February 2015
21
T
ools
relevant tests as quickly as possible. Easy-to-operate test software such
as R&S ScopeSuite with its high level of automation can make a huge
difference. The integrated test wizard guides the user through the test
setup, automatically configuring the oscilloscope as well as the con-
nected signal generator and spectrum or network analyzer (figure 3).
This solution saves the user from time-consuming manual test con-
figuration, performs the measurements automatically and quickly
delivers accurate results. With just a few steps at the end of the mea-
surement, the user compiles the generated logs and graphics into a
comprehensive documentation set.
Depending on the user preference, R&S ScopeSuite can be installed
on a separate PC or on the oscilloscope itself. For operation on the
oscilloscope, it is convenient to use an additional monitor where R&S
ScopeSuite can be controlled with a mouse while the oscilloscope
screen simultaneously displays waveforms and results.
The test software should provide the established test cases for the dif-
ferent Ethernet standards. Individual tests or complete test groups can
be selected based on the specific task. A particularly convenient fea-
ture offered by the R&S ScopeSuite is automatic configuration after
the test software is launched. The test wizard guides the user through
the configuration in easy-to-follow, fully illustrated steps.
Once all the steps are complete, the measurements should be exe-
cuted automatically and test results should be displayed clearly and
accurately. The Rohde & Schwarz software, for example, shows the
test results with a red, yellow and green traffic light display. Another
practical feature: a test can be repeated at the push of a button if sig-
nal errors occur. Upon completion of the measurements, the user can
compile the relevant results into a test report (figure 4) to obtain com-
plete system documentation with figures and tables.
Users looking for an Ethernet compliance test solution should ensure
that current Ethernet variants are supported and that the oscilloscope
provides the required high dynamic range. The Rohde & Schwarz
solution is based on the R&S RTO family of oscilloscopes. The out-
standing dynamic range and the low-noise front-ends ensure accurate
results even in critical transmitter distortion tests.
The complete solution also includes the two software options R&S RTO-
K22 for 10Base-T to 1000Base-T and R&S RTO-K23 for 10GBase-T,
along with the R&S RT-ZF2 test fixture. Testing of the Ethernet inter-
faces is extensively automated to deliver precise results that can be fully
documented to meet the user requirements.
n
Figure 3 (3a left, 3b right). Instructions for an Ethernet compliance test case. The configuration on the test fixture is explained on the left while the
signal acquired by the oscilloscope from the Ethernet chip in the configured test mode is visible on the right.
Figure 4. Excerpt from a detailed test report
