R&S NRP18S User manual

R&S®NRP18S-xx
High-Power Three-Path Diode Power
Sensors
User Manual
User Manual
Version 05
1178368602
(;ÜTä2)

This manual describes the following high-power three-path diode power sensors with firmware version FW
02.00 and later:
●R&S®NRP18S-10 (1424.6721.02)
●R&S®NRP18S-20 (1424.6738.02)
●R&S®NRP18S-25 (1424.6744.02)
© 2020 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Mühldorfstr. 15, 81671 München, Germany
Phone: [phone] - 0
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Internet: www.rohde-schwarz.com
Subject to change – Data without tolerance limits is not binding.
R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.
Trade names are trademarks of the owners.
1178.3686.02 | Version 05 | R&S®NRP18S-xx
Throughout this manual, products from Rohde & Schwarz are indicated without the ® symbol, for example R&S®NRP18S-10 is
abbreviated as R&S NRP18S-10.

Contents
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3User Manual 1178.3686.02 ─ 05
Contents
1 Preface.................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Documentation Overview............................................................................................. 5
1.2 Key Features..................................................................................................................6
2 Safety Information..................................................................................8
3 Preparing for Use...................................................................................9
3.1 Unpacking and Checking the Power Sensor..............................................................9
3.2 Operating Conditions................................................................................................... 9
3.3 Considerations for Test Setup................................................................................... 10
3.4 Connecting to a DUT...................................................................................................10
3.5 Connecting a Cable to the Host Interface................................................................. 11
3.6 Connecting to a Controlling Host..............................................................................12
4 Power Sensor Tour.............................................................................. 16
4.1 RF Connector.............................................................................................................. 16
4.2 Trigger I/O Connector................................................................................................. 17
4.3 Host Interface.............................................................................................................. 17
4.4 Status LED................................................................................................................... 17
5 Operating Concepts.............................................................................18
5.1 R&S NRP Toolkit..........................................................................................................18
5.2 Remote Control........................................................................................................... 20
5.3 R&S NRPV....................................................................................................................21
5.4 R&S Power Viewer...................................................................................................... 25
5.5 R&S Power Viewer Mobile..........................................................................................29
5.6 R&S NRX...................................................................................................................... 29
5.7 R&S NRP2.................................................................................................................... 31
6 Firmware Update..................................................................................35
6.1 Hardware and Software Requirements..................................................................... 35
6.2 Updating the Firmware............................................................................................... 35
7 Replacing an R&S NRP-Zxx with an R&S NRP18S-xx...................... 39
7.1 Most Important Differences........................................................................................39

Contents
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7.2 Prerequisites............................................................................................................... 39
8 Remote Control Commands................................................................41
8.1 Conventions Used in SCPI Command Descriptions................................................41
8.2 Notations......................................................................................................................41
8.3 Common Commands.................................................................................................. 43
8.4 Preparing for the Measurement................................................................................. 47
8.5 Controlling the Measurement.................................................................................... 49
8.6 Configuring and Retrieving Results..........................................................................64
8.7 Configuring the Measurement Modes.......................................................................69
8.8 Configuring Basic Measurement Parameters.......................................................... 81
8.9 Calibrating/Zeroing the Power Sensor ...................................................................101
8.10 Testing the Power Sensor........................................................................................ 103
8.11 Configuring the System............................................................................................104
8.12 Using the Status Register.........................................................................................116
9 Performing Measurement Tasks - Programming Examples.......... 120
9.1 Performing the Simplest Measurement.................................................................. 120
9.2 Performing the Fastest Measurement in Continuous Average Mode.................. 120
9.3 Performing a Buffered Continuous Average Measurement.................................. 123
9.4 Performing Trace Measurements............................................................................ 125
9.5 Trace Measurement with Synchronization to Measurement Complete............... 126
10 Remote Control Basics......................................................................128
10.1 Remote Control Interfaces and Protocols.............................................................. 128
10.2 SCPI Command Structure........................................................................................ 129
10.3 Status Reporting System......................................................................................... 135
11 Troubleshooting................................................................................. 153
11.1 Displaying Status Information................................................................................. 153
11.2 Performing a Selftest................................................................................................ 153
11.3 Problems during a Firmware Update...................................................................... 153
11.4 Contacting Customer Support.................................................................................154
List of Commands..............................................................................155
Index....................................................................................................160

Preface
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5User Manual 1178.3686.02 ─ 05
1 Preface
This chapter provides an overview of the user documentation and an introduction to
the R&S NRP18S-xx.
1.1 Documentation Overview
This section provides an overview of the R&S NRP18S-xx user documentation. Unless
specified otherwise, you find the documents on the R&S NRP18S-xx product page at:
www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/nrp18s
1.1.1 Getting Started Manual
Introduces the R&S NRP18S-xx and describes how to set up and start working with the
product. Includes basic operations and general information, e.g. safety instructions,
etc. A printed version is delivered with the power sensor.
1.1.2 User Manuals
Contains the description of all instrument modes and functions. It also provides an
introduction to remote control, a complete description of the remote control commands
with programming examples, and information on maintenance and interfaces. Includes
the contents of the getting started manual.
1.1.3 Tutorials
Tutorials offer guided examples and demonstrations on operating the R&S NRP18S-
xx. They are provided on the product page of the internet.
1.1.4 Instrument Security Procedures
Deals with security issues when working with the R&S NRP18S-xx in secure areas. It
is available for download on the Internet.
1.1.5 Basic Safety Instructions
Contains safety instructions, operating conditions and further important information.
The printed document is delivered with the instrument.
Documentation Overview

Preface
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1.1.6 Data Sheets and Brochures
The data sheet contains the technical specifications of the R&S NRP18S-xx. It also
lists the firmware applications and their order numbers, and optional accessories.
The brochure provides an overview of the instrument and deals with the specific char-
acteristics.
www.rohde-schwarz.com/brochure-datasheet/nrp18s
1.1.7 Release Notes and Open Source Acknowledgment (OSA)
The release notes list new features, improvements and known issues of the current
firmware version, and describe the firmware installation.
The "Open Source Acknowledgment" is provided on the user documentation CD-ROM,
included in the delivery. It contains verbatim license texts of the used open source soft-
ware.
www.rohde-schwarz.com/firmware/nrp18s
1.1.8 Application Notes, Application Cards, White Papers, etc.
These documents deal with special applications or background information on particu-
lar topics.
www.rohde-schwarz.com/application/nrp18s
1.2 Key Features
The 3-path diode power sensors are members of the R&S NRP series power sensors
from Rohde & Schwarz.
They provide a high-speed USB interface that constitutes both the communication port
and the power supply connection.
Special features of power sensors with precision attenuators
Each R&S NRP18S-xx power sensor is delivered with a high-quality attenuator. It ena-
bles measuring at higher power levels.
Key Features

Preface
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7User Manual 1178.3686.02 ─ 05
Figure 1-1: R&S NRP18S-10, R&S NRP18S-20 and R&S NRP18S-25 (from left)
To provide physically correct results, the sensor itself numerically compensates the
influence of the attenuator. Hence, the measurement output is not the power level that
is measured at the input port of the sensor. It represents the power level at the input of
the attenuator.
This numerical compensation of a two-port ("S-parameter device") connected
upstream is also implemented in R&S NRP power sensors that are delivered without
an attenuator. You can select any third-party attenuator, measure its S-parameters and
connect it upstream of the sensor in place of the supplied attenuator.
However, a precise measurement of the S-parameters is not trivial, and not all attenua-
tors are sufficiently stable. To enable high-precision power measurements with R&S
NRP18S‑xx power sensors, each included attenuator is highly stable and accurately
calibrated on site. The factory-provided calibration data is stored in the factory calibra-
tion data set of the sensor and includes the precisely determined S-parameter values.
At start-up of the power sensor, it automatically activates S-parameter correction based
on the stored S-parameters. You can change this default behavior using the S-parame-
ters tool included in the R&S NRP Toolkit, see Chapter 8.8.4.3, "S-Parameter Correc-
tion", on page 87.
●If you use the power sensor without an attenuator to increase sensitivity, disable S-
parameter correction.
●If you use the power sensor with a third-party attenuator, load its S-parameters and
define it as the active device.
For a detailed specification, refer to the data sheet.
Key Features

Safety Information
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2 Safety Information
The product documentation helps you use the R&S NRP18S-xx safely and efficiently.
Follow the instructions provided here and in the printed "Basic Safety Instructions".
Keep the product documentation nearby and offer it to other users.
Intended use
The R&S NRP18S-xx is intended for the development, production and verification of
electronic components and devices in industrial, administrative, and laboratory environ-
ments. Use the R&S NRP18S-xx only for its designated purpose. Observe the operat-
ing conditions and performance limits stated in the data sheet.
Where do I find safety information?
Safety information is part of the product documentation. It warns you about the poten-
tial dangers and gives instructions how to prevent personal injuries or damage caused
by dangerous situations. Safety information is provided as follows:
●The printed "Basic Safety Instructions" provide safety information in many lan-
guages and are delivered with the R&S NRP18S-xx.
●Throughout the documentation, safety instructions are provided when you need to
take care during setup or operation.

Preparing for Use
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3 Preparing for Use
For information on safety, see:
●Chapter 2, "Safety Information", on page 8
●Chapter 3.2, "Operating Conditions", on page 9
3.1 Unpacking and Checking the Power Sensor
Check the equipment for completeness using the delivery note and the accessory lists
for the various items. Check the power sensor for any damage. If there is damage,
immediately contact the carrier who delivered the power sensor. Make sure not to dis-
card the box and packing material.
Packing material
Retain the original packing material. If the instrument needs to be transported or ship-
ped later, you can use the material to protect the control elements and connectors.
3.2 Operating Conditions
Risk of injury through hot surfaces
Under certain conditions, the maximum surface temperatures of the power sensor can
exceed the limits defined in EN 61010-1.
Provide protection against unintentional contact and wear appropriate personal protec-
tive equipment when touching the sensor.
Specific operating conditions are required to ensure accurate measurements and to
avoid damage to the power sensor and connected devices. Before switching on the
power sensor, observe the information on appropriate operating conditions provided in
the basic safety instructions and the data sheet of the power sensor.
In particular, ensure the following:
●The power sensor is dry and shows no sign of condensation.
●The ambient temperature does not exceed the range specified in the data sheet.
●Signal levels at the input connectors are all within the specified ranges.
●Signal outputs are connected correctly and are not overloaded.
Operating Conditions

Preparing for Use
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10User Manual 1178.3686.02 ─ 05
3.3 Considerations for Test Setup
Preventing electrostatic discharge (ESD)
ESD is most likely to occur when you connect or disconnect a DUT.
►NOTICE! Risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can
damage the electronic components of the power sensor and the device under test
(DUT).
Ground yourself to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage:
● Using a wrist strap and cord, connect yourself to the ground.
● Use a conductive floor mat and heel strap combination.
EMI impact on measurement results
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) may affect the measurement results.
To suppress generated electromagnetic interference (EMI):
●Use suitable shielded cables of high quality. For example, use double-shielded RF
and LAN cables.
●Always terminate open cable ends.
●Note the EMC classification in the data sheet.
3.4 Connecting to a DUT
For connecting the power sensor to a DUT, use the RF connector. See Chapter 4.1,
"RF Connector", on page 16.
Risk of overloading the sensor
Using a power sensor at a level above its upper measuring limit can damage the sen-
sor head. To avoid this risk, make sure not to exceed the test limit.
The test limits specified on the type label are valid only for the supplied attenuator. For
operation without attenuator, lower test limits apply, as specified in the data sheet.
To connect to the DUT
1. Ensure that the RF connector of your DUT is compatible with the RF connector of
the power sensor or attenuator.
2. Insert the RF connector straight into the RF output of your DUT. Take care not to tilt
it.
Connecting to a DUT