Rohde & Schwarz SMB100A How to use

PAD-T-M: 3574.3288.02/02.00/CI/1/EN
R&S®SMB100A
Release Notes
Firmware Version 4.20.028.58
© 2018 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Muehldorfstr. 15, 81671 Munich, Germany
Phone: [phone] - 0
Fax: [phone] - 164
E-mail: mailto:[e-mail]
Internet: http://www.rohde-schwarz.com
Subject to change
R&S®is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG. Trade names are trademarks of the owners.
The firmware of the instrument makes use of several valuable open source software packages. For information, see the "Open Source
Acknowledgment" on the user documentation CD-ROM (included in delivery).
The following abbreviations are used throughout this document: R&S®SMB100A is abbreviated as R&S SMB100A.
Release Notes
Test and Measurement

R&S SMB100A Contents
Release Notes 1407.0406.02 - 01 2
Contents
1 Information on the Current Version and History.............................. 3
1.1 Version 4.20.028.58......................................................................................................4
1.2 Version 3.20.390.24......................................................................................................4
1.3 Version 3.01.203.51......................................................................................................5
1.4 Version 3.01.203.50......................................................................................................5
1.5 Version 3.01.203.46......................................................................................................5
1.6 Version 3.01.203.44......................................................................................................6
1.7 Version 3.01.203.32......................................................................................................6
1.8 Version 2.20.382.115....................................................................................................8
1.9 Version 2.20.382.106....................................................................................................9
1.10 Version 2.20.382.70......................................................................................................9
1.11 Version 2.20.382.35....................................................................................................10
1.12 Version 2.20.237.31....................................................................................................12
1.13 Version 2.20.237.18....................................................................................................12
1.14 Version 2.15.245.19....................................................................................................13
1.15 Version 2.10.116.18....................................................................................................14
2Information on Remote Emulations ................................................ 16
3Firmware Update............................................................................... 20
3.1 Update Information....................................................................................................20
3.2 Updating the Firmware..............................................................................................20
3.3 Alternative update procedures.................................................................................22
4Open Source Acknowledgement..................................................... 23
5Customer Support ............................................................................ 24

R&S SMB100A Information on the Current Version and History
Release Notes 1407.0406.02 - 01 3
1Information on the Current Version and
History
General information
This document describes the procedure of applying a firmware update to the
R&S®SMB100A Signal Generator. It furthermore describes the differences between
the several firmware versions. The most current firmware version can be obtained from
www.rohde-schwarz.com.
Instruments covered
This firmware version 4.20.028.58 is suitable for instruments of type R&S®SMB100A
with frequency options SMB-B112, SMB-B112L, SMB-B120, SMB-B120L, SMB-B131,
SMB-B140, SMB-B140L and SMB-B140N.
The firmware is not intended for use in instruments with frequency options SMB-B101,
SMB-B102, SMB-B103 and SMB-B106.
Identify current firmware version
The current instrument firmware revision is indicated during the startup sequence of
the instrument. In addition, it is provided in the SETUP Software/Options dialog and it
is part of the SCPI *IDN instrument identification string.
Potential malfunction of assembly!
It is strongly recommended to do no firmware downgrade below the version the
device was originally delivered with. New module revisions as well as improved
structure of calibration data may not be supported by older firmware versions.
Special hint for instruments equipped with firmware prior to 2.15.245.xx
Please first upgrade to 2.15.245.19 before upgrading the device to 4.20.028.58.
Afterwards, do not downgrade instruments to firmware versions prior to 2.15.245.19.
Depending on the previously installed firmware a power off/on cycle may be requested
after firmware upgrade. Use front panel keys or main switch to shut down and restart
the instrument.
The functional improvements of the different firmware versions are registered below.
New features are described in detail the build-in help system and in the latest version
of the operating manual which can be obtained from www.rohde-schwarz.com.

R&S SMB100A Information on the Current Version and History
Release Notes 1407.0406.02 - 01 4
The R&S®SMB100A provides a continuously growing number of device emulations.
The current emulation set is described in chapter 2 "Information on the Current Version
and History".
1.1 Version 4.20.028.58
Released: May 2018
New Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
275223
Support of RF board 1406.8903.01 / .02
275223
Support of step attenuator 1412.5431.01 / .02 / .08
297166
Security: New Volatile Mode redirects user data to non-persistent memory
Modified Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
365704
Reduced interruption of output signal when changing instrument settings,
e.g. FM Deviation.
365752
SMB-B5: Improved signal/noise ratio due to optimized internal levelling
Fixed Issues
RefNo.
Improvements
209304
SMB-B5: Phase of multiplex signal inverted, positive half waves cause lower frequency
299323
If RF is smaller than 24MHz, unexpected external interrupts may occur, e.g. effecting
external triggered sweep or list mode
341241
NRP-Z Power Viewer: Current frequency not updated in sensor
365816
Unexpected blanking of RF signal when modifying FM depth
Known Issues
RefNo.
Known-Issues
433429
NRP-Z Level Control is not operational
441643
Frequency setting time is extended while NRP-Z Power Viewer is active
12845
Sometimes the SMZ multiplier is not recognized during power on. Workaround:
Power up SMB before connecting or powering the SMZ
1.2 Version 3.20.390.24
Released: January 2016
New Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
151689
Support of new NRPxS(N) Power Sensors
138026
Support of new frequency options SMB-B140N and SMB-B131

R&S SMB100A Information on the Current Version and History
Release Notes 1407.0406.02 - 01 5
Modified Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
138134
Calibration value of oscillator can be changed using protection level 2
138071
Improved FM deviation for stereo modulation up to 200 kHz
137801
Sweep will be stopped after modification of the sweeped value e.g. RF frequency
137541
Factory Preset of "RF OFF Mode" depends on the installed hardware features.
Devices with a mechanical step attenuator => "Full Attenuation"
Devices without a mechanical step attenuator => "Unchanged"
Fixed Issues
RefNo.
Improvements
141332
Step attenuator bouncing with ALC mode S&H at RF output
138136
Pulse Train repetition was not updated after editing
138105
In rare cases a message "Command header too long" was incorrectly displayed
137875
RF output power was not adjusted properly after pulse modulator activation
137823
Repeated settings of the RF phase results in an increased setting time
1.3 Version 3.01.203.51
Released: June 2015
Fixed Issues
RefNo.
Improvements
15132
SMB100N: Support of RFBOARD 1407.7800.
1.4 Version 3.01.203.50
Released: May 2015
Fixed Issues
RefNo.
Improvements
15002
Improved fill operation for lists (e.g. List Mode) with different column lengths (affects
only remote usage).
15022
PULM “DEXC” commands now can be used via SCPI.
1.5 Version 3.01.203.46
Released: January 2015
Modified Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
14088
Pulse Modulation State and Pulse Video Output State are separated now. Switching
Pulse Modulation on/off does not affect Pulse Video Output State.

R&S SMB100A Information on the Current Version and History
Release Notes 1407.0406.02 - 01 6
Fixed Issues
RefNo.
Improvements
14177
Low Harmonic Filter cannot be configured via user interface (in 3.01.203.44).
14165
Fixed “Network Settings”-GUI in disconnected state.
14091
Enabling the pulse generator unexpectedly switches ALC to Sample & Hold, even if
pulse modulation is off.
13981
Under seldom circumstances internal ALC adjustment fails.
1.6 Version 3.01.203.44
Released: November 2014
New Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
13562
Error Handling: In level menu, level range warnings can be suppressed in order to avoid
error messages in uncritical operating conditions.
Modified Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
13230
SMB-B5 Stereo Coder: Characters beyond 80h now are supported in Radio Text and
Program Service Name, according to RDS character table.
13229
SMB-B5 Stereo Coder: RDS-Phase (RDS-PH) now is initialized to Zero after power on
13228
Support of additional USB to RS232 adapters, e.g. Keyspan USA-19HS
12488
MMEM:CDIR is set to default value when executing *RST
Fixed Issues
RefNo.
Improvements
13705
SMB-B120(L): Under some circumstances, Selftest may fail
13590
SMB-B112: DKD calibration may fail
13276
SMB-B120: Unintended warnings at specific level values
13250
Wrong reply to POWer? DEFault on instruments with SMB-B140L together with SMB-
B32 options
13187
With SML emulation active, response values of POW? are wrong when default unit is
dBµV
13186
PSG emulation: Sweep Points value had been off by one
13096
Performance degradation when network configuration dialog is visible
12769
Unintended error message during self test on some instruments
1.7 Version 3.01.203.32
Released: May 2014
New Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
12779
"Display Level as Voltage of EMF" now can be enabled via SCPI:

R&S SMB100A Information on the Current Version and History
Release Notes 1407.0406.02 - 01 7
RefNo.
Functions
[SOURce<HW>]:POWer:EMF:STATe ON|OFF|1|0
12380
Additional NRP-Z Power Sensors are accepted, e.g. NRP-Z211 and NRP-Z221
12361
Warnings regarding overvoltage at modulation inputs can be disabled. Setting is
available in modulation dialogs or via remote: "SOURce:INPut:MODext:WIGNore
ON|OFF|1|0"
12205
Support of RFBOARD 1407.7800
12093
Instrument can be restarted or shut down via user interface (SETUP / Shut down…) to
improve off-site operation
11838
Aperture time setting in power viewer available
11768
Multi-Language user interface
11198
State of optional low harmonic filter is displayed permanently
11078
Internal mass memory can be write-protected to prevent critical user data from being
stored inside the instrument. Available under SETUP / Security…
10660
Additional emulations for SME02, SME03 and SME06
10350
Firmware can be updated via network, refer to chapter 3.3 "Alternative update
procedures"
10315
Additional emulations for SMP02, SMP03 and SMP04
10102
Results of Power Viewer can be logged to file, refer to manual
10101
System can be rebooted and its uptime can be requested via remote control:
SYST:REBoot and SYST:UPTime?
9925
Display of current index in List Mode
8577
Self-Test can be executed and verified via *TST?
Modified Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
13054
Improved setting Time for most instrument settings
12062
SIGNAL VALID connector now is "High" during RF OFF to improve compatibility with
BLANK signal of other R&S instruments.
11886
Reference oscillator: The user adjustment value of the internal oscillator DAC value now
defaults to zero and can be modified to positive and negative values. The value of zero
corresponds to the factory adjustment.
11161
DEV:PRESet now presets LF generator
11249
Power Viewer: Results of NRP-Z8x type sensors by default are displayed as average
values, not peak values
10953
Power Viewer: Sensor frequency now considers RF offset and multiplier settings
10538
Improved display indicator of external reference frequency
Fixed Issues
RefNo.
Improvements
12849
Some USB-Devices cause instrument to state "Device key not found" when connected
during power on. This has been caused by several race conditions in third party driver
12827
NRP-Z5 sensor hub is not detected properly, causing sensors to be assigned to wrong
indices.
12822
Under some circumstances, level errors in List Mode on instruments with mechanical
attenuator
12779
NRP-Z Power Control: When multiple sensors are connected, sometimes the wrong one
is activated for power control
12747
NRP-Z Power Sensors: When instrument is powered on while multiple sensors are
connected via a generic USB hub, the assignment of the sensors is random.
12733
SMB-B5 Stereo Coder: The responses to some queries differ between SML emulation
and native SML instrument.

R&S SMB100A Information on the Current Version and History
Release Notes 1407.0406.02 - 01 8
RefNo.
Improvements
12599
Frequency values between 8 and 9kHz are not set properly
12169
Several issues regarding USB and remote control after applying a factory preset without
subsequent power cycle
12049
Under some circumstances, *OPC? responds too early on instruments with mechanical
attenuator
12043
Power Viewer cannot be enabled after factory preset without power cycle.
11983
SMB-K27 (Pulse Train), table editor: ON-Time and OFF-Time do not accept unit keys
10661
POW:SPC:TARGet does only accept unit dBm
10398
Several state changes (mostly of minor significance or seldom used) in remote control
channels fixed, especially when switching between channels
10338
Informational messages starting with "0, No error" in SCPI error queue
10160
New Sweep Mode "Retrace" provides reset to start value for SINGLE modes
10119
Phase Modulation: By user interface, deviation can only be entered in rad, not in
degree.
1.8 Version 2.20.382.115
Released: August 2013
New Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
11611
Instruments up to 6GHz: Lower Limit of RF Frequency has been reduced to 8KHz to
support new ITU frequency band.
10798
Improved Support of SMZ Microwave Multipliers
Modified Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
11800
Added command POW:STAT for Agilent SCPI emulations
11599
On instruments with step attenuator the output signal now is full attenuated during
Sample&Hold. Previously the attenuation was 50dB.
10954
10330
SMB-B5 Stereo Coder: After PRESET, all RDS groups now are enabled by default.
Previously, if group sequence has not been set explicitly, groups might have been
disabled, depending on preliminary events. In this case features like radio text do not
work as expected.
Fixed Issues
RefNo.
Improvements
11602
Unexpected settings conflict in some pulse generator configurations
11122
Pulse/Video output provides unexpected signals after PRESET
10921
Timing problems when programming a specific batch of internal EEPROMs (effects
production only)
10807
Pulse Train data has been cut to 1023 elements, should be 2047
10794
SMB-112L: On some instruments, in the frequency range below 23.4 MHz, level has
been too low after setting maximum level.
10397
Setting UNIT:POW did not work as expected while EMF setting is active

R&S SMB100A Information on the Current Version and History
Release Notes 1407.0406.02 - 01 9
1.9 Version 2.20.382.106
Released: December 2012
New Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
10460
Support of RF board revision 1406.7371.02
10560
External reference frequency can be switched between 5 and 10MHz (requires RF-
Board revision 1406.7220 and higher)
10394
New emulation for Panasonic 8303 signal generator
10332
Support for R&S®SMZ Microwave Multipliers
10316
LF generator: New LF shapes ‘Triangle’ and ‘Inverse Sawtooth’
10314
New emulation for R&S SMT02 and SMT06 generators
9910
SMB-K23 Pulse Generator: New Trigger Mode ‘Single’
Modified Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
10596
SMB-K27 (Pulse Train) Support of repetition factor ‘0’, useful for temporary suppression
of pulses.
10391
NRP-Z level control now considers UNIT:POW default unit
10389
SYSTem:LANGuage now is accepted even if emulation is already set
10339
Emulation of R&S SML: STEReo:DIRect command now is supported
10097
Attenuator Fixed Range: A small setting margin ensures that even the limits can be set
reliable without error
9910
SMB-K23 Pulse Generator: Trigger Mode identifiers adapted to other triggered modes,
e.g. Sweep
Fixed Issues
RefNo.
Improvements
10782
LF shape ‘Sawtooth’ not operational on some instruments with RF board revision
1406.7207
10655
NRP-Z firmware update not working in some SMB firmware revisions
10545
EMC32 software did not work in virtual mode with SMB
10511
List Mode: Level errors might occur when Power Viewer is active
10369
LF shape ‘Sawtooth’ not available in AM/FM/PHiM modulations under some
circumstances
10368
List Mode: When combined with pulse modulation, spikes might occur between the
pulses
1.10 Version 2.20.382.70
Released: June 2012
New Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
10045
Support of Low Harmonic Filter on instruments up to 20GHz (SMB-B25) and up to
40GHz (SMB-B26)

R&S SMB100A Information on the Current Version and History
Release Notes 1407.0406.02 - 01 10
RefNo.
Functions
10304
SMB-B5 (Stereo Coder): EON Burst-Length can be modified using direct mode
instruction “EON-TA-BURST=x” or “EON-TA-BURST=x,y” with x and y between 4 and 8
10259
New waveform “Sawtooth” for LF Generator (requires RF-Board revision 1406.7207 and
higher)
9927
New emulation for R&S SMR microwave instruments
Modified Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
10249
Improved display update repetition rate
10178
Improved stability and performance of USB-TMC
10163
Improved sweep dwell time of up to 5ms
10098
NRP-Z Power Viewer: User Frequency Sensor can be set to 0Hz (DC)
10059
SMB-B5 (Stereo Coder): Instruction “TRANS=” now carries up to 24 groups
10057
SMB-B5 (Stereo Coder): RDS alternative frequencies do not require position after
decimal point any more
Fixed Issues
RefNo.
Improvements
10303
SMB-B5 (Stereo Coder): Reading back RDS texts containing carriage return characters
fails
10265
Sometimes message “Device Key not found” appeared when an NRP-Z Power sensor
has been connected during power on
10258
Pulse Train: No Sync Pulse when train contains null pulse
10205
Firmware terminates on instruments without pulse generator (SMB-K23) when pulse
modulator dialog is opened
10161
On instruments without step attenuator, a message box displayed during internal
adjustment does not behave as expected
1.11 Version 2.20.382.35
Released: March 2012
New Functionality
RefNo.
Functions
9749
New attenuator setting “RF OFF Mode” controls behavior of attenuator when RF
is switched off and on
9908
Logarithmic AM for microwave instruments (SMB-B112 and up)
9987
LAN Services can be enabled and disabled individually to prevent unintended access to
instrument
9937
Support of IVI-6.1 High Speed LAN instrument protocol (HiSLIP)
9880
SIGNAL VALID can be configured to act as sync signal for pulse generator (SMB-K23)
9557
NRP-Z Level Control: Level can be continuously regulated using NRP-Z power
sensors
9536
Frequency indicator can be modified by a multiplication factor (in addition to frequency
offset)