Rohde & Schwarz R&S ZN-Z3x User manual

R&S®ZN-Z3x
Inline Calibration System
User Manual
User Manual
1177.6381.02 ─ 03
(;ÛÍß2)

This manual describes the Inline Calibration System R&S®ZN-Z3x, comprising
the following components:
●R&S®ZN-Z30 "Inline Calibration Controller", order no. 1328.7609.02
●R&S®ZN-Z32 "Inline Calibration Unit 8.5 GHz", order no. 1328.7638.02
●R&S®ZN-Z33 "Inline Calibration Unit 40 GHz", order no. 1328.7644.02
●R&S®ZN-Z33 "Inline Calibration Unit 40 GHz, Var. 03 (TVAC)", order no.
1328.7644.03
●R&S®ZN-CAN025 "CAN-bus control cable (baked out), 0.25 m", order no.
1339.3622.02
●R&S®ZN-CAN2 "CAN-bus control cable (baked out), 2 m", order no.
1339.3639.02
●R&S®ZN-CAN10 "CAN-bus control cable (baked out), 10 m", order no.
1339.3654.02
●R&S®ZN-CANA "CAN-bus adapter cable (baked out), 0.25 m", order no.
1339.3651.02
The software contained in this product uses several valuable open source software packages. For infor-
mation, see the "Open Source Acknowledgment" on the user documentation CD-ROM (included in deliv-
ery).
Rohde & Schwarz would like to thank the open source community for their valuable contribution to embed-
ded computing.
© 2017 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Mühldorfstr. 15, 81671 München, Germany
Phone: [phone] - 0
Fax: [phone]
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 their owners.
Throughout this manual, products from Rohde & Schwarz are indicated without the ® symbol, e.g.
R&S®ZN-Z3x is abbreviated as R&S ZN-Z3x

Contents
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Contents
1 Introduction............................................................................5
2 Putting the System into Operation.......................................9
3 Application........................................................................... 23
4 Operation..............................................................................25
5 Maintenance......................................................................... 47
6 ZN-Z3x User Tool................................................................. 51
List of Commands............................................................... 59
Index..................................................................................... 61

Contents
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Introduction
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1 Introduction
The measurement accuracy of a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) heavily depends
on a careful user calibration. Any deviation of the test setup after the calibration
process inevitably produces errors. In case of a massive system error correction
(e.g. if long RF cables with high damping or switch matrices are used), those
deviations can lead to strongly altered measurement results. Especially in remote
scenarios such as multiport measurements, a re-calibration using traditional cali-
bration kits or calibration units is a costly and time consuming process.
The Rohde & Schwarz Inline Calibration System R&S ZN-Z3x allows re-calibrat-
ing a running measurement setup without mechanically changing the measure-
ment setup. For each DUT port an Inline Calibration Unit (ICU) is inserted
between the corresponding VNA test port and the DUT. The ICU remains within
the signal path throughout the measurement (low-loss through path) and, on
request of the VNA, performs a full one-port calibration (OSM) in-situ.
In order to perform full multiport measurements an initial calibration of the system
has to be done.
Figure 1-1: Inline Calibration Unit
Control connections are established via a central Inline Calibration Controller
(ICC) with
●2 CAN bus interfaces towards the ICUs
●LAN and USB interface for remote control

Introduction
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Figure 1-2: Inline Calibration Controller
With respect to control, the ICC shall act as the master for the connected ICUs.
However, in order to avoid unnecessary polling of data that might not have
changed (e.g. the temperature of the ICUs) the ICUs themselves are able to send
data autonomously. The CAN protocol supports this kind of multi-master opera-
tion.

Introduction
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1.1 System Overview
An Inline Calibration System R&S ZN-Z3x consists of an Inline Calibration Con-
troller R&S ZN-Z30 (order no. 1328.7609.02) and one or more Inline Calibration
Units R&S ZN-Z32/Z33, interconnected via CAN bus.
Table 1-1: Inline Calibration Units
Product Number Name Order No.
R&S®ZN-Z32 RF Inline Calibration Unit,
10 MHz to 8.5 GHz
1328.7638.02
R&S®ZN-Z33 MW Inline Calibration Unit,
10 MHz to 40 GHz
1328.7644.02
R&S®ZN-Z33 Var. 03 (TVAC) MW Inline Calibration Unit,
10 MHz to 40 GHz
1328.7644.03
CAN bus systems are well established in automotive environments and
have proven a high degree of robustness.
The Inline Calibration Controller (ICC) offers two CAN bus interfaces and is able
to control and power supply up to 24 Inline Calibration Units per CAN bus. The
ICC itself can be controlled via LAN or USB.
For technical details see the R&S ZN-Z3x data sheet.
System Overview

Introduction
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1.2 About this Manual
The user manual contains the "getting started" chapters as well as descriptions of
all instrument functions and of the remote control of the instrument. In addition, it
contains notes on preventative maintenance for the R&S ZN-Z3x and on trouble-
shooting on the basis of the warnings and error messages that the instrument
emits.
The user manual is organized into the following chapters:
●Putting the Instrument into Operation
●Application
●Operation (via Remote Control)
●Maintenance
●Appendix
The most recent version is always available on the Internet.
About this Manual

Putting the System into Operation
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2 Putting the System into Operation
An Inline Calibration System R&S ZN-Z3x consists of a Inline Calibration Control-
ler R&S ZN-Z30 and one or more Inline Calibration Units R&S ZN-Z32/Z33.
The sections below describe how to put the system into operation and how to
establish the required control connections between the system components. Gen-
eral notes are provided to ensure safety while operating the system.
2.1 Inline Calibration Controller Tour
This chapter shows all control elements and connectors on the front and rear
panel of the Inline Calibration Controller R&S ZN-Z30.
2.1.1 Front Panel
The front panel of the Inline Calibration Controller is shown on the photo below.
Brief explanations on the controls and connectors can be found on the following
pages.
Inline Calibration Controller Tour

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Mini display
The R&S ZN-Z30 offers an OLED status display which provides the following
information:
●serial number
●IP-address
●CAN bus 1,2: number of connected Inline Calibration Units, bus status (see
ICC:CAN<bus>:GET:STATe? on page 36)
Note that in certain error states the ICC may not be able to detect the number
of connected ICUs.
●Status of Inline Calibration Controller: "OK" or "Error 6" (configuration corrup-
ted)
If "STAT | Error 6" persists the Inline Calibration Controller has to be
returned to Rohde & Schwarz service.
Display Reset
The Display Reset key deactivates the screensaver.
Status LEDs
●Power: green = ready, red = standby; see Chapter 2.3.4, "Turning the ICC On
and Starting", on page 17
●LAN: green = OK, red = not OK or booting
●USB: green = connected, red = not connected
Standby key
The key serves two purposes:
●Toggle between standby and ready state; see Chapter 2.3.4, "Turning the ICC
On and Starting", on page 17.
When the instrument is powered up it comes up in ready state.
Inline Calibration Controller Tour

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●Shut down the instrument; see Chapter 2.3.5, "Switching the ICC Off",
on page 18.
CAN 1,2
Two independent CAN bus interfaces for control connection and
power supply of Inline Calibration Units, see Chapter 2.4, "Connect-
ing ICUs", on page 18.
The CAN bus voltage supplied by the R&S ZN-Z30 is +24 V with a
maximum current of 1.8 A. The Inline Calibration Units will report an error if the
supply voltage is too low (e.g. due to excessive bus length).
Table 2-1: CAN 1,2 pin assignment
Contact Description Value Range
1 (northwest) CAN_HIGH 0 ... +5.5 V
2 (southwest) CAN_LOW 0 ... +5.5 V
3 (southeast) +24 V supply voltage 0 ... +24.5 V
4 (northeast) Ground 0 V
The color of the LED above the connectors indicates the state of the respective
CAN bus:
●red: bus not working (e.g. no Inline Calibration Unit connected) or in error
state
●blue: bootloader mode (temporary state)
●pink: calibration data alignment between Inline Calibration Units and Inline
Calibration Controller (temporary state)
●green: error-free operation
2.1.2 Back Panel
The back panel of the Inline Calibration Controller is shown on the photo below.
Brief explanations on the controls and connectors can be found in Table 2-2.
Inline Calibration Controller Tour

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1
2
3
4
5
6
Table 2-2: Back panel elements
Index Label Description
1 O I Power switch
2 Fuse drawer (see Chapter 5.2, "Replacing Fuses", on page 47)
3 AC power connector
4 LAN RJ-45 connector to integrate the instrument to a LAN, primarily for
remote control purposes.
5 USB Type B (slave) high speed USB connector for remote control of the
R&S ZN-Z30.
6 SD-CARD Micro SD card slot.
The R&S ZN-Z30 offers a Micro SD-Card slot to provide a mass stor-
age device for characterization data gathered from the connected
ICUs. This way the slow process of copying characterization data from
a ICU to the ICC via CAN-bus (data rate 250 kBit/s) is only needed
with the first usage of a new ICU with a dedicated ICC.
The characterization data on the SD-Card can be accessed either via
LAN (using the Inline Calibration Controller's FTP-server) or by utilizing
the USB interface via the ZN-Z3x User tool (ZN-Z3x User Tool).
Note: The SD card has to be formatted to FAT32.
See the R&S ZN-Z3x Data Sheet for interface specification details.
Inline Calibration Controller Tour

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2.2 Inline Calibration Unit Tour
VNA/DUT
RF connectors, 50 Ω, male/female
●SMA for R&S ZN-Z32
●2.92 mm (K) for R&S ZN-Z33
It is recommended to use a suitable torque wrench when fastening the RF
cables on the test port connectors.
Maximum input levels
The maximum input levels at all test ports according to the data sheet must
not be exceeded.
In addition, the maximum input voltages of the other input connectors at the
rear panel must not be exceeded.
CAN In/Out
"CAN in" and "CAN out" connect the Inline Calibration Unit to a CAN bus (see
Chapter 2.4, "Connecting ICUs", on page 18). The first is for the direction
towards the Inline Calibration Controller, the latter can be used to connect other
Inline Calibration Units; see Chapter 2.4, "Connecting ICUs", on page 18.
Port Display
In error-free operation this displays the test port number to which the Inline Cali-
bration Unit is connected and which is assigned using ICU:SET:PORT<no>. If an
error occurs, E<error code> will be displayed alternating with the test port num-
ber.
Inline Calibration Unit Tour

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Table 2-3: Inline Calibration Unit Errors
Error code Error description
001 CAN bus error
002 Memory read/write error
003 Temperature error
004 24 V error
Do not connect any further Inline Calibration Unit R&S ZN-Z32/Z33,
otherwise the calibration precision (effective system data) can no lon-
ger be guaranteed
005 8 V error
Calibration functionality degraded
006 5 V error
CAN bus functionality degraded, risk of system error
Start Cal
Button with integrated LED, allowing to start a calibration sweep.
The button is armed using the SCPI command ICU:CAL:START. Its current state
can be read using ICU:SHOW:BUTton:STATE?.
2.3 Preparing the System
This section covers the basic steps to set up the Inline Calibration System
R&S ZN-Z3x and to put it into operation.
Preparing the System

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Risk of injury and instrument damage
The instrument must be used in an appropriate manner to prevent electric
shock, fire, personal injury, or damage.
●Do not open the instrument casing.
●Read and observe the "Basic Safety Instructions" delivered as a printed
brochure with the instrument.
In addition, read and observe the safety instructions in the following sec-
tions. Notice that the data sheet may specify additional operating condi-
tions.
Risk of instrument damage due to inappropriate operating conditions
Specific operating conditions are required to ensure accurate measure-
ments and to avoid damage to the instrument. Observe the information on
appropriate operating conditions provided in the basic safety instructions
and the instrument's data sheet.
Instrument damage caused by electrostatic discharge
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage the electronic components of the
instrument and the device under test (DUT). Electrostatic discharge is most
likely to occur when you connect or disconnect a DUT or test fixture to the
instrument's test ports. To prevent electrostatic discharge, use a wrist strap
and cord and connect yourself to the ground, or use a conductive floor mat
and heel strap combination.
Preparing the System

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Safety precautions
Be absolutely sure to follow the instructions in the sections below to prevent
injury to people or damage to the system components. This is particularly
important the first time that you use the instrument. In addition, be sure to
observe the general safety notes at the beginning of this manual.
2.3.1 Unpacking the ICC
The Inline Calibration Controller is delivered in a cardboard box. Proceed as fol-
lows to unpack its contents:
1. Remove the instrument from its packaging and check the shipment for com-
pleteness by comparing it with the shipping document and the accessory lists
for the various items.
2. Remove the protective covers made of corrugated cardboard from the front
and rear of the instrument.
3. Check the instrument for any damage. If there is any damage, immediately
contact the shipping company that delivered the instrument. If this case, be
absolutely certain that you keep the cardboard box and packing materials.
The delivery comprises two CAN bus control cables R&S ZN-CAN2 (2 m length),
a power cable, a USB cable and the Software and User Documentation CD-ROM.
Packing materials
We recommend that you retain the packaging. It is advisable to keep the
original packing material in order to prevent control elements and connec-
tors from being damaged if the instrument has to be transported or shipped
at a later date.
2.3.2 Setting up the System
The Inline Calibration Controller is designed for indoor use and can be set up on
a level surface in a horizontal position.
Preparing the System

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2.3.3 Connecting the ICC to the AC Power Supply
Use the supplied power cable to connect the Inline Calibration Controller to the
AC power supply.
Danger of electric shock
The Inline Calibration Controller complies with the specifications for the
EN61010-1 protective class, which means that it can only be connected to a
power outlet that has a protective contact.
2.3.4 Turning the ICC On and Starting
Switch the power switch on the back panel to I.
The power switch has two positions:
●0: The Inline Calibration Controller is disconnected from the AC supply.
●I: The Inline Calibration Controller is receiving power from the AC supply.
When the instrument receives power from the AC supply it immediately starts
loading the firmware (mini display: "ZN-Z30 <firmware version>") and performs a
self-test.
In standby state press the Standby key to start the instrument.
As soon as the firmware is successfully loaded, the instrument is ready for opera-
tion and can be remotely controlled via USB and LAN.
Preparing the System

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2.3.5 Switching the ICC Off
To switch the R&S ZN-Z30 off, proceed as follows:
1. Press the Standby key on the front of the instrument.
The instrument switches to standby mode; only the POWER (standby) button
remains active.
2. To disconnect the instrument completely from the AC supply, switch the
power switch on the rear of the instrument to 0.
3. Disconnect the power cable at the AC power supply.
2.3.6 Function Check
The R&S ZN-Z30 automatically monitors the most important instrument functions
when it is turned on.
2.4 Connecting ICUs
Per CAN bus interface up to 24 Inline Calibration Units can be connected in line,
with a maximum total cable length of 40 m. CAN bus termination is provided by
the last Inline Calibration Unit in the respective line.
The connectors are mechanically coded to prevent false connections (e.g. to con-
nect CAN1 with CAN2):
30° 0°
CAN 1 and CAN 2 at the Inline Calibration Controller and CAN Out at the Inline
Calibration Unit are coded with 30°, CAN In at the Inline Calibration Unit is coded
with 0°. Each Inline Calibration Unit is shipped with a CAN bus control cable
Connecting ICUs

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R&S ZN-CAN025 (0.25 m length, one end coded 30°, the other coded 0°); other
cable lengths and couplers can be ordered separately.
Table 2-4: CAN bus control cables / adapters
Order no. Cable length Connector types Connector cod-
ing
R&S ZN-CAN025 1323.8759.02 0.25 m male / male 30° / 0°
R&S ZN-CAN2 1323.8742.02 2 m
R&S ZN-CAN10 1323.8736.02 10 m
R&S ZN-CANA 1323.8720.02 0.25 m female / female
2.5 Connecting External Devices
The R&S ZN-Z30 is equipped with different interfaces for establishing a remote
control connection.
EMI Suppression
To suppress electromagnetic interference (EMI), the instrument may only
be operated when it is closed and all covers are in place. The instrument's
EMC rating is specified on the data sheet.
To prevent influences that cause disturbances, the following conditions
must be adhered to:
●Use suitable double-shielded cables.
●Don't use any USB cables that are longer than 1 m.
●Only use USB devices that maintain the permitted EMC values.
●For the LAN connection, use CAT6 or CAT7 RJ-45 cables (LAN, Ether-
net)
Connecting External Devices

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2.5.1 USB
If required, connect the USB connecting cable to the USB type B (slave) port on
the rear panel. With direct connection to a master device, a connecting cable A-B
(plug type A onto plug type B) must be used.
2.5.2 LAN
The connection to the LAN is made using a commercially available RJ-45 cable
via the LAN interface on the back of the instrument.
Possible disturbance of network operation
Only insert or remove the network cable when the instrument is turned off.
That is the only way to ensure reliable detection of the network connection
and avoid faults during operation of the instrument.
The network interface works with an 100 Mbit/s IEEE 802.3u Ethernet. The
TCP/IP network protocol and the associated network services are preconfigured.
In order to exchange data in a local area network (LAN), it must be possible to
address each connected computer or instrument via a unique IP address or a
hostname.
By default, every R&S ZN-Z30 is assigned a hostname ZNZ30X<serial
number>.
2.5.2.1 Networks with DHCP
The R&S ZN-Z30 is preconfigured to use the dynamic host configuration protocol
(DHCP). In such networks, the R&S ZN-Z30 is automatically assigned a free IP
address.
2.5.2.2 Static IP Configuration
With static IP configuration, the static IP configuration data are usually provided
by the network administrator. They can be activated on the R&S ZN-Z3x using
remote control.
Connecting External Devices