time Zoom
The time zoom mode is entered by holding the left mouse key down
while dragging the mouse cursor horizontally. A blue area highlights the
minimum area that will be shown when the zoom operation completes.
When the left mouse key is released, two horizontal arrows indicate that
the zoom operation can now be performed using the mouse wheel.
Fig. 16.10.1: Time zoom in a trace measurement.
Rolling the mouse (scroll) wheel forward or clicking into the marked
area zooms into the trace and magnifies the marked area. The time
resolution is rounded to the next useful value on a 1-2-5 scale.
Rolling the mouse wheel backwards zooms out. The center point for the
zoom operation is the center point of the marked area. The time
resolution is rounded to the next useful value on a 1-2-5 scale.
After the zoom operation has completed, the marked area and the
arrows disappear. The zoom operation can be aborted by clicking the
right or left mouse key instead of rolling the mouse wheel.
Undo
When no zoom area is selected, the mouse wheel serves as an undo
function for the time zoom. Rolling the mouse wheel backwards restores
the previous timing.
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16.10.2 Level Zoom
The level zoom mode is activated by clicking and releasing the left
mouse key in the trace window. A set of vertical arrows marks the zoom
level and indicates that the zoom operation can now be completed
using the mouse wheel.
Fig. 16.10.2: Level zoom in a trace measurement.
Rolling the mouse wheel forward magnifies the trace and centers it
around the selected zoom point.
Rolling the mouse wheel backwards undoes the last level-zoom
operation.
The level-zoom mode is automatically aborted if the mouse cursor is
moved without rolling the wheel. This prevents users from remaining in
level zoom-mode unintentionally.
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16.11 Automatic Pulse Measurement
Pulses are measured in line with the international IEC 469 standard.
The algorithm in the power sensor first determines the pulse amplitude
of the measured trace by establishing the distance between the top
power and base power. This pulse amplitude then serves as the basis
for the percentage values for the three reference levels that can be
preset – high, mid, and low. These three levels are used to measure the
pulse. Typical values are 90 %, 50 %, and 10 %. While the low and high
reference levels are only employed to determine the pulse’s rise and fall
times, the "mid" reference level is used to determine all other timing
parameters.
Automatic pulse measurement can be activated in the trace settings if
the sensor supports this feature (e.g. R&S NRP Z-8x). The
measurement is performed inside the sensor, and data is provided for
each captured trace.
Pulse measurement data can also be sent to the data processing
panels.
The following figure explains the terms used with the automatic pulse
measurement.
Peak power
Top power
High ref. level
Mid ref. level
Pulse width
Low ref. level
Base power
Rise time Fall time
Fig. 16.11.1: Automatic pulse measurement.
Base power
The base power is the average power for the period without any signal
content. Typically, this is the average noise power. The base power is
referred to as the 0 % level.
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Top power
The top power is the pulse power excluding any overshot at the
beginning of the pulse. This power level is referred to as the 100 %
level.
Peak power
The peak power is the maximum power value captured in the trace.
The low, mid, and high reference levels
The three reference power levels are specified by the user as a
percentage of the pulse amplitude. The amplitude is the power
difference between the pulse's top power and its base power.
The three reference power levels are used to determine all pulse timing
related values, such as the rise time and fall time or the pulse width and
pulse repetition time.
Please note that automatic pulse measurements are based on the
average trace data returned from the sensor. It is important that stable
trigger conditions exist and that the average count is set high enough in
order to run the automatic pulse measurement function.
Enabling automatic pulse measurement slightly slows down the
measurement rate. This is normal and is due to the sensor's internal
processing routines.
The automatic pulse measurement settings are configured in a separate
dialog that is accessible from the trace measurement configuration
dialog box.
Fig. 16.11.2: Automatic pulse measurement settings.
Algorithm
This control is used to select the analysis algorithm for determining the
pulse-top and pulse-base powers. These two power levels are
fundamental for all further signal analysis.
The default setting, Histogram, determines the pulse-top and pulse-
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base power levels by evaluating the probability density of all the values
for one recorded trace. This algorithm is recommended for most pulses.
The Integration algorithm approximates the pulse by an ideal signal with
the same energy content, pulse duration, and pulse period. Use this
algorithms for pulses with fast rise times and fall times as well as for
pulses with amplitude variations (e.g. modulation).
The Peak algorithm is not available on all of the wideband power
sensor's firmware versions. Please consult the sensor firmware's
release notes to see if this feature is supported. The algorithm uses the
overall peak power as the reference and is useful for Gaussian pulse
shapes.
Prefer High Res.
This check box enables high-resolution pulse analysis if the sensor
firmware supports this feature. High-resolution pulse analysis uses an
equivalent sampling technique and provides more precise measurement
results. Measurement time increases when high-resolution pulse
analysis is used.
When the sensor uses high-resolution pulse analysis, an additional line
in the results table displays the equivalent sampling time.
Ref Level
The low, mid, and high reference-level values define the levels used for
determining the pulse timing. All values are specified as a percentage of
the pulse amplitude (the difference between the top and base powers).
Levels are related to power readings in watts. The following table
compares levels expressed in volts, watts and dBW.
Level (% V) Level (% W) Level (dBW)
10 1 20
50 25 6
90 81 0.92
10 10
50 3
90 0.46
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16.11.1 Measurement Results
These check boxes select which results are shown in the graphical
trace view. Low-level and high-level values are marked by small
horizontal lines for the rising and falling edge that the sensor evaluates.
The positions of the rising and falling edge are marked with small
diamonds.
Fig. 16.11.3: Automatic pulse measurement in trace view.
Algorithm
The analysis algorithm is used to determine the pulse-top and pulse-
base powers. These two power levels are fundamental for the pulse
analysis, because they are required for calculating the pulse amplitude.
The reference levels are specified as a percentage of the pulse
amplitude, and they are required for measuring the entire pulse timing.
Equiv Sampling
This entry is only displayed if the high-resolution pulse analysis is used
by the sensor firmware and shows the equivalent sampling time. This
time provides a good measure of the accuracy that is achieved with the
automatic pulse measurements. The following example demonstrates
the difference in resolution:
Without equivalent sampling:
20 µs/div @ 500 video points < 400 ns / sample
With equivalent sampling:
Signal dependent 2.5 ns
High-resolution pulse analysis is useful when pulses with large duty
cycles need to be measured (for example, in radar applications).
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Unit
The reference level values are specified as a percentage of the pulse
amplitude, and they can be voltage or power related.
Level
The low, mid, and high reference levels that are used for the automatic
pulse measurement. The levels are set as a percentage of the pulse
amplitude.
Pulse Duration
The time between the pulse's first rising edge and subsequent falling
edge. If the duration cannot be determined, "---" is displayed.
Pulse Period
The time between two consecutive edges of the same type. If the period
cannot be determined, "---" is displayed.
Rise Time
The time of the first rising edge. The rise time is defined as the period
between the point in time when the signal exceeds the lower reference
level and the point in time when it exceeds the upper reference level. If
no rising edge can be detected, "---" is displayed.
Rising Edge
The point in time when the first rising edge occurs, i.e. the point in time
at which the signal exceeds the average reference level. The rising
edge position is based on the delayed trigger point.
Rising Edge To Phys. Trig.
Unlike the standard rising edge time, this time is related to the physical
trigger. If no trigger delay is set, this measurement is omitted.
Fall Time
The time of the first falling edge. The fall time is defined as the period
between the point in time when the signal falls below the upper
reference level and the point in time when it falls below the lower
reference level. If no falling edge can be detected, "---" is displayed.
Falling Edge
The point in time when the first falling edge occurs, i.e. the point in time
at which the signal falls below the average reference level. The falling-
edge position is referenced to the delayed trigger point.
Falling Edge To Phys. Trig.
In contrast to the standard falling-edge time, this time is related to the
physical trigger. If no trigger delay is set, this measurement is omitted.
Peak Power
The maximum power value for the entire trace.
Top Power
The pulse's top power. This power level is determined by the analysis
algorithm and is fundamental for the entire pulse analysis.
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16.12 Common Measurement Tasks
The trace panel can be used for many different measurement tasks.
The following overview provides advice on how to configure the trace
measurement for common signals.
Repetitive pulsed signals without jitter
Trigger Normal
Averaging ≥2
View Normal
This is the most commonly used setting. It measures the signal's
envelope power continuously.
Repetitive pulsed signals with jitter
Trigger Normal
Averaging Real Time (OFF)
View Envelope, Persistent Dots
Continuously measures the envelope power. Averaging should not be
used if the jitter needs to be observed.
CW-like signals, e.g. WCDMA without trigger
Trigger Free Run
Averaging N/A
View Moving Average
Continuously measures the average power level of asynchronous trace
measurements.
Single-shot signals
Trigger Single → ARM
Averaging Real Time (OFF)
View Normal
The averaging should be set to real time, because the sensor otherwise
requires multiple trigger events to generate one measurement result.
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17 OTA Trace Measurement
The OTA trace measurement is very similar to the regular trace
measurement. The main difference is that OTA sensors deliver three
individual power traces from their individual antenna elements. The
OTA measurement therefore displays three average power traces
rather than an average power, peak power and random sample trace.
This chapter only describes the differences to the regular trace
measurement.
17.1 Settings
Fig. 17.1.1: Settings for OTA trace measurements.
Channels
The three channels of the OTA sensor can be individually enabled or
disabled. Channels without an antenna connection must be disabled to
avoid error messages.
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18 Statistics
The Statistics mode makes it possible to measure the envelope
power's complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) or
probability density function (PDF).
18.1 Settings
Fig. 18.1.1: Settings for the statistics mode.
Zero
This option is only available while the measurement is running. It starts
the zeroing sequence for the current sensor. For this purpose, the RF
signal must be switched off, or the sensor must be disconnected from
the signal source. The sensor automatically detects the presence of any
significant power, which causes zeroing to be aborted and an error to
be generated. The LED next to the zeroing button changes it's color
depending on the current zeroing state.
Grey Zeroing was not performed since the measurement
got started.
Blue Zeroing is in progress. The measurement results are
not updated during this time.
Green Zeroing finished successfully.
Red Zeroing failed. In this case the LED initially flashes and
then turns red continuously.
The zeroing process may take more then 8 seconds to complete and
varies with the sensor model.
Generally, it is possible to run the sensor zeroing with a small signal
(such as broadband noise) applied to the sensor. This makes it possible
to compensate for this signal in later measurements.
Distribution Function
Power Viewer displays the CDF, CCDF, or PDF for a signal.
The CCDF shows how often a measured power value is above a certain
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level. For this purpose, the x-axis uses a logarithmic power scale. The
y-coordinate is scaled logarithmically and in probabilities from 100 %
down to 10-4 %. The CCDF can also be viewed as a relative graph, in
which case the x-axis is scaled to the signal's average power.
Total Samples
The number of samples determines the length of the evaluation window.
The overall window length is calculated from the sampling rate (80 MHz,
12.5 ns interval) and the sample count.
The default evaluation length is one million samples, and the maximum
permissible value is 768 million samples.
The application uses an asynchronous measurement mode for the
statistics measurement. Thus, a measurement is started without waiting
for any trigger event and stopped when the set evaluation period has
elapsed.
Sample counts larger than 24 million points are divided into up to 32
sets of measurements, each of which evaluates up to 24 million points.
At full bandwidth, the time required for one measurement with 24 million
samples is 0.3 seconds. Therefore, larger sample counts require more
time for the measurement to stabilize.
Reference Curves
The current curve can be saved as a reference curve and used for
comparisons with later measurements. Any reference curve data is only
stored locally in the graphics view. It cannot be saved to a file.
The statistics view supports up to four reference curves in addition to
live measurement data.
Show AWGN Reference Curve
When this function is enabled, the system plots an ideal AWGN curve.
This reference curve can be used with all statistics modes.
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18.2 Graphical Data View
The graphical data view may contain the information shown below. The
level and probability lines are activated with a right mouse click into the
graphics area.
Average power indicator
Level line Legend Numeric readings
Probability line
Maximum level
Probability line values
Level line values
Minimum level
Fig. 18.2.1: The graphical data view.
The application supports absolute or relative CCDF displays as well as
the PDF and CDF displays.
If numeric results are required, the display can be tiled to show the table
with numeric results on the right side.
Fig. 18.2.2: Tiling the display to show the table with numeric results.
Table mode
This mode is activated by calling up the context menu (by right clicking
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into the graphics area) and selecting Table View.
18.3 PDF Mode
PDF stands for probability density function. It shows the probability at
which readings occur at a given level.
For this purpose, the logarithmic level scale is divided into sections,
which are referred to as bins. Each measurement that falls within a bin
increases the bin counter by one. At the end of the measurement cycle,
all bin counts are normalized by the linear scale's bin boundaries.
Fig. 18.3.1: The PDF curve of a 3GPP signal with an AWGN reference
curve at an average power level of 0 dBm.
The figure above shows a 3GPP signal that has a power distribution
similar to that of AWGN. At low signal levels (left side) the resolution of
the sensor's A/D converter might become visible.
Manual 99
R&S Power Viewer Statistics
18.3.1 PDF Background Information
This section outlines the relationship between the displayed PDF curve
and various signals, such as 3GPP or WCDMA.
For a (gauss) noise-like signal, it can be assumed that the signal is
being generated by I/Q modulation of an RF carrier. Both the I-signal
and the Q-signal are normally distributed with a mean value of zero and
a standard deviation of one. The resulting carrier envelope power is
proportional to the sum of I2 and Q2:
P ∝ I 2Q 2
The figure below shows the resulting vector and RF signal based on the
two normally distributed baseband signals.
Fig. 18.3.2: Vector resulting from I/Q
modulation and a modulated RF carrier.
The PDF of a normal distribution can be described by the following
formula:
1 − x−2
f , , x = exp
2 22
If a new random variable is created from k independent, normally
distributed random variables with a mean of zero (µ=0) and a variance
of one ( σ=1 ), the resulting distribution is the chi-square distribution:
{ }
1/2k /2 k / 2−1 − x/ 2
x e x0
f x , k = k /2
0 x0
Manual 100
R&S Power Viewer Statistics
In the case of I/Q modulation, the degree of freedom is two (k=2), which
simplifies the PDF according to the following equation:
1
1 − x
f x ,2= e 2
2
This equation demonstrates that the AWGN signal produces a PDF that
can be approximated by the exponential function. This is the AWGN
reference curve that the Power Viewer Software adds as the reference.
The statistics become more complex when the signal consists of two
components, such as a constant RF carrier with a modulated signal.
Fig. 18.3.3: Vector resulting from a
Fig. 18.3.4: Constant signal with added I/Q modulation and PDF.
In this case, the mean values of the I- and Q-signals are not zero (µ≠0)
and the chi-square distribution cannot be used for the resulting
envelope power.
Please note that the assumptions above are valid for power levels that
are significantly higher than the power-sensor noise level.
Manual 101
R&S Power Viewer Statistics
18.4 CDF Mode
Fig. 18.4.1: The CDF curve of a 3GPP signal with an AWGN reference
curve at an average power level of 0 dBm.
CDF stands for cumulative distribution function and is the integral of the
PDF curve. The advantage of the CDF curve is that it emphasizes
minimum power values.
The ideal AWGN reference signal remains the exponential function,
because the integral of ex remains ex.
Manual 102
R&S Power Viewer Statistics
18.5 CCDF Mode
Fig. 18.5.1 The CCDF curve of a 3GPP signal with an AWGN reference
curve at an average power level of 0 dBm.
CCDF stands for complementary cumulative distribution function and is
the complement of the CDF curve. Its curve is calculated using the
following equation:
CCDF =1−CDF
The advantage of the CCDF curve is that it emphasizes peak power
values. That is the main reason why the CCDF plays an important role
in many applications.
The ideal AWGN reference signal is described by the exponential
function.
Manual 103
R&S Power Viewer Timeslot Mode
19 Timeslot Mode
This mode measures the average power of a definable number (up to
16) of successive timeslots within a frame structure with equal spacing.
When the averaging function is activated (averaging factor of two or
more), measurements are performed with chopper stabilization to obtain
more accurate results with reduced noise and zero offset. Chopper
stabilization involves reversing the polarity of the detector output signal
from frame to frame. Taking the difference of the output signals
minimizes the video path's effect on noise and zero drift.
19.1 Settings
Fig. 19.1.1: Zeroing controls.
Zero
This option is only available while the measurement is running. It starts
the zeroing sequence for the current sensor. For this purpose, the RF
signal must be switched off, or the sensor must be disconnected from
the signal source. The sensor automatically detects the presence of any
significant power, which causes zeroing to be aborted and an error to
be generated. The LED next to the zeroing button changes it's color
depending on the current zeroing state.
Grey Zeroing was not performed since the measurement
got started.
Blue Zeroing is in progress. The measurement results are
not updated during this time.
Green Zeroing finished successfully.
Red Zeroing failed. In this case the LED initially flashes and
then turns red continuously.
The zeroing process may take more then 8 seconds to complete and
varies with the sensor model.
Generally, it is possible to run the sensor zeroing with a small signal
(such as broadband noise) applied to the sensor. This makes it possible
to compensate for this signal in later measurements.
The power scale section sets the y-axis for the timeslot display. The
numbers do not affect the measurement itself.
Fig. 19.1.2: Setting the power scale.
Reference
Sets the maximum power level for the timeslot display.
/div
Manual 104
R&S Power Viewer Timeslot Mode
Defines the scaling between 0.1 dB/div and 20 dB/div.
Fig. 19.1.3: Setting the timeslot structure.
The timing section sets all parameters that are required to precisely
define the timeslot structure for the signal to be analyzed. To obtain
stable and reliable results, it is essential that these parameters match
the signal exactly.
Number
Defines the number of timeslots that belong to a single frame. The
permissible range is from one to 16.
Width
Sets the width of a single timeslot within the frame structure. Each
timeslot has exactly the same width.
Exclude
Defines the time gaps at the beginning or at the end of a timeslot that is
not evaluated for the measurement. These parameters are used to
define the spacing between adjacent timeslots.
Delay
Specifies the time between the physical trigger event and the start of
the first timeslot.
The averaging filter reduces the noise level significantly.
Fig. 19.1.4: Setting the filter count for the averaging filter.
Count
The filter count sets the number of frames that are to be evaluated to
form one measurement result.
Timeslot measurements always require stable and reliable trigger
conditions. This is particularly important when averaging is enabled and
multiple measurements are used for one result.
Manual 105
R&S Power Viewer Timeslot Mode
Fig. 19.1.5: Trigger settings.
Source
The trigger source can be either internal or external. When an external
source is used (R&S NRP-Z3 or R&S NRP-Z5 adapter), only the
settings for polarity and holdoff time are available. The new generation
NRP power sensors provide a second SMB trigger input. This option is
available as External SMB.
Slope
The trigger slope can be set to either the positive or negative edge. This
setting is available for all trigger sources.
Level
Sets the trigger threshold for internal triggering derived from the test
signal. In order to achieve stable trigger conditions, it is advisable to use
a trigger level above –20 dBm.
Holdoff
Suppresses trigger events within the set holdoff time (in seconds),
starting from the time of the last successful triggering.
Dropout
Sets the dropout time in microseconds. With a positive (or alternatively:
negative) trigger slope, the dropout time is the minimum time for which
the signal must be below (above) the trigger power level before
triggering can reoccur. As with the holdoff parameter, unwanted trigger
events can be excluded. The set dropout time only affects the internal
trigger source.
Manual 106
R&S Power Viewer Timeslot Mode
19.2 Graphical Data View
The graphical timeslot power view contains the information shown in the
figure below.
Reference level Level scaling Trigger level
Timeslot width
Marker measurement Average filter count
Fig. 19.2.1: The timeslot panel.
All bars are updated continuously. The update rate depends mainly on
the setting for the average filter count. The higher the filter count, the
lower the update rate and the noise level.
Markers
A maximum of four markers can be placed on any of the 16 timeslots to
achieve precise average power readings. These readings are displayed
below the bar graph area.
Fig. 19.2.2: Context menu in the timeslot average view.
Manual 107
R&S Power Viewer Timeslot Mode
A context menu can be activated within the bargraph view by right-
clicking with the mouse. This menu is used for selecting the active
marker (one to four). As a next step, markers can be dragged by
holding down the left mouse button within the graphics area. A thin line
displays the column on which the marker is to be placed. Moving the
mouse to the very left or very right border disables the marker.
Manual 108
R&S Power Viewer Multi-Channel Power Measurements
20 Multi-Channel Power Measurements
Many power measurement tasks require simultaneous measurement of
multiple channels. The multi-channel measurement panel provides up to
16 parallel power measurements. In addition, four results can be
computed using mathematical expressions.
Channel number and sensor
Sensor status Averaging count
Measured value Sampling window
Mathematical configuration Computed value
Fig. 20.1: Multi-channel measurement.
Each of the 16 channels use a separate sensor configuration.
Therefore, assigning the same sensor to multiple channels is not
permitted.
Data Processing
All measured values are automatically forwarded to the data processing
panels.
Manual 109
R&S Power Viewer Multi-Channel Power Measurements
20.1 Channel Configuration
Power Viewer continuously measures the average power of up to 16
sensors. These measurements are referred to as channels (Ch 1
through Ch 16). Each channel must be either turned OFF or assigned to
an R&S NRP sensor.
Fig. 20.1.1: Sensor zeroing settings.
Zero
This button starts the sensor zeroing process for the currently selected
channel only. None of the other channels are affected. For sensor
zeroing to work, no RF power may be applied to the sensor and no
measurement may be running.
All Zero
Starts the sensor zeroing process for all configured sensors. Only
sensors that are marked by a green LED can be zeroed.
Left and right arrow
These buttons switch the system to the previous or next channel.
Sensor selection
This control lists all sensors that were discovered during the last scan
and the sensors required by the currently loaded project. Available
devices are marked with a green LED. Devices that are required by the
currently loaded project but appear to be unavailable are marked with a
yellow LED.
Sensors that are already assigned to a measurement channel display
their channel numbers in square brackets. These devices cannot be
assigned again to a different channel.
Each sensor can be configured individually. This accounts for the use of
different sensor technologies or individual path losses or measurement
frequencies within one setup.
If an alias name has been assigned to a sensor, this name is displayed
first followed by the sensor type and serial number in parentheses.
Manual 110
R&S Power Viewer Multi-Channel Power Measurements
20.2 Measurement Settings
The measurement settings are similar to the ones available for the
continuous power average mode. Please refer to the chapter 14,
"Continuous Power Measurements," for a more detailed discussion of
these parameters.
Fig. 20.2.1: Multi-channel measurement settings.
The general correction settings, such as the frequency, level offset, or
S-parameter correction, are not used in multi-channel measurement
mode. Instead, each channel provides its own settings.
20.3 Mathematical Expressions
Power Viewer provides a set containing the most commonly required
mathematical operations that can be computed from two measured
values. These four computed values are referred to as channels M1,
M2, M3 and M4.
Fig. 20.3.1: Mathematical settings for multi-channel measurements.
Sum
Two measured power values are added in linear scale (watts). The
result is displayed in watts or dBm.
Diff
Two measured values are subtracted from each other in linear scale
(watts). The result is displayed in watts or dBm.
Ratio
The ratio is calculated by dividing one measurement by the other one.
The result is displayed without a unit or is converted to dB.
Manual 111
R&S Power Viewer Multi-Channel Power Measurements
RCoeff
The reflection coefficient is computed from two measured values in
logarithmic scale using the following equation:
P1 P2
RC 10 20
SWR
The standing wave ratio is computed from two measured values using
the following equation:
1 RC
SWR
1 RC
Manual 112
R&S Power Viewer OTA Multi-Channel Measurement
21 OTA Multi-Channel Measurement
The OTA multi-channel measurement is very similar to the regular multi-
channel measurement. The main difference is that OTA sensors deliver
three individual power values from their individual antenna elements.
The OTA measurement therefore displays three average power values
per sensor.
This chapter only describes the differences to the regular multi-channel
measurement.
21.1 Settings
Fig. 21.1.1: Settings for OTA multi-channel measurement.
Channels
The three channels of the OTA sensor can be individually enabled or
disabled. Channels without an antenna connection must be disabled to
avoid error messages.
Manual 113
R&S Power Viewer NRQ Signal Check
22 NRQ Signal Check
The NRQ Signal Check measurement displays the intermediate
frequency (IF) spectrum of the test signal in the selected bandwidth.
The signal check measurement does not require any specific settings. It
only depends on the global NRQ settings. These settings are
accessible via the NRQ settings dialog. Use the NRQ icon in the lower
right toolbar to open this dialog.
Fig. 22.1: NRQ Signal Check Measurement.
Manual 114
R&S Power Viewer NRQ IQ Analyzer
23 NRQ IQ Analyzer
The NRQ IQ Analyzer measurement displays the IQ data versus time,
the power spectrum, and an IQ constellation diagram of the test signal
in the selected bandwidth.
This measurement is only available if the option NRQ-K1 is installed on
the connected NRQ sensor.
The configuration parameters differ from the trace measurement. The
main difference to the trace measurement is that the IQ Analyzer
captures a defined number of samples. In contrast, the trace
measurement captures data over a defined amount of time and then
computes video points from the captured data.
The capture time in the IQ Analyzer depends on the number of samples
to be captured as well as the NRQ sample rate. The sample rate is
automatically derived from the filter bandwidth and shown in the upper
right corner of the time domain plot.
All NRQ specific settings, such as the filter bandwidth are accessible via
the NRQ settings dialog. Use the NRQ icon in the lower right toolbar to
open this dialog.
Fig. 23.1: NRQ IQ Analyzer with bursted EDGE signal.
23.1 Settings
Fig. 23.1.1: Configuring the time domain display.
The time domain settings configure the view in the upper time domain
display of the IQ Analyzer panel. These settings do not affect the data
Manual 115
R&S Power Viewer NRQ IQ Analyzer
View
Sets how the captured IQ samples are shown in the time domain
display.
Amplitude V Calculates the voltage of the IQ sample
Amplitude W Calculates the power based on 50 Ohms
Level dBm Calculates a power level in dBm
I/Q Displays the raw I/Q data
Phase Calculates the wrapped phase from the
IQ samples
Frequency Calculates the baseband frequency offset from
the IQ samples
Maximum
Sets the maximum voltage value for the time domain view. The default
is 1.0 volt. Setting the maximum voltage to smaller values allows to
visualize weak signals.
This setting affects the modes Amplitude and I/Q as well as the
constellation diagram.
Fig. 23.1.2: Configuring the spectrum display.
The spectrum display shows the power spectrum of the captured IQ
signals. Power Viewer calculates the FFT spectrum for each received
IQ trace and stores this spectrum in an internal ring buffer.
View, History
The spectrum display can be set to either spectrum or spectrogram
(waterfall) mode. In spectrum mode the history parameter defines how
many FFTs from the ring buffer are used to calculate the average power
spectrum. In spectrogram mode the history parameter defines the
number of lines in the spectrogram.
Maximum
Sets the upper border of the spectrum or spectrogram display in dBm.
Lowering this parameter allows to analyze weak signals.
Range
Sets the overall power level range used in the spectrum or spectrogram
display.
Manual 116
R&S Power Viewer NRQ IQ Analyzer
Fig. 23.1.3: Setting the trigger.
The trigger settings in the IQ Analyzer are identical to the trigger
settings in the trace measurement.
Mode
The trigger mode can be set to Free Run, Auto, Normal, or Single
mode.
In free run mode, the sensor does not wait for trigger events and
continuously acquires waveforms. The waveform display is not
synchronized, and the waveforms typically roll across the display.
Averaging is disabled in this mode.
In auto trigger mode, the sensor acquires data, even if no trigger event
occurs. Auto mode uses a timer that starts when a trigger occurs. After
1 s has elapsed, the software forces a trigger release and restarts its
timer. In the absence of valid trigger events, the acquired waveforms
are not synchronized. Average filter settings do not apply in this case.
When valid triggers exist, the waveforms become synchronized and
averaging can be used.
In normal mode, the sensor only acquires a waveform when it is
triggered by an internal or external trigger event. If no trigger event
occurs over a period of about 2 seconds, the Trig? indication is shown
on the user interface. The last waveform acquired remains on the
display, and the sensor keeps waiting for the next trigger event. If no
waveform has been acquired, the display remains blank.
In single mode, the sensor arms its trigger unit when the ARM button is
pressed. Subsequently, it performs one acquisition as soon as the
trigger condition is met. If no trigger event occurs over a period of about
2 seconds, the Trig? indication is shown on the user interface. The
waveform acquisition includes averaging, which means that 2*N trigger
events must occur before the acquisition completes. If single-shot
events are to be analyzed, the averaging filter count must be set to Real
Time.
Source
This setting establishes the trigger signal's source. Internal means that
the trigger event is generated by the applied RF signal and by the set
trigger level. When an external source is used, the trigger level and
hysteresis functions are not effective. The option 'External SMB'
activates the SMB trigger input that is available on all new generation
NRP power sensors. In that case the user can select between an input
impedance of 10 kOhms or 50 Ohms.
Manual 117
R&S Power Viewer NRQ IQ Analyzer
Output
The new R&S NRP Power Sensors can use their built in SMB connector
as trigger output. In this case a rising edge is generated when the
power measurement starts. Please see the power sensor user manual
for details on how to use this feature.
Slope
The trigger slope can be set to either the positive or negative edge. This
setting is available for all trigger sources.
Level
This level setting establishes the trigger threshold for internal triggering
derived from the test signal.
Holdoff
The holdoff setting suppresses trigger events within the set holdoff time
(in seconds), starting from the time of the last successful triggering. The
holdoff time must be larger than the total trace time.
Dropout
This setting establishes the dropout time in microseconds. With a
positive (or alternatively: negative) trigger slope, the dropout time is the
minimum time for which the signal must be below (above) the trigger
power level before triggering can occur again. As with the holdoff
parameter, unwanted trigger events can be excluded. The set dropout
time only affects the internal trigger source.
Fig. 23.1.4: IQ capturing settings.
Samples
Sets the length of each IQ capturing in samples. The capture time
results from the sample rate and the number of samples. The sample
rate depends on the NRQ filter bandwidth and is shown in the upper left
corner of the time domain display.
Manual 118
R&S Power Viewer Script-Based Measurement
24 Script-Based Measurement
The script-based measurement function is useful for implementing
custom measurement tasks that cannot be covered by the
measurement panels provided in Power Viewer. For this purpose, a
script language is used. This language is based on the ECMAScript
scripting language, as defined in the standard ECMA-262. Microsoft's
JScript, and Netscape's JavaScript are also based on the ECMAScript
standard.
Fig. 24.1: The script window.
The scripting panel provides three pages. The first page shows the
measurement results and status messages during script execution. This
page is automatically activated when the script gets started. Data can
be viewed numerically or graphically as trace or bar chart.
The layout of this panel is designed by the UI editor which is located on
the third page.
The second page contains the script editor itself.
Manual 119
R&S Power Viewer Script-Based Measurement
24.1 Script Syntax
The detailed description of the script syntax is out of scope of this user
manual. Please refer to the script standard, that can be found under the
following link:
http://www.ecma-international.org/publications/standards/Ecma-262.htm
Alternatively, any tutorial or documentation on JavaScript could be
used.
In addition to the script standard the global object pvp exists within the
Power Viewer script context. This global object extends the script
functionality. This section mainly describes the pvp script extension.
24.2 Printing to the Script Output Window
Any text or string variable can be printed to the script output window.
The print method is used to do this. Non-string variables must be
converted into strings before using them with this method.
pvp.print( 'My Text' )
var dVal = 1e-3
pvp.print( 'Measurement = ' + dVal.toString() )
24.3 Printing to the Message Window
Three methods exists to output text messages to the application's
message log. By default only information and error messages are
shown on the message log. Debug output can be enabled by starting
the application with the command line argument --debug.
pvp.info( 'This is an info text.' )
pvp.debug( 'This is a debug message.' )
pvp.error( 'This is an error message.' )
24.4 Waiting Periods
The sleep method is used to wait for a definable amount of time. The
waiting period is specified in milliseconds, and script execution is
suspended for at least this amount of time.
var iTimeMs = 500
pvp.sleep( iTimeMs )
24.5 Timers
The script extension provides built in timers. These timers can be used
to measure the execution time of measurement tasks.
The following method returns the current timer resolution in seconds.
var dResolution = pvp.timerResolution()
This time method returns the time since script start in seconds.
var dCurrTime = pvp.time()
The following method returns the time of the last SCPI execution in
seconds.
Manual 120
R&S Power Viewer Script-Based Measurement
var dLastExecTime = pvp.lastExecTime()
This userTime method returns the elapsed time since the last call to
this method in seconds.
userTime()
// do something …
double dElapsed = userTime()
24.6 Power Conversion
Two conversion methods exist for the commonly required task to
convert from linear power in Watts to logarithmic power levels.
The toDbm method converts a power value from Watts to dBm.
var dPowdBm = pvp.toDbm( 1e-3 )
pvp.print( 'Power Level in dBm is ' +
dPowdBm.toString() )
The toDbW method converts a power value from Watts to dBW.
var dPowdBW = pvp.toDbW( 1e-3 )
pvp.print( 'Power Level in dBW is ' +
dPowdBW.toString() )
24.7 File Operations
The script language contains three functions related to file-based output
operations. All file operations should be used with great care because
they provide full access to the entire file system using the current user
account of the application.
The following function call removes a file from the hard drive.
pvp.removeFile( 'C:/Temp/MyFile.tmp' )
Writing text data to a file is possible using the following two functions.
pvp.writeToFile( 'C:/Temp/MyFile.tmp',
'String to write' )
pvp.appendToFile( 'C:/Temp/MyFile.tmp',
'String to append' )
Both functions write a single line of text. The first function removes the
content of an existing file and then writes the text string. The second
function appends the string to the end of the file.
Manual 121
R&S Power Viewer Script-Based Measurement
24.8 Defining Devices
The primary task for the script language is to remote control power
sensors or other measurement equipment via SCPI commands. Before
sending remote control commands to an instrument it is required to
define this instrument as a device. The currently selected sensor is
available as device with the index zero. Other sensors may be defined
for use with the script language in which case device index values
starting at one will be assigned.
The defineDevice method defines a sensor ID and also opens the
sensor connection. It must always be used before attempting to send
SCPI commands to a sensor.
All sensor connections are automatically closed when the script
finishes. If this is not desired an infinite loop must be added to the end
of the script.
The defineDevice method may also be used to define VISA interface
connections to Rohde&Schwarz signal generators. In this case the
argument is interpreted as the VISA resource string.
Prepare the primary power sensor for use with the script. If device index
0 is used the second argument is ignored. The method automatically
uses the resource string of the currently selected power sensor.
pvp.defineDevice( 0, '' )
It is also possible to open other R&S instruments for use in the script. In
this case the second argument sets the VISA resource string of the
instrument.
pvp.defineDevice( 1, 'TCPIP::10.111.10.123::INSTR' )
24.9 Communication Timeout
The setDeviceTimeout method sets the timeout for all instrument
communication. The first parameter is the device ID used with the
defineDevice method. The second parameter is the timeout value in
seconds.
pvp.setDeviceTimeout( 1, 10 )
24.10 Suppressing SCPI Log Messages
By default all SCPI communication is logged to the applications
message log. The logging can be turned on or off with the
setEchoState method. The logging state affects all devices.
pvp.setEchoState( 0 )
...
pvp.setEchoState( 1 )
24.11 SCPI Commands and Queries
SCPI commands are directly send to the instrument. The list of
available commands can be found in the instrument's user manual. It is
important to note that the capital letters used in the commands are the
short form, whereas the lower case letters describe the complete
command.
Command in user manual: SENSe:AVERage:COUNt 32
Possible use: SENS:AVER:COUN 32
Manual 122
R&S Power Viewer Script-Based Measurement
SENSE:AVERAGE:COUNT 32
Queries are used similarly to SCPI commands, but they end with a
question mark.
The scpi method requires the device index as the first argument. The
device index 0 is used for the primary power sensor. Before using the
scpi method the sensor must be initialized by a call to defineDevice.
pvp.defineDevice( 0, '' )
pvp.scpi( 0, '*RST' )
var sInfo = pvp.scpi( 0, 'SYST:INFO?' )
pvp.print( 'Info = ' + sInfo )
var sSerial = pvp.scpi( 0, 'SYST:INFO? “Serial”' )
pvp.print( 'Serial = ' + sSerial )
var sFreq = pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:FREQ?' )
pvp.print( 'Correction Frequency = ' + sFreq )
The scpi method sends the command text provided as second
argument to the instrument. If the command contains a question mark
the method subsequently reads the instrument's response. The method
can therefore be used for write and read operations.
The returned data is always a string. Use the JavaScript's
parseFloat() function to convert a string to a floating point value.
24.11.1 Simulated Queries for Use With NRP-Z sensors
The following queries conform to the SCPI language but cannot be
found in the NRP-Z sensor's user manual, because the sensors do not
directly support them. Instead, these sensors send their measured
values in binary format to the driver layer. The driver caches this
information and provide them to the application using the driver. In order
to access this cached information a set of queries are implemented in
the scpi method.
Reading scalar measurement data is achieved by using the READ? or
FETCH? queries.
Command Syntax:
READ[:AUX]?
FETCH[:AUX]?
The READ? query initiates a measurement, waits for up to 5 seconds,
and then fetches one single float-type result.
The READ:AUX? query initiates a measurement, waits for up to 5
seconds, and then fetches a set of three scalar results. The READ:AUX?
query can only be used if the sensor is configured for AUX mode.
The FETCH? queries are similar to the READ? queries, but they do not
initiate a measurement. Instead, the sensor is immediately queried for a
result. An error is generated if no result is available.
Four additional queries read or fetch buffer (array) measurement data
from the sensor.
Syntax:
READ:BUFF[:AUX]?
Manual 123
R&S Power Viewer Script-Based Measurement
FETCH:BUFF[:AUX]?
In contrast to the READ? and FETCH? queries, which read scalar results,
these queries return an entire array of floating-point values.
If the returned data is saved to a variable, this variable is automatically
set to the floating-point array data type.
24.11.2 Reading Results from New Generation Sensors
The new generation NRP power sensors support the SCPI language
internally. In contrast to the SCPI standard the FETCH? query
automatically waits for completion. This simplifies synchronization.
pvp.scpi( 'INIT:IMM' )
var sResult = pvp.scpi( 'FETCH?' )
The result string contains either a single value or a list of values
separated by comma. This depends on the measurement mode.
24.12 Waiting for Measurement Completion
The sync method waits for the completion of a task or until the
definable timeout has expired. This is useful when it is necessary to
synchronize to the measurement completion state. During the waiting
period, the user can stop the script using the Stop button.
// start ARB in signal generator
pvp.scpi( 1, 'BB:ARB:STAT ON' )
pvp.sync( 1, 5 )
// continue...
Note:
The time granularity of the instrument polling depends on the operating
system. On Windows installations the minimum polling interval is in the
order of 10 to 15 ms. For time critical applications it is therefore
recommended to use the READ? query instead.
This method is generally not required for NRP-Z power sensors. Instead
use the READ? Query with these sensors.
The new generation NRP power sensors do not provide the READ?
query. Instead these sensors use a combination of INIT and FETCH? to
read measurement results.
24.13 Checking for Errors
The checkError method executes the SYST:ERR? query repeatedly
until no more errors are read from the instrument. The return value of
this method is true if no errors were read from the instrument.
The argument is the instrument's device index.
if( pvp.checkError( 0 ) == 0 ) {
pvp.print( 'Errors occurred' )
}
Manual 124
R&S Power Viewer Script-Based Measurement
24.14 Displaying Scalar Results
Scalar variable data can be displayed in one of the three numeric
displays using the sendScalarToNumericField method.
The first parameter is the value to be displayed. The second parameter
is the reference name of the numeric display. The third parameter is
optional and sets the unit.
GUI Editor Measurement Panel
var dLevel = pvp.toDbm( 1e-3 )
pvp.sendScalarToNumericField( dLevel, 'Num', 'dBm' )
24.15 Displaying Array Data Numerically
Array data can be displayed numerically in a table field using the
sendArrayToTable method. The array data is passed to the bar graph
as comma-separated values in a single text string. The second
parameter is the reference name of the table display.
var sValues = '1e-3,1e-4,1e-5,1e-6'
pvp.sendArrayToTable( sValues, 'Table' )
24.16 Displaying Array Data as a Bar Graph
Array data of up to 32 elements can be displayed as bar graphs using
the sendArrayToBars method.
The data representation for the bar graph always uses a logarithmic
scale (dBm). All input data must be provided as linear power values in
Watts. The array data is passed to the bar graph as comma-separated
values in a single string. The second parameter is the reference name
of the bar graph display.
var sValues = '1e-3,1e-4,1e-5,1e-6'
pvp.sendArrayToBars( sValues, 'Bar' )
24.17 Displaying Array Data as a Trace
Array data of any length can be displayed as trace graphs using the
sendArrayToTrace method.
The data representation for the trace always uses a logarithmic scale
(dBm). All input data must be provided as linear power values in Watts.
The array data is passed to the bar graph as comma-separated values
in a single string. The second parameter is the reference name of the
trace graph display.
var SValues = '0'
for( var i = 1; i < 360; i++ ) {
sValues = sValues.concat( ',' )
dVal = 1e-3+5e-4*Math.sin( 2*3.14*i/90 )
sValues = sValues.concat( dVal.toString() )
}
pvp.sendArrayToTrace( sValues, 'Trace' );
Manual 125
R&S Power Viewer Script-Based Measurement
24.18 Displaying Array Data as a Time Series Plot
Arrays data of any length can be displayed as time-series plots using
the sendArrayToTimeSeries method.
The plot's Y-axis is automatically scaled based on the maximum value
in the array. The data representation for the trace always uses a
logarithmic scale (dBm). All input data must be provided in linear power
values in Watts. The array data is passed to the bar graph as comma-
separated values in a single string. The second parameter is the
reference name of the time series graph display.
...
pvp.sendArrayToTimeSeries( sValues, 'TSer' );
24.19 Displaying Text
String variables can be sent to a text element on the UI. Use the
sendStringToTextField method to do this.
GUI Editor Measurement Panel
var sText = 'Test\nMultiLine\nText'
pvp.sendStringToTextField( sText, 'SInfo' )
24.20 Sending Data to Processing Panels
Scalar variable data can be forwarded to all data sinks using the
sendScalarToSink instruction.
The channel number must be in the range between one and four. It
addresses the channel in the data-processing panels.
var dValue = 1e-3
var iChannel = 1
pvp.sendScalarToSink( dValue, iChannel )
Manual 126
R&S Power Viewer Script-Based Measurement
24.21 Examples
24.21.1 Triggered Average Power Measurement
The triggered continuous average measurement measures a single
scalar power value once a trigger event occurs.
In the example below, a pulse with a duration of 50 ms occurs once
every second. The pulse's power level varies slowly. The sensor should
provide an individual reading for each pulse.
The example script uses a measurement window of 10 ms. Each result
is generated from two internal measurements (with chopper enabled)
within the sensor.
var dFreq = 1e9
var dTrigLev = 1e-3
// connect to primary sensor
pvp.defineDevice( 0, '' )
// configure power measurement
pvp.scpi( 0, '*RST' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:FUNC "POW:AVG"' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:FREQ ' + dFreq.toString() )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'TRIG:LEV ' + dTrigLev.toString() )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'TRIG:SOUR INT' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'TRIG:SLOP POS' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:AVER:STAT ON' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:AVER:COUN 1' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:POW:AVG:APER 10e-3' )
// infinite loop
do {
pvp.scpi( 0, 'INIT' ) // new sensor generation
var sAvPwr = pvp.scpi( 0, 'FETCH?' )
var dAvPwr = parseFloat( sAvPwr )
var dLevel = pvp.toDbm( dAvPwr )
pvp.sendScalarToNumericField( dLevel, 'Av Power', 'dBm' )
pvp.sendScalarToSink( dAvPwr, 1 )
pvp.sleep( 10 )
} while( 1 )
The screen shot below shows the readings as they were captured in the
data log window:
Fig 24.21.1: Triggered average power measurement readings.
Manual 127
R&S Power Viewer Script-Based Measurement
24.21.2 Burst Power Measurement
The average burst measurement measures the average burst power.
The burst timing is determined automatically based on the trigger
threshold and the exclude times.
The following signal is used with this measurement:
Fig. 24.21.2: Signal for the average burst measurement.
This example script measures the average burst power in dBm.
var dFreq = 1e9
var dTrigLev = 0.1e-3
// connect to primary sensor
pvp.defineDevice( 0, '' )
// configure power measurement
pvp.scpi( 0, '*RST' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:FUNC "POW:BURST:AVG"')
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:FREQ ' + dFreq.toString() )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'TRIG:LEV ' + dTrigLev.toString() + ' W' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'TRIG:HYST 3 DB' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:POW:BURST:DTOL 1e-6' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:TIM:EXCL:START 10e-6' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:TIM:EXCL:STOP 10e-6' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:AVER:COUN 4' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:AVER:STAT ON' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:AVER:TCON REP' )
// infinite loop
do {
pvp.scpi( 0, 'INIT' ) // new sensor generation
var sAvPwr = pvp.scpi( 0, 'FETCH?' )
var dAvPwr = parseFloat( sAvPwr )
var dLevel = pvp.toDbm( dAvPwr )
pvp.sendScalarToNumericField( dLevel, 'Burst Av', 'dBm' )
pvp.sendScalarToSink( dAvPwr, 1 )
pvp.sleep( 100 )
} while( 1 )
Manual 128
R&S Power Viewer Script-Based Measurement
24.21.3 Buffered-Mode Measurements
In buffered mode, the sensor captures a predefined number of
measurements and then sends all results back to the PC. In the
example below, a single-shot sequence of 20 bursts is measured using
an individual trigger for each burst.
Fig. 24.21.3: Buffered-mode measurement of a 20-burst sequence.
The INIT command starts the measurement cycle. The sensor
evaluates 20 trigger events and sets a flag once the measurement has
been completed. The FETCH? query synchronizes to the measurement
completion state.
var dFreq = 1e9
var dTrigLev = 1.0e-5 // -20 dBm
// connect to primary sensor
pvp.defineDevice( 0, '' )
// configure power measurement
pvp.scpi( 0, '*RST' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:FUNC "POW:AVG"' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:FREQ ' + dFreq.toString() )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'TRIG:LEV ' + dTrigLev.toString() )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'TRIG:SOUR INT' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'TRIG:SLOP POS' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'TRIG:DELAY 0.1e-3' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'TRIG:COUNT 16' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:AVER:STAT ON' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:AVER:COUN 2' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:POW:AVG:APER 2e-3' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:POW:AVG:BUFF:SIZE 16' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'SENS:POW:AVG:BUFF:STATE ON' )
pvp.scpi( 0, 'INIT' ) // new sensor generation
var sValues = pvp.scpi( 0, 'FETCH?' )
pvp.print( 'Result: ' + sValues )
pvp.sendArrayToBars( sValues, 'Readings' )
Manual 129
R&S Power Viewer Script-Based Measurement
24.21.4 Connecting to the R&S®NRP2 Base Unit
The script may also be used to access other Rohde&Schwarz
instruments such as the NRP2 base unit. The following example code
demonstrates how to read numeric data from channel A and B. The
results are sent to numeric displays.
// NRP2 base unit connected via LAN
pvp.defineDevice( 1, 'TCPIP::10.111.1.200::INSTR' )
pvp.scpi( 1, '*RST' )
pvp.scpi( 1, '*CLS' )
pvp.scpi( 1, 'SYST:SPEED FAST' )
pvp.scpi( 1, 'SENS1:AVER:COUNT:AUTO OFF; :SENS2:AVER:COUNT:AUTO OFF' )
pvp.scpi( 1, 'SENS1:AVER:STAT OFF; :SENS2:AVER:STAT OFF' )
pvp.scpi( 1, 'INIT1:CONT OFF; :INIT2:CONT OFF' )
pvp.scpi( 1, 'SENS1:FREQ 1 GHz; :SENS2:FREQ 1 GHz' )
if( pvp.checkError( 1 ) ) {
do {
pvp.scpi( 1, 'INIT1; :INIT2' )
var sResults = pvp.scpi( 1, 'FETCH1?; FETCH2?' )
var sResultList = sResults.split( ';' )
dVal1 = parseFloat( sResultList[0] )
dVal2 = parseFloat( sResultList[1] )
pvp.sendScalarToNumericField( dVal1, 'P1', 'dBm' )
pvp.sendScalarToNumericField( dVal1, 'P2', 'dBm' )
pvp.sleep( 200 )
} while( 1 )
Manual 130
R&S Power Viewer Script-Based Measurement
24.21.5 Connecting to the R&S®NRT Base Unit
The script may also be used to access other Rohde&Schwarz
instruments such as the NRT base unit. The following example code
demonstrates how to read numeric data from this base unit. The results
are printed to the script output window.
pvp.defineDevice( 0, 'GPIB0::28::INSTR' )
pvp.scpi( '*RST' )
pvp.print( pvp.scpi( 1, '*IDN?' ) )
pvp.print( pvp.scpi( 1, 'TEST:SENS?' ) )
pvp.scpi( 1, 'SENS1:FREQ 1e9' )
pvp.scpi( 1, 'SENS1:FUNC:CONC OFF' ) // no concurrent meas.
pvp.scpi( 1, 'UNIT1:POW:REL:STAT OFF' ) // no relative meas.
pvp.scpi( 1, 'UNIT1:POW W' ) // read watts
pvp.scpi( 1, 'SENS1:FUNC "POW:FORW:AVER"' ) // mode
pvp.scpi( 1, 'TRIG; *OPC?' )
sResult = pvp.scpi( 1, 'SENS1:DATA? "POW:FORW:AVER"')
pvp.print( 'Result = ' + sResult )
Manual 131
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
25 Data Processing Panels
Power Viewer distinguishes between measurements and data
processing panels. Measurements (continuous, trace, etc.) generate
data, whereas the data processing panels only receive these
measurands. Internally, all measurands are supplemented with an exact
time stamp and sent to the data processing panels. These panels
feature input filters and sort out values of interest.
The figure below shows the principle architecture implemented in
Power Viewer.
Measurements Processing
Continuous
Bar Chart
Trace
Data Log
Statistics
Value
Timestamp Limit
Unit
Timeslot
Analysis
Multi-Ch.
Gauges
Scripting
Fig. 25.1: Power Viewer data flow.
Each data processing panel can be configured individually. Therefore,
different data-processing panels could evaluate different data
simultaneously.
The input filter of each data processing panel is configured by the
following parameters.
• Source
• Measurand 1 … 4
The Source denominates the measurement from which the panel may
receive data. Depending on which measurement this is, there is a
corresponding set of measurands that can be assigned to the data-
processing panel's input channels.
Manual 132
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
The table below lists data that is available to the data-processing panels
for each measurement.
Cont. Pav W Average power
Ppk W Peak power
Pav, rel 1 Average power, relative
Pav, rel % Average power, relative
Average 1 Average filter count
Multi Ch. Ch 1...16 W Measurement channel 1...16
M 1...4 Math channel 1...4
Timeslot Mkr 1 W Marker 1 reading
Mkr 2 W Marker 2 reading
Mkr 3 W Marker 3 reading
Mkr 3 W Marker 4 reading
Statistics Pav W Average power
R @ n% dB Reading at n %
Trace Gate Pav W Gated measurement, average
Gate Ppk W Gated measurement, peak
Mkr Ref P W Reference marker, power
Mkr Dn dP 1 Marker n, power ratio
Mkr Dn dT s Marker n, time difference
Rise Time s Pulse rise time
Fall Time s Pulse fall time
Pulse Width s Pulse width
Period Time s Pulse period time
Pulse Ptop dBm Pulse top power
Pulse Ppk dBm Pulse peak power
Script Ch 1...8 Channel 1...8
Manual 133
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
25.1 The Data Log
The Data Log panel captures up to four scalar measurements over a
period of several days. A maximum of 20000 data points is available for
memory recordings in the log panel. Writing captured data to a file
places no restrictions on the number of recorded samples (other than
file size restrictions imposed by the underlying operating system).
Memory recording and file recording are independent and can be
configured separately.
The log panel shows a preview of all 20000 data points. If multiple
measured values fall within the time period covered by one video point,
statistics containing minimum, maximum, and average values are
automatically generated.
Y-unit X-zoom area Level lines Channel name
Leveling mode View mode Write indicator
Time-line data Time-line indicator
Measurement and time information
Fig. 25.1.1: Data log panel.
Manual 134
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
25.1.1 Settings
The data-log panel has its own settings dialog similar to the one for
measurements. Unlike measurements, the data log does not generate
data but rather processes measurands from active measurements.
Fig. 25.1.2: State controls.
Start / Stop
The data log process does not start automatically when a measurement
is started; it needs to be activated separately. This allows the user to
setup the measurement first and then start the log.
Starting the log erases all previous data from the log memory.
The data log's capturing state is indicated by a hard disk icon in the
lower left corner of the application window.
The data log is not active.
The data log captures data.
Fig. 25.1.3: Feed definitions.
Feeds
First, set the Source to select the measurement that feeds data into the
log panel. Second, select up to eight measurands for the eight data-log
channels.
Power values are normally received in watts but may be converted into
dBm.
Manual 135
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
Fig. 25.1.4: Capture time settings.
Max. Capture Time
The maximum capture time can be set to a period of up to seven days.
The 20000 data points in the panel's internal buffer are spaced evenly
across the capture time. Once the capture time has elapsed, the data
log is automatically deactivated, and no more data is recorded.
Please note that the data recorder captures up to 20000 data points to
memory. Additionally, live file writing can be activated with no limit for
the number of data points. These two processes are independent of
each other.
The data-log panel's captured data may also be saved to a file with the
save button from the application's tool bar.
The output format is ASCII .csv, which saves data in individual columns
that are separated by commas.
Fig. 25.1.5: Live file output settings.
Log Data to File
The data log can be configured for writing measured data to a file while
the measurement is running. Writing takes place instantaneously and
may, therefore, slow down the measurement.
Interval
The interval sets the time period for collecting sensor readings. At the
end of each time interval the software writes a record to the log file. This
record contains the minimum, maximum, and average value of the
accumulated readings. The time interval should be set such that the file
size remains within acceptable limits.
File Name
The file name specifies the file to which data is appended during the log
process. The file format is .csv. Besides regular file names, there is a
set of place holders that can be used within the file name.
$t The temporary directory
$h The user's home directory
%m The name of the measurement
%d The day when the data log was started
%t The time when the data log was started
Example:
$t\pvp-%m-%d-%t.csv
This creates log files with the name
pvp-continuous-20090624-154627.csv if used with the "continuous"
measurement mode. The storage location is the temporary folder set in
the operating system, e.g. C:\TEMP.
25.1.2 The Context Menu
Manual 136
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
The data-log panel provides a context menu that can be activated by
right-clicking in the graphics area. When multiple traces are visible, the
context menu is invoked for the trace that is located at the current
mouse position.
Fig. 25.1.6: Context menu for the data-log panel
Auto Level This
This option sets the current trace back to full auto leveling. This is
useful when previous zoom actions were used to magnify trace details.
Entire Time
This menu item sets all traces back to the entire log time. This option is
useful when previous zoom actions were used to magnify trace details.
The time axis is always common for all traces. Therefore, this action
involves all traces.
Auto Scale All
This option combines both of the above options. It sets the x-axis back
to the entire log time and returns all traces back to full auto leveling.
Show Statistics
The data log always uses 20000 data points evenly spaced across the
total log time. Each data point represents a bin that may contain multiple
measured values. To prevent the loss of any information, each bin is
represented by the average, minimum, and maximum value that was
received.
By default, the envelope of the recorded data is displayed (minimum
and maximum). If this is not desired, the statistics view can be disabled
so that it only shows average data.
Manual 137
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
Lines
This menu item activates level lines and time lines. The functionality of
these lines is similar to the ones described in the chapter 15.1, "Trace
Measurements."
Time Lines to Window
Places the time lines back into the viewing area at the 10 % and 90 %
points.
Clear All Data
This menu entry stops the data log and removes all data from the log.
To prevent unintentional deletions, the user is queried before the log is
stopped and data is erased.
25.1.3 The Time Line Indicator
The time-line indicator is located below the data log traces. It shows the
overall log time and the currently visible area in case a trace section is
magnified using the zoom operations.
Fig. 25.1.7: The time-line indicator.
Additionally, the time-line indicator displays a small marker at the
current write position as well as the position of the two time lines.
25.1.4 Zooming
Zooming can be performed in the x- or y-direction separately by using
the left mouse button and the mouse wheel.
Y-direction
• Select the center point for the y-zoom and
click once using the left mouse button. A
zoom-point indicator is placed at this point.
• Turn the mouse wheel forward to zoom in.
• Turn the mouse wheel backwards to zoom out.
• Press the left mouse key again to disable zoom mode and remove
the zoom-point indicator.
X-direction
• Position the mouse at the beginning of the
x-range that should be magnified.
• Press the left mouse key and hold it while you
move the mouse to the right side. Release the
left mouse key at the right end of the x-zoom
area. A semi-transparent area marks the
zoom range.
• Turn the mouse wheel forward to zoom into
the highlighted area.
The the system remembers the x-zoom ranges. Turning the mouse
wheel backwards restores the last display range.
Manual 138
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
25.2 Limit Monitoring
The limit monitoring panel receives up to 16 scalar measurands and
compares them against warning and error thresholds. The limit
monitoring panel does not take measurements itself; instead, it
evaluates data that is generated by the measurement panels
(continuous, trace, timeslot, etc.).
The screen shot below shows the limit-monitoring panel receiving data
from a continuous power measurement.
Fig. 25.2.1: Limit monitoring panel.
The limit monitor continuously compares incoming data against high
and low warning thresholds and error thresholds. Each time a
measurand passes one of these thresholds, the software generates an
entry in the incident log. The capacity of this log is limited, and it only
displays the most recent entries.
Besides playing an acoustic warning signal, the limit monitor can also
log the incidents in a file or send them via TCP/IP to a remote host.
Manual 139
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
25.2.1 Settings
Fig. 25.2.2: The limit monitor settings.
Enable
Enables or disables limit monitoring globally.
Source / Channels
These settings define the origin of the measurands that are to be
monitored for limit violations.
Alias Name
Each channel can use an alias name instead of the combination of
measurement and measurand.
Fig. 25.2.3: Settings for warning and error levels.
Manual 140
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
Warning Thresholds / Error Thresholds
When these functions are enabled, the system compares the
measurand against the upper and lower limit values. Each time the
measurand passes one of these thresholds, an entry is generated in the
incident log. Power values can be entered in watts (default) or in dBm.
Fig. 25.2.4: Action settings for responses to threshold incidents.
Actions
By default, incidents are logged to the incident log. The capacity of this
log is limited, and it only displays the most recent entries. The action
settings are used to enable additional features, such as writing to a log
file or sending incidents to a remote host.
Log to File
A file entry is generated each time a limit violation occurs or ceases.
New incidents are appended to the end of the log file. Writing occurs
immediately. Consequently, this can slow down the measurement rate.
TCP/IP Server
The limit monitor can be configured to start a TCP/IP server process for
as long as a measurement is active. Remote applications can connect
to this server and receive incidents.
Play Sound
An acoustic signal is generated each time a limit violation occurs or
ceases.
25.2.2 Configuring the Server
The server process allows for one TCP/IP connection from a remote
host. Once this connection is established, all incidents are sent to the
remote host as text messages.
The limit monitor starts the server when the measurement is started and
stops it when the measurement is stopped. Only one client connection
is allowed at a time.
Note: Running the server process may present a security risk to your IT
network. By default, the server is configured to only allow connections
from the local host (127.0.0.1). It may also be required to configure your
local firewall software to allow for inbound traffic on the port used by the
server.
Manual 141
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
Fig. 25.2.5: The server settings dialog.
Host IP
Sets the IP address for the network interface at which the server is
listening for incoming connections. By default, the IP address 127.0.0.1
is used for the local machine.
Port
Sets the port at which the server listens for incoming connections. It
must be ensured that the port is not already being used by another
service.
The command:
netstat -an | find /i “listening”
provides a list of all ports that the system is currently listening to.
Access Rules
The access rules define which clients are allowed to connect to the limit
monitoring server. For this purpose, two lists of IP addresses define
hosts that are denied and hosts that are allowed to connect. The order
in which these two lists are evaluated can be selected. The second list
to be evaluated takes precedence over the list that is evaluated first.
Each list may contain the keyword "All" or a comma-separated list of IP
addresses, or fractions of IP addresses.
Example:
Order: Deny, Allow
Deny: All
Allow: 192.168
In the example above, the deny list is evaluated first. The keyword "All"
indicates that any incoming request will be rejected. Second, the allow
list is evaluated. All servers that match 192.168.x.x are allowed to
connect.
Require Authentication
When this authentications setting is enabled, the server prompts a
Manual 142
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
connecting client for a login and a password.
Server status messages are shown on the application's message-log
panel. This window can be activated from the menu bar by selecting
Window → Message Log.
25.2.3 Client Connections
The telnet and netcat tools can be used as clients for connecting to the
limit-monitoring server. The client is invoked from the command line
using one of the following commands:
• telnet <ip-address> <port>
• nc <ip-address> <port>
If the server can be reached, a welcome message is printed and the
user may be requested to enter the authentication data.
Fig. 25.2.6: Client communication.
Note: Netcat is a very versatile tool, and it can also be used to install
malicious "backdoors" on the host PC. For this reason, most virus
protection software packages classify nc.exe as a threat and disable its
execution.
The limit monitoring server uses port 16000 by default. This port is not
typically used by other applications. The default telnet port is 23.
Manual 143
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
25.3 Statistical Analysis
The analysis panel receives up to four scalar measurands and performs
a statistical analysis on this data. Similar to the data log, the analysis
panel does not take measurements itself but merely evaluates data that
is generated in the measurement panels (continuous, trace, timeslot,
etc.).
The screen shot below shows the analysis panel receiving data from a
trace measurement (pulse analysis).
Fig. 25.3.1: The analysis panel.
Each of the four views within the analysis panel can be configured to a
histogram display or a quantile plot. The four analysis views operate
independently and can be freely assigned to any available measurand.
By default, each view is configured to the histogram display and for
evaluation of the last 1000 measurements. These settings can be
changed using the context menu for the individual view.
Manual 144
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
25.3.1 Histogram Display
The histogram sorts the measured values into categories (data bins)
that are evenly distributed between the minimum and maximum
reading. The result is displayed as a bar chart, with the height of the
bars indicating how many measurements fall into each category. The
number of samples that are used for evaluation can be selected to be
250, 1000, or 5000.
Min and max power
Statistics
Count
Average power
Standard deviation
Fig. 25.3.2: Histogram display.
The minimum (Min) and maximum (Max) power readings are displayed
in the upper left corner.
The count (Cnt) indicates how many readings were accumulated for the
analysis. The count remains at a constant value as soon as the set
number of readings has been reached.
The average (Avg) power of all accumulated readings and the sample
standard deviation (s) is displayed in the panel's upper right corner. The
following formulas are used to calculate these two parameters:
N
1
x =
N
∑ xi
i =1
N
1
s= ∑
N −1 i=1
xi −x 2
The terms L95 and U95 are used for the 95 % confidence intervals for
the average power level:
2⋅s 2⋅s
L95≃x − U95≃x
N N
Manual 145
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
25.3.2 Q-Q-Plot
The Q-Q-Plot (Quantile-Quantile-Plot) is a graphical method for
comparing two probability distributions.
The Power Viewer software provides a normal probability plot that
compares the probability distribution of the measured values against a
normal distribution. The Q-Normal-Plot is, therefore, used as a graphical
test for normal distribution.
Fig. 25.3.3: Q-Q-Plot display.
The outer pair of red lines marks the 95 % confidence band. If all graph
points are located within this band, the normal probability test is positive
at a 95 % confidence level.
The diagram is vertically and horizontally scaled to steps of one σ.
When all measured values are distributed normally, all graph points are
located on a straight line. Departures from this straight line indicate that
the normal distribution model is a poor fit for the distribution of the
measured values.
Fig. 25.3.4: Example distribution.
Fig. 25.3.4 shows a non-ideal normal distribution. The number of
measured quantiles for higher values (on the right side in the histogram)
is larger than it should be for normally distributed data. The Q-Q-Plot
shows this deviation in the upper right corner.
Manual 146
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
25.3.3 The Context Menu
Each view has its own context menu that is used to configure the data
representation in this view.
Fig. 25.3.5: Context menu for a view.
Points
The view always captures the last 5000 measured values, but the
number of evaluated samples can be set to the last 250 or 1000 values
or to all 5000 of them. Changing the number of evaluated samples does
not erase any data.
Histogram / Q-Q-Plot
These settings determine the view to the histogram or the quantiles
display. Both representations are calculated from the same data, and
changing the representation does not erase any data.
Clear
Clears all data in this view.
After the data is cleared, the message “Waiting for data...” appears in
the quantile plot representation until 50 samples have been collected. In
the histogram representation, the histogram is not painted for less than
50 samples.
Manual 147
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
25.3.4 Analysis-Panel Settings
The analysis panel has its own settings dialog similar to the
measurements. Unlike measurements, the analysis panel does not
generate any data but merely captures readings from active
measurements.
Fig. 25.3.6: Analysis-panel settings.
Start / Stop
The analysis process does not start automatically when a measurement
is started. Instead, it needs to be activated separately. This allows the
user to setup the measurement before starting the analysis.
Starting the analysis erases all previous data from the views.
Auto Start / Stop
The auto start/stop option automatically starts the analysis process
when a measurement is started and valid data is received. The analysis
is topped when the measurement stops.
Clear All
This button clears the data in all analysis views.
Default All
This button sets all views back to the histogram display of the last 1000
measurements. It also deletes the data in all views.
Feeds
First, set the Source to select the measurement that feeds data into the
log panel. Second, select up to four measurands for the four data log
channels.
Manual 148
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
25.4 Gauges Panel
The gauges panel receives up to four scalar measurands and displays
the value on a sizable gauge. Similar to the analysis, the gauges panel
does not take measurements itself but merely evaluates data that is
generated in the measurement panels (continuous, trace, timeslot, etc.).
The screen shot below shows the gauges panel receiving data from a
trace measurement (pulse analysis).
Fig. 25.4.1: Gauges-panel.
Each of the four views within the gauges panel can be configured to a
digital or analog display. The four gauge views operate independently
and can be freely assigned to any available measurand.
By default, each view is configured to the digital display. This setting
can be changed using the context menu for the individual view.
25.4.1 Analog Meter
The needle of the analog meter displays the filtered measurand. The
filter is an exponential moving average filter with 8 bins.
Fig. 25.4.2: Context menu for a view.
The blue and red dots show the minimum and maximum value in the
moving average filter buffer.
The text AUTO in the upper right corner indicates that the meter is
currently set to auto scaling. This works in most cases but it may also
be desirable to set a specific scale. Setting the scale is possible by
using the muse wheel and the Ctrl key.
Manual 149
R&S Power Viewer Data Processing Panels
Mouse Wheel
Changes the upper border of the meter. This option is only available for
logarithmic meters (dBm scale).
Ctrl + Mouse Wheel
Pressing and holding the Ctrl key replaces the unit text in the center by
the currently selected measurement range. Turning the mouse wheel
while the Ctrl key is pressed increases or decreases the measurement
range.
25.4.2 The Context Menu
Each view has its own context menu that is used to configure the data
representation in this view.
Fig. 25.4.3: Context menu for a view.
Digital
The view shows a numeric value on a digital display. The values are
displayed as they are send by the measurement. Absolute power
values in Watts are automatically converted to dBm.
Analog
Turns the view into the analog meter mode.
Historic
Enables a digital display using ancient Nixie tubes.
25.4.3 Gauges-Panel Settings
The gauges panel are identical with the analysis panel settings.
Manual 150
R&S Power Viewer Using S-Parameter Profiles
26 Using S-Parameter Profiles
This functionality is currently only available in the Windows-based
version of Power Viewer.
S-parameter correction compensates for the losses and reflections
introduced by a component – such as an attenuator, directional coupler,
or matching pad – that is attached to a power sensor. Using
S-parameters instead of a fixed offset increases measurement accuracy
by accounting for the interaction between the sensor and the
component. As a result, the sensor's reference plane shifts from the
sensor's RF connector to the input of the device being applied
externally. This procedure is also referred to as embedding a device.
Fig. 26.1: Schematic view of embedding a device
S-parameter data sets are stored in the sensor's internal calibration
data structure. As a result this data is not lost during a device reset or a
power cycle. In addition, S-parameter data can be configured such that
it becomes active automatically when the sensor is powered up. This
feature is useful if a two-port device such as an attenuator pad is
permanently attached to a sensor.
Fig. 26.2: Schematic view of scattering parameters
The equation below includes the S-parameter device, the power
sensor's reflection coefficient, and the source reflection coefficient. The
sensor firmware uses this equation when the source reflection
coefficient is also specified (when gamma correction is enabled).
bG =b 2
[ (1−s 22 Γ S )(1−s 11 Γ G )
s21
−ΓG Γ S s 12
]
The measurement error caused by using a simple offset table instead of
the s-parameter correction can be calculated by the following equation:
Error %≈±100 % [( 2−(1−s 22 Γ S )(1−s 11 Γ G ))2−1 ]
Manual 151
R&S Power Viewer Using S-Parameter Profiles
Power Viewer provides a dialog for updating s-parameter profiles in
R&S NRP and R&S NRP-Z power sensors. You can call up the dialog
for this by selecting Sensor → S-Parameter from the menu bar.
S-parameter data is stored permanently in the sensor flash memory. All
s-parameter data is organized in profiles. Each profile consists of the
complex correction values, a mnemonic, a level range and additional
flags. All R&S NRP and R&S NRP-Z power sensors support
s-parameter correction (single profile) but some models also support
switching between different profiles.
In all R&S NRP-Z sensors the s-parameter profiles are part of the
factory calibration data set. The new generation R&S NRP sensors
contain a factory calibration data set and a user data set. For safety
reasons Power Viewer only allows access to the user data set in these
sensors.
Fig. 26.3: S-Parameter Profile Editor
Initialize from Sensor
Reads the entire calibration data structure from the sensor flash
memory and extracts the s-parameter device data. S-parameter sets
are always stored as part of the sensor non-volatile calibration data.
Reading the calibration data set does not alter any data in the sensor.
Load Backup File
Power Viewer always creates a backup copy of the calibration data
before attempting to update the sensor flash memory. If the write
operation fails, e.g. due to a power loss during the write operation the
data can simply be recovered from the backup file. Power Viewer
compares the sensor type and serial number in the backup file with the
Manual 152
R&S Power Viewer Using S-Parameter Profiles
selected sensor. If the numbers disagree the backup file cannot be
loaded.
Write to Sensor
Updated s-parameter data sets must be written back to the sensor flash
memory in order to become effective. Before the flashing process starts
Power Viewer creates a backup copy of the existing calibration data set
on the local hard drive.
Flags: Lock s-parameter state and device
Locking the s-parameter state activates or deactivates the s-parameter
state permanently. The user cannot change the state and the related
controls are grayed out in the Power Viewer application.
The central section of this dialog contains all the controls required for
the s-parameter management. A prerequisite for these controls to
become active is that a data set was successfully loaded from a sensor
or a matching backup file.
Flags: Use flags from USER data set
All new generation R&S NRP power sensors contain two data sets that
may contain s-parameter profiles. The factory data set contains sensor
calibration data and is written during production. This data set may
contain s-parameter profile information, for example if sensors are
shipped with a permanently attached attenuator. The second data set is
the user data set. Power Viewer only allows access to this user data set
for all new generation R&S NRP power sensors.
Setting this flag overrides the Lock and Default flag from the factory
data set. Use this flag if the s-parameter state is locked in the factory
data set and you need to use other s-parameter profiles than the one
stored in the factory data set.
A locked s-parameter data set typically disables all related controls in
the correction dialog.
S-parameter profiles residing in the user data set start at index 1001
whereas profiles from the factory data set start at index one.
Current Profile
This control contains all s-parameter profiles that are currently available
in the calibration data set. New empty records can be added to the list
by using the New button. Existing records can be removed from the list
with the Delete button. These changes do not become effective
immediately in the sensor. Instead all modifications are applied to a
memory copy of the calibration data set. Once changes are made a
sensor update is required and can be initiated by clicking the Write to
Sensor button.
Manual 153
R&S Power Viewer Using S-Parameter Profiles
Mnemonic
The mnemonic defines a name that is used to name an s-parameter
device. The mnemonic is also stored as part of the sensor s-parameter
profile.
Load / Save
Loads or saves s-parameter data from or to a file. If data is loaded all
existing s-parameter data in the selected profile is lost. Saving data
does not alter the s-parameter profile.
View
Starts the viewer dialog and displays all s-parameter data of the
currently selected profile.
Fig. 26.4: S-Parameter Viewer
Frequency Range
This line displays the frequency range covered by the s-parameter set.
S21 Range
This line displays the minimum and maximum s21 value in the
s-parameter set.
Power Limits
Depending on the loss or gain introduced by the s-parameter device the
sensor's measurement power range changes. These settings define the
upper and lower sensor power limit if the s-parameter profile is selected
during a measurement. Power Viewer populates both entry fields with
recommended values when s-parameter data is loaded from a file.
Active by Default
This option automatically enables the selected s-parameter profile when
the sensor is powered up. This option is useful if components such as
attenuator pads remain attached to a sensor.
Manual 154
R&S Power Viewer VXI PnP Programming Guide
27 VXI PnP Programming Guide
The Power Viewer software is based entirely on the Rohde & Schwarz
VXI PnP drivers for the R&S NRP power sensors. This driver provides a
C function interface and is recommended for all user applications.
Please see the NRP software download section for the latest version of
the VXI PnP driver.
Custom applications must include the rsnrpz.h file when using the
VXI PnP driver. This driver uses VISA data types, but if VISA is not
installed, the required data types are defined in the header file itself.
It should be noted that multiple applications cannot access the NRP
driver simultaneously.
The minimum requirement for using the VXI PnP driver functions is
installation of the R&S NRP Toolkit. The toolkit package contains the
USB drivers as well as the NrpControl2 low-level driver DLL.
Generally, it is possible to build applications with the rsnrpz.c and
rsnrpz.h files directly compiled into the application. In this case, the
application only depends on NrpControl2.lib. Alternatively, the
application can include rsnrpz.h and link against rsnrpz.lib.
The following diagram shows the NRP-Z driver architecture and
possible application options.
Application Application
(rsnrpz.h / rsnrpz.lib)
(rsnrpz.h / NrpControl2.lib)
rsnrpz_32.dll,
rsnrpz.c
rsnrpz_64.dll
NrpControl2.dll, NrpControl2_64.dll
USB Driver
Fig. 27.1: Driver architecture on Windows-based systems.
27.1 Sensor Resource Strings
The power sensors are identified by a unique VISA resource string. This
string is passed on to the rsnrpz_init() function in order to open the
sensor connection.
The resource string has the following format:
USB::0x0AAD::<usb-id>::<serial>
The value 0x0AAD is the Rohde & Schwarz vendor ID, and it cannot be
changed. The USB ID is unique for each sensor type. A list of USB
device ID numbers is provided in chapter 6.5, "Supported R&S NRPZ
Sensors." The serial number is the serial number for the individual
sensor.
Manual 155
R&S Power Viewer VXI PnP Programming Guide
27.2 Numeric Results
All numeric power readings are provided in watts. The reading includes
a level offset that is either set by the user or provided by the S-
parameter device.
In many applications, however, it is desirable to show power readings
on a logarithmic scale. Conversion can be performed by taking the
absolute value of the power reading, adding a very small offset, and
then using the log10() function:
double dValdBm = 30.0 +
10.0 * log10( fabs( dValW ) + 1e-32 )
The small offset ensures that the log10 function's argument can never
be exactly zero.
27.3 Opening and Closing the Sensor Connection
The first step is to open the sensor connection. The following code lines
demonstrate how this is done using the driver functions. The example
sets the USB timeout to 5 seconds and does not reset the sensor. The
return value is the USB session that must be used in all further
communication with the sensor:
ViStatus lErr
ViSession ulUSBSession
rsnrpz_setTimeout( 5000 )
lErr = rsnrpz_init ( <USB resource string>,
false, false,
&ulUSBSession )
if( lErr!=0 ) ...error handling...
If the sensor is no longer needed for further measurements, the
connection should be closed. The following lines demonstrate how to do
this. After the sensor is closed, the session number must not be used
anymore:
lErr = rsnrpz_close( ulUSBSession )
ulUSBSession = 0
27.4 Multiple Sensors
Multiple sensors may be opened simultaneously within one application.
The rsnrpz_init() function must be called once for each sensor
using the sensor resource string. The USB session ID numbers
returned from this function are then used to access the individual
sensors.
Manual 156
R&S Power Viewer VXI PnP Programming Guide
27.5 Error Handling
Most rsnrpz_ driver functions return an error code. If the function call is
successful, the return value is zero. If an error was returned, further
information may be obtained from the rsnrpz_error_message()
function. This function translates the error code into a human-readable
text message:
char szMessage[256]
rsnrpz_error_message( ulUSBSession,
lErr, szMessage )
Additionally, errors that arise inside the sensor can be queried from the
sensor error queue. The rsnrpz_error_query() should be called as
long as the lErr2 return variable is not equal to zero and the return
code lErr is zero:
lErr = rsnrpz_error_query( ulUSBSession,
&lErr2, szMessage )
Please note that both functions require a valid session number. If the
rsnrpz_init() function fails and no valid session number is available
(session is zero), these functions cannot be used. In most cases, this
indicates that the sensor has already been opened by another
application, or that the sensor firmware is outdated.
27.6 Zeroing
Zeroing the sensor might be required if very low signal levels need to be
measured. The time required for the zeroing procedure varies from
sensor to sensor. It must also be noted that the zero offset value is not
permanent. A sensor reset command does not clear the zero offset, but
a power loss requires re-zeroing.
The following example starts the zeroing process with the function
rsnrpz_chan_zero(). This function returns immediately. The following
call to rsnrpz_chan_isZeroComplete() determines the completion
state of the zeroing process. The function should be called repeatedly in
a loop, but it must be ensured that there is enough CPU time available
for the driver process (→ Sleep(), → SwitchToThread() ). Using a
short sleep that gives the CPU away to the background thread is
recommended. If the zeroing fails, an error code that is not equal to
zero is returned:
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_zero( ulUSBSession, 1 )
unsigned short usMeasCompleted
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_isZeroComplete(
ulUSBSession, 1,
&usMeasCompleted )
Manual 157
R&S Power Viewer VXI PnP Programming Guide
27.7 Identifying a Sensor (*IDN?)
It is often necessary to identify a sensor and retrieve its type and serial
number. The *IDN? command is available in the SCPI language for this
task. The C-based VXIPnP driver provides functions that read extended
sensor information and can be used for this purpose:
char szManuf[256];
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_info( ulUSBSession, 1,
"Manufacturer", 256, szManuf );
char szType[256];
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_info( ulUSBSession, 1,
"Type", 256, szType );
char szSerial[256];
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_info( ulUSBSession, 1,
"Serial", 256, szSerial );
printf( "%s,%s,%s", szManuf, szType, szSerial );
27.8 Continuous Average Power Measurement
This example demonstrates how to implement a simple continuous
average power measurement.
First, the sensor's operation mode needs to be set. This step only
needs to be performed once when multiple average power
measurements are required:
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_mode( ulUSBSession, 1,
RSNRPZ_SENSOR_MODE_CONTAV )
Second, the carrier frequency must be set. Setting the carrier frequency
is always required for precise measurements:
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_setCorrectionFrequency(
ulUSBSession, 1, dCarrierHz )
Manual 158
R&S Power Viewer VXI PnP Programming Guide
In many cases, the power sensor is not directly connected to the DUT
and compensation must be made for additional cable loss. The two
functions described below enable and set the level offset. Please note
that further level-related commands expect levels that include the
correction factor:
lErr = rsnrpz_corr_setOffset(
ulUSBSession, 1, dOffsetdB )
lErr = rsnrpz_corr_setOffsetEnabled(
ulUSBSession, 1, true )
The aperture time is the time for which the sensor integrates the signal
in order to generate a a single sample. Normally, the sensor uses a
default aperture that is best for noise and measurement speed. When
measuring AM modulated signals with a known period time, it is
advisable to set the aperture time to multiples of the period time. In such
cases, using a low averaging filter count, such as two, can deliver
stable measurement results:
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_setContAvAperture(
ulUSBSession, 1, dWindowS )
The averaging filter can be configured to either manual mode or
automatic mode. The auto mode example below sets the filter to a
0.01 dB resolution:
lErr = rsnrpz_avg_configureAvgAuto(
ulUSBSession, 1, 3 )
Alternatively, the averaging filter mode can be set to a fixed value, such
as 2, 4, 8, or 16. This setting is best if a constant measurement time is
required and the signal level does not change much:
lErr = rsnrpz_avg_configureAvgManual(
ulUSBSession, 1, ulAvCnt )
The averaging filter can be configured to repeating mode or moving
filter mode. In repeating mode, each measurement cycle initially clears
the filter and then accumulates measurements until the filter is entirely
filled:
lErr = rsnrpz_avg_setTerminalControl(
ulUSBSession, 1,
RSNRPZ_TERMINAL_CONTROL_REPEAT )
Manual 159
R&S Power Viewer VXI PnP Programming Guide
The rsnrpz_chan_initiate() function starts one measurement cycle.
The function returns immediately. Therefore, the application must
subsequently poll the sensor for measurement completion:
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_initiate( ulUSBSession, 1)
The completion state should be polled in a loop, but it must be ensured
that the CPU is made available to the driver thread between subsequent
polls:
Sleep( 100 ) or SwitchToThread()
ViBoolean bMeasCompleted
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_isMeasurementComplete(
ulUSBSession, 1, &bMeasCompleted )
When the measurement cycle has completed successfully, the result
can be read, and a new measurement cycle may be started:
ViReal64 fMeasResult
lErr = rsnrpz_meass_fetchMeasurement(
ulUSBSession, 1, &fMeasResult )
Manual 160
R&S Power Viewer VXI PnP Programming Guide
27.9 Trace Measurements
This example demonstrates how to implement a trace measurement for
a repeating signal that provides a stable trigger condition.
First, the sensor's operation mode needs to be set. This step is only
required initially:
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_mode(
ulUSBSession, 1, RSNRPZ_SENSOR_MODE_SCOPE )
Second, the carrier frequency must be set. Setting the carrier frequency
is required for precise power measurements:
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_setCorrectionFrequency(
ulUSBSession, 1, dCarrierHz )
In many cases, the power sensor is not directly connected to the DUT,
and compensation must be made for additional cable loss. The
following two functions enable and set the level offset:
lErr = rsnrpz_corr_setOffset(
ulUSBSession, 1, dOffsetdB )
lErr = rsnrpz_corr_setOffsetEnabled(
ulUSBSession, 1, bEnOffset )
The function below configures the measurement bandwidth. Using a
lower bandwidth decreases measurement noise and increases trigger
sensitivity. The list of available bandwidth IDs can be obtained using
rsnrpz_bandwidth_getBwList():
lErr = rsnrpz_bandwidth_setBw(
ulUSBSession, 1, 0 )
The number of video points for the trace measurement is set using
rsnrpz_scope_setPoints(). Using 500 points usually represents a
good compromise between USB transfer speed and resolution. The
trace data's transfer time increases with the number of video points:
lErr = rsnrpz_scope_setPoints(
ulUSBSession, 1, iVideoPoints )
Manual 161
R&S Power Viewer VXI PnP Programming Guide
The trace time sets the overall capture time for one trace measurement.
Each video point represents the time period resulting from the trace
time divided by the number of video points:
lErr = rsnrpz_scope_setTime(
ulUSBSession, 1, dTraceTime )
The offset time is used to capture signal portions before the trigger
point. The valid time range depends on the sensor and must be looked
up in the sensor manual. The function call is not required if this feature
is not needed. An offset time of zero starts trace capturing at the trigger
position:
lErr = rsnrpz_scope_setOffsetTime(
ulUSBSession, 1, dOffsetTime )
Configuring the trigger condition is crucial for all trace measurements.
The following lines configure the trigger system to internal triggering on
a positive slope. The hysteresis should be set to a small value (e.g.
1 dB) to allow for stable triggering. The dropout time can be set
optionally and requires the signal to fall below the trigger threshold for
the defined period of time before the trigger system rearms again.
Please note that the trigger level is set in linear units.
lErr = rsnrpz_trigger_setSource(
ulUSBSession, 1,
RSNRPZ_TRIGGER_SOURCE_INTERNAL )
lErr = rsnrpz_trigger_setSlope(
ulUSBSession, 1, RSNRPZ_SLOPE_POSITIVE )
lErr = rsnrpz_trigger_setDropoutTime(
ulUSBSession, 1, dDropoutTime )
lErr = rsnrpz_trigger_setHysteresis(
ulUSBSession, 1, 1 )
lErr = rsnrpz_trigger_setLevel(
ulUSBSession, 1, dTrigLevelW )
Setting an averaging filter is, in most cases, desired when trace data is
to be measured. Averaging reduces the noise dramatically and
therefore increases the dynamic range:
lErr = rsnrpz_scope_setAverageCount(
ulUSBSession, 1, iAverageCount )
lErr = rsnrpz_scope_setAverageEnabled(
ulUSBSession, 1, true )
The averaging filter can be operated in either repeating or moving
mode. In repeating mode, the filter content is cleared at the beginning of
the measurement cycle. Once the filter is entirely filled, the
measurement terminates and the result can be read:
lErr = rsnrpz_scope_setAverageTerminalControl(
ulUSBSession, 1,
RSNRPZ_TERMINAL_CONTROL_REPEAT )
The rsnrpz_chan_initiate() function call starts the measurement
cycle and returns immediately.
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_initiate( ulUSBSession, 1)
Before any data can be read from the sensor, the measurement status
must be polled repeatedly. This polling must be implemented in such a
way that the CPU becomes available to the driver thread periodically:
Manual 162
R&S Power Viewer VXI PnP Programming Guide
Sleep( 100 ) or SwitchToThread()
ViBoolean bMeasCompleted
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_isMeasurementComplete(
ulUSBSession, 1, &bMeasCompleted )
After the measurement has completed, the data array can be read using
the rsnrpz_meass_fetchBufferMeasurement() function. The values
that are returned are in linear units and include any offset configured
using rsnrpz_corr_setOffset(). The number of trace points must
match the number of video points set with
rsnrpz_scope_setPoints():
ViReal64 pdMeasAv[iTracePoints]
ViInt32 iReadCount
lErr = rsnrpz_meass_fetchBufferMeasurement(
ulUSBSession, 1,
iTracePoints, pdMeasAv, &iReadCount )
The settings from the above example return the average trace
representation. Based on the averaging filter settings and the trace
time, the sensor captures multiple samples and calculates the average
trace data.
The return data is provided in linear units. However, many applications
require power values on a logarithmic scale. The conversion can be
done using the following equation:
Plog = 10 · log10( Plin ) dBm + 30 dBm
Care must be taken if signal portions close to the noise floor must be
converted. Depending on the zero reference point for the internal
analog-to-digital converter, negative power readings may occur.
This is normal behavior, and in most cases, it is possible to simply use
the linear power reading's absolute value for the log10() function. The
low power values do not typically contribute to any measurement.
In very rare cases, a power value that is exactly zero may arise. Zero
cannot be converted into the logarithmic scale and must, therefore, be
replaced by another value. The Power Viewer software uses the closest
valid point in such cases.
27.9.1 Single-Shot Events
Measuring single-shot events requires slightly different averaging filter
settings. Please note that disabling averaging also reduces the sensor's
dynamic range.
The average filter count is set to one, and the filter is disabled:
lErr = rsnrpz_scope_setAverageCount(
ulUSBSession, 1, 1 )
lErr = rsnrpz_scope_setAverageEnabled(
ulUSBSession, 1, false )
Additionally, non-Z81 sensors require enabling of the real-time mode. In
this mode, the chopper is turned off and only one single trace is
processed. (The Z81 sensor does not require this command.):
rsnrpz_scope_setRealtimeEnabled(
ulUSBSession, 1, true )
Manual 163
R&S Power Viewer VXI PnP Programming Guide
27.9.2 Peak Trace Data
Wideband sensors, such as the NRP-Z81, provide multiple trace data
representations. The AVERAGE trace representation is always sent
and cannot be deselected. Alternatively, the sensor can be switched to
auxiliary mode, and it can send two additional representations, such as
the RANDOM and MAXIMUM trace data:
lErr = rsnrpz_chan_setAuxiliary(
ulUSBSession, 1, RSNRPZ_AUX_RNDMAX )
When auxiliary data is enabled, the trace data must be read from the
driver cache using the
rsnrpz_meass_fetchBufferMeasurementAux()
function. In a way similar to the regular fetch function, all data is
provided in linear units and contains the level offset:
ViReal64 pdMeasAv[iTracePoints]
ViReal64 pdMeasRnd[iTracePoints]
ViReal64 pdMeasPeak[iTracePoints]
ViInt32 iReadCount
lErr = rsnrpz_meass_fetchBufferMeasurementAux(
ulUSBSession, 1, 0, iTracePoints,
pdMeasAv, pdMeasRnd, pdMeasPeak,
&iReadCount )
Manual 164
R&S Power Viewer VXI PnP Programming Guide
27.9.3 Automatic Pulse Measurement
Wideband sensors, such as the NRP-Z81, can perform automatic pulse
measurements in trace mode. Enabling the automated pulse
measurement increases the measurement and processing time inside
the sensor.
The following two functions enable the automatic pulse measurement
and set the algorithm to the histogram type.
lErr = rsnrpz_scope_meas_setMeasEnabled(
ulUSBSession, 1, true )
lErr = rsnrpz_scope_meas_setMeasAlgorithm(
ulUSBSession, 1,
RSNRPZ_SCOPE_MEAS_ALG_HIST )
The only three configuration parameters required by the automatic
pulse analysis are the low, mid, and high thresholds as a percentage of
the pulse top power.
lErr = rsnrpz_scope_meas_setLevelThresholds(
ulUSBSession, 1,
dLevMidPercent, dLevLowPercent, dLevHighPercent )
After completion of the trace measurement, the pulse measurement
results can be read from the driver cache using the functions listed
below. Values that cannot be determined are indicated using a quiet
NaN.
#ifdef LINUX
#define __isnan(_X) (fpclassify((float)_X)==FP_NAN)
#else
#define __isnan(_X) ((_X)!=(_X))
#endif
The general pulse timing can be read using the
rsnrpz_scope_meas_getPulseTimes() function. The duty cycle and
period time require at least two pulses to fall into the trace window. The
measurement of the pulse width requires at least a rising and falling
edge.
rsnrpz_scope_meas_getPulseTimes( ulUSBSession, 1,
&dDutyCycle, &dPulseWidth, &dPeriodTime )
Manual 165
R&S Power Viewer VXI PnP Programming Guide
The rising and falling edge times are read using the same function
twice:
rsnrpz_scope_meas_getPulseTransition(
ulUSBSession, 1,
RSNRPZ_SLOPE_POSITIVE,
&dRiseTime, &dRisePosition, &dRiseOvershot )
rsnrpz_scope_meas_getPulseTransition(
ulUSBSession, 1,
RSNRPZ_SLOPE_NEGATIVE,
&dFallTime, &dFallPosition, &dFallOvershot )
There is a series of functions available for the measuring the different
pulse-power levels. The pulse peak power and the pulse top power are
typically of greater interest:
rsnrpz_scope_meas_getPulsePower(
ulUSBSession, 1,
&dAveragePower, &dMinPeak, &dMaxPeak )
rsnrpz_scope_meas_getPulseLevels(
ulUSBSession, 1,
&dTopPower, &dBasePower )
rsnrpz_scope_meas_getPulseReferenceLevels(
ulUSBSession, 1,
&dLowRefLevel, &dHighRefLevel, &dMidRefLevel )
Please note that all power readings are in linear units, and they contain
any level offset that was previously set.
Manual 166
R&S Power Viewer Customer Support
28 Customer Support
Technical support – where and when you need it
For quick, expert help with any Rohde & Schwarz equipment, contact
one of our Customer Support Centers. A team of highly qualified
engineers provides telephone support and will work with you to find a
solution to your query on any aspect of the operation, programming or
application of Rohde & Schwarz equipment.
Up-to-date information and upgrades
To keep your instrument up-to-date and to be informed about new
application notes related to your instrument, please send an e-mail to
the Customer Support Center stating your instrument and your wish.
We will take care to ensure that you get the right information.
Europe, Africa, Middle East Phone +49 89 4129 12345
[email protected]
North America Phone 1-888-TEST-RSA (1-888-837-8772)
[email protected]
Latin America Phone +1-410-910-7988
[email protected]
Asia/Pacific Phone +65 65 13 04 88
[email protected]
China Phone +86-800-810-8288 / +86-400-650-5896
[email protected]
Manual 167
R&S Power Viewer Appendix
29 Appendix
29.1 Command Line Options
The Power Viewer software supports a set of command line options that
affect the application's look and feel as well its startup behavior:
--native
The user interface look is left as native as possible.
--classic-pv
This option starts Power Viewer in a mode in which it only displays the
continuous power measurement window. This is similar to the classic
Power Viewer application:
• Disables all features but the continuous power measurement.
• Always starts with a fixed application window size.
• Continuous power measurement is activated.
• The analog bar and trend display are not available.
• The measurement starts automatically if a sensor is detected.
--no-splash
This option omits the initial splash screen and speeds up the application
startup.
--project <file>
This option loads a specific project file at startup. If the application is
available, the default project file is written. If the specified project file is
not available, the default settings are applied.
--sensor <sensor>
This option includes –no-splash and omits the initial sensor scanning.
Instead, the specified sensor is made available regardless of its
physical availability. The sensor must be defined by the sensor type and
by its serial number (for example: “Z11,123456”).
--no-multi
Disables the multi-channel measurement mode.
Manual 168
R&S Power Viewer Appendix
--no-timeslot
Disables the timeslot measurement mode.
--no-statistics
Disables the statistics measurement mode.
--no-trace
Disables the trace measurement mode.
--no-scripting
Disables the scripting measurement mode.
--no-ota
Disables all OTA measurements (NRPM3 sensor module).
--no-datalog
Disables the data log window.
--no-analysis
Disables the data analysis window.
--no-monitor
Disables the limit monitoring window.
--no-gauges
Disables the gauges window.
--no-barchart
Disables the bar chart window.
--no-sparam
Disables the s-parameter configuration dialog.
--debug
Writes additional log messages to the message log window. This may
be useful for debugging software problems.
--visa=<VISA vendor>
Selects a specific VISA driver. Permissible arguments are RS, NI and
Agilent.
--no-portcheck
Does not perform a connection test to port 111 before opening a VXI-11
VISA device.
At startup the Power Viewer application looks for a file named
.pvoptions.txt in the user's home directory. If the file is present then
all lines not starting with the # character will be added to the command
line arguments. Thus, the file can be utilized to add command line
options without creating a special desktop link.
Example:
# .pvoptions.txt
# Permanent command line options for Power Viewer
#
--debug
--visa=rs
--no-splash
--no-ota
Manual 169
R&S Power Viewer Appendix
29.2 Setting the Application Style
The style of the Power Viewer user interface can be changed using the
-style command-line option. Changing the style might be useful if the
application should use the operating system's look and feel. By default,
Power Viewer uses an internal style that is independent of the
underlying operating system.
-style <style>
<style> User Interface Example
Plastique
Cleanlooks
Windows
Motif
WindowsXP
Manual 170
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