R&S QAT100 User manual

R&S®QAT100
Advanced Antenna Array
User Manual
1179307302
Version 02
(;ÝN×2)

This document describes the following products.
●R&S®QAT100 (1341.0004K02)
●R&S®QAT-B2 Additional Trx Line (1341.0162.02)
●R&S®QAT-Z50 Shielding System (1341.0156.02)
●R&S®QAT-Z51 Shielding Extension (1341.0185.02)
© 2021 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Mühldorfstr. 15, 81671 München, Germany
Phone: [phone] - 0
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.
1179.3073.02 | Version 02 | R&S®QAT100
Throughout this manual, products from Rohde & Schwarz are indicated without the ® symbol and model designation, e.g.
R&S®QAT100 is indicated as R&S QAT.

Contents
R&S®QAT100
3User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
Contents
1 Safety and regulatory information........................................................5
1.1 Safety Instructions........................................................................................................5
1.2 Labels on the product...................................................................................................7
1.3 Warning messages in the documentation.................................................................. 8
1.4 Korea certification class B........................................................................................... 8
1.5 Regulatory information.................................................................................................8
2 Documentation overview.......................................................................9
3 Preparing for use................................................................................. 10
3.1 Lifting and carrying.....................................................................................................10
3.2 Unpacking and checking............................................................................................10
3.3 Choosing the operating site.......................................................................................10
3.4 Setting up the product................................................................................................ 11
3.4.1 Placing the product on a bench top...............................................................................11
3.4.2 Mounting the product in a rack......................................................................................12
3.5 Considerations for test setup.................................................................................... 13
3.6 Connecting to power.................................................................................................. 13
3.7 Switching on or off......................................................................................................13
4 Instrument tour.....................................................................................15
4.1 SMA connectors in the antenna lines....................................................................... 16
4.2 AC power..................................................................................................................... 17
4.3 USB 2.0 port.................................................................................................................17
4.4 LAN interface...............................................................................................................18
4.5 Trigger input & output.................................................................................................18
4.6 Reference input........................................................................................................... 18
4.7 Reference output.........................................................................................................18
4.8 Display and control elements.................................................................................... 18
4.9 Power button............................................................................................................... 19
5 Simulating radar objects..................................................................... 20
6 Instrument configuration.....................................................................28

Contents
R&S®QAT100
4User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
7 Function reference...............................................................................30
8 Remote control.....................................................................................31
8.1 Remote Control Interface and Protocol.................................................................... 31
8.2 Remote control commands........................................................................................33
8.2.1 Common commands..................................................................................................... 33
8.2.2 Network configuration................................................................................................... 34
8.2.3 System configuration.....................................................................................................36
8.2.4 Instrument configuration................................................................................................37
9 Troubleshooting................................................................................... 41
9.1 Contacting customer support....................................................................................41
10 Transporting......................................................................................... 42
11 Maintenance, storage and disposal................................................... 43
11.1 Changing fuses........................................................................................................... 43
11.2 Storage.........................................................................................................................44
11.3 Disposal....................................................................................................................... 44

Safety and regulatory information
R&S®QAT100
5User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
1 Safety and regulatory information
The product documentation helps you use the product safely and efficiently. Follow the
instructions provided here and in the following chapters.
Intended use
The product is intended for the development, production and verification of electronic
components and devices in industrial, administrative, and laboratory environments.
Use the product only for its designated purpose. Observe the operating 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 of potential dan-
gers and gives instructions on how to prevent personal injury or damage caused by
dangerous situations. Safety information is provided as follows:
●In Chapter 1.1, "Safety Instructions", on page 5. The same information is provi-
ded in many languages as printed "Safety Instructions". The printed "Safety
Instructions" are delivered with the product.
●Throughout the documentation, safety instructions are provided when you need to
take care during setup or operation.
1.1 Safety Instructions
Products from the Rohde & Schwarz group of companies are manufactured according
to the highest technical standards. To use the products safely, follow the instructions
provided here and in the product documentation. Keep the product documentation
nearby and offer it to other users.
Use the product only for its intended use and within its performance limits. Intended
use and limits are described in the product documentation such as the data sheet,
manuals and the printed "Safety Instructions". If you are unsure about the appropriate
use, contact Rohde & Schwarz customer service.
Using the product requires specialists or specially trained personnel. These users also
need sound knowledge of at least one of the languages in which the user interfaces
and the product documentation are available.
Never open the casing of the product. Only service personnel authorized by
Rohde & Schwarz are allowed to repair the product. If any part of the product is dam-
aged or broken, stop using the product. Contact Rohde & Schwarz customer service at
http://www.customersupport.rohde-schwarz.com.
Lifting and carrying the product
The maximum weight of the product is provided in the data sheet. To move the product
safely, you can use lifting or transporting equipment such as lift trucks and forklifts. Fol-
low the instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.
Safety Instructions

Safety and regulatory information
R&S®QAT100
6User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
Choosing the operating site
Only use the product indoors. The product casing is not waterproof. Water that enters
can electrically connect the casing with live parts, which can lead to electric shock,
serious personal injury or death if you touch the casing. If Rohde & Schwarz provides
accessories designed for your product, e.g. a carrying bag, you can use the product
outdoors.
Unless otherwise specified, you can operate the product up to an altitude of 2000 m
above sea level. The product is suitable for pollution degree 2 environments where
nonconductive contamination can occur. For more information on environmental condi-
tions such as ambient temperature and humidity, see the data sheet.
Setting up the product
Always place the product on a stable, flat and level surface with the bottom of the prod-
uct facing down. If the product is designed for different positions, secure the product so
that it cannot fall over.
If the product has foldable feet, always fold the feet completely in or out to ensure sta-
bility. The feet can collapse if they are not folded out completely or if the product is
moved without lifting it. The foldable feet are designed to carry the weight of the prod-
uct, but not an extra load.
If stacking is possible, keep in mind that a stack of products can fall over and cause
injury.
If you mount products in a rack, ensure that the rack has sufficient load capacity and
stability. Observe the specifications of the rack manufacturer. Always install the prod-
ucts from the bottom shelf to the top shelf so that the rack stands securely. Secure the
product so that it cannot fall off the rack.
Connecting to power
The product is an overvoltage category II product. Connect the product to a fixed
installation used to supply energy-consuming equipment such as household applian-
ces and similar loads. Keep in mind that electrically powered products have risks, such
as electric shock, fire, personal injury or even death.
Take the following measures for your safety:
●Before switching on the product, ensure that the voltage and frequency indicated
on the product match the available power source. If the power adapter does not
adjust automatically, set the correct value and check the rating of the fuse.
●Only use the power cable delivered with the product. It complies with country-spe-
cific safety requirements. Only insert the plug into an outlet with protective conduc-
tor terminal.
●Only use intact cables and route them carefully so that they cannot be damaged.
Check the power cables regularly to ensure that they are undamaged. Also ensure
that nobody can trip over loose cables.
●If the product needs an external power supply, use the power supply that is deliv-
ered with the product or that is recommended in the product documentation or a
power supply that conforms to the country-specific regulations.
Safety Instructions

Safety and regulatory information
R&S®QAT100
7User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
●Only connect the product to a power source with a fuse protection of maximum
20 A.
●Ensure that you can disconnect the product from the power source at any time.
Pull the power plug to disconnect the product. The power plug must be easily
accessible. If the product is integrated into a system that does not meet these
requirements, provide an easily accessible circuit breaker at the system level.
Cleaning the product
Use a dry, lint-free cloth to clean the product. When cleaning, keep in mind that the
casing is not waterproof. Do not use liquid cleaning agents.
Meaning of safety labels
Safety labels on the product warn against potential hazards.
Potential hazard
Read the product documentation to avoid personal injury or product damage.
Electrical hazard
Indicates live parts. Risk of electric shock, fire, personal injury or even death.
Hot surface
Do not touch. Risk of skin burns. Risk of fire.
Protective conductor terminal
Connect this terminal to a grounded external conductor or to protective ground. This connec-
tion protects you against electric shock if an electric problem occurs.
1.2 Labels on the product
Labels on the casing inform about:
●Personal safety, see "Meaning of safety labels" on page 7
●Product and environment safety, see Table 1-1
●Device information is provided on a sticker attached to the radio (rear side). The
sticker contains a barcode and the device ID. The device ID is a combination of the
order number and the serial number.
Table 1-1: Labels regarding product and environment safety
Labeling in line with EN 50419 for disposal of electrical and electronic equipment after the prod-
uct has come to the end of its service life. For more information, see "Disposing electrical and
electronic equipment" on page 44.
Labels on the product

Safety and regulatory information
R&S®QAT100
8User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
1.3 Warning messages in the documentation
A warning message points out a risk or danger that you need to be aware of. The sig-
nal word indicates the severity of the safety hazard and how likely it will occur if you do
not follow the safety precautions.
WARNING
Potentially hazardous situation. Could result in death or serious injury if not avoided.
CAUTION
Potentially hazardous situation. Could result in minor or moderate injury if not avoided.
NOTICE
Potential risks of damage. Could result in damage to the supported product or to other
property.
1.4 Korea certification class B
이 기기는 가정용(B급) 전자파 적합기기로서 주로 가정에서 사용하는 것을 목적으로 하
며, 모든 지역에서 사용할 수 있습니다.
1.5 Regulatory information
Use the R&S QAT only in a shielded environment, like an anechoic chamber, a faraday
cage, or in conjunction with the R&S QAT-Z50 shielding device. However, you must
stop operating the R&S QAT if you receive any reports of interference.
Regulatory information

Documentation overview
R&S®QAT100
9User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
2 Documentation overview
This section provides an overview of the R&S QAT user documentation.
User manual
Contains the description of all R&S QAT instrument functions. It also provides informa-
tion on maintenance, instrument interfaces and error messages. A printed version is
included in the delivery.
Service manual
Describes the performance test for checking the rated specifications, module replace-
ment and repair, firmware update, troubleshooting and fault elimination, and contains
mechanical drawings and spare part lists.
Safety instructions
Contains safety instructions, operating conditions and further important information. A
printed version is included in the delivery.
Data sheet and brochure
The data sheet contains the technical specifications of the R&S QAT. It also lists the
options and their order numbers as well as optional accessories.
The brochure provides an overview of the R&S QAT and shows their specific charac-
teristics.
Release notes and open source acknowledgment
The release notes list new features, improvements and known issues of the current
firmware version.
The open source acknowledgment document provides verbatim license texts of the
used open source software.

Preparing for use
R&S®QAT100
10User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
3 Preparing for use
Here, you can find basic information about setting up the product for the first time.
3.1 Lifting and carrying
You can carry the R&S QAT by its handles on the side or on the top. Do not apply
excessive external force to the handles.
See "Lifting and carrying the product" on page 5.
3.2 Unpacking and checking
1. Unpack the product carefully.
2. Retain the original packing material. Use it when transporting or shipping the prod-
uct later.
3. Using the delivery notes, check the equipment for completeness.
4. Check the equipment for damage.
If the delivery is incomplete or equipment is damaged, contact Rohde & Schwarz.
3.3 Choosing the operating site
Specific operating conditions ensure proper operation and avoid damage to the prod-
uct and connected devices. For information on environmental conditions such as ambi-
ent temperature and humidity, see the data sheet.
See also "Choosing the operating site" on page 6.
Electromagnetic compatibility classes
The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) class indicates where you can operate the
product. The EMC class of the product is given in the data sheet under "General data".
●Class B equipment is suitable for use in:
– Residential environments
– Environments that are directly connected to a low-voltage supply network that
supplies residential buildings
●Class A equipment is intended for use in industrial environments. It can cause
radio disturbances in residential environments due to possible conducted and radi-
ated disturbances. It is therefore not suitable for class B environments.
Choosing the operating site

Preparing for use
R&S®QAT100
11User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
If class A equipment causes radio disturbances, take appropriate measures to
eliminate them.
3.4 Setting up the product
See also:
●"Setting up the product" on page 6
●"Intended use" on page 5
3.4.1 Placing the product on a bench top
To place the product on a bench top
1. Place the product on a stable, flat and level surface. Ensure that the surface can
support the weight of the product. For information on the weight, see the data
sheet.
2. CAUTION! Foldable feet can collapse. See "Setting up the product" on page 6.
Always fold the feet completely in or out. With folded-out feet, do not place any-
thing on top or underneath the product.
3. WARNING! A stack of products can fall over and cause injury. Never stack more
than three products on top of each other. Instead, mount them in a rack.
Stack as follows:
● If the products have foldable feet, fold them in completely.
● It is best if all products have the same dimensions (width and length). If the
products have different dimensions, stack according to size and place the
smallest product on top.
● Do not exceed the permissible total load placed on the product at the bottom of
the stack:
– 50 kg when stacking products of identical dimensions (left figure).
– 25 kg when stacking smaller products on top (middle figure).
Setting up the product

Preparing for use
R&S®QAT100
12User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
Left = Stacked correctly, same dimensions
Middle = Stacked correctly, different dimensions
Right = Stacked incorrectly, too many products
4. NOTICE! Overheating can damage the product.
Prevent overheating as follows:
● Keep a minimum distance of 10 cm between the fan openings of the product
and any object in the vicinity.
● Do not place the product next to heat-generating equipment such as radiators
or other products.
3.4.2 Mounting the product in a rack
To prepare the rack
1. Observe the requirements and instructions in "Setting up the product" on page 6.
2. NOTICE! Insufficient airflow can cause overheating and damage the product.
Design and implement an efficient ventilation concept for the rack.
To mount the product in a rack
1. Use an adapter kit to prepare the product for rack mounting.
a) Order the rack adapter kit designed for the product. For the order number, see
data sheet.
b) Mount the adapter kit. Follow the assembly instructions provided with the
adapter kit.
2. Lift the product to shelf height.
3. Grab the handles and push the product onto the shelf until the rack brackets fit
closely to the rack.
4. Tighten all screws at the rack brackets with a tightening torque of 1.2 Nm to secure
the product at the rack.
To unmount the product from a rack
1. Loosen the screws at the rack brackets.
2. Bring the lifting equipment to shelf height.
3. Remove the product from the rack.
4. If placing the product on a bench top again, unmount the adapter kit from the prod-
uct. Follow the instructions provided with the adapter kit.
Setting up the product

Preparing for use
R&S®QAT100
13User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
3.5 Considerations for test setup
Cable selection and electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can affect the measurement results.
To suppress electromagnetic radiation during operation:
●Use high-quality shielded cables, for example, double-shielded RF and LAN
cables.
●Always terminate open cable ends.
●Ensure that connected external devices comply with EMC regulations.
Signal input and output levels
Information on signal levels is provided in the data sheet. Keep the signal levels within
the specified ranges to avoid damage to the product and connected devices.
3.6 Connecting to power
The R&S QAT provides an AC power connector on the rear panel.
You can use different AC power voltages. The R&S QAT adapts itself automatically.
Refer to the datasheet for the requirements of voltage and frequency.
For safety information, see "Connecting to power" on page 6.
1. Plug the AC power cable into the AC power connector on the rear panel of the
product. Only use the AC power cable delivered with the product.
2. Plug the AC power cable into a power outlet with ground contact.
The required ratings are listed next to the AC power connector and in the data
sheet.
3. Install the remaining cables before switching on the product.
3.7 Switching on or off
Table 3-1: Overview of power states
Status LED Position of power switch
Off gray [0]
Standby orange [I]
Ready green [I]
Switching on or off

Preparing for use
R&S®QAT100
14User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
To switch on the R&S QAT
The R&S QAT is off but connected to power.
1. Set the switch on the power supply to position [I].
The LED of the Power key turns orange.
2. Press the Power key.
The LED turns green. The R&S QAT boots.
To shut down the R&S QAT
The R&S QAT is in the ready state.
► Press the [Power] key.
The operating system shuts down. The LED turns orange.
To disconnect from power
The R&S QAT is in the standby state.
1. NOTICE! Risk of data loss. If you disconnect the product from power when it is in
the ready state, you can lose settings and data. Shut it down first.
Set the switch on the power supply to position [0].
The LED of the Power key is switched off.
2. Disconnect the product from the power source.
Switching on or off

Instrument tour
R&S®QAT100
15User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
4 Instrument tour
In the basic configuration, the front panel contains 96 Tx antennas to transmit a radar
signal and 5 Rx antennas.
The rear panel contains the connectors and control elements.
1
2
34567911 810
Figure 4-1: Rear panel overview
1 = SMA for control of transmit and receive antennas
2 = SMA for control of transmit and receive antennas (optional: R&S QAT-B2)
3 = AC power
4 = USB for service applications
5 = LAN for network connection
6 = BNC connector for trigger output
7 = BNC connector for trigger input
8 = SMA for reference input
9 = BNC for reference output
10 = Display and control elements
11 = Power button

Instrument tour
R&S®QAT100
16User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
1
2
Figure 4-2: Front panel overview
1 = Receive (Rx) antennas (1 Rx antenna per antenna segment plus one central Rx antenna)
2 = Transmit (Tx) antennas (24 Tx antennas per antenna segment = 96 Tx antennas in total)
4.1 SMA connectors in the antenna lines
Connector type: SMA
Connector label: see below
Function: The R&S QAT has one or two antenna lines. The first antenna line is always
installed, while the second line is optional (R&S QAT-B2).
Each antenna line has 11 SMA connectors with the following functionality.
●5 x receiver outputs for a connection to a radar echo generator.
The connectors are labeled "Rx A" to "Rx E".
●4 x transmitter inputs for a connection to a radar echo generator.
The connectors are labeled "Tx A" to "Tx D".
●1 x transmitter input for a connection to a radar echo generator
The connector is labeled "Tx ∑".
●1 x receiver output that you can use to:
– feed a single receive signal into the radar echo generator
– connect another receiving device to analyze the received signal, like a spec-
trum analyzer.
The connector is labeled "Rx Select".
For a more comprehensive description and application of the connectors in the
antenna lines, see Chapter 5, "Simulating radar objects", on page 20.
Mapping of connectors to antennas
The R&S QAT has four antenna segments ("A" to "D") that receive and transmit signals
and a fifth segment in the center that only contains a receive antenna ("E"). Depending
SMA connectors in the antenna lines

Instrument tour
R&S®QAT100
17User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
on the configuration, either all segments transmit signals or segments transmit signals
independent of each other. All segments always receive signals either way.
D C B AE
A B C DE
A = Segment A (Tx and Rx)
B = Segment B (Tx and Rx)
C = Segment C (Tx and Rx)
D = Segment D (Tx and Rx)
E = Segment E (Rx only)
4.2 AC power
Connector type: IEC 60320-1 C14
Connector label: "AC"
Function: AC input for a connection to the AC mains supply. You can connect the
antenna array to networks with different voltage levels (see datasheet for the suppor-
ted voltage range). The power supply automatically adapts itself to the voltage level of
the power source.
The power cord necessary to connect the panel to the power supply is part of the deliv-
ery (with country-specific plug).
For more information about using the AC power supply safely, see "Connecting to
power" on page 6.
For more information about supplying the R&S QAT with power, see Chapter 3.6,
"Connecting to power", on page 13.
The AC power supply of the R&S QAT also holds a fuse. For instructions on how to
replace the fuse, see Chapter 11.1, "Changing fuses", on page 43.
4.3 USB 2.0 port
Connector type: Standard B
Connector label: "USB"
Function: USB 2.0 port for service applications.
USB 2.0 port

Instrument tour
R&S®QAT100
18User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
4.4 LAN interface
Connector type: RJ45
Connector label: "LAN"
Function: LAN interface to connect the R&S QAT to a network.
4.5 Trigger input & output
Connector type: BNC connector
Connector label: "Trg In" / "Trg Out"
Reserved for future use.
4.6 Reference input
Connector type: SMA
Connector label: "Ref In"
Function: Input for an external frequency reference (10 MHz, 100 MHz or 3.2 GHz).
4.7 Reference output
Connector type: BNC connector
Connector label: "Ref Out"
Function: Output for a frequency reference (10 MHz or 100 MHz).
4.8 Display and control elements
The user interface is displayed in an OLED display.
You can navigate the user interface with various control elements.
●"Preset": Presets the R&S QAT to its default configuration.
●"Esc": Exits a menu in the interface.
●"Enter": Confirms a selection.
●"Del": Deletes an entry.
●Cursor keys: Navigate through the user interface.
For an overview of all settings available in the user interface, see Chapter 7, "Function
reference", on page 30.
Display and control elements

Instrument tour
R&S®QAT100
19User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
The LEDs next to the control element have the following meaning.
●"Ext. Reference": Illuminated green when an external reference is connected and
active.
●"Trigger": Reserved for future use.
●"Warning": Illuminated red when an error occurs (for example when an external ref-
erence is selected, but not connected).
4.9 Power button
Function: Turns the instrument on and off when it is connected to a power source
(AC).
For more information about turning the R&S QAT on and off, see Chapter 3.7, "Switch-
ing on or off", on page 13.
Power button

Simulating radar objects
R&S®QAT100
20User Manual 1179.3073.02 ─ 02
5 Simulating radar objects
The R&S QAT is an advanced antenna array that you can use in combination with a
radar echo generator to simulate radar objects over-the-air. Because the R&S QAT has
independent antennas, it is possible to realistically simulate multiple moving radar
objects in a single test setup. Thus, you can, for example, test radar based autono-
mous driving functions.
In a typical setup, the R&S QAT is the frontend that receives and sends the radar sig-
nals. The radar echo generator, for example the R&S AREG800A, is the backend that
generates the radar echoes and controls the R&S QAT.
The typical workflow between the two devices goes like this:
1. The R&S QAT receives a signal from the DUT (radar sensor).
2. The R&S QAT divides the signal by four and downconverts the signal to an inter-
mediate frequency (IF).
3. The R&S QAT forwards the IF to the radar echo generator.
4. The radar echo generator delays and attenuates the IF.
5. The radar echo generator sends the delayed IF to the R&S QAT.
6. The R&S QAT upconverts and multiplies the IF.
7. The R&S QAT routes the signal to one or more of the 96 transmit antennas.
8. The R&S QAT transmits the signal to the DUT.
9. The delayed signal travels back to the radar sensor via the air interface and thus
tricks the sensor into detecting the artificial object.
Radar
echo
generator
R&S QAT DUT
Figure 5-1: Basic test setup for using a R&S
QAT
The base variant of the R&S QAT contains one line of antennas. The antenna line has
five receive antennas and 96 transmit antennas. The antennas in turn belong to one of
four antenna segments, which makes one receive antenna and 24 transmit antennas in
each segment. An additional independent receive antenna is located in the center of