Rohde & Schwarz FE50DTR User manual

R&S®FE50DTR
External Frontend
Manual
1179318002
Version 02
(;ÝOÞ2)

This manual describes the following R&S®FE50DTR model and its option:
●FE50DTR, variant K2: 50 GHz up-/down-converter (1347.4099K02)
© 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.
1179.3180.02 | Version 02 | R&S®FE50DTR
The following abbreviations are used throughout this manual: R&S®FE50DTR is abbreviated as
R&S FE50DTR, R&S®FSV3000 and the R&S®FSVA3000 are abbreviated as R&S FSV/A and
R&S®SMW200A is abbreviated as R&S SMW.

Contents
R&S®FE50DTR
3Manual 1179.3180.02 ─ 02
Contents
1 Safety and regulatory information....................................... 5
1.1 Safety Instructions................................................................................5
1.2 Labels on R&S FE50DTR......................................................................8
1.3 Warning messages in the documentation.......................................... 8
1.4 Korea certification class A...................................................................9
2 Documentation overview.................................................... 10
2.1 Manual..................................................................................................10
2.2 Printed safety instructions.................................................................10
2.3 Data sheet............................................................................................10
3 Key features......................................................................... 11
4 Preparing for use................................................................. 12
4.1 Lifting and carrying............................................................................ 12
4.2 Unpacking and checking....................................................................12
4.3 Choosing the operating site.............................................................. 12
4.4 Setting up the R&S FE50DTR............................................................ 13
4.5 Considerations for test setup............................................................ 14
4.6 Connecting to power.......................................................................... 15
4.7 Connecting to LAN............................................................................. 16
4.8 Connecting to SMA and 1.85 mm...................................................... 17
4.9 Connecting the R&S FE50DTR.......................................................... 18
4.10 Switching on or off............................................................................. 20
5 Instrument tour.................................................................... 21
5.1 Front panel tour.................................................................................. 21
5.2 Rear panel tour....................................................................................23

Contents
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5.3 Electronic label................................................................................... 25
6 Operating the instrument....................................................27
6.1 Operating the R&S FE50DTR in Rx mode.........................................27
6.2 Operating the R&S FE50DTR in Tx mode......................................... 31
6.3 Operating the R&S FE50DTR in simultaneous mode...................... 35
6.4 Performing other operational tasks and troubleshooting.............. 39
7 Transporting.........................................................................40
8 Maintenance, storage and disposal................................... 41
8.1 Cleaning...............................................................................................41
8.2 Storage.................................................................................................41
8.3 Disposal............................................................................................... 41
9 Contacting customer support............................................ 43
Glossary: Abbreviations and definitions...........................44
Index..................................................................................... 45

Safety and regulatory information
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5Manual 1179.3180.02 ─ 02
1 Safety and regulatory information
The product documentation helps you use the product safely and efficiently. Fol-
low the instructions provided here and in the following chapters.
Intended use
The product is intended for the development, production and verification of elec-
tronic components and devices in industrial, administrative, and laboratory envi-
ronments. 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
dangers 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
provided 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 prod-
uct documentation nearby and offer it to other users.
Use the product only for its intended use and within its performance limits. Inten-
ded 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.
Safety Instructions

Safety and regulatory information
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6Manual 1179.3180.02 ─ 02
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
damaged 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. Follow the instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.
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 elec-
tric 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 environ-
ments where nonconductive contamination can occur. For more information on
environmental conditions 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
product 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
stability. The feet can collapse if they are not folded out completely or if the prod-
uct is moved without lifting it. The foldable feet are designed to carry the weight of
the product, 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 products 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.
Safety Instructions

Safety and regulatory information
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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
appliances 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 indica-
ted 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-
specific safety requirements. Only insert the plug into an outlet with protective
conductor terminal.
●Only use intact cables and route them carefully so that they cannot be dam-
aged. 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
delivered with the product or that is recommended in the product documenta-
tion or a power supply that conforms to the country-specific regulations.
●Only connect the product to a power source with a fuse protection of maxi-
mum 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.
Safety Instructions

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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
connection protects you against electric shock if an electric problem occurs.
1.2 Labels on R&S FE50DTR
Labels on the casing inform about:
●Personal safety, see Meaning of safety labels, page 7
●Product and environment safety, see Table 1-1
●Identification and network information, see Electronic label, page 25
Table 1-1: Labels regarding R&S FE50DTR and environment safety
Labeling in line with EN 50419 for disposal of electrical and electronic equipment after
the product has come to the end of its service life. For more information, see "Dispos-
ing electrical and electronic equipment" on page 41.
1.3 Warning messages in the documentation
A warning message points out a risk or danger that you need to be aware of. The
signal 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 avoi-
ded.
Warning messages in the documentation

Safety and regulatory information
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9Manual 1179.3180.02 ─ 02
NOTICE
Potential risks of damage. Could result in damage to the supported product or to
other property.
1.4 Korea certification class A
이 기기는 업무용(A급) 전자파 적합기기로서 판매자 또는 사용자는 이 점을 주의하
시기 바라며, 가정외의 지역에서 사용하는 것을 목적으로 합니다.
Korea certification class A

Documentation overview
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2 Documentation overview
This section provides an overview of the R&S FE50DTR user documentation.
Unless specified otherwise, you find the documents on the R&S FE50DTR prod-
uct page at:
www.rohde-schwarz.com/manual/fe50dtr
2.1 Manual
This manual introduces the R&S FE50DTR and describes how to set up and work
with the product. It also provides information on maintenance, storage and dis-
posal. A printed version is delivered with the product.
For information on how to configure and use the R&S FE50DTR in setups with a
Rohde & Schwarz vector signal generator and Rohde & Schwarz vector signal
analyzer, see the user manual of these instruments.
2.2 Printed safety instructions
Provides safety information in many languages. The printed document is deliv-
ered with the product.
2.3 Data sheet
The data sheet contains the technical specifications of the R&S FE50DTR. It also
lists the options and their order numbers.
See www.rohde-schwarz.com/brochure-datasheet/fe50dtr
Data sheet

Key features
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3 Key features
The R&S FE50DTR External Frontend features:
●Frequency up- and down-conversion, e.g., for 5G NR mmWave testing
●mmWave frequencies from 36 GHz to 50 GHz
●RF connectors with:
– Specified output power (PEP) of -30 dBm to 0 dBm
– Input power (PEP) of -100 dBm to 30 dBm
●Simultaneous receive mode (Rx) and transmit mode (Tx)
●LAN plug and play solution fully controlled, e.g., by an R&S SMW or
R&S FSV/A
●Small size, easy usage and operation
●Short cabling distances to the device under test DUT
For a detailed specification, refer to the data sheet.

Preparing for use
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4 Preparing for use
Here, you can find basic information about setting up the product for the first time.
4.1 Lifting and carrying
Carry the R&S FE50DTR with the top of the external frontend facing upwards.
See "Lifting and carrying the product" on page 6.
4.2 Unpacking and checking
1. Unpack the R&S FE50DTR carefully.
2. Retain the original packing material. Use it when transporting or shipping the
R&S FE50DTR 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.
4.3 Choosing the operating site
Specific operating conditions ensure proper operation and avoid damage to the
R&S FE50DTR and connected devices. For information on environmental condi-
tions such as ambient temperature and humidity, see the data sheet.
See also "Choosing the operating site" on page 6.
Choosing the operating site

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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 "Gen-
eral 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
radiated disturbances. It is therefore not suitable for class B environments.
If class A equipment causes radio disturbances, take appropriate measures to
eliminate them.
4.4 Setting up the R&S FE50DTR
See also:
●"Setting up the product" on page 6
●"Intended use" on page 5
The R&S FE50DTR is used exclusively in test setups with a vector signal genera-
tor, e.g. the R&S SMW, and a vector signal analyzer, e.g. the R&S FSV/A.
Typical test setups for OTA testing require short cabling distances between the
R&S FE50DTR and the antenna, see Figure 4-1.
To place the R&S FE50DTR on a bench top
For testing, you can place the R&S FE50DTR on a bench top.
1. Place the R&S FE50DTR on a stable, flat and level surface. Ensure that the
surface can support the weight of the R&S FE50DTR. For information on the
weight, see the data sheet.
2. 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:
● All instruments must have the same dimensions (width and length).
Setting up the R&S FE50DTR

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● The overall load on the lowest instrument must not exceed 250 N.
3. NOTICE! Overheating can damage the product.
Prevent overheating as follows:
● Keep a minimum distance of 3 cm between the fan openings at the front
panel and at the rear panel of the R&S FE50DTR and any object in the
vicinity.
● Do not place the R&S FE50DTR next to heat-generating equipment such
as radiators or other instruments.
See also Chapter 4.9, "Connecting the R&S FE50DTR", on page 18.
4.5 Considerations for test setup
Cable selection and electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can affect the measurement results.
To suppress electromagnetic radiation during operation:
●Besides the cables delivered with the R&S FE50DTR, use high-quality shiel-
ded cables for the following connector types:
– SMA: RF cables that match this connector type.
How to: Chapter 4.8, "Connecting to SMA and 1.85 mm", on page 17.
– LAN: at least CAT6+ cables.
How to: Chapter 4.7, "Connecting to LAN", on page 16
– USB: double-shielded USB cables. The length of passive USB cables
must not exceed 1 m.
Considerations for test setup

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●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 R&S FE50DTR and connected
devices.
Preventing electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Electrostatic discharge is most likely to occur when you connect or disconnect a
DUT.
►NOTICE! Risk of electrostatic discharge. Electrostatic discharge can damage
the electronic components of the product and the device under test (DUT).
Ground yourself to prevent electrostatic discharge damage:
a) Use a wrist strap and cord to connect yourself to ground.
b) Use a conductive floor mat and heel strap combination.
Blocking DC components
►NOTICE! Risk of instrument damage. DC voltage at the RF connectors can
damage the instrument.
● Never apply direct currents (DC) to the RF connectors.
Make sure that the values do not fall below the DC limits as given in the
data sheet.
● If the RF input signal has a DC component, insert a DC blocker.
4.6 Connecting to power
For safety information, see "Connecting to power" on page 7. For information on
the external power supply, see the data sheet.
The power supply connector is located on the rear panel of the R&S FE50DTR.
Connecting to power

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► Connect the DC power cable to the socket of the power supply connector.
Only use the DC power cable delivered with the R&S FE50DTR.
If connected to power, the R&S FE50DTR is switched-on automatically. On
the front panel of the R&S FE50DTR, the "Power" LED switches from gray to
green. Table 4-1 provides an overview on power states.
Table 4-1: Overview power states
LED Power state
gray Power Off
green Power On
Required ratings of the DC input level and maximum current are listed next to the
socket and in the data sheet.
4.7 Connecting to LAN
Network environment
Before connecting the product to a local area network (LAN), consider the follow-
ing:
●For internet or remote access, use secured connections if applicable.
●Ensure that the network settings comply with the security policies of your com-
pany. Contact your local system administrator or IT department before con-
necting your product to your company LAN.
●When connected to the LAN, the product may potentially be accessed from
the internet, which may be a security risk. For example, attackers might mis-
use or damage the product.
To connect to LAN
The connector is located on the rear panel of the R&S FE50DTR.
► Connect the LAN socket via an RJ-45 cable to the LAN.
Connecting to LAN

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IP address assignment
The IP address is assigned automatically by one of the following methods:
●By default, the R&S FE50DTR is configured to use DHCP (dynamic host con-
figuration protocol) and no static IP address is configured. If switched on and
connected to the LAN, the R&S FE50DTR displays the IP address information
on the electronic label with "IP Addr.:". See Chapter 5.3, "Electronic label",
on page 25.
●If the network does not use a DHCP server, R&S FE50DTR obtains and
assigns its IP address via the Auto-IP/Zeroconf (APIPA) protocol.
LAN connection states
On the front panel of the R&S FE50DTR, the LAN LED indicates the LAN connec-
tion state. The table below provides an overview.
Table 4-2: Overview LAN connection states
LED LAN connection state
no light / gray Not active
green Connected to LAN
orange Connected to control instrument
red Error
Troubleshooting
If you have LAN connection issues, see the user manual of an R&S signal gener-
ator or an R&S signal analyzer, e.g. FSV3000, chapter „Troubleshooting External
Frontend Control“.
4.8 Connecting to SMA and 1.85 mm
The "RF A/RF B" connectors are 1.85 mm female connectors. The connectors
are located on the front panel of the R&S FE50DTR
"IF Out A/IF Out B", "LO In/LO Out" and "Ref. In" are SMA female connectors.
The connectors are located on the rear panel of the R&S FE50DTR.
The following step-by-step description applies to both connector types SMA and
1.85 mm.
Connecting to SMA and 1.85 mm

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1. Use an RF cable, that matches the connector.
See "Cable selection and electromagnetic interference (EMI)" on page 14.
2. NOTICE! Risk of connector damage and cable damage. Excessive tightening
can damage the cables and the connectors.
To connect the RF cable with the connector, proceed as follows:
a) Carefully align the connector of the cable along a common axis.
b) Mate the connectors along the common axis until the male pin of the inner
connector engages with the female socket of the outer connector.
c) When screwing the connectors, only turn the nut of the outer connector
until the connectors are firmly coupled.
d) Torque the nut to the specified limit using a calibrated torque wrench. Hold
the opposite connector part stationary with a spanner.
For applicable torque values, see chapter "Handling" of the application
note 1MA99:
https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/appnote/1MA99
3. NOTICE! Risk of instrument damage. You can damage the R&S FE50DTR,
when you exceed maximum input levels and voltages of the connectors.
Set an input level at the connectors of the R&S FE50DTR within the range as
given in the data sheet.
4.9 Connecting the R&S FE50DTR
The R&S FE50DTR operates properly, only when connected to a vector signal
generator and/or a vector signal analyzer, e.g. R&S SMW/R&S FSV/A.
To connect the R&S FE50DTR
The R&S FE50DTR is off but connected to power.
Relevant connectors for connection are located on the rear panel of the
R&S FE50DTR.
1. You can control the R&S FE50DTR via LAN connection between
R&S FE50DTR and the vector signal generator and/or the vector signal ana-
lyzer.
How to: Chapter 4.7, "Connecting to LAN", on page 16
2. Connect required SMA connectors.
How to: Chapter 4.8, "Connecting to SMA and 1.85 mm", on page 17.
Connecting the R&S FE50DTR

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Operating external frontends, e.g. the R&S FE50DTR, requires a control connec-
tion (LAN) with the vector signal generator or vector signal analyzer. To establish
this connection, see the following sections:
●"To control the R&S FE50DTR with a vector signal analyzer" on page 28
●"To control the R&S FE50DTR with a vector signal generator" on page 33
Test setups
Test setups with dedicated connections depend on the operation mode of the
external frontend. Figure 4-1 illustrates a typical test setup where the external
frontend operates in Tx (transmit) mode and Rx (receive) mode.
For detailed information on how the R&S FE50DTR is used in test setups and the
connections for each operation mode, see Chapter 6, "Operating the instrument",
on page 27.
Example: OTA measurement test setup for mmWave signals
Typically, mmWave signals are transmitted and received over-the-air (OTA) inside
an RF shield box.
The figure below illustrates a test setup with one external frontend connected to a
vector signal generator, vector signal analyzer and a cross-polarized Vivaldi
antenna. The antenna is mounted inside an RF shield box.
Vector signal
analyzer
Vector signal
generator
RF
Ref Out
Ref Out
RF
LAN
IF In
Ref
IF Out
IF Out A
LAN
IF In B
RF A
RF B
Ref In
LAN LAN
LAN
DUT
RF shield box
RF Out
RF In
R&S
FE50DTR
Rx mode
Tx mode
Figure 4-1: OTA microwave test setup
For more information refer to the following documents:
●R&S SMW-K553 user manual: Chapter "Connecting and Operating External
Frontends"
●R&S FSV/A user manual: Chapter "External Frontend Control"
Connecting the R&S FE50DTR

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4.10 Switching on or off
Once connected to power, the R&S FE50DTR switches on automatically. If the
R&S FE50DTR is switched off but connected to power, you can switch on the
R&S FE50DTR manually.
To switch on the R&S FE50DTR manually
The R&S FE50DTR is switched off, but connected to power. The "Power" LED is
gray. See Table 4-1.
► On the rear panel of the R&S FE50DTR, press the "Power" key . See Chap-
ter 5.2.8, "Power key", on page 25.
The "Power" LED changes to green. The R&S FE50DTR boots.
To switch off the R&S FE50DTR
The R&S FE50DTR is switched on.
►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.
Press the "Power" key .
The "Power" LED changes to gray.
To disconnect from power
The R&S FE50DTR is switched off.
► Disconnect the DC power cable from the socket of the power supply connec-
tor.
Switching on or off