Rohde & Schwarz CMD50 Digital Communication Tester

The Rohde & Schwarz CMD50 Digital Communication Tester is a multistandard signal generator and analyzer platform for development, debugging, and certification of wireless communication systems. It generates static and modulated RF signals up to 6 GHz at power levels to +20 dBm, while its integrated analyzer covers frequencies to 4 GHz with dynamic range from 10 to 40 dB. The instrument supports GSM, WCDMA, LTE, Bluetooth, ZigBee, RFID, Wi-Fi, PDC, NADC, PHS, and DECT standards, enabling transmitter and receiver characterization across mobile and short-range wireless technologies.

– Technical Specifications

• Signal Generator: DC to 6 GHz, +20 dBm maximum output
• Signal Analyzer: DC to 4 GHz, 10–40 dB dynamic range
• Timebase: TCXO standard, 10 MHz with ≤1.5×10⁻⁶ frequency drift (0 to +35°C) and ≤0.5×10⁻⁶/year aging; optional OCXO (CMD-B1) available
• Measurement modes: Transmitter and receiver analysis, peak power measurement, DC current/voltage (pulsed signals), SACCH parameters (Rxlev, RxQual, power level), echo testing, frequency and phase error (CMD-B4 option), power ramp versus time (CMD-B4), BER measurement (CMD-B4), and full dynamic range burst verification >72 dB (CMD-B42)
• Signaling functions: GSM and DECT call setup, location update, mobile power control, handover (channel and time-slot), dual-band handover, and mobile-to-base station synchronization

– Key Features

• Multistandard frequency hopping and Bluetooth LE support
• Packet sniffer, signal recording, and offline analysis capability
• R&S® CMWrun sequencer for test automation and data management
• Autotest function for complete measurement routines
• High-contrast backlit LCD with softkey navigation
• Modulation indicator for signal characterization

– Typical Applications

• Mobile device transmitter and receiver validation
• Protocol compliance testing (GSM, WCDMA, LTE, DECT)
• Short-range wireless device certification (Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, RFID)
• Channel behavior simulation and handover verification
• Audio path characterization (microphone and loudspeaker echo test)

– Compatibility & Integration

Optional extensions support DECT (CMD53/55), GSM1800 (CMD53/55), and GSM900/1800/1900 (CMD53, CMD55, CMD65). Enhanced analysis options include phase/frequency error measurement, power ramp profiling, BER measurement, and full dynamic range burst analysis.