Rohde & Schwarz R&S RT-ZD10 User manual

R&S®RT‑ZD10/20/30
Active Differential Probe
R&S®RT‑ZA15
External Attenuator
User Manual
User Manual
(>:]À2)
1410.4550.02 ─ 01
Test & Measurement

This user manual describes the following R&S®RT-ZD models and external
attenuators:
●R&S®RT-ZD10 (1410.4715.02)
●R&S®RT-ZD20 (1410.4409.02)
●R&S®RT-ZD30 (1410.4609.02)
●R&S®RT-ZA15 (1410.4744.02)
The firmware of the instrument makes use of several valuable open source software packages. The most
important of them are listed below, together with their corresponding open source license.
Package Link License
Atmel http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/
tools_card.asp?tool_id=4092
BOOST Library http://www.boost.org Boost Software v.1
Rohde & Schwarz would like to thank the open source community for their valuable contribution to embed-
ded computing.
© 2013 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.
The following abbreviations are used throughout this manual: R&S®RT-ZD10/20/30 is abbreviated as
R&S RT-ZD10/20/30. R&S®RT-ZA15 is abbreviated as R&S RT-ZA15. R&S®ProbeMeter is abbreviated
as R&S ProbeMeter. R&S®RTO is abbreviated as R&S RTO.

1171.0000.52 - 07 Page 1
Basic Safety Instructions
Always read through and comply with the following safety instructions!
All plants and locations of the Rohde & Schwarz group of companies make every
effort to keep the safety standards of our products up to date and to offer our
customers the highest possible degree of safety. Our products and the auxiliary
equipment they require are designed, built and tested in accordance with the
safety standards that apply in each case. Compliance with these standards is
continuously monitored by our quality assurance system. The product described
here has been designed, built and tested in accordance with the EC Certificate of
Conformity and has left the manufacturer’s plant in a condition fully complying
with safety standards. To maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation,
you must observe all instructions and warnings provided in this manual. If you
have any questions regarding these safety instructions, the Rohde & Schwarz
group of companies will be happy to answer them.
Furthermore, it is your responsibility to use the product in an appropriate manner.
This product is designed for use solely in industrial and laboratory environments
or, if expressly permitted, also in the field and must not be used in any way that
may cause personal injury or property damage. You are responsible if the product
is used for any purpose other than its designated purpose or in disregard of the
manufacturer's instructions. The manufacturer shall assume no responsibility for
such use of the product.
The product is used for its designated purpose if it is used in accordance with its
product documentation and within its performance limits (see data sheet,
documentation, the following safety instructions). Using the product requires
technical skills and, in some cases, a basic knowledge of English. It is therefore
essential that only skilled and specialized staff or thoroughly trained personnel
with the required skills be allowed to use the product. If personal safety gear is
required for using Rohde & Schwarz products, this will be indicated at the
appropriate place in the product documentation. Keep the basic safety
instructions and the product documentation in a safe place and pass them on to
the subsequent users.
Observing the safety instructions will help prevent personal injury or damage of
any kind caused by dangerous situations. Therefore, carefully read through and
adhere to the following safety instructions before and when using the product. It is
also absolutely essential to observe the additional safety instructions on personal
safety, for example, that appear in relevant parts of the product documentation. In
these safety instructions, the word "product" refers to all merchandise sold and
distributed by the Rohde & Schwarz group of companies, including instruments,

Basic Safety Instructions
1171.0000.52 - 07 Page 2
systems and all accessories. For product-specific information, see the data sheet
and the product documentation.
Safety labels on products
The following safety labels are used on products to warn against risks and
dangers.
Symbol Meaning Symbol Meaning
Notice, general danger location
Observe product documentation
ON/OFF supply voltage
Caution when handling heavy
equipment
Standby indication
Danger of electric shock Direct current (DC)
Warning! Hot surface Alternating current (AC)
Protective conductor terminal Direct/alternating current (DC/AC)
Ground Device fully protected by double
(reinforced) insulation
Ground terminal EU labeling for batteries and
accumulators
For additional information, see
section "Waste
disposal/Environmental
protection", item 1.
Be careful when handling
electrostatic sensitive devices
EU labeling for separate collection
of electrical and electronic devices
For additonal information, see
section "Waste
disposal/Environmental
protection", item 2.
Warning! Laser radiation
For additional information, see
section "Operation", item 7.

Basic Safety Instructions
1171.0000.52 - 07 Page 3
Signal words and their meaning
The following signal words are used in the product documentation in order to
warn the reader about risks and dangers.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.
Indicates information considered important, but not hazard-
related, e.g. messages relating to property damage.
In the product documentation, the word ATTENTION is
used synonymously.
These signal words are in accordance with the standard definition for civil
applications in the European Economic Area. Definitions that deviate from the
standard definition may also exist in other economic areas or military applications.
It is therefore essential to make sure that the signal words described here are
always used only in connection with the related product documentation and the
related product. The use of signal words in connection with unrelated products or
documentation can result in misinterpretation and in personal injury or material
damage.
Operating states and operating positions
The product may be operated only under the operating conditions and in the
positions specified by the manufacturer, without the product's ventilation being
obstructed. If the manufacturer's specifications are not observed, this can result in
electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury or death. Applicable local or
national safety regulations and rules for the prevention of accidents must be
observed in all work performed.
1. Unless otherwise specified, the following requirements apply to Rohde &
Schwarz products:
predefined operating position is always with the housing floor facing down, IP
protection 2X, use only indoors, max. operating altitude 2000 m above sea
level, max. transport altitude 4500 m above sea level. A tolerance of ±10 %
shall apply to the nominal voltage and ±5 % to the nominal frequency,
overvoltage category 2, pollution severity 2.

Basic Safety Instructions
1171.0000.52 - 07 Page 4
2. Do not place the product on surfaces, vehicles, cabinets or tables that for
reasons of weight or stability are unsuitable for this purpose. Always follow the
manufacturer's installation instructions when installing the product and
fastening it to objects or structures (e.g. walls and shelves). An installation that
is not carried out as described in the product documentation could result in
personal injury or even death.
3. Do not place the product on heat-generating devices such as radiators or fan
heaters. The ambient temperature must not exceed the maximum temperature
specified in the product documentation or in the data sheet. Product
overheating can cause electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury or
even death.
Electrical safety
If the information on electrical safety is not observed either at all or to the extent
necessary, electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury or death may occur.
1. Prior to switching on the product, always ensure that the nominal voltage
setting on the product matches the nominal voltage of the AC supply network.
If a different voltage is to be set, the power fuse of the product may have to be
changed accordingly.
2. In the case of products of safety class I with movable power cord and
connector, operation is permitted only on sockets with a protective conductor
contact and protective conductor.
3. Intentionally breaking the protective conductor either in the feed line or in the
product itself is not permitted. Doing so can result in the danger of an electric
shock from the product. If extension cords or connector strips are
implemented, they must be checked on a regular basis to ensure that they are
safe to use.
4. If there is no power switch for disconnecting the product from the AC supply
network, or if the power switch is not suitable for this purpose, use the plug of
the connecting cable to disconnect the product from the AC supply network. In
such cases, always ensure that the power plug is easily reachable and
accessible at all times. For example, if the power plug is the disconnecting
device, the length of the connecting cable must not exceed 3 m. Functional or
electronic switches are not suitable for providing disconnection from the AC
supply network. If products without power switches are integrated into racks or
systems, the disconnecting device must be provided at the system level.

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1171.0000.52 - 07 Page 5
5. Never use the product if the power cable is damaged. Check the power cables
on a regular basis to ensure that they are in proper operating condition. By
taking appropriate safety measures and carefully laying the power cable,
ensure that the cable cannot be damaged and that no one can be hurt by, for
example, tripping over the cable or suffering an electric shock.
6. The product may be operated only from TN/TT supply networks fuse-protected
with max. 16 A (higher fuse only after consulting with the Rohde & Schwarz
group of companies).
7. Do not insert the plug into sockets that are dusty or dirty. Insert the plug firmly
and all the way into the socket provided for this purpose. Otherwise, sparks
that result in fire and/or injuries may occur.
8. Do not overload any sockets, extension cords or connector strips; doing so
can cause fire or electric shocks.
9. For measurements in circuits with voltages Vrms > 30 V, suitable measures
(e.g. appropriate measuring equipment, fuse protection, current limiting,
electrical separation, insulation) should be taken to avoid any hazards.
10.Ensure that the connections with information technology equipment, e.g. PCs
or other industrial computers, comply with the IEC60950-1/EN60950-1 or
IEC61010-1/EN 61010-1 standards that apply in each case.
11.Unless expressly permitted, never remove the cover or any part of the housing
while the product is in operation. Doing so will expose circuits and
components and can lead to injuries, fire or damage to the product.
12.If a product is to be permanently installed, the connection between the
protective conductor terminal on site and the product's protective conductor
must be made first before any other connection is made. The product may be
installed and connected only by a licensed electrician.
13.For permanently installed equipment without built-in fuses, circuit breakers or
similar protective devices, the supply circuit must be fuse-protected in such a
way that anyone who has access to the product, as well as the product itself,
is adequately protected from injury or damage.
14.Use suitable overvoltage protection to ensure that no overvoltage (such as
that caused by a bolt of lightning) can reach the product. Otherwise, the
person operating the product will be exposed to the danger of an electric
shock.
15.Any object that is not designed to be placed in the openings of the housing
must not be used for this purpose. Doing so can cause short circuits inside the
product and/or electric shocks, fire or injuries.

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1171.0000.52 - 07 Page 6
16.Unless specified otherwise, products are not liquid-proof (see also section
"Operating states and operating positions", item 1). Therefore, the equipment
must be protected against penetration by liquids. If the necessary precautions
are not taken, the user may suffer electric shock or the product itself may be
damaged, which can also lead to personal injury.
17.Never use the product under conditions in which condensation has formed or
can form in or on the product, e.g. if the product has been moved from a cold
to a warm environment. Penetration by water increases the risk of electric
shock.
18.Prior to cleaning the product, disconnect it completely from the power supply
(e.g. AC supply network or battery). Use a soft, non-linting cloth to clean the
product. Never use chemical cleaning agents such as alcohol, acetone or
diluents for cellulose lacquers.
Operation
1. Operating the products requires special training and intense concentration.
Make sure that persons who use the products are physically, mentally and
emotionally fit enough to do so; otherwise, injuries or material damage may
occur. It is the responsibility of the employer/operator to select suitable
personnel for operating the products.
2. Before you move or transport the product, read and observe the section titled
"Transport".
3. As with all industrially manufactured goods, the use of substances that induce
an allergic reaction (allergens) such as nickel cannot be generally excluded. If
you develop an allergic reaction (such as a skin rash, frequent sneezing, red
eyes or respiratory difficulties) when using a Rohde & Schwarz product,
consult a physician immediately to determine the cause and to prevent health
problems or stress.
4. Before you start processing the product mechanically and/or thermally, or
before you take it apart, be sure to read and pay special attention to the
section titled "Waste disposal/Environmental protection", item 1.
5. Depending on the function, certain products such as RF radio equipment can
produce an elevated level of electromagnetic radiation. Considering that
unborn babies require increased protection, pregnant women must be
protected by appropriate measures. Persons with pacemakers may also be
exposed to risks from electromagnetic radiation. The employer/operator must
evaluate workplaces where there is a special risk of exposure to radiation and,
if necessary, take measures to avert the potential danger.

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1171.0000.52 - 07 Page 7
6. Should a fire occur, the product may release hazardous substances (gases,
fluids, etc.) that can cause health problems. Therefore, suitable measures
must be taken, e.g. protective masks and protective clothing must be worn.
7. Laser products are given warning labels that are standardized according to
their laser class. Lasers can cause biological harm due to the properties of
their radiation and due to their extremely concentrated electromagnetic power.
If a laser product (e.g. a CD/DVD drive) is integrated into a Rohde & Schwarz
product, absolutely no other settings or functions may be used as described in
the product documentation. The objective is to prevent personal injury (e.g.
due to laser beams).
8. EMC classes (in line with EN 55011/CISPR 11, and analogously with EN
55022/CISPR 22, EN 55032/CISPR 32)
Class A equipment:
Equipment suitable for use in all environments except residential
environments and environments that are directly connected to a low-
voltage supply network that supplies residential buildings
Note: Class A equipment is intended for use in an industrial environment.
This equipment may cause radio disturbances in residential environments,
due to possible conducted as well as radiated disturbances. In this case,
the operator may be required to take appropriate measures to eliminate
these disturbances.
Class B equipment:
Equipment suitable for use in residential environments and environments
that are directly connected to a low-voltage supply network that supplies
residential buildings
Repair and service
1. The product may be opened only by authorized, specially trained personnel.
Before any work is performed on the product or before the product is opened,
it must be disconnected from the AC supply network. Otherwise, personnel will
be exposed to the risk of an electric shock.
2. Adjustments, replacement of parts, maintenance and repair may be performed
only by electrical experts authorized by Rohde & Schwarz. Only original parts
may be used for replacing parts relevant to safety (e.g. power switches, power
transformers, fuses). A safety test must always be performed after parts
relevant to safety have been replaced (visual inspection, protective conductor
test, insulation resistance measurement, leakage current measurement,
functional test). This helps ensure the continued safety of the product.

Basic Safety Instructions
1171.0000.52 - 07 Page 8
Batteries and rechargeable batteries/cells
If the information regarding batteries and rechargeable batteries/cells is not
observed either at all or to the extent necessary, product users may be exposed
to the risk of explosions, fire and/or serious personal injury, and, in some cases,
death. Batteries and rechargeable batteries with alkaline electrolytes (e.g. lithium
cells) must be handled in accordance with the EN 62133 standard.
1. Cells must not be taken apart or crushed.
2. Cells or batteries must not be exposed to heat or fire. Storage in direct sunlight
must be avoided. Keep cells and batteries clean and dry. Clean soiled
connectors using a dry, clean cloth.
3. Cells or batteries must not be short-circuited. Cells or batteries must not be
stored in a box or in a drawer where they can short-circuit each other, or
where they can be short-circuited by other conductive materials. Cells and
batteries must not be removed from their original packaging until they are
ready to be used.
4. Cells and batteries must not be exposed to any mechanical shocks that are
stronger than permitted.
5. If a cell develops a leak, the fluid must not be allowed to come into contact
with the skin or eyes. If contact occurs, wash the affected area with plenty of
water and seek medical aid.
6. Improperly replacing or charging cells or batteries that contain alkaline
electrolytes (e.g. lithium cells) can cause explosions. Replace cells or batteries
only with the matching Rohde & Schwarz type (see parts list) in order to
ensure the safety of the product.
7. Cells and batteries must be recycled and kept separate from residual waste.
Rechargeable batteries and normal batteries that contain lead, mercury or
cadmium are hazardous waste. Observe the national regulations regarding
waste disposal and recycling.
Transport
1. The product may be very heavy. Therefore, the product must be handled with
care. In some cases, the user may require a suitable means of lifting or
moving the product (e.g. with a lift-truck) to avoid back or other physical
injuries.
2. Handles on the products are designed exclusively to enable personnel to
transport the product. It is therefore not permissible to use handles to fasten
the product to or on transport equipment such as cranes, fork lifts, wagons,