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Application Note
 May 14, 2019 - Testing multi-antenna systems
such as phased array or beamforming antennas requires a test system capable of providing
multiple signals with constant phase relationships between them. The coherent test
signals must have a specific or definable phase difference (relative phase) and
definable amplitude. Some of the challenges for such a test system include compactness,
phase control capability and simplicity in handling. In particular, phase stability
between the channels is of importance.
This Generating Multiple Phase Coherent Signals–Aligned
in Phase and Time application note explains how to generate phase coherent signals.
It details what to consider and how to configure the test setup and describes in
detail how to best calibrate the relative phases and timing between the individual
channels and when to repeat the calibration.
Testing multi-antenna systems such as phased array or beamforming antennas requires
a test system capable of providing multiple signals with constant phase relationships
between them. The coherent test signals must have a specific or definable phase
difference (relative phase) and definable amplitude. Some of the challenges for
such a test system include compactness, phase control capability and simplicity
in handling. In particular, phase stability between the channels is of importance.
Many applications in the A&D direction finding and mobile communications beamforming
sectors demand that the phase relationships between channels be constant over time
with minimal deviations, for example as little as <1° phase drift. Such high
phase stability can only be achieved when using a common synthesizer signal (local
oscillator, LO) for all signal generators in a test system.
Rohde & Schwarz signal generators present a compact easy-to-use solution
for generating phase coherent signals. The generators' phase coherence option enables
LO coupling of multiple instruments by distributing the synthesizer signal of one
instrument to the others. Different generator models can be coupled to optimally
fit user requirements in terms of number of phase coherent channels and RF frequency
range. The Rohde & Schwarz solution is therefore flexible and scalable.
Generating Multiple Phase Coherent Signals–Aligned
in Phase and Time application note
About Rohde & Schwarz
Founded more than 80 years ago, Rohde & Schwarz is one of the world's leading
manufacturers of information and communications technology products for professional
users. Initially focusing on RF engineering and RF applications in test and measurement,
radiocommunications and broadcasting, the company has continually expanded its fields
of activity over the past decades . In the meantime Rohde & Schwarz has also
become one of Germany's largest manufacturers of IT security products.
Contacts
Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc. 6821 Benjamin Franklin Dr. Columbia, MD
21046 +1-888-837-8772
Europe, Africa, Middle East +49 89 4129 12345
customersupport@rohde-schwarz.com
North America +1 888 837 8772
customer.support@rsa.rohde-schwarz.com
Latin America +1 410 910 79 88
customersupport.la@rohde-schwarz.com
Asia Pacific +65 65 13 04 88
customersupport.asia@rohde-schwarz.com
China +86 800 810 8228 or +86 400 650 5896
customersupport.china@rohde-schwarz.com
Posted May 16, 2019
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