Application Note: Measurements On FM Transmitters For Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance
Application Note: Measurements On FM Transmitters For Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance
Application Note: Measurements On FM Transmitters For Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance
Sep-13 – 7BM105_0E
Klaus,Christiane
Contents
1 Overview ................................................................................. 4
2 FM Basics ............................................................................... 6
2.1 The Multiplex (MPX) Signal .........................................................................6
2.1 Pre- and Deemphasis ...................................................................................8
2.2 RF Bandwidth ...............................................................................................8
2.3 Stereo Decoder .............................................................................................8
2.4 Transmitter Inputs ........................................................................................9
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 2
5 Measurements ...................................................................... 27
5.1 Transmitter Output Level ...........................................................................27
5.2 Frequency Accuracy ..................................................................................30
5.3 Frequency Deviation Constant: Checking the Transmitter's Frequency
Modulator Constant ...................................................................................32
5.4 Frequency Response .................................................................................37
5.4.1 Amplitude-Frequency Response ..................................................................37
5.4.2 Phase Response ..........................................................................................43
5.4.3 Balance .........................................................................................................48
5.5 Stereo Crosstalk .........................................................................................51
5.6 Nonlinear Distortion ...................................................................................54
5.6.1 Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) ..................................................................54
5.6.2 Dual Frequency Distortion (DFD) .................................................................58
5.7 Spurious modulation (Signal-to-Noise Ratio, S/N) .................................65
5.7.1 Spurious Frequency Modulation...................................................................65
5.7.2 Spurious Amplitude Modulation ....................................................................70
5.7.3 Noise Power Density at 57 kHz ....................................................................73
5.8 Polarity of the Input ....................................................................................76
5.9 Digital Input Signal (AES/EBU) .................................................................79
6 Abbreviations ....................................................................... 81
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 3
Overview
1 Overview
Frequency modulation (FM) remains very popular in analog broadcasting. Compared
with amplitude modulation (AM), FM needs more bandwidth, but it is also more im-
mune to interference and offers a better signal-to-noise ratio (modulation gain). FM
also supports nonlinear (class C) amplifiers, which are more efficient.
Fig. 1: R&S®ETL.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 4
Overview
Appendix A explains the linkage between a transmitter's modulation input level and the
®
resulting frequency deviation. Appendix B shows how to use the R&S TxCheck soft-
®
ware with the R&S ETL to automate many of the measurements covered here in this
document.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 5
FM Basics
2 FM Basics
In frequency modulation (FM), the carrier frequency wave is varied in sync with the
transmitted signal. The change in the carrier frequency caused by modulation is re-
ferred to as the frequency deviation. The greater the amplitude of the information
signal, the greater the frequency deviation (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).
Fig. 2: Audio scope display showing a frequency-modulated 1 kHz audio signal – on the left with a
20 kHz frequency deviation (resulting from 0 dBu), and on the right with a 40 kHz frequency deviation
(resulting from 6 dBu).
Fig. 3: RF spectrum of a frequency-modulated 1 kHz audio signal – on the left with a 20 kHz frequen-
cy deviation (resulting from 0 dBu), and on the right with a 40 kHz frequency deviation (resulting
from 6 dBu).
The FM stereo system was designed to be backward compatible and allow broadcast
signals to be received on mono equipment as well. The pilot tone multiplex system,
defined in CCIR recommendation 450, section 2, was developed for this purpose. In
this system, the modulation signal is generated by a special stereo coder. This can be
a separate, upstream device, or it can be integrated in a transmitter. A transmitter
without a stereo coder can be used as a mono transmitter.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 6
FM Basics
A matrix circuit in the stereo coder generates a sum signal M (middle) and a difference
signal S (side) from the left and right audio signals (each of which has a bandwidth of
15 kHz). The sum signal M equates to the mono signal transmitted by a mono transmit-
ter. The difference signal S is amplitude-modulated on a subcarrier at 38 kHz. This
subcarrier is suppressed to reduce the bandwidth required, and a pilot tone at 19 kHz
is transmitted instead. The pilot tone enables a receiver (decoder) to identify that the
broadcast signal is stereo; it also enables a stereo receiver to recover the suppressed
subcarrier (at 38 kHz) and demodulate the difference signal.
The stereo coder's full output signal is called a multiplex (MPX) signal. This essentially
consists of three parts:
L R
The sum signal M , with a bandwidth of 40 Hz to 15 kHz
2
The 19 kHz pilot tone
L R
The modulated difference signal S , with a bandwidth of
2
23 kHz to 53 kHz
As VHF radio evolved, the following ancillary signals were incorporated to support
additional services:
Radio Data System (RDS): This carries static information (such as the sta-
tion identifier and track titles) that appears on receiver displays. The infor-
mation is transmitted digitally on a 57 kHz subcarrier
o The precursor of RDS was ARI (Autofahrer-Rundfunk-Information,
automobile radio information)
Data Radio Channel (DARC): This is a system similar to RDS, and is used
mainly in Japan and the USA
Subsidiary Communication Authorization (SCA): This carries an additional,
telephone-grade audio signal. The SCA ancillary signal's standard fre-
quencies are 41 kHz (for mono transmitters only), 67 kHz and 92 kHz
These ancillary signals are added to the MPX signal (see Fig. 4).
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 7
FM Basics
2.2 RF Bandwidth
The signal generated in the stereo coder is frequency-modulated in an exciter. Based
on Carson's rule, the following applies approximately to the bandwidth of a frequency-
modulated signal (see Fig. 5):
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 8
FM Basics
Transmitter Inputs
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 9
R&S®ETL Settings for FM Measurements
This section provides an overview of the available settings, what they do, and how they
interact. Having this background knowledge is not a prerequisite for performing the
measurement, because information on all of the required settings is provided along
with the measurement descriptions in Section 5. Here, in Section 3, users can read
about what the settings actually mean.
®
The R&S ETL provides the following configuration dialogs for FM measurements:
● Radio settings (3.1)
● Audio generator (3.2)
● Configuration dialogs for individual measurements:
Audio analysis measurements (3.3):
Frequency response
Crosstalk
Level
Signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio
Total harmonic distortion (THD)
Dual frequency distortion (DFD)
Modulation analysis measurements (3.4):
Audio scope
Audio spectrum
MPX power and peak deviation
MPX deviation distribution
Multipath detection
RDS
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 10
R&S®ETL Settings for FM Measurements
In configuration dialogs, it is important always to configure the settings from the top
down, because some of the settings available are contingent upon others. For in-
stance, the "Stereo Decoder" setting under "Radio Settings" is only available if "FM
Stereo" has been selected under "Radio Standard".
Fig. 7: Switching the R&S®ETL to "Radio" mode and opening the "Radio Settings" dialog.
The settings in the "Radio Settings" configuration dialog comprise the following five
groups; these are described in the sections indicated below in parentheses (see
Fig. 8).
Outputs (3.1.3)
Fig. 8: The "Radio Settings" configuration dialog, accessed via MEAS→Radio Settings.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 11
R&S®ETL Settings for FM Measurements
Radio Standard
The radio standard must be selected to match the transmitter's operating mode:
FM Mono: This should be selected for mono-only transmitters because, ac-
cording to some specifications (such as RaiWay) they may require an audio-
frequency bandwidth of up to 17.5 kHz. In stereo, this bandwidth is technically
unfeasible. Choosing "FM Mono" means that no stereo measurements will be
®
available for selection in the R&S ETL menu.
"FM Stereo" should be selected as the radio standard for measurements on
stereo transmitters in mono mode when an audio-frequency bandwidth of
15 kHz is sufficient, or for measurements on the sum signal M.
FM Stereo: This setting causes the R&S ETL to behave like a receiver with a
®
Channel Bandwidth
A narrow channel selection (lower bandwidth) clips the sidebands. As bandwidths
narrow, distortion increases. For this reason, to take precise measurements on trans-
mitters, users should select the largest available bandwidth (1 MHz). However, when
conducting measurements on a receive antenna with adjacent channels, it may be
necessary to select narrower bandwidths in order to limit interference from adjacent
channels as much as possible.
Data System
The "Data System" setting enables measurements to be performed on RDS signals
(including the RBDS variant used in the USA) and on DARC signals. Choosing "None"
under "Data System" means that these measurements will not be available or per-
formed.
The only measurement available for DARC is frequency deviation ("DARC Deviation").
®
The R&S ETL has a decoder for RDS and RBDS (MEAS→Modulation Analy-
sis→RDS→Extended RDS Analysis). "RBDS mode" must be enabled for RBDS (see
®
Fig. 9, top right). The "extended RDS analysis” option in the R&S ETL makes it possi-
ble, among other things, to analyze transmitter names and alternative frequencies.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 12
R&S®ETL Settings for FM Measurements
SCA Mode
The "SCA Mode" setting allows the SCA ancillary signal to be demodulated and meas-
ured. The setting distinguishes between "Narrow" (approx. 14 kHz bandwidth of the
modulated subcarrier, which is used in the USA, for instance) and "Wide" (approx.
26 kHz bandwidth of the modulated subcarrier, which is used, in Italy, for example). If
this is set to "Off", these measurements are not available or performed. If SCA is
activated, the center frequency of the subcarrier to be demodulated must be entered
under "SC Freq" (SC = subcarrier); this frequency defaults to 41 kHz (mono transmit-
ters only) or 67 kHz. For stereo transmitters, 92 kHz is also common.
The stereo decoder's actual synchronization with the pilot signal does not depend on
this setting.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 13
R&S®ETL Settings for FM Measurements
3.1.3 Outputs
Selected signals can be fed in analog or, in some instances, in digital form to an exter-
nal audio analyzer for extended analysis. Two outputs are available for this purpose
(see Fig. 10):
®
● CCVS (color composite video signal; the R&S ETL also uses this to output analog
TV signals – thus the name)
● Balanced outputs (1/L and 2/R)
Fig. 10: The R&S®ETL has two outputs for more extensive audio analysis.
The demodulated digital signal in AES/EBU format (available on the CCVS output) has
better signal quality than the demodulated analog signals on the 1/L and 2/R outputs.
This is why, if possible, the AES/EBU format should be used when an external audio
analyzer is connected.
The selected signal also appears on the headphone output (AF Out) and in the
AES/EBU signal; the latter can be selected on the CCVS output if required.
It is important to note that the 1/L and 2/R outputs are balanced but not floating. This
means that it is not possible to produce an unbalanced signal by connecting an output
to ground.
Deemphasis
The "Deemphasis" setting under "Outputs" affects the headphone output (AF Out), the
1/L and 2/R outputs and the AES signal. The deemphasis settings available for "Auto",
"Mono", "Stereo" and "M&S" under "1/L, 2/R Output" are 50 µs, 75 µs or off. The
deemphasis settings available for SCA under "1/L, 2/R Output" are 100 µs, 150 µs or
off.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 14
R&S®ETL Settings for FM Measurements
CCVS Output
The MPX signal, the demodulated signal in digital AES/EBU format, the pilot signal or
the RDS/DARC or SCA subcarrier can be output on the CCVS output.
The demodulated signal in the digital AES/EBU format contains the signal selected
under "1/L, 2/R Output" (mono, stereo, or M&S).
Connector Config
The "Connector Config" setting allows the way the audio generator's signal outputs are
assigned to be adjusted to the transmitter's signal inputs. This helps to avoid having to
disconnect and reconnect cables.
If the way the signal outputs are assigned does not match the transmitter's signal
inputs, reconnection will be necessary.
A third possible choice is available under "Connector Config"; this allows received and
decoded RDS data and the RDS clock to be output:
● RDS Clk – RDS Dat – none:
This setting is not required in connection with the measurements described here.
The same setting is available in the audio generator configuration dialog on the
®
R&S ETL (see 3.2.3).
The settings under "DUT Parameters" (DUT = device under test, in other words the FM
®
transmitter being tested) enable the R&S ETL to automatically compute the requisite
signal level for a desired frequency deviation. Depending on the transmitter input used,
the deviation and either the analog input level ("Input Level Analog") or the digital input
level ("AES/EBU") must be entered in accordance with the transmitter settings.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 15
R&S®ETL Settings for FM Measurements
Fig. 11: Switching to "Radio" mode on the R&S®ETL and initiating the "Audio Generator Setup"
configuration dialog.
Fig. 12: The "Audio Generator Setup" configuration dialog. This is accessed via MEAS→Audio
Generator→Audio Generator Setup.
The generator settings for audio analysis measurements can also be configured in the
configuration dialog ("Setup") for each type of measurement (see 3.3). The settings are
easier to make there because the configuration dialog only offers relevant and appro-
priate settings, which is why using this dialog is recommended. In the THD setup, for
instance, no waveform setting is available because the measurement is only carried
out with a single tone. If the audio generator is to be used for purposes other than
audio analysis measurements, the settings must be made in "Audio Generator Setup".
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 16
R&S®ETL Settings for FM Measurements
3.2.1 Type
The audio generator's "Type" setting determines the type of signal to be generated.
®
The signal to be generated is available either on the R&S ETL-B201 hardware option
or on the 1/L and 2/R outputs (see Fig. 13), depending on the signal type.
Fig. 13: Rear view of the R&S®ETL with the R&S®ETL-B201 hardware option and the 1/L, 2/R ports.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 17
R&S®ETL Settings for FM Measurements
3.2.2 Signal
The composition of the signal generated can be selected here. The following signals
are available:
● AF (= audio frequency): general audio signal up to 100 kHz
● L: left only, right off
● R: right only, left off
● L=R: left and right with same phase
● L=-R: left and right with opposed phase
● L<>R: left and right with different frequencies; the frequency and level can be
selected separately
The options available depend on the setting under "Type" (see 3.2.1):
● Analog (Option B201): AF, L, R, L=R
● MPX (Option B201): L, R, L=R, L<>R, L=-R, SCA
● AES/EBU (Option B201): L, R, L=R, L=-R, L<>R
● Analog (1/L,2/R): L, R, L=R, L=-R, L<>R
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 18
R&S®ETL Settings for FM Measurements
The graphic display in "Audio Generator Setup" (see Fig. 14) shows the signals cur-
®
rently configured on the R&S ETL-B201 hardware option's output or on the 1/L and
2/R outputs. Green means that the signal is output; red means that no signal is output.
Fig. 14: Screenshots showing two possible signal configurations for the audio generator (bottom)
and how they map to the generator outputs on the R&S®ETL (top).
3.2.4 Waveform
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 19
R&S®ETL Settings for FM Measurements
The dimension (unit) for the generator amplitude is selected under "Ampl Definition":
● Level:
The level in dBu (0 dBu = 600 Ω • 1 mW ≈ 0,7746 V ).
● Peak Voltage:
The peak voltage in V. The peak-to-peak voltage cannot be entered as such, but it
can be specified easily here by applying a conversion factor of 2.
With a dual-tone signal, the selected peak voltage is the total of the amplitude of
both tones.
The reason for entering the peak value here rather than the RMS value (more
common in audio analysis) is that with FM the frequency deviation resulting from
the generator signal is usually specified as the peak deviation.
● Desired DUT Deviation:
The desired transmitter frequency deviation in kHz resulting from the generator
level is entered directly here. This convenient function computes and inserts the
requisite level based on the "DUT Parameters" entered under "Radio Settings"
(see 3.1.5). For instance, if a THD measurement is conducted with a deviation of
100 kHz, entering the "Desired DUT Deviation" here saves having to calculate the
requisite generator level (see appendix A).
If preemphasis is enabled on the modulator, "Preemphasis Comp" (see 3.2.6) can
compensate by reducing the level generated by the audio generator.
Preemphasis
The preemphasis function is only available for the generator type "MPX (Option
B201)". It is part of the MPX generator contained in the stereo measurement decoder.
Preemphasis compensation
If "Ampl Definition" = "Desired DUT Deviation" has been selected, the "Preemphasis
Compensation" setting is available for all other generator types ("Analog (Option
B201)", "AES/EBU (Option B201)" and "Analog (1/L, 2/R)").
In accordance with the chosen time constant, the audio generator's level is reduced
automatically in line with the frequency to provide a constant frequency deviation when
transmitter preemphasis is activated. This makes measurements that require a con-
stant frequency deviation (e.g. THD or crosstalk) easier to conduct.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 20
R&S®ETL Settings for FM Measurements
The audio analysis measurements' configuration dialogs can be called up in the rele-
vant measurement mode, and they are organized into three groups (see Fig. 15).
Demodulator (3.3.1)
The configurations available depend on the given measurement type and are ex-
plained here using an example based on a frequency response measurement.
3.3.1 Demodulator
The signal to be analyzed is selected under "Signal Path". In audio analyzer measure-
ments, the choices available are limited to the signals that the generator can generate.
A deemphasis setting of 50 µs, 75 µs or off can be selected for stereo-decoded signals
(L, R, L&R, M&S, M, S).
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 21
R&S®ETL Settings for FM Measurements
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 22
Preparatory Steps
Required Equipment
4 Preparatory Steps
®
R&S ETL TV analyzer with:
● options as needed (see Section 8)
● current firmware (available free of charge at
www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/ETL.html)
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 23
Preparatory Steps
Test Setup
®
The EXT REF reference input located at the rear of the R&S ETL TV analyzer is used
to connect the instrument to the 10 MHz GPS time reference available at the transmit-
®
ter station. The optional power sensor can be connected to the R&S ETL via USB or
® ®
via the sensor input on the R&S ETL hardware option R&S FSL-B5.
®
The RF input on the R&S ETL (IN1) or the optional power sensor (IN2) is connected to
the measurement interface of the transmitter output (M1 = forward, M2 = reflected).
For transmitter acceptance tests, the audio generator outputs located at the rear of the
®
R&S ETL are connected to the transmitter inputs (marked green, see 3.1.4).
The transmitter output is connected to a dummy antenna before the broadcast signal is
applied to the antenna diplexer. As a result, the test port at the antenna diplexer (M3)
is available as an additional measurement point.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 24
Preparatory Steps
It is, therefore, recommended that additional attenuators be used as needed to limit the
average total power at the individual test ports to a range from 0 dBm to 10 dBm. This
range provides adequate protection against short-term power peaks, while having a
negligible effect on the instrument accuracy. The resulting attenuation must of course
be taken into consideration during specific measurements, such as the transmitter
output level.
● Bulleted lists (e.g. ● Radio Standard) identify settings made in the currently dis-
played configuration dialog box
● All other terms refer to the softkeys that are currently displayed along the right-
hand side of the screen. Arrows (→) separate the keys to be pressed in sequence.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 25
Preparatory Steps
General settings
1
SETUP→Reference Ext: Use the external 10 MHz reference frequency
MODE→TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver→Radio
MEAS→Radio Settings
Modulation Standard
Radio Standard: FM Stereo
Select Channel Bandwidth: 400 kHz
Data System: None
SCA Mode: Off
Stereo Decoder
Pilot Dev Threshold: 500 Hz
Outputs: Setting only required if the outputs 1/L and 2/R or CCVS are used for ex-
tended signal analysis (see 3.1.3)
Level adjustment
2
MENU→Adjust Attenuation
AMPT→Preamp: Off
AMPT→More→Preselector: Off
3
AMPT→RF Atten Manual: Select the lowest possible setting without overloading
1
Only necessary if the frequency accuracy is to be measured with very high precision
-5
(> 10 )
2
For rough level adjustment.
3
Overload warnings appear centered at the top of the display as "IFovl" or "Ovld".
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 26
Measurements
5 Measurements
This section explains the measurements that are performed on the analog transmitter
input. After that, Section 5.9 covers the differences associated with using the digital
transmitter input (AES/EBU input).
When using the "Overview" menu, it is possible to select the unit of measurement and
set the predefined limits from the table via MEAS→Overview→Edit Table (see Fig. 17).
Measured values that are not within the set limits are displayed in red. To ensure that it
is possible to quickly recognize values that are outside the limits – even on black-and-
white printouts – such values are also marked with an asterisk (*).
Fig. 17: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode in the MEAS→Overview→Edit Table menu: Selecting the
unit of measurement for the level results.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 27
Measurements
This section describes how the transmitter output level is measured for a signal that is
modulated with a maximum operating deviation (for example, 75 kHz). For the dimen-
sion (unit of measurement), the configuration proposed here employs "Desired DUT
Deviation" for the generator amplitude (for the "Ampl Definition" setting). As an alterna-
tive, it is also possible to use the "Level" or the "Peak Voltage".
Read the level value (see Fig. 18). Read the level value (see Fig. 19).
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Sec-
tion 4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under
“DUT Parameters“.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 28
Measurements
Fig. 18: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Overview menu: The level can be read in the
first table row, in the status bar on the test screen or in the zoomed view (MEAS→Overview→Zoom).
Fig. 19: Spectrum analyzer mode: FM spectrum with integrated reading from the power sensor
displayed at the top right.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 29
Measurements
Frequency Accuracy
The level of precision at which the frequency accuracy can be measured depends on
how long it has been since the last time that the T&M instrument was calibrated. In
general, it is possible to assume that an external reference is required in order to
-5
measure at an accuracy > 10 (see Basic Configuration 4.4).
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Sec-
tion 4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under
“DUT Parameters“.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 30
Measurements
Frequency Accuracy
Fig. 20: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Overview menu: You can read the results for
frequency accuracy ("Carrier Frequency Offset") in the second table row, in the status bar on the test
screen or in the zoomed view (MEAS→Overview→Zoom).
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 31
Measurements
Depending on the specific country and on the applicable specifications, the input level
is expressed in dBu or in volts. As a "pseudo" unit of measurement, dBu is a logarith-
mic measure of voltage (√ ). The nominal deviation also
varies depending on the country and on the applicable specifications. Germany, for
instance, uses 40 kHz at 6 dBu, and Switzerland uses 50 kHz at 6 dBu for this. To-
gether, the input level and the frequency deviation yield the modulator constant.
To enable you to make a quick check, the frequency deviation of the L, R, M, S and
MPX signals are shown in the overview (see Fig. 20, lines 4 to 8). The values indicated
there are measured using a peak detector.
The measured values for the various detectors are displayed simultaneously (see
Fig. 24 and Fig. 25).
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 32
Measurements
®
For displaying the measured frequency deviation, the R&S ETL offers four possibili-
ties, which can be selected in the "Audio Level Setup" under "Mode" (see Fig. 21):
● Relative Δ(%): Difference between the frequency deviation and the value entered
under "Ref Deviation" (reference deviation) expressed as a percentage (for exam-
ple, 1.317 %)
Deviation – Reference Deviation
Relative deviation
Reference Deviation
Fig. 21: Configuration dialog for "Audio Level Setup," which can be called up via MEAS→Audio
Analysis→Level→Level Setup.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 33
Measurements
This section describes the settings for testing the modulator constant without or with
the operating stereo encoder:
Fig. 22: Measurement configuration for verifying the transmitter's modulator constant.
Fig. 23: Measurement configuration for verifying the transmitter's modulator constant when us-
ing the operating stereo encoder.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 34
Measurements
For the dimension (unit of measurement) of the generator amplitude ("Ampl Definition"
setting), the configuration proposed here uses the "Desired DUT Deviation". As an
alternative, it is possible to use the "Level" or the "Peak Voltage".
Audio Generator:
Type: Analog (Option B201) Type: Analog (Option B201)
Signal: AF Signal: L=R
Connector Config: Set this value to match the transmitter (see 3.2.3)
Waveform: Single Tone
Freq: 500 Hz
Ampl Definition: Desired DUT Deviation
1
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Section
4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under “DUT
Parameters“.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 35
Measurements
Fig. 24: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, Audio Analysis→Level menu: Variance of the frequency
deviation for the MPX signal compared to the entered standard test deviation, in percent: Level
1
Setup: Relative Δ(%).
Fig. 25: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Audio Analysis→Level: Frequency deviation for
the L&R signal: Level Setup: Absolute.
1
There is no need to take action in response to the red "MONO" warning in the status
bar, because that warning only indicates that no pilot has been found.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 36
Measurements
The amplitude-frequency response is measured to ensure that the output signal re-
®
mains constant across the frequency range being used. With the R&S ETL, you can
measure the amplitude-frequency response using two different detectors (RMS and
Selective). The selective detector also makes it possible to simultaneously measure
the phase and, due to its narrower bandwidth, it offers advantages for the dynamic
range; nevertheless, it requires a slightly longer measurement period.
5.4.1.1 Audio Frequency Characteristic (up to 15 kHz, or 17.5 kHz for Mono Transmit-
ters)
®
With the R&S ETL, the preemphasis can be subtracted directly from the representation
of the audio frequency response, or the preemphasis can be included in the represen-
tation. If the preemphasis is included in the representation, you can employ markers at
certain reference values to check the audio frequency response (see Fig. 26), for
example at a time constant of 50 µs at 15 kHz, an amplitude change of 13.66 dB (see
®
appendix A.2 for calculation). The R&S ETL can directly subtract the preemphasis and
plot the variance from the ideal characteristic curve, and it can display the maximum
positive and negative variance in a table (see Fig. 28). This makes it easier to read the
results and ensures that the entire amplitude characteristic is checked, and not just
individual reference points.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 37
Measurements
IEC 244-13 specifies that the exciter's preemphasis is to be turned on and that the
input level is to maintained at a constant level during the measurement. The input level
is to be selected so that the frequency deviation up to 15 kHz does not exceed the
peak deviation.
For the max. audio input level for other transmitter configurations and peak deviations,
and for the corresponding calculation, refer to Appendix A.
Besides the measurement with a constant level, the following configuration table also
contains the settings for a measurement with a constant frequency deviation. In the
following section, 500 Hz is used as the reference frequency. In practice, 40 Hz is also
used frequently for this.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 38
Measurements
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Section
4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under “DUT
Parameters“.
2
Increasing the number of sweep points results in a higher resolution but requires a
longer measurement period.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 39
Measurements
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 40
Measurements
The baseband frequency characteristic, which is also referred to as the MPX ampli-
tude-frequency response, is measured up to 100 kHz. IEC 244-13 specifies that the
exciter's preemphasis is to be turned off and that the input level is to maintained at a
constant level during the measurement.
®
The R&S ETL enables you to either enter the constant audio level (“Ampl Definition“ =
“Level“) or enter the corresponding frequency deviation (”Ampl Definition“ = ”Desired
DUT Deviation“).
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Section
4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under “DUT
Parameters“.
2
Increasing the number of sweep points results in a higher resolution but requires a
longer measurement period.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 41
Measurements
1
There is no need to take action in response to the red "MONO" warning in the status
bar, because that warning only indicates that no pilot has been found.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 42
Measurements
The phase response of the transmitter's transfer function influences crosstalk in the
stereo channels. In the past, measuring the frequency phase response required a
great deal of effort. For that reason, the decision was frequently made to merely meas-
®
ure the effects (the crosstalk) instead. Nevertheless, the R&S ETL makes it easy to
measure the phase response directly, which then makes it possible to analyze what is
causing the crosstalk.
The technical guidelines cited above stipulate that the phase tolerance is to be meas-
ured using a reference frequency of 500 Hz (or 57 kHz for the additional RDS signal).
Nonetheless, at a reference frequency of 500 Hz, the highpass filter at the transmitter
input causes a residual phase shift, even when the cutoff frequency is very low. That,
in turn, leads to a downward tendency in the measured curve (see Fig. 31, left), which
makes it appear that the limits are not being maintained when the frequencies are high.
In such cases, Rohde & Schwarz recommends measuring the phase response with a
higher reference frequency (such as 5 kHz), which leads to a horizontal curve progres-
sion (see Fig. 31, right).
It is also possible, for instance, to measure the phase in the L and R signals (which is
equivalent to the audio phase response; see 5.4.2.1). The specifications "VHF/FM
Radio Broadcasting Transmitters" (TR No. 5/3.1) and "Stereo Encoders for the Pilot-
tone System" (TR No. 5/3.2) do not required that.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 43
Measurements
Demodulator:
Signal Path: L&R
Deemphasis: Set to match the trans- Deemphasis: Off
mitter's preemphasis setting
Audio Generator:
Type: Analog (Option B201)
Connector Config: Set to match the transmitter (see 3.2.3)
Output: Alternate L and R continuously: deactivate (see 3.3.2)
Ampl Definition: Level Ampl Definition: Desired DUT Devia-
1
Level: For example, −2.1 dBu (see tion
Appendix A) Desired DUT Dev: For example,
40 kHz
Preemphasis Comp: Set to match the
transmitter's preemphasis setting
Measurement Options:
Response Type: Phase
Ref Freq: For example, 5 kHz
Sweep: Linear
2
Sweep Points 100
Start Freq: 40 Hz
Stop Freq: 15 kHz
Adjust the level as described in Section 4.4.
Start the measurement by selecting RUN.
Set MEAS→Audio Analysis→Frequency Response→Diagram Range→Phase Range
so that the entire phase response is clearly visible.
In the results table, read the values for any nonconformance in the phase response
(see Fig. 32). Use PRINT to generate a printout of the measurement screen as need-
ed.
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Section
4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under ”DUT
Parameters“.
2
Increasing the number of sweep points results in a higher resolution but requires a
longer measurement period.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 44
Measurements
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 45
Measurements
Demodulator:
Signal Path: MPX
Audio Generator:
Type: Analog (Option B201)
Connector Config: Set to match the transmitter (see 3.2.3)
Ampl Definition: Level Ampl Definition: Desired DUT Devia-
1
Level: For example, 6 dBu (see tion
Appendix A) Desired DUT Dev: For example,
40 kHz
Preemphasis Comp: Off
Measurement Options:
Response Type: Phase
Ref Freq: For example, 5 kHz
Sweep: Linear
2
Sweep Points 100
Start Freq: 10 Hz
Stop Freq: 100 kHz
Adjust the level as described in Section 4.4.
Start the measurement by selecting RUN.
Set MEAS→Audio Analysis→Frequency Response→Diagram Range→Phase Range
so that the entire phase response is clearly visible.
In the results table, read the values for any nonconformance in the phase response
(see Fig. 33). Use PRINT to generate a printout of the measurement screen as need-
ed.
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Section
4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under “DUT
Parameters“.
2
Increasing the number of sweep points results in a higher resolution but requires a
longer measurement period.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 46
Measurements
1
There is no need to take action in response to the red "MONO" warning in the status
bar, because that warning only indicates that no pilot has been found.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 47
Measurements
5.4.3 Balance
The difference in the amplitude-frequency responses for the right and left channels is
referred to as balance. The individual frequency responses are measured with the
RMS detector.
Procedure: Balance
Check to ensure that the max. input power is not exceeded (see Section 4.3).
®
Connect the R&S ETL (IN1) to test port M1.
Configure the general settings as described in Section 4.4.
Set the transmitter input to AF stereo.
On the transmitter, turn on preemphasis.
Method 1: Method 2:
With a constant level With a constant frequency deviation
MEAS→Audio Analysis→Frequency Response→Frequency Response Setup,
(see Fig. 34)
Demodulator:
Signal Path: L&R
Deemphasis: Set to match the trans- Deemphasis: Off
mitter's preemphasis
Audio Generator:
Type: Analog (Option B201)
Connector Config: Set to match the transmitter (see 3.2.3)
Output: Alternate L and R continuously: deactivate (see 3.3.2)
Ampl Definition: Level Ampl Definition: Desired DUT Devia-
1
Level: For example, −2.1 dBu (see tion
Appendix A) Desired DUT Dev: For example,
40 kHz
Preemphasis Comp: Set to match the
transmitter.
Measurement Options:
Response Type: Balance (rms)
Sweep: Linear
2
Sweep Points 100
Start Freq: 40 Hz
Stop Freq: 15 kHz
Adjust the level as described in Section 4.4.
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Section
4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under “DUT
Parameters“.
2
Increasing the number of sweep points results in a higher resolution but requires a
longer measurement period.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 48
Measurements
When audio generator type "MPX (Option B201)" or "Analog (1,L 2,R)" is used, it is
possible to measure the balance M&S.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 49
Measurements
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 50
Measurements
Stereo Crosstalk
● Linear:
With linear crosstalk, a ratio is formed out of the RMS value for the modulation sig-
nal at the output of the modulated channel and the RMS value for the fundamental
at the output of the unmodulated channel. This ratio is then indicated in dB.
If, for example, the amplitude of the R signal in the M and S signals does not
match (as the result of linear distortion), the R signal's component is no longer
completely canceled out through formation of L=M+S. In such cases, linear cross-
talk has produced the components contained in the L signal that remain because
of the inequality of the R signal.
● Nonlinear:
In the case of nonlinear crosstalk, the system measures harmonics from sum sig-
nal M in the difference signal S (total harmonic distortion) and intermodulation from
the difference signal S in the sum signal M (difference frequency distortion), which
determines the non-linear distortions. In addition, because of the measurement
principle, noise is also measured.
● Linear and nonlinear combined:
When the sum is derived from both linear and nonlinear crosstalk, this is also re-
ferred to as crosstalk attenuation or stereophonic channel separation.
In line with IEC 244-13, it makes sense to measure the combined linear and nonlinear
crosstalk or to measure these two components separately as linear crosstalk and
nonlinear crosstalk.
®
For measuring the crosstalk on the SCA channel, the R&S ETL offers the possibility of
using an imaginary channel as a reference (Ref Dev).
IEC 244-13 specifies that stereo crosstalk be measured with preemphasis turned on
and with a constant frequency deviation. With conventional measuring equipment,
accomplishing that can require a great deal of effort, because it is necessary to recal-
®
culate and enter the audio level for each frequency. The R&S ETL performs that task
for you. To configure the device for that, it is necessary to select the "Desired DUT
Deviation" and activate "Preemphasis Comp" (see Method 1).
Due to the significant effort required for performing a measurement using a constant
frequency deviation, until now, test technicians have often performed the measure-
ments using a constant level instead. Method 2 shows the configuration for doing that.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 51
Measurements
Stereo Crosstalk
Demodulator:
Signal Path: L&R
Deemphasis: Off Deemphasis: Set to match the trans-
mitter's preemphasis setting
Audio Generator:
Type: Analog (Option B201)
Connector Config: Set to match the transmitter (see 3.2.3)
Output: Alternate L and R continuously: deactivate (see 3.3.2)
Ampl Definition: Desired DUT Devia- Ampl Definition: Level
tion
1 Level: For example, –2.1 dBu (see
Desired DUT Dev: For example, Appendix A)
75 kHz
Preemphasis Comp: Set to match the
transmitter
Measurement Options:
Crosstalk Type: Linear and Nonlinear combined
Reference: R&L
Sweep: Linear
Sweep Points 100
2
Start Freq: 10 Hz
Stop Freq: 15 kHz
Adjust the level as described in Section 4.4.
Start the measurement by selecting RUN.
If necessary, set the MEAS→Audio Analysis→Crosstalk→Diagram Range→Crosstalk
Range and Ref Position so that the trace is clearly visible.
In the results table, read the values for stereo crosstalk (see Fig. 37). Use PRINT to
generate a printout of the measurement screen as needed.
If you intend to measure the crosstalk from the M channel and S channel, it is neces-
sary to use ports 1/L and 2/R; furthermore, in the "Audio Generator Setup" under
"Type", you must select "Analog (1/L, 2/R)". After that, the "Crosstalk Setup" under
"Signal Path" offers the options M, S or M&S.
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Section
4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under “DUT
Parameters“.
2
Increasing the number of sweep points results in a higher resolution but requires a
longer measurement period.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 52
Measurements
Stereo Crosstalk
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 53
Measurements
∑
√
∑
Besides that definition, there is another definition, according to which the RMS values
for all harmonics (d2, d3, …) are set in relation to the RMS value for the fundamental:
®
As is the case with most analyzers, the implementation realized in the R&S ETL corre-
sponds to Definition 1. In the case of the distortion that arises in practice, both defini-
tions lead to the same results.
The voltages for the harmonics – and thus their influence on the overall harmonic
distortion – decrease as the order increases.
®
For the measurement of the overall harmonic distortion, the R&S ETL offers two
measured values, which are displayed on the results screen:
THD: For the sum of the harmonics, the first eight harmonics (d2-d9) are meas-
ured selectively and added together.
THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise): For the sum of the harmonics, the
individual harmonics are not measured selectively; instead, the overall RMS
after the suppressed fundamental up to the cut-off frequency (15 kHz) is used
as the sum for the harmonics. This captures all harmonics up to the cut-off fre-
quency. Nevertheless, this measurement also captures all other forms of inter-
ference, such as noise and intermodulation (much as is the case with nonline-
ar stereo crosstalk; see 5.5).
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 54
Measurements
IEC 244-13 specifies that the harmonic distortion is to be measured with preemphasis
turned on. The input frequency is to be varied between 40 Hz and 7.5 kHz. The fre-
quency deviation is to be kept constant for the different input frequencies. The
®
R&S ETL performs the complex level calculations that are required for this because of
the fact that preemphasis is turned on. Using "Desired DUT Deviation" and
"Preemphasis Comp" makes it possible to enter the desired frequency deviation direct-
ly.
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Section
4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under ”DUT
Parameters“.
2
Depending on how you want to display the results.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 55
Measurements
Fig. 38: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Audio Analysis→THD: Measuring the total
harmonic distortion at 500 Hz.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 56
Measurements
When performed in line with the technical guideline "VHF/FM Radio Broadcasting
Transmitters" (TR No. 5/3.1), the measurement is taken without a stereo encoder or
decoder.
Audio Generator:
Type: Analog (Option B201)
Connector Config: Set to match the transmitter (see 3.2.3)
Freq: Set to the selected frequency
Ampl Definition: Desired DUT Devia- Ampl Definition: Level
tion
1 Level: For example, −2.1 dBu (see
Desired DUT Dev: For example, Appendix A)
75 kHz
Preemphasis Comp: Set to match the
transmitter
Measurement Options:
Unit: dB or %2
Adjust the level as described in Section 4.4.
Start the measurement by selecting RUN.
MEAS→Audio Analysis→THD→Diagram Range→Auto Range
In the results table, read the THD value. Use PRINT to generate a printout of the
measurement screen as needed.
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Section
4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under “DUT
Parameters“.
2
Depending on how you want to display the results.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 57
Measurements
–
– log ( )
–
( )
( )
IEC 244-13 specifies that the exciter's preemphasis is to be turned on, that the input
frequency is to be varied, and that the signals' input level is to be selected so that the
signal components generate the same deviation. Entering the individual signal levels
®
for the two-tone signal on the R&S ETL is not necessary. The signal levels are auto-
matically set so that, together, they result in the desired frequency deviation or level
that was entered and so that each signal component generates the same frequency
deviation.
Unlike IEC 244-13 (Method 1 in the section below) the technical guideline "Stereo
Encoders for the Pilot-tone System" (TR No. 5/3.2) requires that the measurement be
performed with preemphasis or deemphasis (Method 2 in the section below).
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 58
Measurements
Demodulator:
Signal Path: L&R
Deemphasis: Off
Audio Generator:
Type: Analog (Option B201)
Connector Config: Set to match the transmitter (see 3.2.3)
Waveform: Dual Tone, constant spacing
Upper Freq: For example, 6 kHz
Freq Spacing 1 kHz
1
Ampl Definition: Desired DUT Deviation
Desired DUT Dev: For example, 40 kHz
Preemphasis Comp: Set to match the Preemphasis Comp: Off
transmitter's preemphasis
Measurement Options:
Unit: dB or %
Adjust the level as described in Section 4.4.
Start the measurement by selecting RUN.
In the table of results, read the values for the intermodulation products (d 2 and d3; see
Fig. 39). Use PRINT to generate a printout of the measurement screen as needed.
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Section
4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under “DUT
Parameters“.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 59
Measurements
IEC 244-13 specifies that the exciter's preemphasis is to be turned off, that the input
frequencies are to be varied, and that the signals' input levels are to be selected so
that the signal components have the same amplitude. It is not necessary to enter the
®
individual signal levels for the two-tone signal on the R&S ETL. The signal levels are
automatically set so that, together, they result in the desired frequency deviation or
level that was entered and so that each signal component generates the same fre-
quency deviation. The frequency deviation for the different input frequencies is to be
®
kept constant. The R&S ETL enables you to either enter the audio level or enter the
corresponding frequency deviation. Both configurations lead to the same result.
The technical guideline "VHF/FM Radio Broadcasting Transmitters" (TR No. 5/3.1)
specifies that the measurement is to be taken in the frequency range from 15 kHz to
76 kHz.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 60
Measurements
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Section
4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under “DUT
Parameters“.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 61
Measurements
1
There is no need to take action in response to the red "MONO" warning in the status
bar, because that warning only indicates that no pilot has been found.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 62
Measurements
In the technical guidelines "VHF/FM Radio Broadcast Transmitters" (TR No. 5/3.1) and
"VHF/FM Rebroadcast Receivers" (TR No. 5/3.5), the measurement of the intermodu-
lation is performed using these input frequency pairs: 6.2 kHz and 31.6 kHz as well as
9.3 kHz and 47.7 kHz. Here, the intermodulation products at 57 kHz are to be ana-
lyzed:
f1 = 6.2 kHz, f2 = 31.6 kHz: d3 = 2·f2 – f1 = 57 kHz
f1 = 9.3 kHz, f2 = 47.7 kHz: d2 = f1 + f2 = 57 kHz
In each case, the guidelines require a frequency deviation of ±22.5 kHz or ±10 kHz,
®
respectively. Since the overall frequency deviation is entered on the R&S ETL, the
value entered here must be 45 kHz or 20 kHz. TR 5/3.1 stipulates that the intermodula-
tion products be referenced to a calculated frequency deviation of 40 kHz. Since the
reference to a calculated frequency deviation is a special case, the intermodulation
®
products are not measured using the R&S ETL's DFD function (which references the
intermodulation products to the measured frequency deviation); instead, they are
measured in the audio spectrum.
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Section
4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under “DUT
Parameters“.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 63
Measurements
1
There is no need to take action in response to the red "MONO" warning in the status
bar, because that warning only indicates that no pilot has been found.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 64
Measurements
IEC 244-13 specifies that the unweighted and the weighted noise voltage be measured
using a QPK detector. In the weighted measurement of the noise voltage, the ITU-R
BS.468-4-compliant filter is also used. This filter accounts for the effects that noise has
on the human ear and provides the best possible representation of these requirements
from a T&M perspective.
Besides the QPK detector, which also takes the effects on the human ear into account,
®
the R&S ETL also makes it possible to perform the measurement with an RMS detec-
tor. The test specifications stipulate which detector is to be used for measurement.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 65
Measurements
The section below provides an example of the settings for measuring the left channel.
Demodulator:
Signal Path: L
Deemphasis: Set to match the transmitter's preemphasis setting
Audio Generator:
Signal: Off
No configuration of the signal (such as "Waveform", "Ampl Definition") is
necessary, because the signal is not measured
Measurement Options:
Ref Deviation: Frequency deviation of the reference audio signal, for ex-
ample: 40 kHz
MEAS→Audio Analysis→S/N: Read the measured values (see Fig. 43).
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 66
Measurements
Fig. 43: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Audio Analysis→S/N: Unweighted and weighted
signal-to-noise ratio for the L channel in the 2nd/3rd line.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 67
Measurements
Periodic noise includes all discrete, unwanted interference frequencies within the audio
frequency band. It is the ratio, expressed in dB, between an unwanted component and
a reference level or reference deviation.
Besides offering capabilities for using markers to perform manual investigations within
®
the spectrum, the R&S ETL also supports the automatic generation of a list of all
peaks. Here, it is also possible to configure the device for certain additional conditions
(such as frequency above 150 Hz or Peak > –80 dB). The user can sort the list accord-
ing to frequency or level.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 68
Measurements
1
There is no need to take action in response to the red "MONO" warning in the status
bar, because that warning only indicates that no pilot has been found.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 69
Measurements
The configuration for measuring the spurious amplitude modulation depends on the
specific test specification. IEC 244-13 specifies that the measurement be performed
with a PK detector and without a band limitation. Measurements performed in line with
ETSI EN 302 018-1 are also made with a PK detector, but with the band limited to
20 kHz. Measurements performed in line with TR 5/3.1 are taken with and without a
ITU-R 468 wtd-compliant weighting filter with a QPK detector and with the band limited
®
to 20 kHz. The R&S ETL supports all four of these configurations.
For the spurious amplitude modulation, the peak voltage at the output of a linear enve-
lope detector is measured without a modulation signal. The result is expressed as a
percentage of the envelope detector output's direct current component.
Demodulator:
Signal Path: AM
Deemphasis: Off
Audio Generator:
Signal: Off
No configuration of the signal (such as "Waveform" or "Ampl Definition")
is necessary, since the signal is turned off
Measurement Options:
Ref Mod Depth: Permanently set to 100 %.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 70
Measurements
1
There is no need to take action in response to the red "MONO" warning in the status
bar, because that warning only indicates that no pilot has been found.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 71
Measurements
Demodulator:
Signal Path: AM
Deemphasis: Off
Audio Generator:
Type: Analog (Option B201)
Signal: AF
Connector Config: Set to match the transmitter (see 3.2.3)
Freq: For example, 500 Hz
Ampl Definition: Desired DUT Ampl Definition: Level
Deviation
1 Level: For example, 6 dBu (see Ap-
Desired DUT Dev: For example, pendix A)
40 kHz
Preemphasis Comp: Off
Measurement Options:
Ref Mod Depth: Permanently set to 100 %.
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Section
4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under ”DUT
Parameters“.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 72
Measurements
The technical guideline "VHF/FM Radio Broadcasting Transmitters" (TR No. 5/3.1)
demands that the noise power density measured at the output of a measurement
modulator that has been realized in line with TR 5/3.4 and is terminated with 600 Ω is
not greater than –100 at 57 kHz. This measurement ensures that the signal-to-
noise ratio in the RDS channel is sufficient.
Due to the load impedance of 600 Ω, the noise power results in a voltage. Depending
on that voltage and on the modulation constant, a certain deviation arises. Thus, the
measured quantity that actually exists in physical form at the transmitter output is not
the noise power density, but rather the "noise deviation density." TR 5/3.1, therefore,
describes an indirect measurement of the "noise deviation density" as the noise power
density at the output of a special test configuration (a demodulator constant of 6 dBu
for 40 kHz deviation, load impedance of 600 Ohm). Since this test configuration has
not been standardized internationally, the measurement results achieved in this way
are not valid everywhere.
®
For this reason, the R&S ETL employs a different approach. Without any detours, the
"noise deviation density" is set in direct relation to a reference deviation (the audio
spectrum analyzer's reference deviation). This result offers the advantage of general
validity and is independent of a specific test setup.
The difference between these two methods lies in the dimension of the output quantity.
As defined by TR 5/3.1, the noise power density describes the quotient of the noise
power and bandwidth, referenced to 1 mW (dB , reduced to ). The "noise
®
deviation density" for the R&S ETL, on the other hand, describes the quotient of the
1
RMS noise deviation and the square of the bandwidth , set in relation to the reference
deviation (dB ( ), reduced to ). These two quantities can be converted
√ √
back and forth:
log ( )
log ( ) log )
√ √
Where
1
For the square of the bandwidth, the physically correct unit √ can be derived by
converting the power density to the "voltage density":
̃ [ ] √̃ [ ] [ ] or with SI units: ̃ [ ] √̃ [ ] [ ]
√ √
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 73
Measurements
The numerical value of the displayed "noise deviation density" then corresponds to the
noise power density as defined by TR 5/3.1.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 74
Measurements
1
There is no need to take action in response to the red "MONO" warning in the status
bar, because that warning only indicates that no pilot has been found.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 75
Measurements
Fig. 48: Superposition of the signals generated with a synchronous phase leads to a signal for which
the absolute value of the positive peak is larger than that of the negative peak.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 76
Measurements
The section below specifies the settings for testing the left channel. The right channel
can be verified in the same way. When the polarity is only reversed for only one of the
channels, the M and S signals are switched, and mono receivers will remain "mute." L
and R must be tested separately; otherwise, it would not be possible to establish the
fact that the polarity has been reversed for both inputs.
1
For this it is necessary – as described in the section on the basic settings (Section
4.4) – for the transmitter's target operating parameters to be set correctly under “DUT
Parameters”.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 77
Measurements
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 78
Measurements
To perform the measurements, the transmitter input is set to "AES Stereo", and the
® ®
R&S ETL's AES encoder is used. To use the R&S ETL's AES encoder, the user
selects the "AES/EBU (Option B201)" as the "Audio Generator Type". To match the
transmitter's AES input, the "Impedance" is set to 75 Ω or 110 Ω (see Fig. 51). The
signal level for AES/EBU is expressed in dBFS. As an alternative, it is possible to enter
the desired frequency deviation by selecting "Desired DUT Deviation" under "Type". To
test the AES/EBU input, these adapted settings can be used to repeat all of the meas-
urements that have been described up until this point.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 79
Measurements
During the phase measurement, observations could reveal that the characteristic is
marked by triangular outliers (see Fig. 52). This is due to the fact that the instantane-
ous variance in the regeneration of the timing frequency for some AES encoders is too
great; as a result, the phase "runs off" during the measurement and has to be correct-
ed frequently.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 80
Abbreviations
6 Abbreviations
AES/EBU Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcasting Union
AF Audio frequency
AM Amplitude modulation
FM Frequency modulation
PK Peak
QPK Quasi-Peak
7 Auxiliary Information
Our application notes are regularly revised and updated. Check for any changes at
http://www.rohde-schwarz.com.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 81
Ordering Information
8 Ordering Information
Designation Type Order No..
Instrument
Required options
1
Power Sensor Support with NRP R&S®FSL-K9 1301.9530.02
1
One of the following three power sensor interfaces
1
Only for measuring the transmitter output level when an accuracy better than 1 dB is
required.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 82
Input Level and Frequency Deviation
Overview in Tables
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 83
Input Level and Frequency Deviation
Mathematical Correlation Between the Input Level and the Frequency Response
[ ] [ ]
[ ] √ – [ ] log –
[ ] [ ]
[ ] log ( ) [ ]
For the preemphasis, 50 µs is usually used as the time constant in Europe and Japan,
and 75 µs is used in the US. When preemphasis is turned on in the transmitter, a
frequency-dependent increase arises in the audio level. When entering the value on
the audio generator, it is necessary to compensate for this with a corresponding reduc-
tion.
[ ]
√
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 84
Input Level and Frequency Deviation
Example for Calculating the Required Audio Level
( )
If a preemphasis of 50 µs is used with this transmitter, the audio level that is entered
must be reduced by a corresponding amount. If the deviation of 100 kHz at a 15 kHz
audio frequency is to be achieved, the audio level must be reduced as follows:
log
√
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 85
Automated Measurements with R&S®TxCheck
This Application Note includes the file "7BM105.ETLtxi". When this file is opened in
®
R&S TxCheck, the software can perform all of the measurements on the transmitter's
L&R input and MPX input that can be automated:
®
Performing Automated Measurements Using R&S TxCheck
®
Copy the file 7BM105.ETLtxi to the R&S ETL.
Check to ensure that the max. input power is not exceeded (see 4.3).
®
Connect the R&S ETL (IN1) to test port M1.
MODE→TxCheck
®
In the R&S TxCheck application, go to File/Open Profile (*.ini) and select the previ-
ously copied profile "7BM105.ETLtxi".
By selecting the “Settings” tab, adjust parameters such as the frequency and transmit-
ter parameters (see Fig. 53).
Set the basic configuration using the "Write Settings to ETL" button.
If necessary, select the "Measurements" tab to adapt the configuration of the individu-
al measurements (such as the "Desired DUT Deviation" and the "Preemphasis Com-
pensation") as well as the limits for the individual measurement parameters (see
Fig. 54).
Go to "Measurement/Start Measurement" to start the measurement.
After the measurements are complete, go to "File/Save" to save the results.
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 86
Automated Measurements with R&S®TxCheck
The results of the automated measurement are displayed in the "Measurements" and
the "Graphics" tabs. To view the saved result files on an external PC, first install the
® ®
R&S TxCheck software on that PC (in the R&S TxCheck application, go to
"Help/Installation Info…" for more information). Finally, go to "File/Print" to print the
result report. (see Fig. 55).
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 87
Automated Measurements with R&S®TxCheck
7BM105_0E Rohde & Schwarz Measurements on FM Transmitters for Acceptance, Commissioning and Maintenance 88
About Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz is an independent group
of companies specializing in electronics. It is
a leading supplier of solutions in the fields of
test and measurement, broadcasting,
radiomonitoring and radiolocation, as well as
secure communications. Established more
than 75 years ago, Rohde & Schwarz has a
global presence and a dedicated service
network in over 70 countries. Company
headquarters are in Munich, Germany.
Environmental commitment
● Energy-efficient products
● Continuous improvement in environ-
mental sustainability
● ISO 14001-certified environmental
management system
Regional contact
Europe, Africa, Middle East
+49 89 4129 12345
customersupport@rohde-schwarz.com
North America
1-888-TEST-RSA (1-888-837-8772)
customer.support@rsa.rohde-schwarz.com
Latin America
+1-410-910-7988
customersupport.la@rohde-schwarz.com
Asia/Pacific
+65 65 13 04 88
customersupport.asia@rohde-schwarz.com
China
+86-800-810-8228 /+86-400-650-5896
customersupport.china@rohde-schwarz.com
www.rohde-schwarz.com