Setting up the measurement

This section describes the setup of a basic application with the R&S SZU I/Q Upconverter.

Required equipment

To operate an R&S SZU I/Q upconverter, you need:

  • An Rohde & Schwarz vector signal generator, e.g., an R&S SMW, which is used as an example in the following description.

    The R&S SMW must be equipped with the corresponding options to meet the frequency range and the level of the R&S SZU. See the data sheet for the specification of the local oscillator signal.

  • A test port adapter, recommended if applicable.

  • Standard cabling, included:

    Note: Only use the cables delivered with the R&S SZU, as the product has been calibrated with these cables.

    • Four I/Q cables

    • USB cable

    • RF cable

  • Trigger cable, optionally

Test setup

Signal source is the R&S SMW that supplies the analog I/Q signal, and optionally a trigger signal to the R&S SZU. For control, the R&S SMW uses the USB connection. The R&S SZU transmits the upconverted RF signal to the RF shield box (DUT).

OTA RF measurement test setup
1Rohde & Schwarz vector signal generator, e.g., R&S SMW
2R&S SZU I/Q Upconverter
3RF shield box
Note:Note:

Connect the instruments in the order as described in the following section.

In particular, consider these topics:

  • Switch off the RF of the R&S SMW before connecting the R&S SZU, to prevent damage of the R&S SZU due to high input power.

  • Make sure that the input power level is always less than the maximum level specified in the data sheet.

  • Connect the baseband signals before starting up.

To set up the measurement

Connecting the measurement setup and configuring the measurement includes the following steps:

  1. Power up the R&S SMW.

  2. Connect the I/Q outputs of the signal generator to I/Q connectors of the R&S SZU.

    See "Connecting to LO In/Out".

  3. NOTICE!NOTICE!
    Risk of instrument damage

    High input power can damage the R&S SZU.

    Switch off the RF output of the R&S SMW before connecting to LO In of the R&S SZU.

  4. Connect the RF A output of the signal generator to LO In of the I/Q upconverter.

    See "Connecting to LO In/Out".

  5. Connect the USB cable plug B to the R&S SZU, and the USB cable plug A to the R&S SMW (rear panel).

    See "Connecting to USB"

  6. Connect the R&S SZU I/Q Upconverter to the power supply.

    See "Connecting to the DC supply"

  7. Keep the Warm-up time.

  8. Before connecting to the DUT, configure the R&S SZU in the R&S SMW. See "Configuring the converter setup".

With connecting USB, the R&S SMW recognizes the R&S SZU automatically. The R&S SMW reads all parameters for identification and the calibration table of the R&S SZU, and sets the optimum LO level.

At a reboot of the R&S SMW with a connected R&S SZU, RF can remain active. The base unit starts with the recently used settings.