Configuring the converter setup

After connecting the instruments, you need to configure the connection in the System Configuration dialog of the signal generator. The following instruction guides you through the first steps by the example of one connected I/Q Upconverter, assigned to path A of the R&S SMW.

Another example shows two R&S SZUs connected to the R&S SMW, i.e. one per path, see "Two R&S SZU connected to the R&S SMW".

Note:Note:

For details to the setting parameters and to the corresponding remote control commands, refer to:

To configure the R&S SZU in the R&S SMW

Access:

  1. In the R&S SMW, select Taskbar > System Config. > System Configuration > External RF and I/Q.

  2. Select I/Q OUT 1 > Config....

  3. Select External Instrument > SZU (<Serial No> Bxxxx).

  4. Select I/Q Output Type > Differential.

    Note:Note:

    If you are working with an R&S SZU in each path, the R&S SMW only supports the single ended mode in both paths.

  5. Confirm with Apply and Connect.

    The R&S SMW establishes the connection to the R&S SZU and shows the Connections tab.

  6. Select Check Connections.

    The R&S SMW checks the connections at the corresponding RF and I/Q connectors and displays the results.

  7. Close the dialog.

    1See step 8
    2See step 9
  8. In the System Configuration dialog, check Auto Connect.

    When enabled, the R&S SMW automatically (re)establishes the connection to the R&S SZU, e.g. after a restart or an instrument preset.

  9. Select Preset behavior: Keep connections to external instruments.

    When enabled, the R&S SMW retains the connection to the R&S SZU at an instrument preset, see "Behavior of the R&S SMW when working with the R&S SZU".

  10. Select the Overview tab.

    Display of one connected R&S SZU in the overview tab

    The overview tab shows all external instruments connected, in this case one connected R&S SZU. For more, see the user manual of the R&S SMW, chapter System configuration settings, section Overview.

  11. Close the dialog.

  12. If necessary, perform an internal adjustment, before connecting the DUT and activating the measurement.

    Proceed as described in "Running internal adjustments".

To activate the signal output

After the internal adjustments are completed, you can connect the DUT and start with your measurement.

  1. Connect the R&S SZU with the DUT.

  2. In the block diagram, select the checkbox in the RF to activate RF signal output.

Display of one connected R&S SZU on the R&S SMW screen
1RF frequency of the R&S SZU RF output
2RF level, nominal level at the R&S SZU RF output (regulated level)
3RFLO, CW signal for the LO input of the R&S SZU
4R&S SZU displayed by the waveguide port icon, the label and the serial number
5Active I/Q output with displayed connection lines

The R&S SMW performs the following:

  • Reads all parameters for identification of the R&S SZU.

  • Reads the R&S SZU calibration data.

  • Indicates the connected R&S SZU at the RF output in the block diagram and displays the waveguide output icon.

  • Sets the output signal level and frequency to the default values of the R&S SZU, and indicates these values in the status bar. You can set both parameters directly as usual.

Two R&S SZU connected to the R&S SMW

The R&S SMW supports one R&S SZU per path, i.e. you can connect another R&S SZU also to path B or vice versa.

For the I/Q and RF ports of the two paths, the R&S SMW allows the following combinations:

  • The I/Q signal of the analog I/Q out 1 and the LO output of RF path A

  • The I/Q signal of the analog I/Q out 2 and the LO output of RF path B

However, when you are working with two R&S SZU, you can process the IQ signals only in single-ended mode.

To configure two R&S SZU in one R&S SMW

The connection and configuration of a second R&S SZU in the R&S SMW are the same as described above.

  1. For the second instrument, proceed as described in "To configure the R&S SZU in the R&S SMW".

    As an exception, consider step step 4. Select I/Q Output Type > Single Ended in both paths instead.

When completed, the R&S SMW indicates the two I/Q upconverters as shown in Figure "Overview tab with two connected R&S SZUs", and Figure "R&S SMW screen with an R&S SZU in both paths".

Overview tab with two connected R&S SZUs
R&S SMW screen with an R&S SZU in both paths