Rhode & Schwarz Monitoring Receiver R&S ESMB Datasheet Manual

							Monitoring Receiver R&S®ESMB
Military and civil monitoring from 9 kHz to 3 GHz
ITU-compliant measurements
The Monitoring Receiver R&S ESMB is 
ideally suited for military monitoring tasks 
and spectrum monitoring in line with ITU 
recommendations as well as for use in 
radio investigation services.  The range of applications includes:
◆
Signal detection
◆ Signal search in frequency and 
memory scan mode
◆ Spectrum occupancy measurement
◆ RF and IF analysis
◆ Coverage measurements (option)
◆ Field-strength measurements
Data sheet
Ve rsi o n
03.00
September 2003 
						

							2 Monitoring Receiver R&S® ESMB
General
The R&S ESMB is a monitoring and test 
receiver for all radio detection and 
radiomonitoring 
tasks in line with ITU-R, 
and for radio investigation services. The 
compact and sturdy design combined 
with low weight makes the R&S ESMB a 
versatile and universal unit for stationary 
and mobile use. 
Applications
The following measurements in line with 
ITU-R specifications can be performed by 
the R&S ESMB:
◆Frequency and frequency offset to 
ITU-R SM 377
◆Field strength to ITU-R SM 378
◆Modulation to ITU-R SM 328
◆Spectrum occupancy and identifica-
tion with external PC to ITU-R SM 182
◆Bandwidth to ITU-R SM 328The optimized features of the R&S ESMB 
allow fast performance of the following 
additional tasks in military radiomonitor-
ing and radio investigation services:
◆Frequency scan with predefined 
frequency ranges
◆Memory scan of up to 1000 memory 
channels
◆RF frequency spectrum (option)
◆Audio monitoring of CW, AM, SSB 
and FM transmissions
◆Identification
Description
As a ½ 19 unit, the R&S ESMB is ideal 
both for mobile use and for rack-
mounting. It contains the following 
functional units:
◆A/D and DSP module with digital IF 
filters, digital demodulators for CW, 
AM, LSB, USB, PULSE, FM, PM, IQ and ISB, parameter measurements 
and FFT processing of IF panoramic 
display
◆Band and tracking preselection
◆RF frontends for converting the 
antenna signal into an IF of 10.7 MHz
◆Fast synthesizer
◆Processor system
◆Display and control unit
◆Remote control interface
◆DC/DC converter
Digital IF section
The R&S ESMB covers a frequency range 
from 9 kHz to 3 GHz. A large number of IF 
bandwidths is required to process the vari-
ous signals with optimum signal-to-noise 
ratio. Maximum quality in a minimum of 
space can only be ensured by using ultra-
modern digital signal processing through-
out. 
The R&S ESMB is equipped with 18 IF 
filters from 150 Hz to 300 kHz, and up to 
1 MHz in the IF panoramic mode. 
						

							Monitoring Receiver R&S® ESMB 3
Operation
The Monitoring Receiver R&S ESMB 
features full remote control capability as 
well as manual control via the front panel.
The operating concept meets all the 
demands made on a state-of-the-art 
spectrum monitoring receiver, i.e. all the 
main functions such as type of modula-
tion, bandwidth, etc can easily be set 
directly via labelled keys.
Menu control is organized in priority 
levels so that signal processing is not 
interrupted by menu changes and the 
user has an optimized view of current 
operations. 
Scan modes
Frequency scan
It is possible to define a frequency range 
to which a complete data set can be allo-
cated. In addition to receiver settings, the 
following scan parameters are included in 
the data set:◆Step width
◆Signal threshold (dBµV)
◆Dwell time
◆Hold time
◆Number of scans
◆Signal-controlled continuation
◆Suppression (individual frequencies 
or search ranges)
Memory scan
The R&S ESMB uses 1000 definable 
memory locations. A complete data set 
such as frequency, mode of demodula-
tion, bandw
idth, squelch level, etc can be 
assigned to each memory location. The 
content of any memory location can be 
transferred to the receiver manually using 
the RCL key.
Frequency spectrum
Fitted with the frequency spectrum 
option DIGI Scan, the R&S ESMB scans 
the frequency range of interest with 
digital control and displays the associ-
ated spectrum. Emissions detected can be seen at a 
glance. Aural monitoring of the informa-
tion is possible by simply pressing a soft-
key. The R&S ESMB then goes to the DIGI 
Scan listen mode. The stored spectrum is 
displayed in the background, and the 
emission of interest can be selected and 
monitored by marking it with the 
frequency cursor.
Location of miniature transmitters at 
close range is possible in the differential 
mode of the DIGI Scan option. In this 
mode, the displayed spectrum is stored as 
a reference. Current spectra are superim-
posed on the reference spectrum, and 
any new signals or variations in signal 
strength are clearly discernible as peaks. 
If the measurement is carried out while 
walking across the room, the field 
strength of transmitters at close range 
varies to a greater extent than that of 
transmitters located far away. This differen-
tial display ensures fast and reliable loca-
tion of miniature transmitters even in the 
case of spread-spectrum transmission.
Optimized view for current task
In conjunction with the 
Digital Direction Finder 
R&S DDF 190, the 
Monitoring Receiver 
R&S ESMB forms a 
monitoring system with 
excellent price/perfor-
mance ratio
Overview
IF panoramic display
DIGI Scan listen mode
DIGI Scan differential mode 
						

							4 Monitoring Receiver R&S® ESMB
Preselection VHF/UHF
– Tracking filter
– Band filter
– Switchable
   attenuator/preamplifierFrontend VHF/UHF
– Mixer
– IF amplifier
– Oscillators
– Synthesizers
Digital
IF processing
– 2 switchable prefilters
– A/D converter
– Coprocessor (DDC)
– Digital signal processor
– FFT calculation
– Demodulation
– Signal analysis
– Si
gnal measurement
Control processor
– PC
– FirmwareFront panel
– Display
– Controls 
– Keys
– Rollkey
Remote interface
– LAN (TCP/IP) or
   RS-232-C
DC/DC converterData and control bus
RF, IF, AF analogAF IF
Remote
control
Power
supply AF
digital Frontend RF
– Mixer
– IF amplifier Preselection RF
– Band filter
– Switchable attenuator
– Preamplifier
Digital
IF panorama
RF
antenna
inputIF
VHF/ 
UHF
antenna
input
Block diagram of the Monitoring Receiver R&S ESMB
Interfaces
For system applications, the receiver is 
equipped with a number of important 
interfaces:
◆Baseband output (digital) 
◆AF output (digital)
◆IF 10.7 MHz ±2.5 MHz, VHF/UHF
IF 10.7 MHz ±5 kHz, HF 
uncontrolled for external panoramic 
display
◆AF balanced 600 Ω, 0 dBm
◆Output for external loudspeaker, 
4Ω, 500 mW
◆Headphone socket via volume control
◆Output for antenna control with 
antenna number
◆Connector for internal/external 
reference frequency, 10 MHz
Remote-control interface
LAN TCP/IP (Ethernet 10Base-T), optional 
9-pin RS-232-C. The LAN interface 
(Ethernet 10Base-T) with TCP/IP protocol 
fitted as standard enables the R&S ESMB 
to be integrated into systems of varying 
complexity. The high data rate of this 
interface not 
only allows full control of all device functions as well as data output, but 
also transmission of the digital AF. With the 
aid of the DIGI Scan option, data for 20 000 
channels/s can be output in the scan mode.
Designed to meet the standards
State-of-the-art design
The receiver is designed for both mobile 
and stationary operation. Careful screen-
ing and filters in all the input and output 
lines ensure extremely low spurious emis-
sions and high interference rejection.
BITE
The receiver is permanently monitored by 
built-in test equipment (BITE). If devia-
tions from the nominal specifications are 
detected, an error message is output with 
a code indicating the type of error.
Serviceability
Modern design and the use of plug-in 
modules ensure short repair times. All the 
modules can be replaced without any 
recalibration or adjustments being 
required.
Bandwidth measurement
Modulation measurement
R&S ESMB 
in measurement mode
When equipped with the R&S EB200CM 
option, the R&S ESMB can also be used 
for coverage measurements. In this con-
figuration, it is possible to perform up to 
2000 triggered level measurements on 
one frequency or up to 200 multichannel 
measurements (with any frequency hop-
ping). This option is only available via the 
remote-control interface.
The R&S ESMB together with the R&S 
ROMES software form a coverage 
measurement system with excellent 
price/performance ratio. 
						

							Monitoring Receiver R&S® ESMB 5
Use in computer-controlled 
systems
Full use of the performance features of 
the receiver can be made in the remote-
control mode via LAN using a suitable 
PC and the Spectrum Monitoring 
Software R&S ARGUS or R&S RAMON.
R&S RAMON, which is primarily used in 
military and security applications, 
enables fast frequency detection and 
transfer to support monitoring receivers 
(concentration on interactive operation 
and signal identification). 
R&S ARGUS is intended for applications 
focusing on measurements, and is there-
fore particularly suitable for frequency 
management tasks.For basic tasks, the R&S ARGUS MON 
software is available for remote control of 
the R&S ESMB. The functionality of this 
software, which features a favourable 
price/performance ratio, is optimally tai-
lored to the capabilities of the R&S ESMB. 
It allows remote control of all settings, 
measurement and scan functions as well 
as saving of mea
sured data such as fre-
quency, level, offset,
 date and time. The 
basic R&S ARGUS MON software can be upgraded to R&S ARGUS for use in more 
complex systems. The pictures above 
show how easy-to-use and user-friendly 
R&S ARGUS MON is. The R&S ESMB 
together with R&S ARGUS MON is a cost-
efficient basic system that fulfills all the 
ITU recommendations. 
Detailed information is provided in the 
data sheet (PD 0757.4818).
Bandwidth and 
modulation 
measurements 
with panoramic 
display 
Scan with 3D waterfall diagram 
						

							6 Monitoring Receiver R&S® ESMB
Specifications
Frequency range
Base unit20 MHz to 3 GHz
Base unit with 
HF Option R&S ESMBHF9 kHz to 3 GHz
Frequency setting 
via keypad or rollkey1 kHz, 100 Hz, 10 Hz, 1 Hz;
or in selectable increments
Frequency accuracy ≤0.5 × 10–6
Input for external reference10 MHz
Synthesizer setting time ≤3 ms, typ. 1 ms
Oscillator phase noise≤–120 dBc (1 Hz) at 10 kHz offset (HF range)
≤–100 dBc (1 Hz) at 10 kHz offset 
(VHF/UHF range)
Antenna inputsN socket, 50 Ω
VSWR≤3, typ. 1.5 for HF range
≤2.5, typ. 1.8 for VHF/UHF range
Oscillator reradiation≤–107 dBm
Input selection
9 kHz to 30 MHz
20 (30) MHz to 1500 MHz
1500 MHz to 3000 MHz5 bandpass filters
tracking preselection
highpass, lowpass
Interference rejection, nonlinearities – HF range (only with HF Option 
R&S ESMBHF)
Image frequency rejection≥90 dB, typ. 100 dB
IF rejection≥90 dB, typ. 100 dB
2nd order intercept point≥50 dBm, typ. 60 dBm (ATT off)
3rd order intercept point1)≥20 dBm, typ. 25 dBm (ATT off)
Internal spurious signals≤–107 dBm
Interference rejection, nonlinearities – VHF/UHF range
Image frequency rejection≥80 dB, typ. 95 dB
IF rejection≥90 dB, typ. 100 dB
2nd order intercept point≥40 dBm, typ. 55 dBm (low distortion mode)
3rd order intercept point2)≥12 dBm, typ. 18 dBm (low distortion mode)
Internal spurious signals≤–107 dBm
Sensitivity – HF range (only with HF Option R&S ESMBHF)
Overall noise figure
(including AF section)≤14 dB, typ. 10 dB (f ≥50 kHz, ATT off), 
0.1 MHz to 30 MHz
Signal-to-noise ratiomeasurement with telephone filter
CW, bandwidth 300 Hz, 
V = 0.6 µV
SSB, bandwidth 2.5 kHz
V = 1 µV
AM, bandwidth 9 kHz
f
mod = 1 kHz, m = 0.5 
V = 1 µV
≥10 dB
≥10 dB
≥10 dB
Sensitivity – VHF/UHF range
Overall noise figure
(including AF section)≤12 dB, typ. 9 dB, 
20 (30) MHz to 2700 MHz (low noise mode)
Signal-to-noise ratiomeasurement with telephone filter
AM, bandwidth 9 kHz,
f
mod = 1 kHz, m = 0.5
20 (30) MHz to 2700 MHz,
V = 1 µV
2.7 GHz to 3 GHz, 
V = 1.3 µV
≥10 dB (low noise mode), typ. 16 dB
FM, bandwidth 15 kHz
f
mod = 1 kHz, 
deviation = 5 kHz
20 (30) MHz to 2700 MHz, 
V = 1 µV
2.7 GHz to 3 GHz, 
V = 1.3 µV
≥25 dB (low noise mode), typ. 30 dB
Detection modesAM, FM, PM, USB, LSB, CW, ISB, PULSE, IQ
IF bandwidths for 
level detection and 
offset measurement
23 filters (150 Hz to 1 MHz)
IF bandwidths with 
standard demodulation 
(–6 dB bandwidth)
0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 1, 1.5, 2.4, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 15, 30, 100, 
120, 150, 250, 300 kHz 
(reduced IF bandwidth in HF range: ±5 kHz)
Squelch, signal-controlled–30 dBµV to 110 dBµV
Gain controlAGC, MGC (120 dB)
AFCdigital retuning for unstable signals
Modulation measurement
AM (fmax = 100 kHz)
Indication errorm = 1 % to 99 % (resolution 0.1 %)
40 dB, AF = 1 kHz
FM (fmax = 100 kHz)deviation max. 125 kHz less modulation 
frequency (resolution 0.001 kHz)
Indication error
Narrow bandwidths 
(≤15 kHz)
Broad bandwidths 
(≤250 kHz)
100 Hz plus 3 % of reading
2 kHz plus 3 % of reading for
S/N >40 dB, AF = 1 kHz
PM (f = 0.3 kHz to 5 kHz)∆ϕ = 0 to 4π
∆ϕ = 0 to 12.5 rad (resolution 0.01 rad)
Indication error40 dB, AF = 1 kHz
1)Frequency spacing between intermodulating signals ≥30 kHz.2)Frequency spacing between intermodulating signals ≥2.2 MHz. 
						

							Monitoring Receiver R&S® ESMB 7
Level and offset measurement
Offset indicationgraphically with tuning markers or numerically
Signal level–30  dBµV to 110  dBµV
Error≤±1.5 dB
typ. ±0.8 dB (HF range)
typ. ±1.0 dB (VHF/UHF range)
for V = 20 dBµV to 100 dBµV, AVG, 0 °C to 45° C
Displaynumeric, 3 digits, resolution 0.1 dB or 
graphic as level line
acoustic indication by level tone
Level indication modeAVG, PEAK, FAST, RMS
Field strength (dBµV/m)level range depending on antenna used
Displaynumeric
IF panoramic displayinternal module
Span range0.15 kHz to 1000 kHz (23 steps)
Scan characteristics
Automatic memory scan1000 definable memory locations,
typ. 200 channels/s (300 kHz IF filter)
Frequency scanstart/stop/step and 100 suppress ranges,
typ. 250 channels/s (300 kHz IF filter)
DIGI Scan (option)RF spectrum with user-selectable start/stop 
frequency, typ. 3000 MHz/s (300 kHz IF filter)
Inputs/outputs
Reference frequency 
connector10 MHz, SMA, bidirectional
IF 10.7 MHz, wideband±2.5 MHz (VHF/UHF range), ±5 kHz (HF range), 
uncontrolled for external panoramic display, 
SMA
Baseband output (digital)serial, 2 × 16 bit (clock, data, frame)
AF output (digital)AF signal, 2 × 16 bit, AES/EBU to 
AES3-1985 (ANSI S4.40-1985)
AF output, balanced600 Ω, 0 dBm
Loudspeaker output4 Ω, 500 mW
Headphone outputvia volume control
BITEmonitoring of test signals by means of loop test
Data interfaceLAN (Ethernet 10Base-T) or 9-pin RS-232-C, PPP
Rear view of the R&S ESMB 
						

							Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG ⋅ Mühldorfstraße 15 ⋅ 81671 München ⋅ Germany
P. O. B. 80 14 69 ⋅ 81614 München ⋅ Germany ⋅ Telephone +49  89 41 29-0 ⋅ Fax +49  89 41 29-132 47 ⋅ www.rohde-schwarz.com
Printed in Germany (U sk)
R&S ® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG · Trade names are trademarks of the owners 
PD 0758.0716.32 ⋅ Monitoring Receiver R&S
® ESMB ⋅ Version 03.00 ⋅ September 2003 ⋅ Data without tolerance limits is not binding ⋅ Subject to change 
Ordering information
Order DesignationTy p eOrder No.
Monitoring Receiver 
(with external power supply)R&S ESMB4056.6000.02
HF Option 9 kHz to 30 MHzR&S ESMBHF4056.6100.02
Coverage Measurement OptionR&S EB200CM4052.9804.02
Frequency Spectrum Option
DIGI ScanR&S ESMBDS4056.6200.02
RS -232-C Serial InterfaceR&S ESMBR24052.9056.02
Software
R&S ARGUS basic module3027.7363.0x
R&S ARGUS device driver for R&S ESMB3027.7363.45
R&S RAMON basic module RA/BASIC 3020.9490.0x
R&S RAMON device driver EMB/CTL3020.8264.02
General data
 Rated temperature range0 °C to +50 °C
Operating temperature range–10°C to +55°C
Storage temperature range–40°C to +70°C
Humiditymax. 80 %, cyclic test 25 °C/55 °C
max. 95 % without condensation
ShockDIN IEC 60068-2-27 (MIL-STD-810E, 
MIL-T-28800D), 40 g, spectrum 45 Hz to 2 kHz
Vibration (sinusoidal)DIN IEC 60068-2-6 (MIL-T-28800D),
5 Hz to 55 Hz, 0.15 mm amplitude, 
55 Hz to 150 Hz, 0.5 g
Vibration (random)DIN IEC 60068-2-64, 10 Hz to 500 Hz, 1.9 g rms
EMCDIN EN 61000-6-3, 61000-6-4
Power supply10 V to 32 V DC (max. 40  W) or 
100 V to 240  V, 50 Hz to 60 Hz
via external AC/DC power supply
Dimensions (W × H × D)227 mm × 153 mm × 474 mm
Rack model (½ 19 × 3 HU)210 mm × 132 mm × 460 mm 
Weight8 kg
More information at 
www.rohde-schwarz.com 
(search term: ESMB)