R&S NRPM User manual

R&S®NRPM
OTA Power Measurement
Solution
User Manual
1425866302
Version 07
(>IäÍ2)

This document describes the R&S®NRPM OTA Power Measurement Solution,
including the following components:
●R&S®NRPM3N Three-channel sensor module LAN, 1425.8592.02
●R&S®NRPM3 Three-channel sensor module, 1425.8563.02
●R&S®NRPM-A90 Single-polarized antenna module, 1426.7760.02/.03/.04/.05
●R&S®NRPM-A90D Dual-polarized antenna module, 1426.7777.02/.03/.04/.05
●R&S®NRPM-ZD3 Feedthrough module, 1425.8786.02
●R&S®NRPM-Z3 Three-channel interface module, 1426.7602.02
© 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.
1425.8663.02 | Version 07 | R&S®NRPM
Throughout this manual, products from Rohde & Schwarz are indicated without the ® symbol, e.g.
R&S®NRPM is abbreviated as R&S NRPM. Microsoft®Windows® is abbreviated as MS Windows, macOS®
is abbreaviated as macOS and Linux® is abbreviated as Linux.

Contents
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3User Manual 1425.8663.02 ─ 07
Contents
1 Safety information............................................................... 11
2 Welcome to the R&S NRPM OTA power measurement sol-
ution...................................................................................... 12
2.1 Key features........................................................................................ 12
2.2 About the R&S NRPM OTA power measurement solution..............13
3 Documentation overview.................................................... 15
3.1 User manual........................................................................................ 15
3.2 Tutorials............................................................................................... 15
3.3 Instrument security procedures........................................................ 15
3.4 Basic safety instructions................................................................... 15
3.5 Data sheets and brochures................................................................16
3.6 Release notes and open source acknowledgment (OSA)...............16
4 Preparing for use................................................................. 17
4.1 Unpacking and checking....................................................................17
4.2 Operating conditions..........................................................................18
4.3 Considerations for test setup............................................................ 18
4.4 Hardware and software requirements...............................................20
4.4.1 Hardware.............................................................................................. 20
4.4.2 Mandatory software.............................................................................. 21
4.4.3 Optional software.................................................................................. 21
4.5 Installing the software application and drivers................................23
4.5.1 VISA driver installation..........................................................................23
4.5.2 R&S NRP Toolkit installation.................................................................23
4.5.3 R&S Power Viewer installation..............................................................26

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5 R&S NRPM tour....................................................................28
5.1 R&S NRPM3(N) sensor modules....................................................... 28
5.2 R&S NRPM-A90 and R&S NRPM-A90D antenna modules.............. 31
5.3 R&S NRPM-ZD3 feedthrough module............................................... 33
5.4 R&S NRPM-Z3 interface module........................................................35
5.5 R&S NRPM-Z3 connected to the R&S NRPM3................................. 36
6 Setting up a measurement..................................................37
6.1 Test setup examples...........................................................................37
6.2 R&S CMQ200 shielding cube.............................................................41
6.3 Connecting an R&S NRPM OTA power measurement setup.......... 42
6.3.1 Setting up the RF frontend....................................................................43
6.3.2 Setting up the connection to the controller PC......................................44
6.3.3 Using the USB connection.................................................................... 45
6.3.3.1 Simple USB connection........................................................................ 45
6.3.3.2 Sensor hub R&S NRP‑Z5..................................................................... 47
6.3.4 Using the LAN connection.................................................................... 48
6.3.5 Establishing a connection to the network..............................................52
6.3.5.1 Using hostnames.................................................................................. 53
6.3.5.2 Assigning the IP address...................................................................... 54
6.4 Starting the measurement..................................................................55
7 Performing measurements................................................. 56
7.1 Sensor module readings.................................................................... 56
7.2 Measurement applications.................................................................56
7.2.1 Using R&S Power Viewer..................................................................... 57
7.2.2 Using the web browser-based user interface........................................64
7.2.2.1 Main dialog of the web browser-based user interface.......................... 66

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7.2.2.2 Setting the unit...................................................................................... 67
7.2.2.3 Common settings.................................................................................. 68
7.2.2.4 Measurement modes............................................................................ 70
Continuous Average mode....................................................................70
Trace mode...........................................................................................71
7.2.2.5 Settings................................................................................................. 72
Sensor settings..................................................................................... 72
Averaging settings.................................................................................74
Trigger settings..................................................................................... 75
7.2.2.6 System settings.....................................................................................77
8 Firmware update.................................................................. 81
8.1 Hardware and software requirements...............................................81
8.2 Updating the firmware........................................................................ 81
8.2.1 Using the firmware update for R&S NRP family program..................... 82
8.2.2 Using the web browser-based user interface........................................84
8.2.3 Using remote control.............................................................................85
9 Network and remote operation...........................................87
9.1 Remote control interfaces and protocols.........................................87
9.1.1 USB interface........................................................................................88
9.1.2 Ethernet interface..................................................................................89
9.1.2.1 VISA resource string............................................................................. 89
9.1.2.2 VXI-11 protocol......................................................................................91
9.1.2.3 HiSLIP protocol..................................................................................... 91
9.1.2.4 Socket communication..........................................................................92
10 Remote control commands................................................ 93
10.1 Conventions used in SCPI command descriptions.........................93

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10.2 Notations............................................................................................. 94
10.3 Common commands.......................................................................... 96
10.4 Configuring the general functions.................................................. 101
10.4.1 Configuring the system....................................................................... 101
10.4.2 Handling of available antenna modules.............................................. 115
10.4.3 Selecting the reference source............................................................116
10.4.4 Setting the power unit..........................................................................117
10.4.5 Setting the result format...................................................................... 117
10.5 Controlling the measurement.......................................................... 118
10.5.1 Triggering............................................................................................ 119
10.5.2 Controlling the measurement results.................................................. 121
10.5.3 Interplay of the controlling mechanisms..............................................121
10.5.3.1 Continuous average mode..................................................................122
10.5.3.2 Trace mode.........................................................................................124
10.6 Selecting a measurement mode and retrieving results................ 127
10.7 Configuring the measurement modes............................................ 132
10.7.1 Configuring a continuous average measurement............................... 132
10.7.2 Configuring a list mode measurement................................................ 135
10.7.3 Configuring a trace measurement.......................................................136
10.8 Configuring basic measurement parameters.................................144
10.8.1 Configuring averaging.........................................................................144
10.8.2 Setting the frequency.......................................................................... 147
10.8.3 Configuring corrections....................................................................... 147
10.8.3.1 Duty cycle corrections.........................................................................148
10.8.3.2 Offset corrections................................................................................148
10.9 Starting and ending a measurement...............................................149
10.10 Configuring the trigger.....................................................................151

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10.11 Using the status register..................................................................161
10.11.1 General status register commands..................................................... 161
10.11.2 Reading out the CONDition part......................................................... 162
10.11.3 Reading out the EVENt part................................................................162
10.11.4 Controlling the ENABle part................................................................ 163
10.11.5 Controlling the negative transition part............................................... 163
10.11.6 Controlling the positive transition part.................................................164
10.12 Testing the R&S NRPM OTA Power Measurement Solution......... 165
10.13 Calibrating/zeroing the R&S NRPM3(N) sensor module............... 165
11 Programming examples.................................................... 168
11.1 Performing a simple measurement................................................. 168
11.2 Performing measurements in continuous average mode.............168
11.3 Performing measurements in list mode......................................... 173
11.4 Performing measurements in trace mode...................................... 180
12 Troubleshooting.................................................................184
12.1 Displaying status information......................................................... 184
12.2 Performing a selftest........................................................................ 184
12.3 Problems during a firmware update................................................185
12.4 Cannot establish a LAN connection............................................... 186
12.4.1 Components of the R&S NRP Toolkit................................................. 186
12.5 Replacing antenna cables................................................................187
12.5.1 Spare parts and recommended tools..................................................188
12.5.2 Cable replacement..............................................................................189
12.6 Contacting customer support..........................................................191
13 Maintenance, storage and disposal................................. 193
13.1 Cleaning.............................................................................................193

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13.2 Storage...............................................................................................193
13.3 Disposal............................................................................................. 193
Annex..................................................................................195
A Remote control basics...................................................... 195
A.1 SCPI command structure................................................................. 195
A.1.1 Syntax for common commands.......................................................... 195
A.1.2 Syntax for device-specific commands.................................................196
A.1.3 SCPI parameters................................................................................ 197
A.1.4 Overview of syntax elements.............................................................. 200
A.1.5 Structure of a command line............................................................... 201
A.1.6 Responses to queries......................................................................... 202
A.2 Status reporting system...................................................................202
A.2.1 Hierarchy of the status registers......................................................... 203
A.2.2 Structure of an SCPI status register................................................... 205
A.2.3 Status byte (STB) and service request enable register (SRE)............207
A.2.4 IST flag and parallel poll enable register (PPE).................................. 208
A.2.5 Device status register......................................................................... 209
A.2.6 Questionable status register............................................................... 210
A.2.6.1 Questionable power status register.....................................................211
A.2.6.2 Questionable calibration status register..............................................212
A.2.7 Standard event status and enable register (ESR, ESE)..................... 212
A.2.8 Operation status register.....................................................................213
A.2.8.1 Operation calibrating status register................................................... 216
A.2.8.2 Operation measuring status register...................................................216
A.2.8.3 Operation trigger status register......................................................... 217
A.2.8.4 Operation sense status register.......................................................... 217
A.2.8.5 Operation lower limit fail status register.............................................. 218

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A.2.8.6 Operation upper limit fail status register............................................. 218
Glossary: List of used terms and abbreviations............ 220
List of commands.............................................................. 224
Index................................................................................... 229

Contents
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Safety information
R&S®NRPM
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1 Safety information
The product documentation helps you use the R&S NRPM safely and efficiently.
Follow the instructions provided here and in the printed "Basic Safety Instruc-
tions". Keep the product documentation nearby and offer it to other users.
Intended use
The R&S NRPM is intended for the development, production and verification of
electronic components and devices in industrial, administrative, and laboratory
environments. Use the R&S NRPM 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 about the
potential dangers and gives instructions how to prevent personal injuries or dam-
age 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 NRPM.
●Throughout the documentation, safety instructions are provided when you
need to take care during setup or operation.

Welcome to the R&S NRPM OTA power measurement solution
R&S®NRPM
12User Manual 1425.8663.02 ─ 07
2 Welcome to the R&S NRPM OTA power
measurement solution
Introduces the R&S NRPM OTA power measurement solution.
2.1 Key features
The R&S NRPM OTA power measurement solution is designed to calibrate the
transmit antenna output power and test the beamforming function over the air.
Applications are in high frequency bands, used in modern high performance wire-
less system standards, e.g. 5G NR, IEE802.11ad and IEEE802.11ay.
Providing measurements of radiated RF power, the R&S NRPM OTA power mea-
surement solution features:
●Single and dual polarized receiver antenna modules with integrated diode
detector
●R&S NRPM3(N) sensor module for readings of receiver antenna modules
●OTA power measurements with up to three antenna modules per R&S NRPM
sensor module
●Ethernet and high speed host USB communication interfaces
●Mode for processing frequency lists for short settling times and fast measuring
of predefined random frequency points
●High sensitivity
●Fully calibrated system with specified system uncertainty
●Low-reflection antenna module
●Wide range of supported operating systems
●Easy operation with PC measurement applications, or remotely with SCPI
commands.
For detailed specification, refer to the data sheet.
Key features

Welcome to the R&S NRPM OTA power measurement solution
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13User Manual 1425.8663.02 ─ 07
2.2 About the R&S NRPM OTA power measurement
solution
The power measurement solution consists of antenna modules, a three-channel
sensor module, and interface modules for connecting the antenna modules to the
sensor module. A PC measurement application demonstrates the use of the OTA
power measurement solution.
The R&S NRPM3 sensor modules provide a high-speed USB interface that con-
stitutes both, the communication port and the power supply connection. The
R&S NRPM3N LAN sensor module adds a Gigabit Ethernet interface with Power-
over-Ethernet (PoE) power supply.
The single or dual-polarized antenna modules (R&S NRPM-A90, R&S NRPM-
A90D) are usually installed within an anechoic chamber, that can be:
●An RF shielded box, e.g. the R&S CMQ200.
The antenna modules are positioned inside the RF shielded box, the sensor
module is outside. The sensor module is connected by the feedthrough mod-
ule R&S NRPM-ZD3 that provides the interface for up to three antenna mod-
ules.
Especially designed for use with the R&S CMQ200, you can install up to six of
the feedthrough modules. An antenna ring inside the R&S CMQ200 allows
you to position and align the antenna modules flexibly according to the appli-
cation.
●An RF test chamber of larger dimensions.
The antenna modules and the sensor module are positioned inside the RF
test chamber. The interface module R&S NRPM-Z3, directly connected to the
sensor module provides the interface for up to three antenna modules.
With the single and dual polarized antenna modules (R&S NRPM-A90,
R&S NRPM-A90D), you can calibrate the DUT (transmit antenna) output power
and test the beamforming function.
The R&S NRPM measurement is controlled by an arbitrary user-definable mea-
surement application. For a quick startup, Rohde & Schwarz provides the free
interactive application R&S Power Viewer, which supports multiple sensor mod-
ules in the measurement modes "Continuous Average" and "Trace".
As an alternative way to operate an R&S NRPM3N sensor module, you can use
the browser based web browser-based user interface.
About the R&S NRPM OTA power measurement solution

Welcome to the R&S NRPM OTA power measurement solution
R&S®NRPM
14User Manual 1425.8663.02 ─ 07
For communication over the USB with the standardized protocol USBTMC, the
drivers and APIs are provided for the operating systems Linux, Mac OS X, MS
Windows. It is required that you install a VISA driver on the host operating sys-
tem, to use the I/O services provided by this standardized software interface
library.
The sensor module supports SCPI remote control, e.g. to automate a measure-
ment with a scripting environment.
About the R&S NRPM OTA power measurement solution

Documentation overview
R&S®NRPM
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3 Documentation overview
This section provides an overview of the R&S NRPM user documentation. Unless
specified otherwise, you find the latest versions of the documents on the product
page at: www.rohde-schwarz.com/manual/nrpm.
3.1 User manual
Introduces the R&S NRPM and describes how to set up and start working with
the product. The manual includes general information, and the typical measure-
ment application with programming examples. The sensor module specific func-
tions, and an introduction to remote control and a complete description of the
remote control commands are described.
A printed version is delivered with the R&S NRPM OTA Power Measurement Sol-
ution.
3.2 Tutorials
Tutorials offer guided examples and demonstrations on operating the
R&S NRPM. They are provided on the product page of the internet.
3.3 Instrument security procedures
Deals with security issues when working with the R&S NRPM in secure areas. It
is available for download on the Internet.
3.4 Basic safety instructions
Contains safety instructions, operating conditions and further important informa-
tion. The printed document is delivered with the instrument.
Basic safety instructions

Documentation overview
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16User Manual 1425.8663.02 ─ 07
3.5 Data sheets and brochures
The data sheet contains the technical specifications of the R&S NRPM OTA
power measurement solution. It also lists the options and their order numbers and
optional accessories.
The brochure provides an overview of the instrument and deals with the specific
characteristics, see www.rohde-schwarz.com/brochure-datasheet/nrpm.
3.6 Release notes and open source acknowledg-
ment (OSA)
The release notes list new features, improvements and known issues of the cur-
rent firmware version, and describe the firmware installation.
The open source acknowledgment document provides verbatim license texts of
the used open source software, see www.rohde-schwarz.com/firmware/nrpm
Release notes and open source acknowledgment (OSA)

Preparing for use
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4 Preparing for use
This section describes the basic steps to be taken when setting up the
R&S NRPM OTA power measurement solution for the first time.
Risk of injury due to disregarding safety information
Observe the information on appropriate operating conditions provided in the
data sheet to prevent personal injury or damage to the measurement com-
ponents. Read and observe the basic safety instructions provided with the
R&S NRPM components, in addition to the safety instructions in the follow-
ing sections.
In particular, do not open an instrument casing.
4.1 Unpacking and checking
1. Unpack the R&S NRPM components carefully.
2. Retain the original packing material. Use it to protect the control elements and
connectors when transporting or shipping the R&S NRPM components 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.
Packing material and transportation
Always make sure that sufficient mechanical and electrostatic protection is
provided when transporting the R&S NRPM components.
Unpacking and checking

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4.2 Operating conditions
Specific operating conditions are required to ensure accurate measurements and
to avoid damage to the modules. 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 R&S NRPM.
In particular, ensure the following:
●All modules are dry and show no sign of condensation.
●All modules are connected as described in the following sections.
●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.
4.3 Considerations for test setup
Give particular attention to the following aspects when handling the components
of the R&S NRPM OTA power measurement solution.
For information on the options for connecting the sensor modules and test
setups for the measurements, see Chapter 6, "Setting up a measurement",
on page 37.
Preventing antenna damage
Risk of antenna module damage when touching the PCB of the
antenna modules
The PCB of the antenna module is sensitive. When touched, it can bend
and thus lead to measurement inaccuracies.
Never touch the exposed top or bottom of the antenna module PCB (printed
circuit board) during setting up.
Always hold the antenna modules by the housing.
Considerations for test setup

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Preventing electrostatic discharge (ESD)
ESD is most likely to occur when you connect or disconnect an antenna modules.
Risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Electrostatic discharge can quickly and imperceptibly damage or destroy
the electrostatic sensitive antenna modules.
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) affects the measurement results.
To suppress generated electromagnetic interference:
●Use only the cables provided for the R&S NRPM OTA power measurement
solution, and suitable shielded cables of high quality. For example, use dou-
ble-shielded RF and LAN cables.
●Always terminate open cable ends.
●Note the EMC classification in the data sheet.
●When using the filtered cable feedthrough module R&S NRPM-ZD3, make
sure that the chamber housing is grounded, since the feedthrough module is
grounded by the housing.
Since the antenna module receives signals in a wide band, also outside the
specified frequency bands, always measure in a controlled EM environment.
In particular, when working with the R&S NRPM-Z3 interface module.
Considerations for test setup

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4.4 Hardware and software requirements
4.4.1 Hardware
The basic measurement equipment for an OTA power measurement with the
R&S NRPM consists of:
●Three channel sensor module R&S NRPM3N or R&S NRPM3.
●Antenna modules:
– R&S NRPM-A90: one at a minimum, and three at a maximum per sensor
module.
– R&S NRPM-A90D: occupies two channels of the sensor module. You can
split the antenna module cables of one R&S NRPM-A90D antenna module
on two interface or feedthrough modules.
●One of the following:
– Filtered cable feedthrough module R&S NRPM-ZD3 (RF shielded box) and
the interface cable R&S NRPM-ZKD3.
– Three channel interface module R&S NRPM-Z3 (RF test chamber).
Tool for fixing the strain relieve: torx screwdriver TX8.
●Desktop PC or laptop with:
– Linux, macOS, or MS Windows operating system.
– The required software, see Mandatory software.
– USB interface.
●LAN connection cables
RJ-45 Ethernet cable (at least CAT6 STP).
How to: Chapter 6.3.4, "Using the LAN connection", on page 48
●USB connection cables
Double shielded cables, e.g. R&S NRP-ZKU, or NRP-ZK6.
How to: Chapter 6.3.3, "Using the USB connection", on page 45.
See Chapter 6, "Setting up a measurement", on page 37 for examples on how to
set up an R&S NRPM OTA power measurement.
Hardware and software requirements