Rohde & Schwarz SMBV-Z1 Reference Frequency Converter settings? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: exor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2017, 07:26:58 pm
content: Data sheet says that this converter is able to produce 10 MHz reference signal from input signal between 1MHz to 100MHz. Valid input frequencies are determined by the formula 10 MHz * (M/N) where M and N are integers from 2 to 65 set by DIP switches.I found this from eBay and thought that manual is downloadable from R&S (it’s not) or I can test and figure out switch settings but there are too many (24) switches for just two small integersI could also open the unit and try to do some reverse engineering but maybe it won’t help at all so it is my last optionSo if someone is familiar with this device I would appreciate any hint for setting those switches!

author: MJF
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 23, 2017, 03:41:06 am
content: Hi,I recommend you to contact the customer support. You find the contact information at the end of the data sheet.Markus

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 23, 2017, 04:07:14 am
content: Looks fun to play with. Why not monitor the 10 MHz output, set the dip switches to some arbitrary starting position and sweep an input frequency to see what it does.

author: exor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2017, 07:40:27 am
content: Hi, thanks for your suggestions!At the moment I have generator that goes only up till 20 MHz with max sweep time 100 s and wonder if the converter would lock fast enough to see it happen. Might be tricky even if swept short (100 kHz, 1 MHz) intervals but I might try it and also send some email to R&S.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 23, 2017, 08:11:46 am
content: Have you tried setting the switches at either end the same and feeding in 10 MHz to see if you get 10 MHz out?

author: MJF
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 04:47:07 pm
content: Hi,did you get the needed information from R&S?

author: exor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 10:23:42 pm
content: Hi,I have been busy moving my lab to another place (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/whats-your-work-benchlab-look-like-post-some-pictures-of-your-lab/msg1194885/#msg1194885) so I haven’t had time to play with the converter nor send the inquiry. I will post here when I know more.

author: exor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 06:16:03 am
content: I found there was one converter for sale in eBay with copy of Quick Reference Guide. I contacted the seller and he was kind and send me that guide in pdf format.He also made a description of the converter, its operating principal and switch settings and added it on his website (www.dd1us.de), you can find it on What’s New section.So problem solved, thank you all for your help and interest!

author: testpoint
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 05:48:15 am
content: you can use a Rubidium clock for the reference, 10MHz output, only 200 USD with box, btw, I have a SMU200A signal generator, the clock tolerance exceed 0.05ppm, I asked R&S, no way by command to calibrate it, is that true? for Agilent E4438C, it is easy to re-cal the clock.