R&S ZC Series User manual

R&S® ZCxxx
Converters
Getting Started
Getting Started
1177.5156.02 ─ 03
(;ÛÁÆ2)
Test & Measurement

This manual describes the Rohde & Schwarz models of the R&S®ZCxxx family of
frequency converters, where xxx denotes the converter's upper frequency limit.
Throughout this manual, the converter R&S®ZC330 is used as a representation
for converters of the R&S®ZCxxx family.
© 2015 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Mühldorfstr. 15, 81671 München, Germany
Phone: [phone] - 0
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [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.
Throughout this manual R&S® is abbreviated as R&S.

Contents
R&S® ZCxxx
3Getting Started 1177.5156.02 ─ 03
Contents
1 Safety Instructions................................................................ 5
2 Preparing for Use...................................................................7
2.1 Test Port Adapter (Waveguide Flange)...............................................7
2.2 Output Power Adjusting Knob.............................................................8
2.3 Rear Panel............................................................................................. 9
2.4 Putting the Converter into Operation................................................11
2.5 Maintenance........................................................................................ 19
2.6 Storage and Transport....................................................................... 20
3 Basic Operation................................................................... 21
3.1 Required Equipment...........................................................................21
3.2 Measurement Principle.......................................................................22
3.3 Activating the Frequency Converter Mode.......................................23
3.4 Connecting the Frequency Converters.............................................24
3.5 Calibration........................................................................................... 24
3.6 Measurement.......................................................................................25
3.7 Additional Information........................................................................26
Index..................................................................................... 27

Contents
R&S® ZCxxx
4Getting Started 1177.5156.02 ─ 03

Safety Instructions
R&S® ZCxxx
5Getting Started 1177.5156.02 ─ 03
1 Safety Instructions
The frequency converters R&S ZCxxx (xxx indicating the upper frequency limit in
GHz) have been designed and tested in accordance with the EC Certificate of
Conformity and each of them has left the manufacturer’s plant in a condition fully
complying with safety standards.
Risk of instrument damage
To prevent instrument damage make sure to read through and observe the
following safety instructions.
ESD protective measures
To protect the frequency converter against damage due to Electrostatic Dis-
charge (ESD) use the wrist strap and grounding cord supplied with the network
analyzer and connect yourself to the GND connector at the front panel of the ana-
lyzer. For details refer to the Quick Start Guide of your analyzer.
When storing or shipping the converter, slip protective caps onto the coaxial con-
nectors on the rear panel.
Input powers RF IN and LO IN
The RF input power at the connectors RF IN and LO IN must not exceed the
maximum values quoted in the data sheet. These maximum values are below the
maximum RF source power of the network analyzer. The frequency converter
modes for the R&S ZCxxx models that are provided by the R&S ZVA/ZVT firm-
ware V3.40 and higher, ensure compatible source powers. Therefore, activate
this mode before you connect your frequency converter's RF IN and LO IN to the
NWA.
Connection Procedure
1. Connect the frequency converter to the power supply R&S ZCPS and power
up R&S ZVA/ZVT and R&S ZCPS
2. Establish a USB connection between frequency converter and NWA

Safety Instructions
R&S® ZCxxx
6Getting Started 1177.5156.02 ─ 03
3. At the analyzer GUI, when prompted to configure a two-port measurement
setup, select "Yes"
Now the RF and LO cables can be connected safely.
You have to repeat this procedure whenever you are not sure if the fre-
quency converter mode for your particular R&S ZCxxx model is already
active.
Switching the NWA off and on preserves the selected frequency converter
mode.
Protection of waveguide flanges
Risk of damaging waveguide flanges
The waveguide flanges of the frequency converter and of the test port
adapters must be protected against scratches and other mechanical dam-
ages. Furthermore the waveguides must be shielded from dust.
Protect the waveguide flange of the converter by leaving the test port adapter
mounted. When the converter is not in use, slip a protective cap onto the adapter.
Avoid heavy shocks
Heavy shocks can damage inner parts of the instrument. Shock-proof packing
should therefore be used for storing, transporting and shipping the frequency con-
verter (see chapter 2.6, "Storage and Transport", on page 20).
Opening the instrument
Do not open the instrument. If repair is needed, it must be performed at the man-
ufacturer's service department.

Preparing for Use
R&S® ZCxxx
7Getting Started 1177.5156.02 ─ 03
2 Preparing for Use
This chapter gives an overview of the controls and connectors of the frequency
converter and provides all information that is required to put the converter into
operation and connect external devices.
Chapter 3 provides an introduction to the operation of the frequency converter.
For a list of (additional) required equipment see chapter 3.1, "Required Equip-
ment", on page 21.
2.1 Test Port Adapter (Waveguide Flange)
The test port with a mounted test port adapter is located at the front of the instru-
ment. The device under test (DUT) has to be connected to the test port adapter.
Fig. 2-1: Front of the converter R&S ZC330
The precision waveguide flange of the test port adapter, which is compatible to
standard IEEE 1785, consists of an outer ring and a protruding inner contacting
surface with the waveguide. On the outer ring there are four UNC 4-40 threads,
two dowels and two holes as counterparts of the DUT dowels (see figure 2-2).
Two additional holes in the inner flange surface allow the insertion of precision
dowels (delivered with the converter). These additional dowels should be used if
Test Port Adapter (Waveguide Flange)

Preparing for Use
R&S® ZCxxx
8Getting Started 1177.5156.02 ─ 03
the flange of the DUT also has holes for them and the accuracy of the connection
shall be enhanced.
Fig. 2-2: Test port adapter of R&S ZC330
Risk of damaging waveguide flanges
The waveguide flanges of the converter and of the test port adapters must
be protected against scratches and other mechanical damages. Further-
more the waveguides must be shielded from dust.
Protect the waveguide flange of the converter by leaving the test port
adapter mounted. When the converter is not in use, slip a protective cap
onto the adapter.
2.2 Output Power Adjusting Knob
For manual control of output power at the waveguide test port, the
converters of the R&S ZCxxx family are provided with a knurled
output power adjusting knob steeped in the upper surface of the
converter housing. Turning the knob clockwise reduces the output power while
turning it counter-clockwise increases the output power. The minimum power is
reached at the stop in clockwise direction while maximum power is reached at the
stop in counter-clockwise direction. The knob cannot be turned so far in counter-
clockwise sense that it protrudes the upper surface of the R&S ZCxxx. So there is
no danger that the mechanism of the variable attenuator is damaged when the
frequency converter is mounted upside down, e.g. on a wafer prober. If the knob
Output Power Adjusting Knob

Preparing for Use
R&S® ZCxxx
9Getting Started 1177.5156.02 ─ 03
is turned after power calibration, the power calibration remains valid but system
error calibration has to be repeated if it refers to more than one port.
In order to set a flat output power over frequency just by entering a dBm value in
the NWA firmware, the Frequency Converter Leveling Tool can be used. This
software tool records a 2-dimensional data array of output power vs input power
at RF IN and frequency, which can later be applied by the NWA firmware. For fur-
ther details, refer to the R&S ZVA/ZVT online help (section "GUI Reference >
System > System Config > Converter Control"), and to the Getting Started docu-
ment of the R&S ZVA Frequency Converter Leveling Tool.
The output power of the NWA, which after subtraction of the cable losses is also
the RF input power of the frequency converter, is set to a fixed value optimized
for the selected type of converter.
2.3 Rear Panel
The rear panel of the frequency converter provides the connectors and control
elements described in the following subsections.
Fig. 2-3: Rear view of the frequency converter
Rear Panel

Preparing for Use
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2.3.1 Power Supply Connector
In order to supply the R&S ZCxxx with power, connect it to the
external DC power supply R&S ZCPS. Always switch the power
supply off before removing the DC cable. For details, see the User
Manual of the R&S ZCPS.
Risk of instrument damage
The ZCPS has been designed for use with converters of the R&S ZCxxx
family. Do not use other power supplies.
2.3.2 RF Connectors – Input
Two 2.92 mm female input connectors: LO IN (local oscillator sig-
nal input) and RF IN (RF source signal input).
For correct cabling please refer to chapter 2.4.8, "Connecting the
RF Cables", on page 15.
Risk of instrument damage
The RF input power at the connectors RF IN and LO IN must not exceed
the maximum values quoted in the data sheet. These maximum values are
below the maximum RF source power of the network analyzer. The fre-
quency converter mode for your R&S ZCxxx ensures compatible source
powers. Therefore, activate this mode before you connect RF IN and LO IN
to the NWA.
Connect the R&S ZCxxx to the power supply R&S ZCPS. Then establish a
USB connection between NWA and R&S ZCxxx. When prompted "Config-
ure Two-Port Measurement Setup…?", select "Yes". Now the RF and LO
cables can be connected safely. This procedure is not required if the fre-
quency converter mode suitable for your R&S ZCxxx is already active, e.g.
when you have just switched the NWA off and on.
Rear Panel