DSEI 2019: Scalable oscilloscopes suit defence applications

The R&S RTP oscilloscope now also provides time domain reflection (TDR) and transmission (TDT) analysis to characterise and debug signal paths.

The R&S RTP134 with 13GHz, and R&S RTP164 with 16GHz bandwidth, support four channels to 8GHz, or two channels interleaved for the respective higher frequencies. For all R&S RTP models, update options support bandwidth increases right up to 16GHz.

The instruments support all functions already introduced for models up to 8 GHz, including the high acquisition and processing rate, and the real-time de-embedding. The bandwidth of the industry-leading digital trigger is extended to 16GHz to provide the highest precision for detecting very small and intermittent signals. The R&S RTP triggers on real-time de-embedded signals and supports all trigger types including pulse width, setup and hold, or runt, up to the full instrument bandwidth.

Ideal for debugging high-speed differential signals and available for both data acquisition and trigger functions, the new math module introduced directly after the real-time de-mbedding block supports addition or subtraction for any two signals, plus signal inversion and common mode operations.

R&S RTP users can now analyse high-speed serial signals at data rates up to 16Gbps with the serial pattern trigger options R&S RTP-K140/K141, which include hardware-based clock data recovery for extracting the embedded clock signal as trigger reference.

The trigger supports bit patterns up to 160 bits in length, plus decoding schemes such as 8B/10B, or 128B/132B. Eye diagrams for signal integrity debug, based on the embedded clock, for at-a-glance analysis with the fastest mask test or histogram function provide results within seconds.

The R&S RTP supports debug and compliance test on DRAM memory interfaces using DDR4, DDR4L, and LPDDR4 with the new option R&S RTP-K93. It combines multiple functions such as READ/WRITE decoding, up to four DDR eye displays and automated compliance testing in line with the appropriate JEDEC standards.

An I/Q mode option R&S RTP-K11 converts modulated signals to I/Q data for analysis, saving acquisition memory, and extending the maximum acquisition time. The I/Q data can also be used with any suitable external tool for proprietary signal analysis.

Functions include time domain reflection (TDR) and transmission (TDT) analysis system to characterise and debug signal paths, such as PCB traces, cables and connectors. The new option R&S RTP-K130 combines the highly symmetrical differential pulse signals from the R&S RTP-B7 pulse source with the analogue input channels to provide TDT/TDR analysis for both single-ended and differential signals. The software guides the user through setup, calibration and measurement.

Probes available include interchangeable probing tips and instantaneous mode switching, as well as excellent RF performance, is extended to include the R&S RT-ZM130 with 13 GHz bandwidth, and the R&S RT-ZM160 with 16GHz bandwidth.

The R&S RTP high-performance oscilloscope from Rohde & Schwarz addresses electronics developers in many industries and market sectors, particularly in the fields of automotive, aerospace and defence, industrial and telecommunications.

It is ideal for debugging embedded electronic designs including high-speed buses (such as USB, PCI Express, MIPI or DDR memory interfaces), multichannel RF interfaces (radio or radar), complex power management units, and even simple control and programming buses such as I2C, and SPI.

It compensates for transmission loss from the signal source to the oscilloscope in real time, so it remains extremely fast even with signal correction activated.

Footprint is said to be 40% smaller than competitor products.

The R&S RTP high-performance oscilloscope is now available from Rohde & Schwarz as 4GHz, 6GHz, 8GHz, 13GHz, and 16GHz model.