DVB-T2 Transmitter Measurements for

Acceptance, Commissioning and

Monitoring
Application Note
Products:
ı R&S®ETL
ı R&S®ETC

The terrestrial television standard DVB-T2 is gaining

in significance as a result of the growing scarcity of
available frequencies. New systems are being tested
in many countries around the world. Other countries
have already completed the introductory phase for
DVB-T2. Broadcasting transmitters are subject to
particularly stringent standards with respect to
broadcast signal quality, because even small faults
can lead to service disruptions for many viewers or
even disrupt adjacent channels.
A single instrument, the R&S®ETL TV analyzer,
performs all required DVB-T2 transmitter
measurements, from the initial acceptance testing
for the transmitter, to measurements performed
during commissioning and preventive maintenance.
11.2014 – 7BM106_0E
Christiane Klaus
Application Note
 Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1 Overview .............................................................................................. 4

2 Comparison of DVB-T and DVB-T2 ................................................... 5

3 Preparing for the Measurements ....................................................... 6

3.1 Required Equipment ....................................................................................................6
3.2 Test Setup.....................................................................................................................7
3.3 Transmitter Operating Mode.......................................................................................7
3.3.1 DVB-T2 Standard Conformance Check.........................................................................9
3.4 Protection against Destructive Input Power .............................................................9
3.5 Default Configuration and Leveling on the R&S®ETL ............................................10

4 Measurements ................................................................................... 12
4.1 Power ..........................................................................................................................13
4.1.1 Transmitter Output Level .............................................................................................13
4.1.2 Crest Factor .................................................................................................................15
4.2 Modulator Characteristics ........................................................................................18
4.2.1 I/Q Errors .....................................................................................................................18
4.2.2 Amplitude Frequency Response and Group Delay .....................................................20
4.3 Out-Of-Band Emissions ............................................................................................22
4.3.1 Shoulder Attenuation and Adjacent Channel Emissions .............................................22
4.3.2 Harmonics ....................................................................................................................27
4.4 Signal Quality .............................................................................................................28
4.4.1 L1 Pre- and Post-Signaling ..........................................................................................28
4.4.2 Frequency Accuracy ....................................................................................................30
4.4.3 Modulation Error Ratio .................................................................................................31
4.4.4 Constellation Diagram .................................................................................................33
4.4.5 Bit Error Ratio ..............................................................................................................35

5 Abbreviations .................................................................................... 38

6 References ........................................................................................ 39

7 Auxiliary Information ........................................................................ 39

8 Ordering Information ........................................................................ 40

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 Table of Contents

8.1 R&S®ETL & Power Sensor ........................................................................................40

8.2 R&S®ETC ....................................................................................................................41
A Transport Stream Generation Using the R&S®ETL ................................................42
B Reverse Power Measurement Uncertainty ..............................................................43
C Recording a Filter Frequency Response in a Transducer File .............................45
D Automated Measurements with R&S®TxCheck ......................................................47

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 Overview
Required Equipment

1 Overview
The terrestrial television standard DVB-T2 is gaining in significance as a result of the
growing scarcity of available frequencies. New systems are being tested in many
countries around the world. Other countries have already completed the introductory
phase for DVB-T2. Broadcasting transmitters are subject to particularly stringent
standards with respect to broadcast signal quality, because even small faults can lead
to service disruptions for many viewers or even disrupt adjacent channels.
A single instrument, the R&S®ETL TV analyzer, performs all required DVB-T2
transmitter measurements, from the initial acceptance testing for the transmitter, to
measurements performed during commissioning and preventive maintenance.
The measurements described here satisfy many country-specific and customer-
specific test specifications. Users need only set the limit values accordingly.
Section 2 DVB-T2 provides a brief comparison with the predecessor DVB-T. Section 3
covers the preparations for testing. That includes information on the necessary test
equipment and setup, the transmitter operating mode and the steps required to protect
the T&M equipment against destructively high input power. This is followed by a
description of typical default configurations for the R&S®ETL.
Section 4 lists the various measurements. For every reserve system in the transmitter,
these measurements should be repeated at least once during acceptance testing.
Maintenance measurements, on the other hand, can initially be limited to power, MER
and BER and then expanded only as needed.
Because preventive maintenance does not require a repetition of all measurements, as
a cost-efficient alternative to the R&S®ETL, Rohde & Schwarz also offers the
R&S®ETC (see Fig. 1-1). This compact TV analyzer can perform most of the
measurements described here with a high degree of accuracy.

Fig. 1-1: R&S®ETL (left) and R&S®ETC (right).

Appendix D describes how these measurements can be automated using the

R&S®TxCheck software provided with the R&S®ETL.
Additional background information on this topic can be found in the book "Digital Video
and Audio Broadcasting Technology" by Walter Fischer [1].

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 Comparison of DVB-T and DVB-T2
Required Equipment

2 Comparison of DVB-T and DVB-T2

The data rate for DVB-T2 is 30 % to 50 % greater than that of its predecessor DVB-T;
this is made possible primarily by a greater QAM order and the use of extended carrier
mode. The maximum net data rate for DVB-T2 is over 50 Mbit/s. This permits a greater
number of programs and/or improved program quality at the same bandwidth. DVB-T2
is significantly more complex than DVB-T, even though similar measurement
parameters are evaluated during transmitter acceptance testing.
Like DVB-T, DVB-T2 provides an outer and an inner error correction. In the case of
DVB-T2, a combination of Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem code (BCH) and Low
Density Parity Check (LDPC) is used. The calculation in the receiver required for the
LDPC algorithm requires significantly more processing power than the Reed-Solomon
(RS) error protection used for DVB-T. Therefore, the LDPC algorithm, developed in the
mid-90s, will not be used until the second generation transmission standards.

Comparison of DVB-T and DVB-T2

DVB-T DVB-T2
1.7 MHz, 5 MHz, 6 MHz, 7 MHz, 8 MHz,
Channel bandwidth 5 MHz, 6 MHz, 7 MHz, 8 MHz
10 MHz
1k, 2k, 4k, 8k, 8k extended, 16k,
FFT order 2k, 4k, 8k
16k extended, 32k, 32k extended
Modulation QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM

Error protection and Convolutional Coding & Reed Solomon LDPC & BCH
code rate 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6
1/4, 19/128, 1/8, 19/256, 1/16, 1/32,
Guard interval 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32
1/128

As an alternative to the MPEG-2 transport streams (TS) used for DVB-T, a generic
stream can be fed to the transmitter via the DVB-T2 modulator interface (T2-MI). A
T2-MI stream can contain multiple transport streams (TS). A physical layer pipe (PLP)
is present for each transport stream. Each PLP can contain one or more services. The
optional common PLP contains data required by several other PLPs. PLPs permit
services having varying degrees of robustness to be transmitted in one channel by
varying the code rate and modulation (variable coding and modulation – VCM). This
permits audio, video and data service to be provided to mobile, portable and stationary
devices. The T2-MI stream is generated by the DVB-T2 gateway. The DVB-T2
gateway inserts signaling information for the transmitter (e.g. modulation, code rate)
and combines the transport streams. The generated T2-MI stream is split for
broadcasting to multiple transmitter sites. The T2-MI feed must be used to enable
multi-PLP or single-frequency networks (SFN).

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 Preparing for the Measurements
Required Equipment

3 Preparing for the Measurements

3.1 Required Equipment

Basic configuration

R&S®ETL TV analyzer with:

● options as needed (see Chapter 8)
● current firmware (available at no cost at
www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/ETL.html)

Application- or measurement-specific configurations

Transmitter operation without signal broadcasting for transmitter

acceptance testing or commissioning

Dummy antenna

For Transmitter Output Level (4.1.1) with a measurement uncertainty of

< 0.1 dB

Additional power sensor, e.g. R&S®NRP-Z91

For Shoulder Attenuation and Adjacent Channel Emissions measurements

(4.3.1) using the variant "after mask filter"

Notch filter to attenuate the wanted signal by 40 dB or more

For Harmonics measurements (4.3.2)

Highpass filter with at least 40 dB wanted signal attenuation or more

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 Preparing for the Measurements
Test Setup

3.2 Test Setup

Fig. 3-1: Test setup.

For transmitter acceptance measurements, the transmitter output is connected to a

dummy antenna. During commissioning, the measurements are initially performed
using a dummy antenna, before the broadcast signal is applied to the antenna diplexer.
As a result, the test port at the antenna combiner (M4) is available as an additional
measurement point. During maintenance measurements, the signal is similarly applied
to the antenna combiner for broadcasting.
For acceptance testing, the transmitter can be fed an MPEG-2 TS. This can be
generated using an R&S®ETL TS generator, for example (see Appendix A). For
commissioning and maintenance, the transmitter is fed with the T2-MI stream or
MPEG-2 TS available at the transmitter site.

3.3 Transmitter Operating Mode

The DVB-T2 baseband interface feed can be in any of various formats:
ı MPEG-2 transport stream (TS): fixed packed length (188 Byte)
ı Generic continuous stream (GCS): no packet structure
ı Generic fixed packetized stream (GFPS): fixed packed length
ı Generic stream encapsulation (GSE): variable packet length
The parameters can be defined directly on the transmitter as long as the network is not
to be operated as an SFN and as long as the transmit signal contains only one PLP

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 Preparing for the Measurements
Transmitter Operating Mode

and uses neither the future extension frames (FEF), input stream synchronizer (ISSY),
null packet deletion (NPD) or T2Lite. In this case, the transmitter is operated in mode A
and fed with an MPEG-2 TS.
For complex DVB-T2 signals, the DVB-T2 modulator must be configured via the T2-MI
stream (ETSI TS 102 773 modulator interface). In this case, the Layer 1 (L1)
parameters and the individual PLP parameters are defined in the T2-MI gateway
instead of on the transmitter. This operating mode is called mode B and is a
requirement for an SFN. At present, predominantly SFNs (mode B) with one PLP are in
use.
The MPEG-2 TS or the T2-MI stream can be output by the R&S®ETL TS generator, for
example (see Appendix A).
The measurements described in this document are based on the following transmitter
operating parameters:
Framing & OFDM:
ı 8 MHz channel bandwidth
ı FFT mode = 32k extended
ı Guard interval (GI) = 1/128
ı Pilot Pattern = PP7
T2 system:
ı L1 Post Modulation: 64QAM1
Network settings:
ı Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR): Off
ı Future Extension Frames (FEF): Off
Bit-interleaved coding and modulation (BICM):
ı Single PLP: PLP ID 0
ı FEC Frame: Normal
ı Code rate = 2/3
ı PLP constellation order: 256QAM
ı Constellation rotation On

1
It makes sense to select the modulation for the L1 data one order lower than the modulation for the PLPs. In the
case of a single PLP, signaling data are rarely transmitted, which is why in practice the lowest modulation order can
be selected.

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 Preparing for the Measurements
Protection against Destructive Input Power

3.3.1 DVB-T2 Standard Conformance Check

As a result of the many parameterization options for DVB-T2, the defined parameters
do not always comply with the DVB-T2 standard. This can lead to many receivers not
being able to decode the signal. Compliance with the standard must therefore be
checked. This takes place in the transmitter when a MPEG-2 TS is used. When a
T2-MI stream is used, the standard conformance check can take place at the gateway
or at the transmitter.

Fig. 3-2: Standard conformance check with an R&S®TCE900.

3.4 Protection against Destructive Input Power

The R&S®ETL allows maximum input power peaks of 36 dBm (short-term, < 3 s), while
the recommended, separate R&S®NRP-Z91 power sensor can handle up to 23 dBm.
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 –10 dBm to +10 dBm.
This range provides adequate protection against short-term power peaks, while having
a negligible effect on the instrument accuracy.

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 Preparing for the Measurements
Default Configuration and Leveling on the R&S®ETL

3.5 Default Configuration and Leveling on the R&S®ETL

The following conventions are used in these procedures:

ı Terms in all caps refer to key labels, e.g. "FREQ" for

ı Bulleted lists (for example, ● TV Standard: OFDM DVB-T2) identify settings made
in the currently displayed configuration dialog box
ı 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.
The following default settings apply to the R&S®ETL unless explicitly stated otherwise:

Default configuration for "Spectrum Analyzer"

SETUP→Reference Ext: Use the external 10 MHz reference frequency
MODE→Spectrum Analyzer
FREQ→Center: Set to center frequency at mid-channel
SPAN→Span Manual: Set to 20 MHz
TRACE→Detector Manual Select→Detector RMS
BW→Res BW Manual: Set to 30 kHz
SWEEP→Sweeptime Manual: Set to 2 s
AMPT→More→Preselector: Off1
AMPT→RF Atten Manual: Select the lowest possible setting without overloading2
AMPT→Ref Level: Set the reference level so that the entire signal is clearly visible; if
necessary, go to AMPT→Range Log and change the grid scale

1 Only if a preselector is available on the device

2
Overload warnings appear centered at the top of the display as "IFovl" or "Ovld".

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 Preparing for the Measurements
Default Configuration and Leveling on the R&S®ETL

Default configuration for "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver"

SETUP→Reference Ext: Use the external 10 MHz reference frequency
MODE→TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver
MEAS→Digital TV Settings
• TV Standard: OFDM DVB-T2
• Channel Bandwidth: Select 1.7 MHz, 5 MHz, 6 MHz, 7 MHz or 8 MHz
FREQ→Channel RF: Select based on the transmit frequency
MEAS→Special Settings→System Opt.→Slow/Laboratory1

Leveling for "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver"

MENU→Adjust Attenuation2
AMPT→Preamp: Off
AMPT→More→Preselector: Off3
AMPT→RF Atten Manual: Select the lowest possible setting without overloading4

1
Optimizes the receiver for stationary reception
2 For rough level adjustment.
3
The preselector is used only if adjacent channels are present. This is the case when measuring the antenna
combiner, for example.
4
Overload warnings appear centered at the top of the display as "IFovl" or "Ovld".

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 Measurements
Default Configuration and Leveling on the R&S®ETL

4 Measurements
As a quick check, all measurements involving a demodulated signal include a notation
in the footer indicating whether the demodulation was possible and whether
synchronization to a PLP was successful. The footer line also displays the key
parameters level, BER and MER (see Fig. 4-1).
An initial check of the signal quality can be made in overview mode. 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. 4-1).
Measured values that are not within the set limits are displayed in red. To ensure that
values lying outside the limits are recognized quickly – even on black-and-white
printouts – these values are additionally marked with an asterisk (*). If all measured
values lie within the defined limits, the overview limits (OLim) signaling is displayed
along the left edge of the screen. If one of the measured values does not lie within
these limits, OLim is displayed in red. This signaling is displayed on all test screens –
with the exception of the spectral analysis – and always references the measured
values in overview mode.

Fig. 4-1: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Overview→Edit Table menu: Selecting the unit
of measurement for the level results.

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 Measurements
Power

4.1 Power

4.1.1 Transmitter Output Level

The average power is constant for digital television, and not dependent on the picture
contents, like it is in analog television. Because the mask filter attenuates the output
power between 0.1 dB and 0.6 dB behind the transmitter output, measurements should
be taken before and after the mask filter. Note that as a default, the displayed power
includes only the power that is decoupled by the directional coupler. The coupling
attenuation can be input using the Ref Level Offset function on the R&S®ETL, and is
then automatically calculated into the displayed value.
The R&S®ETL can measure the signal level directly via the RF input with an accuracy
of 1 dB. Using a separate power sensor makes it possible to achieve an accuracy of
0.1 dB.

Procedure
In each case, perform these steps at the test port:
• M1, for forward power before the mask filter
• M2, for reverse power (for a discussion of measurement uncertainty, see
Appendix B) before the mask filter
• M3, for forward power after the mask filter
Variant Variant
"TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" Power sensor
Check to ensure that the max. input power is not exceeded, see Section 3.4
AMPT→More→Ref Level Offset: Set to the full coupling attenuation at the test port for
immediate compensation
Connect the power sensor (IN2), which is
Feed a signal into the RF input on the
connected to the R&S®ETL via USB or
R&S®ETL (IN1)
sensor input, to the test port

Define the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" Define the spectrum analyzer default

default settings as described in Section settings as described in Section 3.5
3.5
FREQ→Center: Set to center frequency
MEAS→Overview at mid-channel

MENU→Power Meter→Frequency
Coupling:
Adjust the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver"
• Center
level as described in Section 3.5
MENU→Power Meter→Power Meter→On
Read the measured value; see Fig. 4-2 Read the measured value; see Fig. 4-3

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 Measurements
Power

Fig. 4-2: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Overview menu: The level can be read in the
first table row, in the status bar on the measurement screen or in the zoomed view
(MEAS→Overview→Zoom).

Fig. 4-3: Spectrum analyzer mode: DVB-T2 spectrum with integrated reading from the power sensor
displayed at the top right.

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 Measurements
Power

4.1.2 Crest Factor

It is important to know the crest factor so that the components that follow the
transmitter – such as the mask filter, the antenna combiner, the coaxial cable and the
antenna – can be adequately dimensioned.
The crest factor (CF) defines the relationship between the highest occurring amplitude
of the modulated carrier signal (UPeak) and the RMS voltage (URMS) of a signal:

CF = 20 ∙

More recently, however, a new way of defining the crest factor has become prevalent,
in which a ratio is formed from the peak envelope power (PEP) and the average power.
A crest factor calculated in this way is smaller by an amount equal to the crest factor of
the sinus carrier, i.e. 3.01 dB. [3]
Orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) signals exhibit a very high crest factor
because in extreme cases, all carriers could be constructively overlaid or even
eliminated at any given moment. In practice, the maximum value is typically between
12 dB to 15 dB, and the transmitters are limited to around 13 dB. In the case of
DVB-T2, the peak-to-average-power ratio (PAPR) reduction defines two methods for
reducing the crest factor and thus increasing the effectiveness of the transmitter
headends. One method, active constellation extension (ACE), can be used only when
the constellation diagram is not tilted. For crest factor reduction, the carrier amplitudes
of the outermost constellation points are adjusted appropriately. This is possible
because the outermost constellation points can be shifted outwards without affecting
the demodulation. The other method of crest factor reduction is tone reservation (TR).
This involves the reservation of certain carrier ranges, which are then no longer
available for user data or pilot tones. The DVB-T2 modulator can set the amplitude and
phase of these special carriers as needed in order to reduce the crest factor.
Long observation periods are needed to ensure a representative measurement. This is
why the complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) includes the statistical
probability that a signal peak will occur. The measurement takes place in the time
domain with a stopped oscillator. The CCDF method determines the peak envelope
power, which is why the calculated value must be corrected by a factor of √2 or
3.01 dB. [4]
The mask filter at the transmitter output removes intermodulation products lying
outside of the useful band. However, this filtering results in a deformation of the
envelope, which then increases the crest factor. This is why, when measuring the crest
factor, it is important to distinguish between the crest factor of the transmitter and the
crest factor of the bandwidth-limited signal (e.g. after the mask filter).

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 Measurements
Power

Using the R&S®ETL, the transmitter crest factor is measured in spectrum analyzer
mode directly at the transmitter test port (M1).
The crest factor of the bandwidth-limited signal can be measured with the R&S®ETL in
spectrum analyzer mode at the test port after the mask filter (M3). Alternatively, the
measurement can be made at the transmitter test port (M1) by selecting "TV/Radio
Analyzer/Receiver" mode. This mode limits the channel bandwidth (e.g. 8 MHz),
simulating a mask filter.

Procedure: Transmitter crest factor

Check that the max. input power is not exceeded, see Section 3.4
Connect the R&S®ETL (IN1) to the test port before the mask filter (M1)
Define the spectrum analyzer default settings as described in Section 3.5
MEAS→More→CCDF→Res BW: 10 MHz
MEAS→More→CCDF→# of Samples: 1.000.000.000
Wait until sample values are available: A running measurement is indicated by a red
rectangle with an asterisk ( ) at the top-left corner of the screen. Once this indicator
disappears, a valid measurement result is available.
MEAS→More→CCDF→Scaling→y-Axis Min Value: 1.0e-9
Read crest factor and add 3.01 dB

Procedure: Crest factor of bandwidth-limited signal

Check that the max. input power is not exceeded, see Section 3.4
Connect the R&S®ETL (IN1) to the test port before or after the mask filter (M1 / M3)
MEAS→Modulation Analysis→CCDF
Define the default settings for "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" and adjust the level as
described in Section 3.5
MEAS→Modulation Analysis→# of Samples: 1.000.000.000
Wait until sample values are available: A running measurement is indicated by a red
rectangle with an asterisk ( ) at the top-left corner of the screen. Once this indicator
disappears, a valid measurement result is available.
MEAS→More→CCDF→Scaling→y-Axis Min Value: 1.0e-9
Read crest factor, see Fig. 4-5 and add 3.01 dB

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 Measurements
Power

Fig. 4-4: Spectrum analyzer mode, MEAS→More→CCDF menu: View with the calculated crest factor
for the transmitter at the bottom right.

Fig. 4-5: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Modulation Analysis→CCDF menu: View with
the calculated crest factor for the bandwidth-limited signal at the bottom right.

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 Measurements
Modulator Characteristics

4.2 Modulator Characteristics

4.2.1 I/Q Errors

DVB-T2 modulators are essentially an IFFT signal processing block followed by an I/Q
modulator. This I/Q modulator can be either digital or analog. If a DVB-T2 modulator
uses direct modulation, then the I/Q modulator is analog. In this case, it must be
aligned cleanly to minimize the following influencing factors:
ı Amplitude imbalance
ı Quadrature error
ı Carrier suppression
Poor carrier suppression is recognizable as a notch directly at mid-band on MER(f) and
results in a contorted and compressed constellation diagram in mid-band. Amplitude
imbalance and quadrature error negatively affect the MER of all COFDM carriers. The
carriers above the DVB-T2 mid-band relate to the carriers under mid-band and vice
versa.

Procedure
Check to ensure that the max. input power is not exceeded, see Section 3.4
Connect the R&S®ETL (IN1) to the test port before or after the mask filter (M1 / M3)
Define the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" default settings as described in Section 3.5
MEAS→Modulation Analysis→Modulation Errors
Adjust the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" level as described in 3.5
Read the measured values, see Fig. 4-6

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 Measurements
Modulator Characteristics

Fig. 4-6: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Modulation Errors menu: Amplitude imbalance,
quadrature error and carrier suppression in lines 8, 10 and 11.

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 Measurements
Modulator Characteristics

4.2.2 Amplitude Frequency Response and Group Delay

In analog televisions, amplitude frequency response and group delay were important
parameters for a transmission path between the transmitter output and the receiver
input. Because of the channel correction in the DVB-T2 receiver, significantly larger
tolerances can now be permitted without noticeable reductions in quality. The mask
filter and antenna combiners cause linear distortions. These linear distortions can be
compensated by a precorrector within the transmitter. As a result, however, the linear
distortions reappear reversed directly at the transmitter output.
Therefore, the preferred method is to measure amplitude frequency response and
group delay after all filter stages at the test port (M4) in the antenna combiner. Of
course, the results will differ at the various measurement points.

Procedure
Check to ensure that the max. input power is not exceeded, see Section 3.4
If available, connect the R&S®ETL (IN1) to the test port (M4) on the antenna
combiner, or else to (M3) after the mask filter
Define the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" default settings as described in Section 3.5
MEAS→Channel Analysis→Amplitude & GroupDelay
Adjust the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" level as described in Section 3.5
TRACE→Trace: Select Trace 1
TRACE→Trace Mode: Average
TRACE→Detector Manual: RMS
TRACE→Trace: Select Trace 2
TRACE→Trace Mode: Average
TRACE→Detector Manual: Average
TRACE→Sweep Count: 50
MEAS→Channel Analysis→Amplitude & GroupDelay→Auto Range
Use PRINT to print the test screen; see Fig. 4-7

Use the R&S®ETL to additionally measure the phase response. The frequency-
differentiated phase response corresponds to the group delay. A check of the phase
response is therefore not absolutely necessary.

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 Measurements
Modulator Characteristics

Fig. 4-7: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Channel Analysis→Amplitude & Group Delay
menu: Amplitude frequency response and group delay.

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 Measurements
Out-Of-Band Emissions

4.3 Out-Of-Band Emissions

DVB-T2 transmitters include very linear AB amplifiers. The transmitted signal is further
linearized by a digital precorrection stage in the modulator. In spite of these, some
residual nonlinearities remain. These cause intermodulation products to form from the
many COFDM carriers.
On the one hand, these additional, unwanted frequency components appear in the
channel itself. There, they act as additional disturbance power and therefore reduce
the signal quality. On the other hand, the intermodulation products also occur outside
of the channel, and can negatively impact the signal quality of other channels. There
are several distinct components:
ı Shoulder attenuation
Describes the power of the noise components in the near field of the channel
boundary
ı Adjacent channel emissions
Components within several MHz of the channel boundaries
ı Harmonics
Components at multiples of the transmit frequency

4.3.1 Shoulder Attenuation and Adjacent Channel Emissions

The mask filter is used to reduce these unwanted out-of-band emissions. Critical mask
filters are used when an adjacent channel requires protection, making more stringent
requirements for attenuation of out-of-band emissions necessary. All other mask filters
are uncritical.
The values used for DVB-T in line with ETSI EN 302 296 are frequently also used for
DVB-T2. In accordance with this standard, the following minimum attenuations must be
targeted for 7 MHz and 8 MHz channel bandwidth:

Attenuation [dB]
frel [MHz] frel [MHz] Attenuation
compared to Attenuation
at 7 MHz at 8 MHz [dB] at 8 MHz
total channel [dB] at 7 MHz
channel channel channel
power at 4 kHz channel
band- band- bandwidth
reference bandwidth
width width
bandwidth
Uncritica Critical Uncritical Critical Uncritic Critical Uncritic Critical
l mask mask mask mask al mask mask al mask mask
–32.2 (7 MHz)
+/–3.4 +/–3.81 0 0
–32.8 (8 MHz)
+/–3.7 +/–4.2 –73 –83 –40.8 –50.8 –40.2 –50.2

+/–5.25 +/–6.0 –85 –95 –52.8 –62.8 –52.2 –62.2

+/–10.5 +/–12.0 –110 –120 –77.8 –87.8 –77.2 –87.2

+/–13.85 +/–11.75 – –126 –93.8 –
Table 4-1: Tolerance masks in line with ETSI EN 302 296 for transmitters with an output power of
≥ 25 W

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 Measurements
Out-Of-Band Emissions

In spite of the typical dynamic range of 58 dB on the R&S®ETL, which is very high for
spectrum analyzers, the high dynamic range of the signal after the mask filer means
that it is not directly possible to determine whether the mask has been violated. This is
why an adjustable notch filter is typically used to reduce the useful band power. Before
the measurement, the tracking generator on the R&S®ETL records the frequency
response of the notch filter so that its influence on the measurement results after the
mask filter can automatically be taken into consideration using the transducer
function.
Another option is to use the tracking generator to log the frequency response of the
mask filter itself before the measurement so that its influence can be calculated into the
spectrum analysis results before the mask filter using the transducer function.

Procedure
After mask filter using a notch filter Before mask filter
Record the frequency response of the Record the frequency response of the
adjustable notch filter in a transducer file; mask filter in a transducer file; see
see Appendix C Appendix C
Connect the R&S®ETL (IN1) to the test
port after the mask filter (M3) and then Connect the R&S®ETL (IN1) to the test
add the notch filter at the auxiliary filter port before the mask filter (M1)
insertion point

4.3.1.1 Shoulder attenuation

One cause for the shoulders is the superposition of the residual orthogonal single
carriers. These are reduced to the extent possible in the modulator by means of digital
filters. DVB-T2 defines FFT modes 1K, 2K, 4K, 8K, 16K and 32K. As a rule, 1K mode
has higher shoulders than 32K mode because the residual individual carriers decrease
more rapidly. A guard band is located at the upper and lower edge of the channel, in
between the useful signal spectrum and the start of the adjacent channel, in order to
protect the adjacent channels. This guard band is up to about 200 kHz wide. DVB-T2
transmitters can be operated in either normal carrier mode or extended carrier mode.
The wider useful spectrum and thus the higher data rate afforded by the extended
carrier mode is available effective with the 8K mode. The measurement points and limit
values are not dependent on the carrier mode.

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 Measurements
Out-Of-Band Emissions

The shoulder attenuation can be measured on the R&S®ETL, as frequently used in

practical applications, by means of cursor measurements in spectrum analyzer mode
(recommended for experts only). Alternatively, the R&S®ETL also supports fully
automated measurements using the “tangent method” as defined in the DVB
measurement guidelines [2].
Both methods are supported by the R&S®ETL and have practical uses; however,
because of their different definitions, they do not lead to the same result.

Procedure
Cursor measurement Tangent method
Check to ensure that the max. input power is not exceeded, see Section 3.4
Follow the procedure defined in 4.3.1
Go to SETUP→Transducer to enable the previously generated transducer file
Define the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver"
Define the spectrum analyzer default
default settings as described in Section
settings as described in Section 3.5
3.5
MKR→Marker 1: Set to center MEAS→Spectrum→Shoulder Attenuation
Adjust the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver"
MKR→Marker 2: Set to +4.2 MHz1
level as described in 3.5
MKR→More→Marker 3: Set to -4.2 MHz1 If needed2: TRACE→Sweep Count: 100
Read the marker delta values; see
Read the measured value; see Fig. 4-9
Fig. 4-8
Use PRINT to generate a printout, if desired
SETUP→Transducer→Active Off: Disable the transducer file

Asymmetric shoulders indicate poor signal quality.

1
8 MHz channel bandwidth. For 7 MHz/6 MHz/1.7 MHz channels, the value is 3.7 MHz/3.2 MHz/0.97 MHz,
respectively.
2
In the tangent method, the measured value sometimes varies significantly depending on the definition. To prevent
this, multiple measurements can be averaged; however, this is not compliant with the standard.

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Fig. 4-8: Spectrum analyzer mode: Measuring the shoulder attenuation using the cursor method with
active transducer file at +/– 4.2 MHz in the 8 MHz DVB-T channel.

Fig. 4-9: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Spectrum→Shoulder Atten menu: Measuring

the shoulder attenuation using the tangent method with active transducer file in accordance with
DVB measurement guidelines. [2]

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Out-Of-Band Emissions

4.3.1.2 Adjacent channel emissions

Emissions can be measured over a range of several MHz in the vicinity of the channel,
again either by using cursor measurements or fully automatically with the R&S®ETL
"Out of Band Emission" function.
The “Out of Band Emission” measurement function supports compliance with all masks
defined in ETSI EN 300 744 (Critical, G-Pal/Nicam, G-Pal/A2, I-Pal/Nicam, KSecam/K-
Pal, L-Secam/Nicam).

Procedure
Variant Variant
Cursor measurement Out-of-band emission function
Check to ensure that the max. input power is not exceeded, see Section 3.4
Follow the procedure defined in 4.3.1
Go to SETUP→Transducer to enable the previously generated transducer file
Define the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver"
Define the spectrum analyzer default
default settings as described in Section
settings as described in Section 3.5
3.5
MKR→Marker 1: Set to center MEAS→Spectrum→OutOfBand Emission
The following three settings must be Go to MEAS→Spectrum→OutOfBand
repeated for each defined measurement Emission→Out of Band Emission Setup
point ● Select the mask type
MKR→Marker 2: Set to
measurement point MEAS→Spectrum→Adjust Attenuation
If averaging is desired:
MKR→More→Marker 3: Set to
TRACE→Trace Mode: Average
the next measurement point
TRACE→Sweep Count: 100
Read the marker delta values;
Use PRINT to print the results; see Fig.
see Fig. 4-8. Use PRINT to
4-10
generate a printout as needed
SETUP→Transducer→Active Off: Disable the transducer file

Fig. 4-10: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Spectrum→OutOfBandEmission menu:

Adjacent channel emissions checked with critical mask and active transducer file.

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4.3.2 Harmonics

The harmonics filter is used to reduce these unwanted out-of-band emissions. This
filter is typically already part of the transmitter. The R&S®ETL TV analyzer can be used
to measure harmonics in spectrum analyzer mode. Because the mask filter does not
suppress these harmonics, but rather affects only the channel near range, the
harmonics can be measured directly at the test port (M1) on the transmitter output.
The high dynamic range of the signal means that a suitable highpass filter must be
used to attenuate the useful channel by at least 40 dB. Notch filters have the
disadvantage that they do not attenuate in just the useful band, but rather are
"repeated" at multiples of the useful band. The frequency response of the highpass
filter should be documented before the measurement using the tracking generator and
then applied during the measurement using the transducer function.

Procedure
Check to ensure that the max. input power is not exceeded, see Section 3.4
Assess the highpass filter and save the result as a transducer file, see Appendix C
Connect the R&S®ETL (IN1) to the test port before the mask filter (M1) and add the
highpass filter at the auxiliary filter insertion point
Define the spectrum analyzer default settings as described in Section 3.5
FREQ→Center: Set to 1.5 GHz
SPAN→Span Manual: Set to 3 GHz
Go to SETUP→Transducer to enable the previously generated transducer file for the
highpass filter
Go to MKR→Marker 1 and use the marker functions to study the range around the
multiples of the transmit frequency; see Fig. 4-11

Fig. 4-11: Spectrum analyzer mode: Useful channel attenuated using the highpass filter; the
harmonics, which can be assessed using the marker function, are clearly visible.

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Signal Quality

4.4 Signal Quality

4.4.1 L1 Pre- and Post-Signaling

As with DVB-T, in DVB-T2 the currently selected transmission parameters are

signaled. The structure for the DVB-T2 frame begins with a P1 symbol, followed by one
or more P2 symbols. These are followed by the actual data symbols, i.e. the user data
for the PLPs. The P2 symbols contain the L1 signaling data for the receiver.
The L1 pre-signaling data is fixed with BPSK modulation and includes a constant error
protection. Different transmission parameters are used for the L1 post-signaling data.
The L1 pre-signaling data therefore includes the transmission parameters for the L1
post-signaling data.

Procedure
Check to ensure that the max. input power is not exceeded, see Section 3.4
Connect the R&S®ETL (IN1) to the test port before or after the mask filter (M1 / M3)
Define the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" default settings as described in Section 3.5
MEAS→Overview→L1 Analysis→L1-pre Signalling
Adjust the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" level as described in Section 3.5
Use PRINT to print the test screen; see Fig. 4-12
MEAS→Overview→L1 Analysis→L1-post Signalling
Use PRINT to print the test screen; see Fig. 4-13

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Fig. 4-12: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Overview→L1 Analysis→L1-pre Signalling

menu: Display of the pre-signaling data for the P2 symbol.

Fig. 4-13: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Overview→L1 Analysis→L1-post Signalling

menu: Display of the post-signaling data for the P2 symbol.

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4.4.2 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 the T&M instrument was calibrated. In general,
it is safe to assume that an external reference is required in order to measure at an
accuracy > 10–5.
Single-frequency networks (SFNs), in particular, place very stringent requirements on
the frequency accuracy of a DVB-T2 transmitter of less than 10–9. The carrier
frequency offset is measured using the R&S®ETL in "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver"
mode at the test port (M1) of the transmitter output.

Procedure
Check to ensure that the max. input power is not exceeded, see Section 3.4
Connect the R&S®ETL (IN1) to the test port before the mask filter (M1)
Define the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" default settings as described in Section 3.5
MEAS→Overview
Adjust the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" level as described in Section 3.5
Note the carrier frequency offset reading; see Fig. 4-14

Fig. 4-14: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Overview menu: The frequency accuracy can
be read in the 5th table row, as well as in the zoomed view (MEAS→Overview→More→Zoom).

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4.4.3 Modulation Error Ratio

The modulation error ratio (MER) is the most important quality parameter for a DVB-T2
transmitter. It is a measure of the sum of all interference that affects a digital TV signal.
The deviation of the points in the constellation diagram from their theoretical position is
recorded. This makes a quantitative assessment of the signal quality possible. The
MER is typically expressed in dB as a logarithmic ratio between the RMS value of the
signal amplitude and the error vector magnitude:

– (|
∑'() _" #$ |)²
=– 20 *+,-
[dB]

A high MER value indicates good signal quality. In practice, MER values of only a few
dB up to approximately 35 dB occur in terrestrial transmission. A good DVB-T2
transmitter has a MER in the range of approximately 35 dB. A larger MER value would
be technically feasible, but is not being pursued for reasons of energy efficiency. The
maximum MER value for a decoded signal depends on the modulation order, the code
rate and the receiver. At a code rate of ½ and a modulation order of 256QAM or
64QAM, the R&S®ETL decodes the signal to approx. 15.5 dB, or 11 dB MER. In
general, it is safe to assume that DVB-T2 signals received over a roof antenna with
gain will exhibit a MER of 18 dB to 30 dB at the antenna box. Values between 12 dB
and 20 dB are expected for portable receivers with a room antenna.
DVB-T2 distinguishes between the MER for L1 and the MER for the individual PLPs.
When the signal quality is good, the MER values will be the same. The MER of the
PLPs is usually checked in order to provide a broader set of data. However, if the
signal quality is very bad, a better approach is to use the MER for L1 as the basis.
Otherwise, the more frequent limit violations (assignment to the individual decision
fields) will result in a MER that appears to be better.
If ACE is used to reduce the crest factor, the measured MER value degrades because
the outermost constellation points are shifted outward. The reduced MER value
therefore does not necessarily equate to a worse signal quality. The constellation
diagram (see 4.4.4) is used to analyze this.

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The MER can be expressed as an averaged value over all COFDM subcarriers or as
MER(f) in a graph over the DVB-T2 channel.

Procedure
Check to ensure that the max. input power is not exceeded, see Section 3.4
Connect the R&S®ETL (IN1) to the test port before or after the mask filter (M1 / M3)
Define the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" default settings as described in Section 3.5
MEAS→Modulation Analysis→MER(f)
Adjust the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" level as described in Section 3.5
SPAN→Full Span
Use PRINT to print the test screen; see Fig. 4-15

High-efficiency transmitters can cause the MER(f) to display a slight distortion after the
equalizer.

Fig. 4-15: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Modulation Analysis→MER(f) menu: MER as a

function of the frequency, and integrations of the MER averaged over the channel (RMS).

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4.4.4 Constellation Diagram

The constellation diagram makes it possible to display all the signal states that
occurred in quadrature modulation at discrete time intervals at the same time. The
constellation diagram is a graphical representation of the in-phase and quadrature
components of the QAM signal in the x- and y-axes. In the case of modulation with
multiple carriers, the constellation diagram typically forms the sum of the signal states
of all the carriers. A noisy or disrupted DVB-T2 signal will exhibit cloud-like effects. The
smaller the resulting points on the constellation diagram, the better the signal quality.
When making measurements directly on the transmitter, only fine constellation points
should be visible.
There are four possible constellation orders for DVB-T2: QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM and
256QAM. In order to improve decoding even when the reception is disrupted, DVB-T2
uses a rotated constellation diagram in conjunction with Q-shift. Q-shift refers to the
transmission of the I and Q components of an I/Q sample on different carriers.

Procedure
Check to ensure that the max. input power is not exceeded, see Section 3.4
Connect the R&S®ETL (IN1) to the test port before or after the mask filter (M1 / M3)
Define the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" default settings as described in Section 3.5
MEAS→Modulation Analysis→Const Diagram→Const Select: Select the I/Q source,
e.g. PLP Cells before Derotation, see Fig. 4-16
Adjust the "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" level as described in Section 3.5
SPAN→Full Span
Use PRINT to print the constellation diagram; see Fig. 4-17

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Fig. 4-16: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Modulation Analysis→Const Diagram→Const

Select menu: Selecting the I/Q source for the DVB-T2 constellation diagram.

Fig. 4-17: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Modulation Analysis→Const Diagram menu:

DVB-T2 constellation diagram (256QAM) before derotation with approx. 36 dB MER.

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4.4.5 Bit Error Ratio

In the case of DVB-T2, a combination of Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem code (BCH)

and Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) is used. LDPC is an iterative block code method
that iteratively reduces the number of faulty bits. The transition between the point at
which the received and corrected signal is error free and the point at which the signal
can no longer be reconstructed (fall-of-the-cliff effect) is very narrow (only a few tenths
of a dB, typically about 0.2 dB). With LDPC, data rates near the maximum channel
capacity (Shannon limit) are achieved. Of course, there is a limit to the number of
errors that can be corrected per packet with LDPC. The more time allotted to the LDPC
algorithm increases the number of iterations, thereby increasing the number of errors
that can be corrected. The LDPC algorithm stops as soon as all errors are corrected.
The number of iterations required to correct all errors provides a method to assess the
signal quality. It must be noted that the number of iterations is dependent on the
implementation, and therefore values measured for different receivers cannot be
compared to one another.
BCH is capable of correcting any residual errors arising as a result of the LDPC
principle.
The following measurement parameters are used for DVB-T2:
ı BER before LDPC
ı BER after LDPC = BER before BCH
ı BBFRAME Error Ratio: Specifies how many frames could not be corrected
ı Errored Second Ratio: Specifies, as a percentage, how many of the last 20
seconds had at least one BBFRAME error
Of course, the FEC requires a certain data overhead, and so reduces the net data rate.
In order to keep the overhead for error correction as low as possible while remaining
as resistant to errors as possible, a baseband scrambling is performed before the FEC
and a code spreading (= bit interleaving) is performed after the FEC. This ensures that
bit errors are distributed as evenly as possible. To do this, the data bits are interleaved
so that related data and the associated error protection are not transmitted
contiguously. This is done because interference usually either affects only a narrow
frequency range or occurs very briefly (burst errors).
The BER is measured separately for each of the different PLPs, since a different code
rate and a different modulation order can be selected for every PLP.

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Signal Quality

All interference on an DVB-T2 transmission path can be expressed as bit error ratios
(BER). In the case of a functional DVB-T2 transmitter, only the BER before LDPC can
differ from null. It will lie in the range of 10–9 or less. With small BERs, it is necessary to
select correspondingly long measurement times. For acceptance tests, this will be
hours, while it will be minutes for monitoring tests.

Procedure
Check to ensure that the max. input power is not exceeded, see Section 3.4
Connect the R&S®ETL (IN1) to the test port before or after the mask filter (M1 / M3)
MEAS→Overview
Define the default settings for "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" and adjust the level as
described in Section 3.5
MEAS→Overview→Decoded PLP Man: Select the PLP to be checked
Open the MEAS→Measure Log→Configure dialog, see Fig. 4-18:
• Select Enable Measurement Log
• Select the Time Span to define the measurement time
Select the measurement parameters to be displayed1
• Trace 1: Select BER before LDPC
• Trace 2: Select BER before BCH
MEAS→Measure Log→Clear
Allow the test – lasting from several minutes to several hours – to run completely
Check the validity of the measurement: There must not be any serious signal faults
indicating a loss of synchronization; see Fig. 4-19.
If the measurement is valid: MEAS→Measure Log→Auto Range
If the measurement is valid: Record the Max value and then use PRINT to print the
results, if desired; see Fig. 4-20.
Repeat the measurement steps for all PLPs

Fig. 4-18: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Measure Log→Configure menu:

Configuration for the BER measurement.

1
The measurement documents all available measurement parameters, but displays a maximum of two curve traces.
Go to MEAS→Measure Log→Export to write the measured values to a csv file.

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Fig. 4-19: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Measure Log menu: BER measurement with
the measurement log. Red markers directly above the time axis (here in the 1st and 3rd time
segments) indicate a loss of synchronization. In this case, the BER measurement is invalid.

Fig. 4-20: "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" mode, MEAS→Measure Log menu: Valid BER measurement.

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 Abbreviations

5 Abbreviations
ACE Active constellation extension
BCH Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem code
BER Bit error ratio
BICM Bit-interleaved coding and modulation
CCDF Complementary cumulative distribution function
CF Crest factor
COFDM Coded orthogonal frequency division multiplex
DVB-T Digital video broadcasting – terrestrial
DVB-T2 Digital video broadcasting – terrestrial second generation
FEF Future extension frames
FFT Fast Fourier transform
GCS Generic continuous stream
GFPS Generic fixed packetized stream
GI Guard interval
GSE Generic stream encapsulation
ISSY Input stream synchronizer
LDPC Low density parity check
MER Modulation error ratio
NPD Null packet deletion
OFDM Orthogonal frequency division multiplex
PAPR Peak to average power ratio
PEP Peak envelope power
PLP Physical layer pipe
QAM Quadrature amplitude modulation
RS Reed-Solomon
SFN Single-frequency network
T2-MI DVB-T2 modulator interface
TPS Transmission parameter signaling
TR Tone reservation
TS Transport stream

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 References

6 References
[1] "Digital Video and Audio Broadcasting Technology",
Walter Fischer, Springer Verlag, 2010,
ISBN: 978-3-642-11611-7
[2] "Measurement guidelines for DVB systems",
ETSI TR 101 290
[3] Application Note 7TS02
[4] Determining the CCDF – A comparison of two methods",
Christoph Balz, NEWS from Rohde & Schwarz, Volume 172 (2001/III), pp. 52 – 53

7 Auxiliary Information
Our application notes are regularly revised and updated. Check for any changes at
http://www.rohde-schwarz.com.

Please send any comments or suggestions about this application note to

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 Ordering Information

8 Ordering Information
8.1 R&S®ETL & Power Sensor
Designation Type Order No.

Instrument
TV Analyzer, 500 kHz to 3 GHz, with tracking generator R&S®ETL 2112.0004.13
Average Power Sensor;
R&S®NRP-Z91 1168.8004.02
9 kHz to 6 GHz, 200 mW
Required options
One of the following three power sensor interfaces
Additional interfaces R&S®FSL-B5 1300.6108.02
Active USB Adapter R&S®NRP-Z3 1146.7005.02
®
Passive USB Adapter R&S NRP-Z4 1146.8001.02

Power Sensor Support with NRP R&S®FSL-K9 1301.9530.02

DVB-T2 Firmware R&S®ETL-K340 2112.0527.02

Measurement Log for DTV R&S®ETL-K208 2112.0579.02

Required hardware option for DVB-T2

FPGA Extension Board R&S®ETL-B300 2112.0385.02
OR
FPGA Extension Board, High SNR FM R&S®ETL-B310 2112.0340.02
RF Preselector R&S ETL-B203 model .03 2112.0327.03
Recommended options
For generation of the MPEG2-TS:
80 Gbyte HD (part of the base unit starting with SN
R&S®ETL-B209 2112.0291.02
101500)
MPEG Processing Board R&S®ETL-B280 2112.0362.02
MPEG TS Generator/ Recorder R&S®ETL-K280 2112.0591.02

Single-frequency network offset

DVB-T2 Frequency Offset R&S®ETL-K341 2115.1682.02

Picture display
Video and Audio HW Decoder R&S®ETL-B281 2112.0356.02
®
HDTV and Dolby Upgrade R&S ETL-K281 2112.0604.02

MPEG analysis
MPEG Analysis/Monitoring R&S®ETL-K282 2112.0610.02
In-Depth Analysis R&S®ETL-K283 2112.0627.02
Data Broadcast Analysis R&S®ETL-K284 2112.0633.02
DVB T2-MI Extension R&S®ETL-K382 2115.1701.02

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 Ordering Information

8.2 R&S®ETC
Designation Type Order No.
Instrument

Compact TV Analyzer, up to 3.6 GHz 2116.5000.04

R&S®ETC 2116.5000.08
Compact TV Analyzer, up to 8 GHz
FPGA Extension Board R&S®ETC-B300 2116.5230.02

Required options

DVB-T2 Analysis R&S®ETC-K240 2116.5123.02

Software application tool

Automatic Transmitter Measurement, TxCheck R&S®ETC-K940 2116.5152.02

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 Appendix
Transport Stream Generation Using the R&S®ETL

Appendix
A Transport Stream Generation Using the R&S®ETL

The MPEG TS generator / recorder on the R&S®ETL outputs a DVB-compliant

MPEG-2 TS or a compliant T2-MI stream. The stream is applied to the transmitter van
a 75 Ω cable connected to the TS ASI OUT output (at the rear of the R&S®ETL). A full
complement of transport stream files are available for DVB (such as "Diver.gts"), which
can be played back without interruption in an endless loop. The following settings are
required on the R&S®ETL:

TS generator settings
MODE→TS Generator / Recorder
MEAS→TS Generator→Source: Select the appropriate TS (see Fig. 8-1)
MEAS→TS Generator→Start

Fig. 8-1: TS generator mode: Generating a transport stream.

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 Appendix
Reverse Power Measurement Uncertainty

B Reverse Power Measurement Uncertainty

Measurement uncertainty occurs during scalar measurements of reverse power as a

result of the directivity of measurement couplers. This directivity is an indicator of
undesirable forward crosstalk on the reverse power that is being measured. The better
the directivity, the less undesirable forward crosstalk is present. A typical directivity
value for directional couplers is about −35 dB.
The phase of the overlapping signals must be known in order to measure reverse
power exactly. This is possible only with a vector power measurement. However, the
scalar measurement offered by the R&S®ETL can also be used to perform the
necessary assessment. Instead of determining the precise reverse power value, the
R&S®ETL ensures that the reverse power is low enough that the transmitter station
self-protect function does not shut down the station. This can be determined using a
scalar measurement as long as the ratio of the directional coupler directivity to the
maximum permissible reverse power is large enough.
During a scalar measurement of the reverse power, the theoretical worst-case
measurement errors would be from about +6 dB to −∞ dB, see Fig. 8-2. In other words,
the reverse power in a scalar measurement can be up to 6 dB too high or else much
too low. The measurement uncertainty is dependent on the insertion loss, the
directivity and the reverse power. To simplify the evaluation, the insertion loss should
be disregarded because its influence in practice is negligible.

Fig. 8-2: Measurement uncertainty of the scalar measurement, dependent on the ratio of the
directional coupler directivity to the reverse power (insertion loss of the directional coupler is
disregarded).

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 Appendix
Reverse Power Measurement Uncertainty

For example, assume that the ratio of the directional coupler directivity to the reverse
power is 0 dB (worst case). In this situation, the theoretical maximum measurement
error would be between +6 dB and −∞ dB. However, as long as a 6 dB greater value is
acceptable, it is not necessary to determine the actual value.
In another example, assume that the difference between the directional coupler
directivity and the reverse power is 20 dB. In this case, the theoretical maximum
measurement error would be between 0.83 dB and −0.92 dB. In other words, if the
decoupled reverse power is −15 dBm, for example, and the directional coupler
directivity is −35 dB, values of between –14.17 dBm and −15.92 dBm can occur at the
test instrument. In this case, the measurement uncertainty varies in a range of ±1 dB.
As a result, a scalar measurement would detect the critical case of a large reverse
power.
The following diagram (Fig. 8-3) can be used to determine the maximum actually
reversed power based on the measurement value that is displayed.

Fig. 8-3: Maximum actually reversed power based on measured reverse power.

In summary, a scalar measurement is sufficient as long as the maximum actually

reversed power from the measured line is at an acceptable value.

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 Appendix
Recording a Filter Frequency Response in a Transducer File

C Recording a Filter Frequency Response in a Transducer

File

In practice, there are two methods for assessing signals that exceed the dynamic
range offered by spectrum analyzers:

ı Method 1: The frequency components having the highest power are selectively
attenuated using auxiliary filters, such as adjustable notch filters or a highpass
filter. This reduces the dynamic range enough that the signals can be measured
after the auxiliary filter. In order to display the actual dynamic range automatically,
a transducer file is used to compensate by mathematically subtracting the
frequency response of the auxiliary filter, which was previously assessed in a
separate step.
ı Method 2: If the high dynamic range of the signal is achieved by using a specific
filter (for example, the mask filter on a transmitter), auxiliary filters are not
absolutely required. Instead, the frequency response of the specific filter can be
recorded separately as a transducer file. This transducer file is then enabled
during the measurement before the filter by adding the filter frequency response,
and thus automatically calculating the actual dynamic range.
The transducer file can be created directly using the tracking generator function on the
R&S®ETL as long as the frequency response of the filter does not exceed the
measurable dynamic range11:

Generating a transducer file

MODE→Spectrum Analyzer
FREQ→Center: Set to center frequency at mid-channel
SPAN→Span Manual: Set to 30 MHz
TRACE→Detector Manual Select→More→Detector Average
BW→Res BW Manual: Set to 30 kHz
SWEEP→Sweeptime Manual: Set to 2 s
MENU→Tracking Generator→Source On
MENU→Tracking Generator→Source Power: Set to 0 dBm
Connect the cables to be used for the measurement from the Gen Out 50 Ω output on
the R&S®ETL to the RF IN 50 Ω input on the R&S®ETL, see Fig. 8-4
AMPT→Ref Level: Set to –30 dBm

11 The frequency response provided in the data sheet can also be entered into the transducer file manually

(SETUP→Transducer)

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 Appendix
Recording a Filter Frequency Response in a Transducer File

Generating a transducer file

R&S®ETL with preselector12 R&S®ETL without preselector
AMPT→RF Atten Manual: Set to 15 dB AMPT→RF Atten Manual: Set to 0 dB

If an overload occurs13, go to AMPT→RF Atten Manual and increase the attenuation

by 5 dB.
MENU→Tracking Generator→Source Cal→Cal Trans
MENU→Tracking Generator→Source Cal→Normalize
Using the previously assessed cables, connect the filter to be assessed from the Gen
Out 50 Ω output on the R&S®ETL to the RF IN 50 Ω input on the R&S®ETL, see
Fig. 8-5

Method 1 Method 2
(reduce the dynamic range using (assess before increasing the dynamic
auxiliary filters) range)
MENU→Tracking Generator→Source MENU→Tracking Generator→Source
Cal→More→Save As Neg Trd Factor Cal→More→Save As Pos Trd Factor
Specify a file name and save the transducer file
Go to SETUP→Transducer→Active On to enable the transducer file

Fig. 8-4: Connection setup to regulate the Fig. 8-5: Connection setup to assess the
cable. frequency response of a mask filter.

12
If a preselector is provided in the instrument, the Preselector setting is available under AMPT→More. The
preselector is enabled by default.
13
Overload warnings appear centered at the top of the display as "IFovl" or "Ovld".

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 Appendix
Automated Measurements with R&S®TxCheck

D Automated Measurements with R&S®TxCheck

The R&S®TxCheck software application is available free of charge on every

R&S®ETL14. This software makes it possible to run measurements automatically, and
includes the generation of a weighted report of the results.
This Application Note includes the TxCheck profile "7BM106.ETLtxi". Opening this file
in R&S®TxCheck configures the software to perform the following measurements on
the transmitter:
ı Transmitter Output Level (4.1.1, "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" )
ı Crest Factor (4.1.2, crest factor of the bandwidth-limited signal)
ı I/Q Errors (4.2.1)
ı Amplitude Frequency Response and Group Delay (4.2.2)
ı L1 Pre- and Post-Signaling (4.4.1)
ı Frequency Accuracy (4.4.2)
ı Modulation Error Ratio (4.4.3)
ı Constellation Diagram (4.4.4)

One-time configuration of TxCheck

Copy the file 7BM106.ETLtxi to the R&S®ETL
MODE→TxCheck
In the R&S®TxCheck application, go to File/Open Profile (*.ini) and select the
previously copied profile "7BM106.ETLtxi"
On the "Settings" tab, adjust the frequency and bandwidth, see Fig. 8-6
In the "Measurements" tab, adjust the limits for the individual measurement
parameters and add or remove measurement parameters as needed.
Go to "File/Save Profile (*.ini)" to save the generated profile

14
The software can also be run on an external PC, see more information in the TxCheck menu item
"Help→Installation Info…"

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 Appendix
Automated Measurements with R&S®TxCheck

Using TxCheck to perform the measurement

Check to ensure that the max. input power is not exceeded, see Section 3.4
If available, connect the R&S®ETL (IN1) to the test port (M4) on the antenna
combiner, or else to (M3) after the mask filter
MODE→TxCheck
Go to "File/Open Profile (*.ini)" to open the prepared profile
Press "Write Settings to ETL" to save the configuration
MODE→TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver
Manually adjust "TV/Radio Analyzer/Receiver" as described in Section 3.5
MODE→TxCheck
Go to "Measurement→Start Measurement" to start the measurement, see Fig. 8-7
After the measurements are complete, go to "File/Save' to save the results and then
use "File/Export (*csv) …" to export the results as needed

Fig. 8-6: R&S®TxCheck user interface, "Settings" tab.

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 Appendix
Automated Measurements with R&S®TxCheck

Fig. 8-7: R&S®TxCheck user interface, "Measurements" tab.

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 About Rohde & Schwarz Regional contact
Rohde & Schwarz is an independent group of Europe, Africa, Middle East
companies specializing in electronics. It is a leading +49 89 4129 12345
supplier of solutions in the fields of test and [email protected]
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management system

This application note and the supplied programs

may only be used subject to the conditions of use
set forth in the download area of the Rohde &
Schwarz website.

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co.

KG; Trade names are trademarks of the owners.

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