Rohde & Schwarz NRPM OTA Power Measurement Solution User manual

R&S®NRPM
OTA Power Measurement
Solution
Mannual
1425866302
Version 08
(>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
© 2022 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Muehldorfstr. 15, 81671 Muenchen, 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.
All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
1425.8663.02 | Version 08 | 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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Contents
1 Safety and regulatory information....................................... 9
1.1 Safety instructions................................................................................9
1.2 Labels on the product........................................................................ 10
1.3 Warning messages in the documentation........................................ 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
3.6.1 Application notes, application cards, white papers, etc........................ 16
4 Preparing for use................................................................. 17
4.1 Unpacking and checking....................................................................17
4.2 Choosing the operating site.............................................................. 17
4.3 Considerations for test setup............................................................ 18
4.4 Powering the R&S NRPM3(N) sensor module..................................20
4.5 Hardware and software requirements...............................................20
4.5.1 Hardware.............................................................................................. 20
4.5.2 Mandatory software.............................................................................. 21
4.5.3 Optional software.................................................................................. 22

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4.6 Installing the software application and drivers................................23
4.6.1 VISA driver installation..........................................................................24
4.6.2 R&S NRP Toolkit installation.................................................................24
4.6.3 R&S Power Viewer installation..............................................................27
5 R&S NRPM tour....................................................................29
5.1 R&S NRPM3(N) sensor modules....................................................... 29
5.2 R&S NRPM-A90 and R&S NRPM-A90D antenna modules.............. 32
5.3 R&S NRPM-ZD3 feedthrough module............................................... 34
5.4 R&S NRPM-Z3 interface module........................................................36
5.5 R&S NRPM-Z3 connected to the R&S NRPM3................................. 37
6 Setting up a measurement..................................................38
6.1 Test setup examples...........................................................................38
6.2 R&S CMQ200 shielding cube.............................................................42
6.3 Connecting an R&S NRPM OTA power measurement.....................43
6.3.1 Connecting the RF frontend..................................................................44
6.3.2 Connecting to the controller PC............................................................ 46
6.3.3 Using the USB connection.................................................................... 47
6.3.4 Using the LAN connection.................................................................... 50
6.3.5 Connecting to the network.................................................................... 54
6.4 Starting the measurement..................................................................57
7 Performing measurements................................................. 58
7.1 Sensor module readings.................................................................... 58
7.2 Measurement applications.................................................................58
7.2.1 Using R&S Power Viewer..................................................................... 59
7.2.2 Using the web browser-based user interface........................................66
8 Firmware update.................................................................. 83

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8.1 Hardware and software requirements...............................................83
8.2 Updating the firmware........................................................................ 83
8.2.1 Using the firmware update for R&S NRP family program..................... 84
8.2.2 Using the web browser-based user interface........................................86
8.2.3 Using remote control.............................................................................87
9 Network and remote operation...........................................89
9.1 Remote control interfaces and protocols.........................................89
9.1.1 USB interface........................................................................................90
9.1.2 Ethernet interface..................................................................................91
9.2 Status reporting system.....................................................................95
9.2.1 Hierarchy of the status registers........................................................... 95
9.2.2 Structure of an SCPI status register..................................................... 97
9.2.3 Status byte (STB) and service request enable register (SRE)..............99
9.2.4 IST flag and parallel poll enable register (PPE).................................. 100
9.2.5 Device status register......................................................................... 101
9.2.6 Questionable status register............................................................... 102
9.2.7 Standard event status and enable register (ESR, ESE)..................... 104
9.2.8 Operation status register.....................................................................105
10 Remote control commands...............................................112
10.1 Conventions used in SCPI command descriptions....................... 112
10.2 Notations............................................................................................113
10.3 Common commands.........................................................................114
10.4 Configuring the general functions.................................................. 120
10.4.1 Configuring the system....................................................................... 120
10.4.2 Handling of available antenna modules.............................................. 134
10.4.3 Selecting the reference source........................................................... 135
10.4.4 Setting the power unit......................................................................... 135

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10.4.5 Setting the result format......................................................................136
10.5 Controlling the measurement.......................................................... 137
10.5.1 Triggering............................................................................................137
10.5.2 Controlling the measurement results.................................................. 141
10.5.3 Interplay of the controlling mechanisms..............................................142
10.6 Selecting a measurement mode and retrieving results................ 148
10.7 Configuring the measurement modes............................................ 153
10.7.1 Configuring a continuous average measurement............................... 153
10.7.2 Configuring a list mode measurement................................................ 156
10.7.3 Configuring a trace measurement.......................................................157
10.8 Configuring basic measurement parameters.................................165
10.8.1 Configuring averaging.........................................................................165
10.8.2 Setting the frequency.......................................................................... 168
10.8.3 Configuring corrections....................................................................... 168
10.9 Starting and ending a measurement...............................................170
10.10 Configuring the trigger.....................................................................172
10.11 Using the status register..................................................................180
10.11.1 General status register commands..................................................... 181
10.11.2 Reading out the CONDition part......................................................... 181
10.11.3 Reading out the EVENt part................................................................182
10.11.4 Controlling the ENABle part................................................................ 182
10.11.5 Controlling the negative transition part............................................... 183
10.11.6 Controlling the positive transition part.................................................184
10.12 Testing the R&S NRPM OTA Power Measurement Solution......... 184
10.13 Calibrating/zeroing the R&S NRPM3(N) sensor module............... 185
11 Programming examples.................................................... 187
11.1 Performing a simple measurement................................................. 187

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11.2 Performing measurements in continuous average mode.............187
11.3 Performing measurements in list mode......................................... 192
11.4 Performing measurements in trace mode...................................... 199
12 Troubleshooting.................................................................203
12.1 Displaying status information......................................................... 203
12.2 Performing a selftest........................................................................ 203
12.3 Problems during a firmware update................................................204
12.4 Cannot establish a LAN connection............................................... 205
12.4.1 Components of the R&S NRP Toolkit................................................. 205
12.5 Replacing antenna cables................................................................206
12.5.1 Spare parts and recommended tools..................................................206
12.5.2 Cable replacement..............................................................................207
12.6 Contacting customer support..........................................................210
13 Transporting....................................................................... 211
14 Maintenance, storage and disposal................................. 212
14.1 Cleaning.............................................................................................212
14.2 Storage...............................................................................................212
14.3 Disposal............................................................................................. 213
Glossary: List of used terms and abbreviations............ 214
List of commands.............................................................. 218
Index................................................................................... 223

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Safety and regulatory information
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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 R&S NRPM OTA power measurement solution is intended for accurate
power measurements in production, R&D and calibration labs, and for installation
and maintenance tasks. Observe the operating conditions and performance limits
stated in the data sheet.
Target audience
The target audience is developers and technicians. The required skills and expe-
rience in power measurements depend on the used operating concept.
The R&S NRPM OTA power measurement solution is designed for use in
anechoic environments as RF shielded boxes or benchtop applications in RF test
chambers. You can use it for Over-the-Air (OTA) beamforming verification in 5G,
WLAN IEEE 802.11ad and IEEE 802.11ay and the calibration of the transmit
antenna output power.
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 9. 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
Safety instructions

Safety and regulatory information
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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.
Reconfigure or adjust the product only as described in the product documentation
or the data sheet. Any other modifications can affect safety and are not permitted.
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 https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/support.
Operating the product
Only use the product indoors. The product casing is not waterproof.
Observe the ambient conditions such as altitude, operating temperature and cli-
matic loads; see the data sheet.
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.
1.2 Labels on the product
Labels on the product inform about:
●Personal safety
See "Meaning of safety labels" on page 10.
●Environment safety
See Table 1-1.
Labels on the product

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●Identification of the product
See Chapter 6.3.5.1, "Using hostnames", on page 55.
●Sensitive components
Table 1-2
Table 1-1: Labels regarding 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 "Disposing electrical and electronic equipment" on page 213.
Table 1-2: Labels regarding sensitive components
Electrostatically sensitive components
Indicates sensitivity to touch. Follow the instructions in the product documentation to
avoid product damage. See "To prevent antenna damage" on page 18.
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.
NOTICE
Potential risks of damage. Could result in damage to the supported product or to
other property.
Warning messages in the documentation

Welcome to the R&S NRPM OTA power measurement solution
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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

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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

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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
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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

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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.
3.6.1 Application notes, application cards, white papers, etc.
These documents deal with special applications or background information on
particular topics.
www.rohde-schwarz.com/application/nrpm
Release notes and open source acknowledgment (OSA)

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4 Preparing for use
Here, you can find basic information about setting up the product for the first time.
●Unpacking and checking................................................................................. 17
●Choosing the operating site............................................................................ 17
●Considerations for test setup.......................................................................... 18
●Powering the R&S NRPM3(N) sensor module................................................20
●Hardware and software requirements............................................................. 20
●Installing the software application and drivers................................................ 23
4.1 Unpacking and checking
1. Unpack the product carefully.
2. Retain the original packing material. Use it when transporting or shipping the
product 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.
4.2 Choosing the operating site
Specific operating conditions ensure proper operation and avoid damage to the
product and connected devices. For information on environmental conditions
such as ambient temperature and humidity, see the data sheet.
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.
●Class B equipment is suitable for use in:
– Residential environments
Choosing the operating site

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– 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.
4.3 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 38.
To prevent antenna damage
Damage is most likely to occur when you connect or disconnect an antenna mod-
ules.
1. NOTICE! Electrostatic discharge can quickly and imperceptibly damage or
destroy the electrostatic sensitive antenna modules.
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.
2. NOTICE! If you touch the PCB (printed circuit board) of the antenna module, it
can bend and thus lead to measurement inaccuracies.
Always hold the antenna modules by the housing. Take care not to touch the
exposed top or bottom of the antenna module PCB.
Considerations for test setup

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EMI impact on measurement results
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 inter-
face cables.
●Always terminate open cable ends.
●Ensure that connected external devices comply with EMC regulations.
●When using the filtered cable feedthrough module R&S NRPM-ZD3, make
sure that the housing of the RF shielded box is grounded, since the feed-
through 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.
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 devi-
ces.
Considerations for test setup

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4.4 Powering the R&S NRPM3(N) sensor module
The electrical power for a R&S NRPM3(N) sensor module is supplied over one of
the following interfaces:
●Host interface
See "Host interface connector (3)" on page 30.
●LAN PoE interface
Only available for R&S NRPM3N sensor modules, see"LAN PoE interface (6)"
on page 31.
If you use the Ethernet interface of the R&S NRPM3N sensor module, you
have to provide the electrical power by power over Ethernet (PoE). In this
case, you cannot provide the electrical power over the host interface
instead.
Choose the PoE power sourcing equipment (PSE) with care
Only use PoE power sourcing equipment (PSE) as specified in the IEEE stand-
ards 802.3af or IEEE 802.3at. Otherwise, the following can happen:
●If too much power is supplied, the R&S NRPM3N sensor module can get
overheated and become damaged as a result.
●If the supplied power is not sufficient, the R&S NRPM3N sensor module does
not work properly or not at all.
4.5 Hardware and software requirements
4.5.1 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.
Hardware and software requirements