Behavior of the R&S SMW when working with the R&S SZU

At startup, the R&S SMW firmware almost completely controls the R&S SZU. You can only select the analog I/Q connection (differential or single ended), provided you are working with only one R&S SZU.

The R&S SZU considers the converter like an internal assembly. The following section describes the actions and behavior of the R&S SMW according to the operating states.

At startup or repeated plugging
  • The R&S SMW adds a connected R&S SZU to the list of external instruments.

    Vice versa, the R&S SMW removes an R&S SZU from the list, when it is disconnected.

  • If Auto connect is enabled, the R&S SMW establishes the connection automatically, provided the R&S SZU is assigned to an I/Q output.

  • The R&S SMW adopts the related minimum and maximum values of the R&S SZU.

    Furthermore, it obtains the calibration data of the R&S SZU. If these calibration data confirm a wider frequency range as given in the data sheet, you can enable the frequency overrange in the RF Frequency setting dialog of the R&S SMW.

  • The R&S SMW adjusts the resulting frequency range also in the status bar.

    Note: The performance in the extended range can deviate from the specified values given in the data sheet.

  • You can connect and configure two R&S SZU only in the predetermined paths, see "Two R&S SZU connected to the R&S SMW"

    The R&S SMW issues a notificatiion, if the connection and the assigned ports do not match, or, e.g., the connection is interrupted.

  • When disconnected in the External RF and I/Q dialog (or by remote control), the R&S SMW retains the R&S SZU in the list of instruments and at the assigned output. It presets the R&S SZU and the parameters of the I/Q Analog Outputs, the I/Q Modulator and the RF path, and turns off the RF output. Not affected settings remain.

During operation
  • In the status bar, the indicated frequency and level values correspond to the RF signal at the output of the R&S SZU.

    Settings like, e.g. level offset or level limit also affect the RF output of the R&S SZU.

  • The firmware of the R&S SMW controls the affected I/Q output parameters automatically, i.e. except for the I/Q Output Type, the settings are read only.

  • The R&S SMW disables list mode, analog modulations and LO coupling.

At preset
  • If Preset behavior: Keep connections to external instruments is enabled, the R&S SZU remains connected to the R&S SMW, if the USB and I/Q connections still exist physically.

    The R&S SMW presets the RF parameters to the R&S SZUs default values (RF Off, RF Freq = 60 GHz, RF Level = 30 dBm).

    The Frequency Overrange setting is not affected. It is reset only by factory preset.

  • If Preset behavior: Keep connections to external instruments is disabled, the R&S SMW presets the R&S SZU, cuts the connection and presets to its default values.

    It also resets the Frequency Overrange.

  • If no R&S SZU is connected, the R&S SMW presets to its default values (RF Off, RF Freq = 1 GHz, RF Level = 30 dBm).

At reboot
  • If Auto connect is enabled, the R&S SMW establishes the connection automatically, provided the USB connection exists and the R&S SZU is assigned to an I/Q output

  • If Auto connect is disabled, the state remains disconnected, the entry in the list of external instruments still exists.

At recall

Applies the settings from a saved configuration.

Note:Note:

For a proper configuration, load saved configurations that fit to the current setup.

Do not load a saved configuration of a connected R&S SZU and R&S SMW in a standalone R&S SMW and vice versa.

Mismatch between the setup and the loaded configuration leads to wrong frequency indication in the status bar. The output frequency is correct and corresponds to the current setup.

In setups with R&S SZU and R&S SMW, always establish the connection between the two instruments and load a saved configuration with a connected setup.