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Spirent communications SR5500 Operation Manual

Wireless channel emulator
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SR5500
Wireless Channel Emulator
Operations Manual

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Summary of Contents for Spirent communications SR5500

  • Page 1 SR5500 Wireless Channel Emulator Operations Manual...
  • Page 2 Safety Summary If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. Safety Symbols The following safety symbols are used throughout this manual and may be found on the instrument. Familiarize yourself with each symbol and its meaning before operating this instrument.
  • Page 3 Phone support is available through Spirent Customer Care at +1 732-544-8700 Email support is available at wireless@spirent.com. Information furnished by Spirent Communications is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Spirent Communications for its use. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Operation Reference............... 19 2.1. Overview ..................19 2.2. Operational Overview............... 19 2.2.1. Connecting to the SR5500 ..............20 2.2.2. Basic Operation ..................21 2.3. Using the Test Assistant ..............25 2.3.1. Accessing the Test Assistant ..............25 2.3.2. Changing the Carrier Frequency............. 26 2.3.3.
  • Page 6 2.7.4. Using DEE with Multiple SR5500s............54 2.8. Power Meter Parameters ..............54 2.9. Using the SR5500 with 6 GHz/6GHz-EX Option ......... 55 2.9.1. Configuring TestKit for the 6 GHz(-EX) Option ......... 56 2.9.2. Selecting Lower/Middle/Upper Band ............. 56 2.9.3. Parameter Dependencies............... 56 2.10.
  • Page 7 Further Information ................96 Remote Programming Interface Operation........97 5.1. Overview ..................97 5.2. Remote Control Features ..............97 5.3. Configuring SR5500 TestKit for Remote Control......... 97 5.3.1. Setting up the Remote Programming Interface ........98 5.3.2. Start/Stop the Listener................99...
  • Page 8 | SR5500 Operations Manual 5.3.3. Local/Remote Mode ................99 5.3.4. Enable Monitor Messages..............100 5.3.5. Enable TCP/IP Echo................100 5.3.6. Automatically Configuring SR5500 TestKit for Remote Control ....100 5.4. SR5500 TestKit Command Protocol..........100 5.4.1. Command Types .................. 100 5.4.2.

  • Page 9: Introduction

    Optional AWGN enhances the real-world conditions emulated by the SR5500. Early optimization of performance accelerates time to market and minimizes post-deployment issues.

  • Page 10: Sr5500 Applications

    AWGN. The SR5500 can be utilized in both Handset and Base Station test applications as shown in Figure 1-3 and Figure 1-4. These capabilities make it possible for the SR5500 to play a valuable role in all phases of the product realization cycle.

  • Page 11: Applicable To All Design Phases

    Applicable to All Design Phases Comprehensive performance evaluation throughout the product development cycle improves the probability of identifying potential design issues at a stage where they can be easily addressed. The SR5500 plays a valuable role throughout the product realization process. 1.2.1.1...

  • Page 12: Evaluating Radio Access Technologies

    1.2.2. Evaluating Radio Access Technologies The SR5500 possesses the capabilities necessary to evaluate a broad range of local and wide area wireless network technologies. With frequency coverage up to 6 GHz, the SR5500 covers all of the world’s deployment frequency bands. Supported technologies include: •...

  • Page 13: Evaluating Air Interface Performance

    Evaluating Air Interface Performance Radio access technologies possess layers of algorithms designed to mitigate the harsh effects of radio propagation and to deliver seamless mobility. The SR5500 possesses the critical features required to stress test air interface performance and to identify opportunities to improve product design.

  • Page 14: Ease Of Use Features

    Make real time changes to AWGN with the Interference Editor, eliminating the need to re-configure the fading profile, significantly reducing test time. • Monitor the Power Delay Profile and input/output power levels of the SR5500 in real- time to provide valuable user feedback on current test conditions. •...
  • Page 15 The Status LED is located next to the power switch and indicates the current status of the unit. SR5500 is operating normally if the LED is green. An error condition exists when the STATUS LED is red. The LED takes a few seconds to illuminate during power up.

  • Page 16: Rear Panel Description

    10 MHz IN BNC Type Connector (50 Ω) - Accepts an externally supplied 10 MHz sine wave reference signal which can be used to drive the internal signal processing circuitry of the SR5500. 10 MHz OUT BNC Type Connector (50 Ω) - Provides a 10 MHz sine wave reference signal as an output.

  • Page 17: Quick Start Procedure

    RJ-45 Type Connector - Control port used exclusively for configuring Ethernet communication parameters. AUX 1 RJ-45 Type Connector - This port is used to control the SR5500 6 GHz(-EX) RF Converter. AUX 2 RJ-45 Type Connector - Reserved for future use.
  • Page 18 5. Connect the supplied cross over cable from the PC built-in Ethernet port (not the PC Card Ethernet Port), to the SR5500 Ethernet port on the rear panel. Optionally, you can connect the PC Card Ethernet Port to the LAN.

  • Page 19: Verification Procedure

    Figure 1-8: Status Connected Indicator 1.6. Verification Procedure This procedure verifies the basic operation of the SR5500. It is not necessary to complete these steps to use the SR5500. A signal generator and spectrum analyzer capable of operating at 900 MHz is needed for this verification. The SR5500 default settings are used for this procedure.

  • Page 20: Quick Start Using Test Assistant

    1. Connect the Base Station Emulator RF Output Port to the Channel 1 RF IN of the SR5500 with the appropriate cable. 2. From Channel 1 RF OUT on the SR5500 connect to Port 1 of a Circulator, using the appropriate cable.
  • Page 21 5. After completing the interconnections outlined in Figure 1-12, power-on all instruments in the test setup. Before proceeding with the Test Assistant configuration, ensure the SR5500 TestKit is running and connected to the SR5500. 6. Click the Test Assistant icon located on the toolbar of SR5500 TestKit.
  • Page 22 14 | SR5500 Operations Manual 10. Click the OK button. The Channel Editor is now set to the test case Hilly Terrain 12 path model used for 3GPP test standards. Figure 1-15: Sample Channel Editor with Correct Values Entered 11. Set the Base Station Emulator output power to -10 dBm.

  • Page 23: Version History

    1.8. Version History The following information provides a summary of feature releases for the SR55500 since the initial Version 1.00 release. To upgrade to a particular version, the SR5500 instrument Annual Service Agreement (ASA) expiration date must be later than or equal to the release ASA date.
  • Page 24 OFF time of a non-continuous signal. Version 2.00 (Release ASA DATE: AUGUST 2005) • Added support for control of up to four SR5500 units from a single TestKit GUI. • Increased accuracy of output Power Meter when noise is enabled.
  • Page 25 • Added Settable Crest Factor. • Resolved issue which caused graphical display of C/I ratio to be incorrect. (C/I ratio set in SR5500 was correct). • Various stability improvements were made to TestKit. • Code Examples added to the installation.
  • Page 26 18 | SR5500 Operations Manual...

  • Page 27: Operation Reference

    SR5500. TestKit runs under the Microsoft Windows operating system, delivering the same ease of use and GUI features that Windows provides. These features make it easy to use the SR5500 test system to perform sophisticated tests in a wide range of communication environments.

  • Page 28: Connecting To The Sr5500

    2.2.1. Connecting to the SR5500 SR5500 TestKit can operate in Local Mode or Remote Mode. In Local Mode, TestKit does not communicate with the SR5500. It emulates the control of the SR5500 but does not send any commands and the actual configuration of the SR5500 is not known.

  • Page 29: Basic Operation

    While establishing connection to the SR5500, TestKit attempts to communicate with the SR5500. If successful, it communicates with the SR5500 to synchronize the PC software and the SR5500 unit. If it is unsuccessful, you receive an error message indicating the problem.
  • Page 30 Displays the Correlation Coefficient window (This icon is only available when controlling multiple SR5500s in a synchronized system-based manner). Indicates the connection status with the SR5500 unit, and causes the opposite status to be triggered when clicked. Displays the Table Format Window.
  • Page 31 Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 23 Figure 2-7: TestKit – Sample View Area 2.2.2.5 View Controls The View Controls change the contents of the View Area. Different views provide access to different functionality. The View buttons work the same as selecting the item from the View menu.
  • Page 32 The delay of this path matches what is set for Path 1 of the channel. In Transmit Diversity Mode, the SR5500 has a clean channel from RF1 IN to RF1 OUT NOTE: When changing a parameter during playback, the SR5500 resets the Time Elapsed indicator to zero and continues playing.

  • Page 33: Using The Test Assistant

    2.3. Using the Test Assistant The Test Assistant is a powerful feature that simplifies setting up the SR5500 for tests based on industry standards. 2.3.1.

  • Page 34: Changing The Carrier Frequency

    26 | SR5500 Operations Manual 2.3.2. Changing the Carrier Frequency The Test Assistant allows you to enter the exact carrier frequency in MHz, or you can let the program set the carrier frequency based on your application. To set the carrier frequency directly, click the Select Carrier Frequency button.

  • Page 35: Completing The Configuration

    Although Test Assistant does most of the work, we recommend you set the output power and perform an Autoset. The SR5500 may not be properly configured for testing without completing these additional steps. For details on performing an Autoset and setting the output power, refer to Sections 2.6.1.4.

  • Page 36: File Operations

    2.5. File Operations SR5500 TestKit supports saving and recalling files to simplify configuration of the SR5500. As with most Windows applications, certain settings are saved in the file. When the file is opened at a later time, those settings are restored.

  • Page 37: Settings Saved In The Settings File

    2.5.2. Recent File List SR5500 TestKit maintains a list of the four most recently used files. These display at the end of the File menu. To recall a file that appears on this list, select it from the File menu.
  • Page 38 2.6.1.1 Selecting Instrument Configuration The SR5500 can be configured for a single Channel with 24 Paths, or two Channels with 12 Paths each. Additionally, the SR5500 can be configured in both Receive and Transmit Diversity modes. The number of Channels and Paths is set in the System/Communication Setup window.
  • Page 39 The Channel Crest Factor is a measure of the maximum peak/avg power ratio that the SR5500 can accept without causing an overload condition. You can configure each channel of the SR5500 to have a larger than default crest factor setting. To access this window, select Configuration>System/Communication Setup, or click the System/Communication Setup icon from the toolbar.
  • Page 40 32 | SR5500 Operations Manual Figure 2-22: System Configuration Window The SR5500 Crest Factor is set to 15 dB, which is sufficient for most applications. You can set larger values when required by the application. NOTE: Increasing this value limits the maximum output power of the SR5500.
  • Page 41 2. Select the appropriate Band from the list box. 3. Enter the appropriate channel in the Channel Number textbox. If the values you enter are valid, SR5500 TestKit displays the corresponding Carrier Frequency in MHz in the read-only Carrier Frequency textbox.
  • Page 42 To achieve the ideal performance from the SR5500, you must properly configure the SR5500 input ranging circuit to the RMS input power. The SR5500 can measure the input signal and automatically set the input ranging circuit, or you can manually set the input ranging circuit.
  • Page 43 2.6.1.7 Input Overload Condition If at anytime the SR5500 detects that the input signal level is higher than expected by the input circuitry, an Overload condition exists. During an Overload condition, the Overload LED on the front panel of the SR5500 displays. Also, TestKit illuminates the Overload indicator in the Channel Control and Indicators area.
  • Page 44 To set the nominal RMS output power level, enter the desired level in the Set Output textbox in SR5500 TestKit. If the Set Input level accurately shows the actual input signal level, the nominal RMS output level reflects the value in the Set Output textbox.
  • Page 45 1.2 db of loss associated with it, enter this value in the Cable Loss Setting window. If you then set the output level of the SR5500 to –50 dBm, the actual level at the RF output port of the SR5500 would be set to –48.8 dBm, but the level at the Unit Under Test would be –50dbm.

  • Page 46: Path Parameters

    Path Parameters To use the Channel Editor view to edit the Path Parameters, click the Channel Editor button on the left to show the Path Parameters. SR5500 TestKit displays the Channel Editor in the View Area as shown in Figure 2-31.
  • Page 47 Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 39 You can access the additional parameters two ways, by opening the Path Modulation Parameters window, or by adding the parameters to the grid. To display the Path Modulation Parameters window, place the mouse cursor anywhere in the appropriate row in the Path Status column and click the More button that displays in the row.
  • Page 48 The path Doppler setting is related to the Path Velocity setting. If you set the path Velocity, SR5500 TestKit calculates the path Doppler value and resets it appropriately. If you set the path Doppler, SR5500 TestKit calculates the path Velocity and resets it appropriately.
  • Page 49 2.6.2.9 Sliding Delay The SR5500 allows any number of paths to have Sliding Delay. Set the Delay Mode to Sliding Delay, then set the remaining Sliding Delay parameters using the grid directly, or the Sliding Delay Parameters window. To display the Sliding Delay Parameters window, place the mouse cursor in the appropriate row of the Delay Value column and click the More button.
  • Page 50 42 | SR5500 Operations Manual 2.6.2.10 Birth Death Delay The SR5500 allows any number of paths to have Birth Death Delay. To setup a path for Birth Death Delay, use the Delay Mode column and select Birth Death. Click the Birth Death Settings button to display the Channel Birth Death Settings window.

  • Page 51: Interference

    Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 43 NOTE: The SR5500 normalizes the power of each path to maintain a composite channel power that equals the Set Output Level. The Path Loss value indicates the path power relative to other paths in the Power Delay Profile.
  • Page 52 44 | SR5500 Operations Manual Figure 2-39: Interference State Setting NOTE: The Channel Bypass feature overrides the Interference State selection. If the Channel is bypassed, there will be no additive impairments present at the output of the SR5500. 2.6.3.3 Setting the Interference Level There are three ways to configure the relative level of the interferer to the carrier;...

  • Page 53: Instrument Setup View

    2.6.4. Instrument Setup View The SR5500 Instrument Setup view is used to setup a number of system level parameters. Rayleigh Fading correlation between channels can be set in this window. Fading correlation is only valid if the path parameters for the different channels match.

  • Page 54: Dynamic Environment Emulation

    Mode 1 – The native mode of the SR5500. C(Output Power) – Total carrier power at the output of the SR5500. In the case of TX Diversity mode, this is the sum of the power from Carrier 1 and Carrier 2.

  • Page 55: Method

    This information combined with State 1 of the State Emulation file describes the state of the SR5500 in “State 1” of DEE. When the path is initially set to Off, you can modify the path parameters. This is allowed so if the path gets turned on dynamically in DEE, the settings for the path are fully defined.

  • Page 56: Emulation File Creation (Dee Template)

    2.7.2. Emulation File Creation (DEE Template) The DEE Template defines the changes to the state of the SR5500. To use the template, macros must be enabled in Microsoft Excel. NOTE: Previous versions of TestKit used a file format called SSX. This was a proprietary XML based format.
  • Page 57 1. Set State Duration to 1 second (each state duration thereafter remains 1 second unless the particular state is changed. 2. Set the output power of the SR5500 to -60.00. 3. All other parameters remain as defined in Static mode.
  • Page 58 2. Turn Path 1 OFF. (This path was originally turned on in the Channel Editor table (Static mode). In States 7-9 1. Modify the output power of the SR5500. 2. Path 1 remains OFF. In State 10 1. Modify the output power of the SR5500.
  • Page 59 Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 51 Figure 2-50: Example of a Column Having Two States Figure 2-51: Example of Column Having Six States 2.7.2.3 Setting the Channel Mode You can set up the DEE template for DUAL or SINGLE Channel Mode. In DUAL mode, the template displays information for Channel 1, Paths 1-12 AND Channel 2, Paths 1-12.

  • Page 60: Dynamic Environment Emulation (Dee) View

    DEE template using this function. 2.7.3. Dynamic Environment Emulation (DEE) View The SR5500 is capable of dynamically changing the current state of a number of Path and Channel parameters. These changes can be setup in a table using Microsoft Excel. 2.7.3.1...
  • Page 61 Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 53 NOTE: When the file loops back to State 1, the state of the instrument will be the same as it was the first time in State 1, with the exception that the random number generator creating Rayleigh fading will not reset. This means that statistically, State 1 will be the same each time DEE loops, but the instantaneous phase and amplitude distortion will differ.

  • Page 62: Using Dee With Multiple Sr5500S

    State duration information provided in other STB files is ignored. 2.8. Power Meter Parameters The SR5500 contains a Power Meter used to measure the signal levels coming into the unit. The default Power Meter parameter settings are appropriate for most applications.

  • Page 63: Using The Sr5500 With 6 Ghz/6Ghz-Ex Option

    The SR5500 6 GHz(-EX) RF Converter can increase the frequency range of the SR5500. The SR5500 6 GHz option supports the Upper Band (4100 to 6000 MHz). The SR5500 6 GHz-EX option supports both the Upper and Middle(3300 to 3850 MHz).

  • Page 64: Configuring Testkit For The 6 Ghz(-Ex) Option

    RF Frequency Mode changes. Refer to Section 2.9.3. below for more details. NOTE: The Middle Band is only available with the SR5500 6 GHz-EX option. 2.9.3. Parameter Dependencies When the RF Frequency Mode is set to Upper Band, the SR5500 limits the range of the parameters listed below: • Carrier Frequency •...

  • Page 65: Downloading Firmware To The Sr5500

    Firmware files in the download directory on the Controller PC. Once the files are properly located on the controller PC, run TestKit and connect to the SR5500. To start the download in SR5500 TestKit, select Help>Firmware Upgrade. TestKit must communicate with the SR5500 to detect the current Firmware version.

  • Page 66: During The Download

    During the Firmware download process, SR5500 TestKit instructs the SR5500 to retrieve certain files from the Controller PC via TCP over the Ethernet interface. Each file is a part of the Firmware in the SR5500 and is thoroughly checked to ensure proper transfer to the SR5500.

  • Page 67: Changing The Sr5500 Ip Address Configuration

    Your changes are updated in the SR5500 unit. After SR5500 TestKit has updated the IP Address in the unit, it automatically updates the IP Address it uses to communicate with the SR5500. It is not necessary to change the IP Address in SR5500 TestKit to match the updated SR5500 IP Address.

  • Page 68: Changing The Ip Address In Sr5500 Testkit

    If you are changing the IP Address in SR5500 TestKit to match the IP Address of the SR5500, be sure you know all the IP Address of the unit first. SR5500 TestKit must be in Local Mode to adjust the IP Address parameter.

  • Page 69: Controlling Multiple Sr5500S

    In order to take advantage of this option, the SR5500’s must be connected using the provided digital synchronization cables. Additionally, all of the 10 MHz references must be locked using BNC cables.

  • Page 70: Configuring Testkit To Control Multiple Units

    The 10 MHz IN port of system 1 can be driven from an external source if desired. 2.13.2. Configuring TestKit to Control Multiple Units Select the number of SR5500 units to control in the System Configuration window. To access this window, select Configuration>System/Communication Setup, or click the System/Communication Setup icon from the toolbar Figure 2-61: System Configuration Window –...

  • Page 71: Switching Between Units

    2.13.5. Correlation Coefficient Type. The Correlation Coefficient Type can be set to Envelope, Component, or Complex. You can only select Complex if the Complex Correlation Option is present in every SR5500 in the Multi-unit System.

  • Page 72: System-Based Correlation

    64 | SR5500 Operations Manual When the Correlation Coefficient Type is Envelope, the correlation is between the magnitude of the Rayleigh faded channels. Envelope correlation is defined as the correlation between the magnitude of the Rayleigh fading channels. When the Correlation Coefficient Type is Component, the correlation is between the In- phase (I) components and Quadrature (Q) components of the Rayleigh faded channels.

  • Page 73: Summary View

    Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 65 NOTE: There are times when no range is possible for a given correlation coefficient. This occurs when the matrix can not be physically implemented in the real world. If this occurs, the values elsewhere in the matrix must be changed to correct the condition.

  • Page 74: Path Parameters

    66 | SR5500 Operations Manual 2.14.1. Path Parameters. The current state of all configured paths can be examined using the path parameters tab. This tab shows configured paths on all units. Paths not enabled do not display in this view. Items in this view are read-only.

  • Page 75: Technical Reference

    Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 67 Technical Reference 3.1. Overview Wireless communication is a demanding application that requires complex air interface protocols to seamlessly interact and harsh radio channel effects to be mitigated. When a wireless signal is sent from the transmitter to the receiver it traverses a complex radio channel that distorts the intended signal transmission.

  • Page 76: Radio Channel Power Delay Profile

    68 | SR5500 Operations Manual As shown in Figure 3-1, multiple versions of the originally transmitted signal show up at the receiver each having taken a different route (A-D) through the radio propagation channel. Because each of these macroscopic signal paths takes a different route through the topology of the environment they each travel a different distance from transmitter to receiver.

  • Page 77: Static Relative Path Delay

    1000 feet). Delays greater than 50 µs are rare in cellular environments. Path delay in the SR5500 is set relative to the first arriving path. This delay setting is in addition to the absolute electrical delay through the system.

  • Page 78: Sliding Relative Path Delay

    3GPP test specifications define Moving Propagation channel models that utilize paths that possess sliding delay with a sinusoidal variation in delay spread. SR5500 sliding delay emulation smoothly varies the temporal location of individual multi- path components using a periodic sinusoidal function. A two-path example is shown in Figure 3-4 below.

  • Page 79: Birth-Death Time-Varying Relative Path Delay

    Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 71 Several parameters must be defined for paths employing sliding delay. These include: • Minimum Delay – minimum delay of the sliding path • Maximum Delay – maximum delay of the sliding path • Rate of Oscillation – rate of sliding delay change •...

  • Page 80: Relative Path Loss

    72 | SR5500 Operations Manual 3.5. Relative Path Loss Relative path loss is a phenomenon where individual signal paths arriving at the receiver are at different absolute power levels. The difference in power levels between paths is caused by the physical obstructions in the signal path. Referring to Paths (A) and (C) in Figure 3-6, Path (C) will arrive at a lower power level then Path (A).

  • Page 81: Rayleigh Fading Amplitude Distribution

    Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 73 3.6.1. Rayleigh Fading Amplitude Distribution Fast fading is commonly referred to as Rayleigh fading. A Rayleigh modulated signal is caused by scattering of the paths in the Power-Delay Profile from man-made and natural obstacles such as buildings and trees in the local geographical area (within a few hundred wavelengths of the receiver).
  • Page 82 0 to 360 degrees. The theoretical power spectral density of a Rayleigh faded signal is shown in Figure 3-8. Also shown, in Figure 3-9, is the measured power spectral density from a SR5500. Figure 3-8: Theoretical Rayleigh Power Spectral Density Figure 3-9: Measured Rayleigh Power Spectral Density •...
  • Page 83 Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 75 To evaluate the performance of Rayleigh fading implemented in the SR5500, it must be compared to a defined standard metric to ensure consistent operation. One set of performance criteria can be found in industry standard test documents. The primary performance criteria that are used to evaluate Rayleigh fading are the Cumulative Probability Distribution Function (CPDF) and the Level Crossing Rate (LCR).

  • Page 84: Rician Fading Amplitude Distribution

    LOS path at the receiver is programmable, as is the ratio of power between the LOS path and the multi-path. The SR5500 provides access to both the LOS arrival angle specified as the AOA (expressed in degrees) and the LOS path to multi-path power ratio specified as the K factor (expressed in dB).
  • Page 85 Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 77 An example configuration of Rician fading may have an angle of arrival of the LOS signal path set to be 45 , resulting in a Doppler shift that is ~0.707 of the maximum Doppler shift of the Rayleigh distributed signal (classical Doppler spectrum).

  • Page 86: Fast Fading Power Spectrum Shapes

    However, several different frequency domain models can be used to represent the power spectrum shape produced by multi-path fading. The SR5500 allows you to select the shape of the power spectrum produced by multi- path fading. The four possible spectrum shapes that can be set are shown in Figure 3-14.

  • Page 87: Frequency Shift (Static Doppler)

    Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 79 3.7.1. Frequency Shift (Static Doppler) Static frequency shift from the carrier frequency occurs when the distance between the receiver and transmitter is changing. An example of this is when a mobile receiver (car) is driving away from the transmitter.
  • Page 88 80 | SR5500 Operations Manual -40.00 -50.00 -60.00 -70.00 TIME (2 sec sweep) Figure 3-15: Log-Normal Fading vs. Time • Log-Normal Standard Deviation = 10 dB • Log-Normal Rate = 10 Hz • Path Loss = 25 dB • Center Freq. = 900 MHz •...

  • Page 89: Additive White Gaussian Noise (Awgn) Interferer

    The AWGN type of additive interferer is generated independently for each of the two channels of the SR5500. The noise source is defined as being flat over the specified band within the tolerance specified in Section 7.6 on page 143. Refer to Figure 3-17 through Figure 3-21 for plots of typical band-limited noise signal power vs.
  • Page 90 82 | SR5500 Operations Manual Figure 3-18: Typical SR5500 AWGN Source Power vs. Frequency (3.25 MHz Bandwidth) Figure 3-19: Typical SR5500 AWGN Source Power vs. Frequency (6.5 MHz Bandwidth)
  • Page 91 Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 83 Figure 3-20: Typical SR5500 AWGN Source Power vs. Frequency (13 MHz Bandwidth) Figure 3-21: Typical SR5500 AWGN Source Power vs. Frequency (26 MHz Bandwidth) The power of the band-limited noise interferer relative to the carrier power may be specified in one of three ways: carrier to noise, carrier bit power to noise power spectral density and carrier power to noise power spectral density.
  • Page 92 There is also a dependency between the total output power available and the C/N ratio. Since the SR5500 can produce a fixed amount of total power, large negative C/N ratios reduce the maximum settable output power. The following plot shows the relationship between C/N ratio and output power.
  • Page 93 Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 85 Figure 3-22: C/N vs. Settable Output Power (Receiver Bandwidth – Noise Bandwidth) Setting the receiver bandwidth to be less then the total noise bandwidth affect this relationship. The following plot shows the relationship for a typical WCMA setup. Noise Bandwidth = 6.5 MHz, Receiver bandwidth set to 3.84 MHz.

  • Page 94: Power Meter

    Figure 3-24: Typical SR5500 Band-Limited AWGN CCDF 3.10. Power Meter The SR5500 contains a Power Meter in each channel that is used to measure the signal levels coming into the unit. The measurement is a wideband power measurement limited by the bandwidth of the SR5500 channel (26 MHz). The Power Meter functions in two modes: continuous and triggered mode.
  • Page 95 Chapter Three: Technical Reference | 87 This approach allows the signal to be measure during only the burst on-time. If the number of averages is large, the measurement will likely take place over multiple ‘bursts’. The number of averages in this case refers to the number of included samples. In the case of a signal with a long period between bursts, the measurement can take a significant amount of time.
  • Page 96 88 | SR5500 Operations Manual...

  • Page 97: Instrument Api

    The SR5500 WCE-IAPI is provided in the Dynamic Link Library (DLL) format which is commonly used by developers and easily integrated into any project. A DLL is a collection of small programs that provide access to resources.

  • Page 98: Benefits And Features

    The SR5500 API is intuitively designed to facilitate a quick ramp-up for developers adopting the API. To illustrate the ease of use of the SR5500 API for configuring the system, the following sample code extract is provided (in VB.NET). The example illustrates the intuitive hierarchical structure, the simplicity of the interface and the descriptive naming convention employed.

  • Page 99: Api Front Panel

    4.5. API Front Panel The SR5500 API includes a utility designed to help verify that the code is configuring the SR5500 properly. This utility is called the API front Panel. The API front panel displays the...

  • Page 100: The Api Front Panel Window Components

    The main window displays some general information about the state of the API and of the connected SR5500. The current frequency for each channel displays, along with the state of the set and measured input and output levels. The Bypass state also displays.
  • Page 101 Chapter Four: Instrument API | 93 Figure 4-1: SR5500 API Front Panel Window NOTE: The Measured I/O Levels and the Overload status are not updated continuously. They display the result of the most recent query of these properties by the program. Since monitoring these properties requires a query to the instrument, it is not desirable for the API Front Panel to compete with your code for control of the instrument.
  • Page 102 94 | SR5500 Operations Manual Figure 4-3: Channel Parameter Browser Window 4.5.1.3 View Menu The View menu gives access to other system level property values, such as AWGN parameters and communication settings. Figure 4-4: API Window – View Menu Figure 4-5: AWGN Settings Window...
  • Page 103 Chapter Four: Instrument API | 95 4.5.1.4 Driver Trace Log The Trace Log provides a printout of the history of commands sent to the API. This helps you debug the application. You can save this Log to a file for future review. Figure 4-6: Driver Trace Log Window 4.5.1.5 Coupled Parameter Log...

  • Page 104: Further Information

    96 | SR5500 Operations Manual 4.6. Further Information Additional information about the SR5500 WCE-IAPI can be found in the following electronic documents provided with the API: • The API Installation Instructions. • The API Getting Started Instructions. • The Spirent WCE IAPI Help file. This provides an extensive breakdown of the resources of the API along with links to additional information.

  • Page 105: Remote Programming Interface Operation

    Before processing remote commands, you must load the TestKit application and make a connection to the SR5500 Instrument(s). After the first setup, this can be done automatically using a command line option as described in Section 5.3.6 on page 100.

  • Page 106: Setting Up The Remote Programming Interface

    98 | SR5500 Operations Manual 5.3.1. Setting up the Remote Programming Interface Before controlling the SR5500 TestKit from a remote terminal or computer, open the TestKit application and connect to the SR5500 instrument. This is described in Section 2.2.1 on page 20.

  • Page 107: Start/Stop The Listener

    Note: If the listener is stopped, you will be disconnected. 5. Click the Remote Mode button. Commands can now be accepted by SR5500 TestKit. In this mode, you cannot exit the RPI view. 6. To exit the RPI view, click the Local Mode button.

  • Page 108: Enable Monitor Messages

    C:\Program Files\Spirent Communications\SR5500 TestKit\SR5500.exe” This can be done by either calling the application from a DOS prompt, adding this command to a batch file, or by creating a shortcut to “SR5500.exe” that includes the RPI command line option. 5.4. SR5500 TestKit Command Protocol 5.4.1.

  • Page 109: Command Sequence

    Chapter Five: Remote Programming Interface Operation | 101 5.4.2. Command Sequence To execute a SR5500 TestKit Program Message Unit, a controller must execute a simple three-step sequence: 1. Check for any pending responses. SR5500 TestKit does not execute a new Program Message Unit if the result from a previous message has not been read.

  • Page 110: Response Format

    This is equivalent to sending two commands separately : CHAN1:PATH1:DELay 10 : CHAN1:PATH1: MODE FIXed SR5500 TestKit ignores extra white space within the command frame and characters are not case sensitive. Query Message Units (queries) are Program Message Units which ask SR5500 TestKit to report back a response of some kind, usually a parameter value.

  • Page 111: Hierarchical Default Format

    Chapter Five: Remote Programming Interface Operation | 103 The mnemonic called DELay is a command under the PATH1 root command group. Its short form is DEL and its long form is DELay. The following are valid combinations: :CHAN1:PATH1:DELay 10.0 :CHAN1:PATH1:DEL 10.0 CHAN1:PAtH1:dElAy 10.0 The first example shows the first mnemonic using the long form.

  • Page 112: Transmission Layer Protocols

    To enter a Program Message, type the message, then press CARRIAGE RETURN. Note that the unit echoes back each character as it is typed. SR5500 TestKit executes the instruction and provides a response, if necessary. After SR5500 TestKit has processed a command, it sends another prompt to indicate that it is ready to receive a command.

  • Page 113: Gpib Protocol

    SR5500 TestKit will only have a message available if one is requested using a query command. When SR5500 TestKit is ready to respond, it sets the serial poll status to 10 hex. After the controller conducts the read operation, the SR5500 TestKit sets the serial poll status to...
  • Page 114 106 | SR5500 Operations Manual Figure 5-4: Typical Bus Controller Flowchart...
  • Page 115 Chapter Five: Remote Programming Interface Operation | 107 Figure 5-5: Typical Bus Controller Flowchart...
  • Page 116 GPIB interface card, GPIB integrated circuit, or SR5500 TestKit. The controller must conduct a serial poll to receive a command response from SR5500 TestKit. The following example shows the typical GPIB sequence required to achieve a serial poll of SR5500 TestKit.
  • Page 117 Some commands require several seconds of SR5500 TestKit processing time. While the unit completes most commands in less than one second, some commands may require several seconds. The controller should conduct serial polls until SR5500 TestKit status is ready. Receiving Responses from SR5500 TestKit The following example shows the typical GPIB sequence required to receive a command from SR5500 TestKit.
  • Page 118 110 | SR5500 Operations Manual...

  • Page 119: Rpi Command Reference

    RPI Command Reference This section is designed to help those who are already familiar with SR5500 TestKit command set to easily find and use commands. The SR5500 TestKit Command Reference provides a complete description of each command group and all commands within each group.

  • Page 120: Command Summary

    112 | SR5500 Operations Manual 6.2. Command Summary *IDN? *OPC? *OPT? *RST [SUITe:] BAND {LOWer|MIDdle|UPper} BAND? CORRelation :MATRix [:ALLpaths] <real list> [:ALLpaths]? :PATH# <real list> :PATH#? :MODe {ENVelope|COMPonent|COMPLex} :MODe? :TYPe {INSTrument|SUITe} :TYPe? [:UNIT#] :AWGNCorrelation {OFF|ON} :AWGNCorrelation? :AWGNValid? :CHCorrelation <real list>...
  • Page 121 Chapter Six: Command Reference | 113 LOAD <string> NUMUnits? SAVE <string> SYNChronize? [UNIT#] :ASTatus? :CHAN# :AABort :BAUToset :BDEath :DBINs <real list> :DBINs? :NUMBins? :SDURation <real> :SDURation? :BYPass {OFF|ON} :BYPass? :CBLLoss <real> :CBLLoss? :CFACtor <real> :CFACtor? :CLROVerload :FREQuency <real> :FREQuency? :INPut <real> :INPut? :INTerferer :BITRate <real>...
  • Page 122 114 | SR5500 Operations Manual :ITYPe? :OAVGexp <real> :OAVGexp? :OLEVel :OTYPe {CALCulated|MEASured} :OTYPe? :TTHReshold <real> :TTHReshold? :NUMPaths? :OUTPut <real> :OUTPut? :OVERload? :PATH# :DELay :MODE {FIXed|SDELay|BDEath} :MODE? :SDELay :DMIN <real> :DMIN? :DMAX <real> :DMAX? :ORATe <real> :ORATe? :PERiod? [:VALue] <real> [:VALue]? :DFRequency <real>...

  • Page 123: Command Descriptions

    Chapter Six: Command Reference | 115 :MODulation? :PHSHift <real> :PHSHift? :RPLoss <real> :RPLoss? [:STATe] {OFF|ON} [:STATe]? :CONFiguration {SINGle|DUAL|RXDiversity|TXDiversity} :CONF? [:EMULation] :PAUSe :PLAY :STOP :STATe? :NUMCHannels? :RELPower <real> :RELPower? :ROSCillator? 6.3. Command Descriptions *IDN? Query the RPI software identification. *OPC? Query the Operation Complete bit. *OPT? Query the RPI Options string.
  • Page 124 116 | SR5500 Operations Manual If CORRelation:MODe is set to ENVelope or COMPonent the parameters are defined as follows: Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution <real list> 2 UNITS (Dual) - R0, R1, R2, … , R5 0.00 0.01 3 UNITS (Dual) - R0, R1, R2, … , R14 4 UNITS (Dual) - R0, R1, R2, …...
  • Page 125 Chapter Six: Command Reference | 117 2 UNITS (Single Channel): Index Parameter U1C1_U2C1 3 UNITS (Single Channel): Index Parameter U1C1_U2C1 U1C1_U3C1 U2C1_U3C1 4 UNITS (Single Channel): Index Parameter U1C1_U2C1 U1C1_U3C1 U2C1_U3C1 U1C1_U4C1 U2C1_U4C1 U3C1_U4C1 If CORRelation:MODe is set to COMPLex the parameters are defined as follows: Parameter Range/Selection *RST...
  • Page 126 118 | SR5500 Operations Manual Index Parameter Index Parameter Index Parameter U1C1_U2C1_Imag U1C1_U3C1_Imag U1C2_U3C2_Imag U1C2_U2C1_Real U1C2_U3C1_Real U2C1_U3C2_Real U1C2_U2C1_Imag U1C2_U3C1_Imag U2C1_U3C2_Imag U1C1_U2C2_Real U2C1_U3C1_Real U2C2_U3C2_Real U1C1_U2C2_Imag U2C1_U3C1_Imag U2C2_U3C2_Imag U1C2_U2C2_Real U2C2_U3C1_Real U3C1_U3C2_Real U1C2_U2C2_Imag U2C2_U3C1_Imag U3C1_U3C2_Imag 4 UNITS (Dual Channel, Complex Correlation): Index Parameter...
  • Page 127 Chapter Six: Command Reference | 119 U1C1_U3C1_Real U1C1_U3C1_Imag U2C1_U3C1_Real U2C1_U3C1_Imag 4 UNITS (Single Channel, Complex Correlation): Index Parameter Index Parameter U1C1_U2C1_Real U1C1_U4C1_Real U1C1_U2C1_Imag U1C1_U4C1_Imag U1C1_U3C1_Real U2C1_U4C1_Real U1C1_U3C1_Imag U2C1_U4C1_Imag U2C1_U3C1_Real U3C1_U4C1_Real U2C1_U3C1_Imag U3C1_U4C1_Imag CORRelation:MATRix:PATH# <real list> CORRelation:MATRix:PATH#? Sets the channel correlation parameters for a given path in the system.
  • Page 128 120 | SR5500 Operations Manual CORRelation[:UNIT#]:AWGNCorrelation <bool> CORRelation[:UNIT#]:AWGNCorrelation? Disable or enable AWGN correlation for the given unit. Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution 1 to 4 <bool> OFF, ON — CORRelation[:UNIT#]:AWGNValid? Query whether the current setup of the given unit is valid for AWGN correlation.
  • Page 129 Query the error queue. See section 5.4.6 for possible responses. LOAD <string> Load a Wireless Channel Emulator (.wce) settings file. Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution <string> “full valid path\filename.wce” “” — NUMUnits? Query the number of SR5500 units in the suite.
  • Page 130 122 | SR5500 Operations Manual SAVE <string> Save a Wireless Channel Emulator (.wce) settings file. Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution <string> “full valid path\filename.wce” “” — SYNChronize? Query the synchronization state of the system. Off(0): system is unsynchronized On(1): system is synchronized.
  • Page 131 Chapter Six: Command Reference | 123 Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution 0 to 2000 (us) [UNIT#:]CHAN#:BDEath:NUMBins? Query the number of active Birth Death delay bins for the given channel of the given unit. Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution 1 to 4 (unit) 1 to 2 (channel) [UNIT#:]CHAN#:BDEath:SDURation <real>...
  • Page 132 124 | SR5500 Operations Manual [UNIT#:]CHAN#:FREQuency <real> [UNIT#:]CHAN#:FREQuency? Sets the channel frequency. Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution 1 to 4 (unit) 1 to 2 (channel) <real> 400 to 6000 (MHz)* 0.001 *: See the BAND command for appropriate ranges. [UNIT#:]CHAN#:INPut <real>...
  • Page 133 Chapter Six: Command Reference | 125 Sets the Eb/No ratio for the given channel of the given unit. The corresponding query will return the set Eb/No ratio (in dB). Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution 1 to 4 (unit) 1 to 2 (channel) <real>...
  • Page 134 126 | SR5500 Operations Manual Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution 1 to 4 (unit) 1 to 2 (channel) [UNIT#:]CHAN#:MEASure:DCYCle <real> [UNIT#:]CHAN#:MEASure:DCYCle? Sets the duty cycle of the power meter for the given channel of the given unit. Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution...
  • Page 135 Chapter Six: Command Reference | 127 1 to 2 (channel) [UNIT#:]CHAN#:MEASure:OTYPe <string> [UNIT#:]CHAN#:MEASure:OTYPe? Sets the output measurement type for the given channel’s power meter of the given unit. Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution 1 to 4 (unit) 1 to 2 (channel) <string>...
  • Page 136 128 | SR5500 Operations Manual Sets the sliding delay minimum for the given path of the given channel in the given unit. Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution 1 to 4 (unit) 1 to 2 (channel) 1 to 24 (path) <real> 0 to 2000 (us) 0.0001...
  • Page 137 Chapter Six: Command Reference | 129 Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution 1 to 4 (unit) 1 to 2 (channel) 1 to 24 (path) <real> -2000 to -0.1, 0.1 to 2000 (Hz) 41.7 0.01 [UNIT#:]CHAN#:PATH#:DVELocity <real> [UNIT#:]CHAN#:PATH#:DVELocity? Set the fading Doppler velocity for the given path of the given channel in the given unit.
  • Page 138 130 | SR5500 Operations Manual [UNIT#:]CHAN#:PATH#:LOGNormal:SDEViation? Set the Log Normal standard deviation for the given path of the given channel in the given unit. Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution 1 to 4 (unit) 1 to 2 (channel) 1 to 24 (path) <int>...
  • Page 139 Chapter Six: Command Reference | 131 [UNIT#:]CHAN#:PATH#:MODulation <string> [UNIT#:]CHAN#:PATH#:MODulation? Set the modulation type for the given path of the given channel in the given unit. Parameter Range/Selection *RST Resolution 1 to 4 (unit) 1 to 2 (channel) 1 to 24 (path) <string>...

  • Page 140: Command Dependencies

    Many of the commands and queries listed above have ranges that are dependant upon other settings. The SR5500 parameter dependency tree is shown below. Setting commands at a higher level of the tree may change the values in lower levels of the tree.

  • Page 141: Autosets

    Chapter Six: Command Reference | 133 Output Level Log Normal Crest Factor Frequency Autoset Offset Mode Receiver Channel Carrier Channel Bandwidth Output Level Frequency Input Level Interferer bandwidth Interferer Mode Fading Doppler Path Delay Velocity Path Fading Delay Channel Path Modulation Doppler Oscillation...

  • Page 142: Dynamic Environment Emulation (Dee)

    134 | SR5500 Operations Manual [UNIT#:]CHAN#:CLROVerload NOTE: Performing an Autoset automatically clears the overload register. 6.7. Dynamic Environment Emulation (DEE) To use the Dynamic environment emulation feature using the RPI, commands must be sent in a very specific order. Manually complete the test run before running DEE to verify that the state file compiles properly, and that no errors occur.
  • Page 143 Chapter Six: Command Reference | 135...

  • Page 144: Technical Specifications

    Channel Crest Factor = 15 dB • Log-Normal OFF NOTE: Technical Specifications are subject to change without notice. 7.2. RF Channel Specifications (without the SR5500 6 GHz Option) Center Frequency Range 400 to 2700 MHz Center Frequency Resolution 0.1 MHz...

  • Page 145: Rf Channel Specifications (With The Sr5500 6 Ghz Option)

    Bypass Mode Insertion Loss 12 dB 7.3. RF Channel Specifications (with the SR5500 6 GHz Option) The channel specifications for the SR5500 equipped with the SR5500 6 GHz RF Converter are the same as in section 5.2 with the following exceptions. Frequency Range...
  • Page 146 138 | SR5500 Operations Manual Autoset Range (400 to 2700 MHz) 0 to -30 dBm Autoset Range (4100 to 6000 MHz) -10 to -30 dBm Damage Level +20 dBm Output Signal Level Range (400 to 2700 MHz) -30 to -110 dBm...

  • Page 147: Rf Channel Specifications (With The Sr5500 6 Ghz-Ex Option)

    Chapter Seven: Technical Specifications | 139 7.4. RF Channel Specifications (with the SR5500 6 GHz-EX Option) The channel specifications for the SR5500 equipped with the SR5500 6 GHz-EX RF Converter are the same as in Section 7.2 with the following exceptions.

  • Page 148: Channel Emulation Characteristics

    140 | SR5500 Operations Manual Min Output Level = -80 dBm Spurious Emission Levels Within Channel -40 dBc maximum Outside Channel but within 400 to 2700 MHz, 3300 to 3850 MHz, or 4100 to 6000 MHz -10 dBc maximum RF Physical Interface Characteristics...
  • Page 149 Chapter Seven: Technical Specifications | 141 Phase Shift Range 0 to 360 degrees Resolution 0.1 degrees Path Loss Characteristics Relative Path Loss Range (with multiple paths enabled) 0 to 30 dB Resolution 0.1 dB Accuracy +/- 0.1 dB Path Delay Characteristics Fixed Delay 0 to 2000 µsec Range...
  • Page 150 142 | SR5500 Operations Manual Level Crossing Rate (LCR) Accuracy exceeds the following requirements): ± From +3 to -30 dB of mean power level < 2.5% deviation theoretical LCR curve of the simulated vehicle velocity Fading Power Spectrum Programmable shapes:...

  • Page 151: Interference Generation Characteristics

    Chapter Seven: Technical Specifications | 143 Minimum actual Amplitude Variation 2 sigma. (2 * Standard Deviation) Dynamic Environment Emulation (DEE) Modes Play Once, Loop Continuously. Settable Parameters Output Power Level, Relative Path Loss, Path Delay, Path Status (ON/OFF) Minimum State Time 10 ms Minimum Number of States Maximum Number of States...
  • Page 152 144 | SR5500 Operations Manual Type AWGN 26, 13, 6.5, 3.25, 1.625 MHz Refer to the Technical Reference for the spectral shape of the AWGN over the aforementioned bandwidths. Ratio Units C/N in dB C/No in dB/Hz Eb/No in dB/Hz...

  • Page 153: Power Measurement Characteristics

    -50 to 0 dBm Averages where 2≤x≤31 (0.206 µsec per average) TestKit Power Meter Update Rate 2 Hz 7.8. Interface and Environmental Characteristics SR5500 Front Panel Indicators Channel Overload 1 LED indicator/channel Channel Bypass 1 LED indicator/channel Status 1 LED...
  • Page 154 146 | SR5500 Operations Manual Temperature 0 to 40 degrees C Humidity 10% to 90%, noncondensing SR5500 Dimensions and Weight Height 8.75 inches Width 16.88 inches Depth 21 inches Weight 65 pounds 6 GHz Option Dimensions and Weight Height 3.5 inches...
  • Page 155 Chapter Seven: Technical Specifications | 147 SR5500 Fuse Replacement Procedure The fuse is installed at the factory to match the most commonly used line voltage in the country of destination. CAUTION: Disconnect from the supply before servicing 12. Locate the power entry module on rear panel.
  • Page 156 148 | SR5500 Operations Manual 6 GHz Option Fuse Replacement Procedure The fuse is installed at the factory to match the most commonly used line voltage in the country of destination. CAUTION: Disconnect from the supply before servicing. 17. Locate the power entry module on rear panel.
  • Page 157 Chapter Seven: Technical Specifications | 149 SR5500 Procédure de Remplacement de Fusible Le fusible d’origine est dimensionné selon le voltage le plus courant dans le pays de destination. Attention – Déconnecter de l’alimentation avant l’opération 1. Localiser le module d’entrée d’alimentation sur le panneau arrière.
  • Page 158 150 | SR5500 Operations Manual 6 GHz Option Procédure de Remplacement de Fusible Le fusible d’origine est dimensionné selon le voltage le plus courant dans le pays de destination. Attention – Déconnecter de l’alimentation avant l’opération 1. Localiser le module d’entrée d’alimentation sur le panneau arrière.

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