Product Brochure Version 02.00

Test automation software for TRM characterization in R&D and production

R&S®TS6 TRM TEST LIBRARY

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The RF characterization of a transmit-receive module (TRM), the core component of state-of-the-art AESA radars, requires extensive testing with several thousand results in many different test scenarios. The ¸TS6 TRM test library software automates this measurement including system calibration, test execution, result evaluation and documentation. TRM-specific control implementation is possible locally via an open C# plug-in.State-of-the-art AESA radars contain several thousand TRMs each, and each TRM must be tested separately during the development and production stage. To handle the large number of different measurements and result values, these tests require a high degree of automation.

The R&S®TS6 TRM test library software automates all tests typical for a TRM characterization. It utilizes an R&S®ZNA or R&S®ZVA vector network analyzer and additional equip-ment such as R&S®ZVAX-TRM or R&S®OSP-TRM signal conditioning units, different power supplies, switch matrices and an R&S®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer.

The test software comprises the R&S®TSrun test sequencer and TRM-specific test cases for all common types of TRM tests. Configuration by test parameters for each test case ensures the flexibility to adopt DUT-specific requirements. DUT control and triggering are always device-specific and locally programmable via an open C# software plug-in.

Fast test evaluation of complex tests by comprehensive result summary

The R&S®TS6 TRM test library combines the advantages of standard software as a proven solution based on decades of experience in TRM testing and regular updates with the flexibility of an open device control and a wide range of parametrization of test parameters.

Key facts ► All typical tests for a TRM covered by standard software ► DUT-specific test case adaptation by parametrization ► Open C# DUT control interface ► Automation reduces calibration and testing effort ► Modular and scalable: support for Rohde & Schwarz equipment typical for TRM tests, from a single vector network analyzer to a fully loaded TRM test solution

► Suitable for development and production ► High throughput thanks to optimized test cases

AT A GLANCE

Rohde & Schwarz R&S®TS6 TRM Test Library 3

Core components for an efficient TRM test solution ► Automation of all tests typical for a TRM ► Based on long-standing experience in TRM testing ► Live demonstration and evaluation of capabilities by demo TRM

► Scalable: support for hardware ranging from a single vector network analyzer up to a large TRM test system

► page 4

Covering DUT-specific requirements ► Open DUT interface protects intellectual property of TRM

► Parametrization allows flexible configuration by customer

► page 6

Simplifying complex TRM tests by automation ► Dedicated test cases for TRM testing reduce complexity ► Fast adaptation to the task by flexible test sequence ► Optimized automated calibration routine ► page 7

Optimized test performance ► Automatic pass/fail analysis and detailed report ► High throughput due to fast test speed ► page 8

What is an AESA?

AESA stands for active electronically scanned array and refers to radar equipment with active electronic beam steering. An AESA consists

of a multitude of transmit-receive modules and the associated antenna elements. The radar beam is oriented and focused by phase shifting

between the individual modules on the antenna surface. The advantages of AESA are fast beam steering, the detection of multiple targets

and the absence of moving parts. In addition, an AESA provides high redundancy if individual modules fail.

Block diagram of a TRM

Phasegainswitchcontrol

Digitalinterface

TXactivation

RXactivation

Antenna

TX

RX

What is a TRM?

A TRM, or transmit-receive module, contains the main ele-

ments of the radar frontend: a controllable attenuator and

phase shifter for orienting and focusing the radar beam, a

power amplifier for transmission and a low-noise amplifier

for reception. It also includes additional components e.g.

for switching between transmission and reception, for con-

trolling and for limiting. The radar antenna consists of thou-

sands of TRMs and the associated antenna elements.

BENEFITS

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CORE COMPONENTS FOR AN EFFICIENT TRM TEST SOLUTION

Live demonstration and evaluation of capabilities by demo TRMThe performance and capabilities of the software can be easily demonstrated live using an ¸ZNA vector network analyzer. For this purpose, two different ¸TS-TRM-ES evaluation sets are available, consisting of an X-band low-power demo TRM and required control cabling:

► Control of the TRM via USB interface, allowing a very simple control setup

► Control of the TRM via the ¸CompactTSVP with ¸TS-PIO4 for high-speed module control with optimized handover to the measurement

For an easy start, the R&S®TS6 TRM test library can be installed in a preconfigured configuration for the demo TRM.

R&S®ZNA ¸ZVA ¸ZVA, ¸ZVAX-TRM

¸ZVA, ¸OSP-TRM, ¸cTSVP

Additional ¸FSW

Test caseTest mode

Supported modulation

CW, pulsed CW CW, pulsed CW, pulsed CW, pulsed

S-parameter over DUT states RX, TX ● ● ● ●

Compression point RX, TX ● ● ● ●

Spurious emissions RX, TX ● ● ● ● ●

Pulse profile (rise time, fall time, power droop)

TX ● ● ● ●

Noise figure RX ● ● 1) ● 1) ●

Out-of-band rejection RX, TX ● ● ● ● ●

Harmonics RX, TX ● ● ● ●

Power added efficiency TX ● ● 2) ● 2) ● 2)

Intermodulation RX ● 3), 4) ● 4) ● 4)

1) CW only.2) Requires a supported power supply.3) Requires a power combiner.4) Requires two internal VNA sources.

¸TS6 TRM test library test cases and typical hardware configurations

Automation of all tests typical for a TRMAutomation is an essential requirement for TRM testing, due to the fact that a single S-parameter test over all attenuation/phase states of a DUT can already create tens of thousands of result values. In combination with other tests a module characterization gets even more complex.

Based on long-standing experience in TRM testingRohde & Schwarz has been providing test equipment and test solutions for TRM testing for a long time. The R&S®TS6 TRM test library is based on this experience. Users will also benefit from this in the future: as Rohde & Schwarz standard software, new features and developments become available as updates and upgrades. Together with the flexibility of an open device control and a wide range of test parameters, the result is a powerful TRM test tool.

Easy evaluation of capabilities with R&S® ZNA and Demo TRM

PCR&S®ZNA/ZVA

R&S®ZNA/ZVAR&S®OSP-TRMR&S®TSVPincluding PC

System R&S®FSW

R&S®ZNA/ZVA

R&S®TS-MWM

R&S®TSVP

Power supplies

R&S®OSP-TRM

PCR&S®ZVAR&S®ZVAX-TRM

Rohde & Schwarz R&S®TS6 TRM Test Library 5

Scalable: support for hardware ranging from a single vector network analyzer up to a large TRM test systemThe R&S®TS6 TRM test library supports different hardware configurations. The core is always a high-end vector net-work analyzer, either the R&S®ZNA or the R&S®ZVA. By making maximum usage of the library’s capabilities, very compact hardware setups can be achieved.

The detailed hardware setup depends on the tests to be carried out, required test performance and degree of automation.

► The smallest configuration is a standalone vector network analyzer. In this case, additional equipment (e. g. combiner, amplifiers) is required for some test cases.

► By adding the ¸ZVAX-TRM extension unit, all test cases can be covered in pulsed and CW mode with automatic switching of the paths. Some additional components (attenuators, filters) may still be required.

► For fully automated tests, typical for production, including multiplexing of several DUTs, the ¸OSP-TRM signal conditioning unit is also supported. In this configuration, the R&S®TS6 TRM test library is also part of the turnkey ¸TS6710 TRM test solution. The R&S®OSP-TRM is available for the R&S®ZNA and the R&S®ZVA.

► Adding the R&S®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer can enhance the performance of the following test cases: spurious emissions, pulse profile and noise figure.

► For additional test automation, the R&S®TS6 TRM test library also controls power supplies and switch matrices such as the ¸OSP open switch and control platform.

Scalable solution from standalone network analyzer to complete test system

BeforeMeasurement()e.g. digital TRM settingsin case of a serial interface

AfterPowerUp()e.g. digital TRM settingsin case of a serial interface

BeforePowerUp()e.g. digital TRM settingsin case of a serial interface

BeforePowerDown()

AfterMeasurement()e.g. reset digital hardwareto a save state

SendPulsesImmediate()SendPulsesAfterTrigger()

AfterPowerDown()

TRM digital control plug-in(e.g. MyQuadTrm)

invokes

invokes

invokes

invokes

invokes

invokes

invokes

invokes

invokes

invokes

C# in

terfa

ceIT

rmDi

gita

lCon

trol

Preparation of measurement

Power supply switched on

Create test setup (VNA/SA)

Power supply switched off

Finalization of measurement

Execution of measurement

Reporting of results

TRM test(e.g. TX S-parameters)

R&S®TSrun test plan

TRM test(e.g. TXharmonics)

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Open DUT interface protects intellectual property of TRMTRMs not only have device-specific control and test parameters, they are also often classified or company confidential. In this case, control implementation and software parametrization must be carried out locally.

The R&S®TS6 TRM test library has an open control plug-in programmed in C# and delivered with a code example. The user or Rohde & Schwarz can adopt this code to communicate to the module-specific hardware or soft-ware. All trigger signals for the module are controlled here, because some TRMs require complex trigger sequences.

Local Rohde & Schwarz application engineers support the user during this process.

Parametrization allows flexible configuration by customerEach test case can be configured by a wide range of parameters. This covers the detailed RF settings, measurement paths, ports and DUT states, providing high flexibility in configuring a test case for a dedicated task. A test case can also cover different measurements, e.g. the S- parameter test can cover gain, attenuation and phase stability and isolation. It can be included in a test plan a number of times to cover different test aspects.

COVERING DUT-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Each test case can be con-

figured by a wide range of

parameters to cover DUT-

specific requirements

Open DUT control and trigger interface

Rohde & Schwarz R&S®TS6 TRM Test Library 7

In the R&S®TS6 TRM test library, each test case stores its calibration requirements in a common file. The calibration procedure analyzes the requirements of all test cases selected for calibration. The calibration routine runs a sequence optimized for minimum manual interactions without compromising measurement accuracy. Using an auto matic calibration unit and an ¸NRP power meter as calibration equipment, the person carrying out the calibration is guided through the process, in case an inter-action is required.

SIMPLIFYING COMPLEX TRM TESTS BY AUTOMATION

Easy configuration and modifications of test plans

Dedicated test cases for TRM testing reduce complexityManual tests typically require parameter settings in different menus, which have to be changed for the different kinds of tests.

Since the R&S®TS6 TRM test library is dedicated for TRM testing, complexity and effort are reduced to a one-time test parameter definition for a specific test. This s ignificantly reduces the effort involved, especially when repeating tests, combining them with other tests or varying parameters. It also ensures repeatability and com-parability of results due to standardized test procedures.

Fast adaptation to the task by flexible test sequenceEspecially in development, different standalone tests for optimizing the TRM aspects alternate with exhaustive testing of overall performance. Each test in a test plan can be easily activated or deactivated and test parameters can be modified.

Optimized automated calibration routineOn one hand, each test case requires calibration with its exact parameter settings to achieve optimum measure-ment accuracy. On the other hand, time for calibration and especially manual interactions during calibration must be minimized in order to ensure efficient testing.

Automated calibration for minimum manual interactions without compromising measurement accuracy

Calibration requirement1. Source power calibration2. Receiver power calibration3. System error correction

Calibration requirement1. Source power calibration2. Spectrum analyzer transducer calibration

Calibration requirement1. Source power calibration2. Receiver power calibration3. System error correction

xml files in C:\ProgramData\Rohde-Schwarz\TrmTestLibrary\CalibrationRequirements

TX compression point testRunCalMode = true

RX spurious spectrum analyzer testRunCalMode = true

RX S-parameters testRunCalMode = true

Running of tests in calibration preparation mode

TRM calibration testSorting of all steps for optimized manual interactions and executing of calibration

Rohde & Schwarz R&S®TS6 TRM Test Library 8

High throughput due to fast test speedThe R&S®TS6 TRM test library is designed for utilizing a high test speed. This is achieved through optimal use of the test equipment’s features. In addition, tests over many DUT states, e.g. for S-parameter, are sped up by fast handover between DUT control and measurement.

Implementations of ¸TS6710 test systems using the R&S®TS6 TRM test library and module control via the ¸CompactTSVP have shown test times of approximately four minutes for a full module characterization.

OPTIMIZED TEST PERFORMANCEAutomatic pass/fail analysis and detailed reportThe integrated report generator displays the results in clearly structured tables and graphics including the settings and provides a color-coded pass/fail representation for fast visual evaluation.

A live view of test data is available directly in the ̧ TSrun sequencer, and an additional test report is generated as PDF or Excel files. In addition, S- parameters can be saved as zipped Touchstone files.

Easy evaluation by pass/fail criteria plus detailed graphical and numerical results for in-depth analysis of deviations and drifts

Rohde & Schwarz R&S®TS6 TRM Test Library 9

ORDERING INFORMATIONDesignation Type Order No.USB smart card (license dongle) with R&S®TS6 software,USB 2.0 smart card reader (stick)

R&S®TS6 1519.0407.02

TRM test library, test case S-parameter R&S®TS6-K20 1519.0459.02

TRM test library, test case packet 1 R&S®TS6-K22 1519.0465.02

TRM test library, test case packet 2 R&S®TS6-K25 1519.0471.02

TRM test library, test case bundle, including R&S®TS6-K20/-K22/-K25 R&S®TS6-PK20 1519.0488.02

Evaluation setsTRM evaluation set with USB control, required test equipment:

► R&S®ZVA vector network analyzer ► R&S®ZVAX-TRM recommended (required for pulsed tests and

intermodulation) ► PC with R&S®TS6 TRM test library ► Optional: R&S®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer

R&S®TS-TRM-ES 1525.0728.02

TRM evaluation set with TTL control 1)1), required test equipment: ► R&S®ZVA vector network analyzer ► R&S®ZVAX-TRM or R&S®OSP-TRM ► R&S®CompactTSVP with R&S®TS-PIO4 and R&S®TS6 TRM test library ► Optional: R&S®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer

R&S®TS-TRM-ES 1525.0728.03

1) Direct control of the TRM evaluation set via serial 4-line LVTTL bypassing the TRM internal microcontroller. Digital control by the R&S®CompactTSVP in combination with the R&S®TS-PIO4 allows much faster setting of the module state than USB control.

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG Trade names are trademarks of the owners PD 5216.3514.12 | Version 02.00 | January 2020 (rf/as) R&S®TS6 TRM Test Library Data without tolerance limits is not binding | Subject to change© 2018 - 2020 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG | 81671 Munich, Germany

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