Rohde & Schwarz CMS50 Radio Communication Service Monitor 0.4–1000 MHz

The Rohde & Schwarz CMS50 is a small analog radio communication service monitor that can test receivers and transmitters from 0.4 MHz to 1000 MHz (400 kHz to 1 GHz). It is commonly used in the service, maintenance, manufacture, and development of radio equipment. It works with AM, FM, phase modulation, and SSB, and it contains an RF generator, RF analyzer, AF generator/analyzer, signaling, and spectrum monitoring all in one unit. ​

Rohde & Schwarz CMS50 Description

The CMS50 is part of the R&S CMS family of radiocommunication service monitors. It is the lower-cost, service-oriented model that works best with analog radio systems. It is good for testing base stations, mobile radios, RF modules, pagers, and other analog communication devices that work in the 0.4–1000 MHz range. ​

The tool combines generating and measuring functions, so you can do full tests on both the transmitter and receiver without needing any further RF equipment. It has a high-contrast backlit LCD that lets you see settings and results at the same time, so you can measure both manually and automatically. ​

Key Functions and Applications

• Tests for transmitters: Checks the RF power, frequency, modulation (AM, FM, φM, SSB), distortion, and AF parameters of the radios being tested. ​
• Receiver tests: Sends RF test signals with different levels and modulations, including signaling, to verify sensitivity, selectivity, and audio quality. ​
• Duplex and base-station testing: This feature lets you test and measure complete radio channels, including repeater and base-station equipment. ​
• Spectrum monitor, tracking generator (with option B59), and cable fault finder are extra tools that let you check the spectrum and test the line from the same platform. ​
• Radio service centers, maintenance teams, manufacturing test benches, and R&D labs that work with analog PMR, marine, aeronautical, and other VHF/UHF systems are some of the most common customers. ​

Design, and interfaces

• Construction: This unit is lightweight and small enough to fit on a tabletop. It can be used in a lab, on a vehicle, or in the field. ​
• Display and controls: A high-contrast LCD with big letters and softkeys that shows many parameters and results at the same time for easy use. ​
• Interfaces: Usually has RF in/out connections, AF in/out connectors, and control interfaces for use in automated test setups (the specific set of interfaces varies on the system). ​
• alternatives: R&S has plug-in alternatives including low-frequency filters, VSWR/cable measurement adapters, tracking generator (B59), and more that let you measure more things.

RF specs

-> It works in the frequency range of 0.4 to 1000 MHz (400 kHz to 1 GHz), which includes most LF/VHF/UHF radio frequencies. ​

-> AM, FM, phase modulation (φM), and SSB are all supported for both generation and measurement. ​

-> RF generator: Comes with a built-in RF signal generator that can be set to different levels and modulations for testing receivers. There is also an optional tracking generator (CMS-B59) for measuring filters and cables. ​

-> Handling RF input power: The maximum RF input power is roughly 100 W for a short time, although it goes down for continuous use (see the comprehensive datasheet for exact restrictions). ​

The ability to measure

-> Radio frequency (RF) measurements include frequency, RF power, deviation, modulation depth, SINAD, distortion, and other basic radio parameters. ​

-> AF readings: AF level, frequency, distortion, and signal-to-noise ratio utilizing a built-in AF generator and analyzer. ​

-> Signaling: Analog signaling functions (depending on choices) for testing radios with selective calling and other similar capabilities. ​

-> Automation: Lets you do tests by hand or with automated measurement sequences to speed up tests that need to be done over and over. ​