Ronde & Schwarz R&S NRP18S Series User manual

R&S®NRP18S-xx
High-Power Three-Path Diode Power
Sensors
User Manual
1178368602
Version 07
(;ÜTä2)

This manual describes the following high-power three-path diode power sensors with firmware version FW
02.30 and later:
●R&S®NRP18S-10 (1424.6721K02)
●R&S®NRP18S-20 (1424.6738K02)
●R&S®NRP18S-25 (1424.6744K02)
© 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.
Trade names are trademarks of the owners.
1178.3686.02 | Version 07 | R&S®NRP18S-xx
Throughout this manual, products from Rohde & Schwarz are indicated without the ® symbol, for example R&S®NRP18S-10 is
abbreviated as R&S NRP18S-10.

Contents
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3User Manual 1178.3686.02 ─ 07
Contents
1 Safety and regulatory information........................................................7
1.1 Safety instructions........................................................................................................7
1.2 Labels on the product...................................................................................................8
1.3 Warning messages in the documentation.................................................................. 8
2 Welcome................................................................................................. 9
2.1 Documentation overview..............................................................................................9
2.1.1 Getting started manual....................................................................................................9
2.1.2 User manuals.................................................................................................................. 9
2.1.3 Tutorials...........................................................................................................................9
2.1.4 Instrument security procedures.......................................................................................9
2.1.5 Basic safety instructions..................................................................................................9
2.1.6 Data sheets and brochures........................................................................................... 10
2.1.7 Release notes and open source acknowledgment (OSA)............................................ 10
2.1.8 Application notes, application cards, white papers, etc.................................................10
2.2 Key features.................................................................................................................10
3 Preparing for use................................................................................. 12
3.1 Unpacking and checking............................................................................................12
3.2 Choosing the operating site.......................................................................................12
3.3 Considerations for test setup.................................................................................... 13
3.4 Connecting to a DUT...................................................................................................13
3.5 Powering the power sensor....................................................................................... 14
3.6 Connecting a cable to the host interface..................................................................15
3.7 Connecting to a controlling host...............................................................................15
3.7.1 Computer...................................................................................................................... 15
3.7.2 Base unit....................................................................................................................... 18
4 Power sensor tour................................................................................19
4.1 RF connector............................................................................................................... 19
4.2 Status information...................................................................................................... 20
4.3 Host interface.............................................................................................................. 20
4.4 Trigger I/O connector..................................................................................................20

Contents
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4User Manual 1178.3686.02 ─ 07
5 Operating concepts............................................................................. 22
5.1 R&S NRP Toolkit..........................................................................................................22
5.1.1 Versions and downloads............................................................................................... 22
5.1.2 System requirements.................................................................................................... 22
5.1.3 R&S NRP Toolkit for Windows...................................................................................... 23
5.2 Remote control............................................................................................................24
5.3 R&S NRPV....................................................................................................................25
5.4 R&S Power Viewer...................................................................................................... 26
5.5 R&S Power Viewer Mobile..........................................................................................28
5.6 R&S NRX...................................................................................................................... 28
6 Firmware update.................................................................................. 30
6.1 Hardware and software requirements.......................................................................30
6.2 Updating the firmware................................................................................................ 30
6.2.1 Using the Firmware Update for NRP Family program...................................................30
6.2.2 Using remote control..................................................................................................... 32
7 Replacing an R&S NRP‑Zxx with an R&S NRP18S-xx ..................... 34
7.1 Important difference................................................................................................... 34
7.2 Prerequisites............................................................................................................... 34
8 Remote control commands.................................................................35
8.1 Conventions used in SCPI command descriptions................................................. 35
8.2 Notations......................................................................................................................36
8.3 Common commands...................................................................................................37
8.4 Preparing for the measurement.................................................................................41
8.4.1 Selecting the reference source..................................................................................... 41
8.4.2 Selecting a measurement path..................................................................................... 41
8.4.3 Selecting a measurement mode................................................................................... 42
8.4.4 Configuring the measured values................................................................................. 43
8.5 Controlling the measurement.................................................................................... 44
8.5.1 Starting and ending a measurement............................................................................. 45
8.5.2 Triggering...................................................................................................................... 46
8.5.3 Controlling the measurement results............................................................................ 48
8.5.4 Interplay of the controlling mechanisms........................................................................49

Contents
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8.5.5 Configuring the trigger...................................................................................................54
8.6 Configuring results..................................................................................................... 59
8.6.1 Setting the power unit................................................................................................... 59
8.6.2 Setting the result format................................................................................................ 60
8.7 Configuring the measurement modes...................................................................... 61
8.7.1 Continuous average measurement............................................................................... 61
8.7.2 Burst average measurement.........................................................................................65
8.7.3 Timeslot measurement..................................................................................................66
8.7.4 Trace measurement...................................................................................................... 68
8.8 Configuring basic measurement parameters...........................................................73
8.8.1 Configuring auto averaging........................................................................................... 73
8.8.2 Setting the frequency.................................................................................................... 77
8.8.3 Excluding intervals........................................................................................................ 77
8.8.4 Configuring corrections................................................................................................. 78
8.9 Querying measurement results................................................................................. 94
8.10 Calibrating, zeroing.....................................................................................................95
8.11 Testing..........................................................................................................................97
8.12 Configuring the system.............................................................................................. 98
8.12.1 Configuring general functions....................................................................................... 98
8.13 Using the status register.......................................................................................... 106
8.13.1 General status register commands............................................................................. 107
8.13.2 Reading the CONDition part....................................................................................... 107
8.13.3 Reading the EVENt part..............................................................................................108
8.13.4 Controlling the ENABle part........................................................................................ 108
8.13.5 Controlling the negative transition part........................................................................108
8.13.6 Controlling the positive transition part......................................................................... 109
9 Performing measurement tasks - programming examples............110
9.1 Performing the simplest measurement...................................................................110
9.2 Performing the fastest measurement in continuous average mode.................... 110
9.2.1 Untriggered fast unchopped continuous average measurement.................................110
9.2.2 Triggered fast unchopped continuous average measurement.................................... 112
9.3 Performing a buffered continuous average measurement................................... 113
9.4 Performing trace measurements............................................................................. 115

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9.5 Trace measurement with synchronization to measurement complete................ 116
10 Remote control basics.......................................................................118
10.1 Remote control interfaces and protocols............................................................... 118
10.1.1 USB interface.............................................................................................................. 118
10.2 Status reporting system........................................................................................... 119
10.2.1 Overview......................................................................................................................119
10.2.2 Device status register..................................................................................................122
10.2.3 Questionable status register....................................................................................... 123
10.2.4 Standard event status and enable register (ESR, ESE)............................................. 126
10.2.5 Operation status register.............................................................................................127
11 Troubleshooting.................................................................................135
11.1 Displaying status information..................................................................................135
11.2 Performing a selftest................................................................................................ 135
11.3 Problems during a firmware update........................................................................135
11.4 Contacting customer support..................................................................................136
12 Transporting....................................................................................... 137
13 Maintenance, storage and disposal................................................. 138
13.1 Regular checks..........................................................................................................138
13.2 Cleaning..................................................................................................................... 139
13.3 Storage.......................................................................................................................139
13.4 Disposal..................................................................................................................... 139
List of commands.............................................................................. 141
Index....................................................................................................146

Safety and regulatory information
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1 Safety and regulatory information
The product documentation helps you use the product safely and efficiently. Follow the
instructions provided here and in the following chapters.
Intended use
The power sensors are intended for accurate and uncomplicated power measurements
in production, R&D and calibration labs as well as for installation and maintenance
tasks. The supported base units are listed in the data sheet. 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 experience
in power measurements depend on the used operating concept.
The power sensor is designed for high-power applications.
Where do I find safety information?
Safety information is part of the product documentation. It warns you of potential dan-
gers 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 7. The same information is provi-
ded 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 product documentation
nearby and offer it to other users.
Use the product only for its intended use and within its performance limits. Intended
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.
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 dam-
aged or broken, stop using the product. Contact Rohde & Schwarz customer service at
http://www.customersupport.rohde-schwarz.com.
Safety instructions

Safety and regulatory information
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Choosing the operating site
Only use the product indoors. The product casing is not waterproof.
Observe the ambient conditions such as altitude, operating temperature and climatic
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.
Electrical hazard
Indicates live parts. Risk of electric shock, fire, personal injury or even death.
1.2 Labels on the product
Labels on the product inform about:
●Personal safety
See "Meaning of safety labels" on page 8.
●Environment safety
See Table 1-1.
●Identification of the product
The name plate at the rear side of the power sensor contains the serial number
that uniquely identifies the power sensor.
Table 1-1: Labels regarding environment safety
Labeling in line with EN 50419 for disposal of electrical and electronic equipment after the prod-
uct has come to the end of its service life.
For more information, see "Disposing electrical and electronic equipment" on page 139.
1.3 Warning messages in the documentation
A warning message points out a risk or danger that you need to be aware of. The sig-
nal 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
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2 Welcome
This chapter provides an overview of the user documentation and an introduction to
the R&S NRP18S-xx .
2.1 Documentation overview
This section provides an overview of the R&S NRP18S-xx user documentation. Unless
specified otherwise, you find the documents on the R&S NRP18S-xx product page at:
www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/nrp18s-xx
2.1.1 Getting started manual
Introduces the R&S NRP18S-xx and describes how to set up and start working with the
product. Includes basic operations and general information, e.g. safety instructions,
etc. A printed version is delivered with the power sensor.
2.1.2 User manuals
Contains the description of all instrument modes and functions. It also provides an
introduction to remote control, a complete description of the remote control commands
with programming examples, and information on maintenance and interfaces. Includes
the contents of the getting started manual.
2.1.3 Tutorials
Tutorials offer guided examples and demonstrations on operating the R&S NRP18S-
xx . They are provided on the product page of the internet.
2.1.4 Instrument security procedures
Deals with security issues when working with the R&S NRP18S-xx in secure areas. It
is available for download on the Internet.
2.1.5 Basic safety instructions
Contains safety instructions, operating conditions and further important information.
The printed document is delivered with the instrument.
Documentation overview

Welcome
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2.1.6 Data sheets and brochures
The data sheet contains the technical specifications of the R&S NRP18S-xx . It also
lists the firmware applications and their order numbers, and optional accessories.
The brochure provides an overview of the instrument and deals with the specific char-
acteristics.
www.rohde-schwarz.com/brochure-datasheet/nrp18s-xx
2.1.7 Release notes and open source acknowledgment (OSA)
The release notes list new features, improvements and known issues of the current
firmware version, and describe the firmware installation.
The "Open Source Acknowledgment" is provided on the user documentation CD-ROM,
included in the delivery. It contains verbatim license texts of the used open source soft-
ware.
www.rohde-schwarz.com/firmware/nrp_s_sn
2.1.8 Application notes, application cards, white papers, etc.
These documents deal with special applications or background information on particu-
lar topics.
www.rohde-schwarz.com/application/nrp18s-xx
2.2 Key features
The 3-path diode power sensors are members of the R&S NRP series power sensors
from Rohde & Schwarz.
They provide a high-speed USB interface that constitutes both the communication port
and the power supply connection.
The R&S NRP18S-xx power sensors are designed for high-power applications. Each
R&S NRP18S-xx power sensor is delivered with an upstream attenuator.
Key features