Generating a DVB-T2 Signal

with Composite T2-Base and

T2-Lite Content
Application Note
Products:
|

R&SBTC

R&SSFU

R&SSFE100

R&SSFE

R&SSFC

Version 1.3.1 of the DVB-T2 standard

ETSI 302 755 introduced the T2-Lite
profile to ease the implementation of
mobile TV services. This was achieved by
minimizing the complexity of the required
receiver and allowing side-by-side
integration into existing conventional
(T2-Base) DVB-T2 channels.
For the purposes of testing the
compatibility and performance of receiver
modules, this application note describes
how this type of composite RF signal can
be simulated using one R&SBTC or
alternatively two instruments from the
family of broadcast signal generators
comprised of the R&SSFU, R&SSFE,
R&SSFE100 and R&SSFC.

Marius Schipper
11.2013-7BM81_1E

Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with

CompositeT2-Base and T2-Light Content

Only one corresponding multiple profile

T2-MI stream is required, either in the
form of a file or via an external gateway.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

7BM81_1E

Introduction ............................................................................ 3

1.1

Organization..................................................................................................3

1.2

Technical Background .................................................................................3

Implementation....................................................................... 5

2.1

R&S BTC Setup ............................................................................................5

2.1.1

Requirements................................................................................................5

2.1.2

Test Setup .....................................................................................................5

2.1.3

Configuration ................................................................................................6

2.1.4

Synchronization............................................................................................7

2.2

R&S SFU based setup .................................................................................8

2.2.1

Requirements................................................................................................8

2.2.2

Required Firmware Versions.......................................................................9

2.2.3

Test Setup .....................................................................................................9

2.2.4

Configuration ................................................................................................9

2.3

Synchronization..........................................................................................11

2.4

Modifications for Long-Term Testing .......................................................12

2.4.1

BTC setup....................................................................................................12

2.4.2

SFU based setup ........................................................................................12

Abbreviations ....................................................................... 13

Literature............................................................................... 13

Additional Information ......................................................... 13

Ordering Information ........................................................... 14

Rohde & Schwarz Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with Composite T2-Base and T2-Lite Content 2

Introduction
Organization

1 Introduction
The new DVB-T2 terrestrial television standard is becoming increasingly important.
New systems are being tested in many countries around the world. Others have
already completed the introductory phase.
Such an advanced level of implementation means that more complex innovations of
the standard will find increasing usage in real systems.
This includes T2-Base/T2-Lite composite signal transmission.

Template: 3573.7380.02/ CI 01.00

Version 1.3.1 of the DVB-T2 standard ETSI 302 755 introduced the T2-Lite profile to
ease the implementation of mobile TV services. This was achieved by minimizing the
complexity of the required receiver and allowing side-by-side integration into existing
conventional (T2-Base) DVB-T2 channels.
For the purposes of testing the compatibility and performance of receiver modules, this
application note describes how this type of composite RF signal can be simulated
using one R&SBTC or alternatively two instruments from the family of broadcast
signal generators comprised of the R&SSFU, R&SSFE, R&SSFE100 and
R&SSFC.
Only one corresponding multiple profile T2-MI stream is required, either in the form of a
file or via an external gateway.

1.1 Organization
Section 1.2 describes the technical background of the composite T2-Base/T2-Light
technology used in the DVB-T2 standard. Implementation details follow in Chapter 2,
starting with the basic setup with a multiple profile T2-MI file. In the second part of this
application note, the solution is complemented by including an external multiple profile
gateway for long-term testing.

1.2 Technical Background

The T2-Lite profile uses only a subset of the parameterization options that are used in
the regular T2-Base profile of the DVB-T2 standard:

Fewer modes and combinations of FFT modes, pilot patterns and guard
intervals
Fewer modes and combinations of modulation and code rates
Reduced length of time interleaver
Data rate limited to max. 4 Mbit/s per Physical Layer Pipe (PLP)
Limited receiver buffer model
New code rates and longer future extension frames (FEF)

This customization of parameters to mobile reception requirements reduces the

receiver memory requirements and complexity by approx. 50%, significantly reducing
development costs for future mobile end devices.

7BM81_1E

Rohde & Schwarz Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with Composite T2-Base and T2-Lite Content 3

Introduction
Technical Background

The future extension frames (FEF) feature of the DVB-T2 standard makes it possible to
generate regular T2-Base and T2-Lite signals within the same channel, each with a
different transmission mode. This achieves the required dependability for each
receiver.

T2B

T2B

T2B

T2-base FEF_INTERVAL=3

T2L

T2B

T2B

T2B

T2L

T2-Lite FEF

T2B

T2B

T2B

T2L

T2-Lite FEF

T2-base-super-frame
T2-Lite-super-frame

Fig. 1: Both T2-Base and T2-Light profile can be combined within one DVB-T2 signal using FEF [1]

When introducing new mobile TV services, this makes use of the existing DVB-T2
network capacity, without needing additional transmitters and frequencies. This makes
it easy to evaluate market acceptance before making a decision to invest in new
infrastructure. Finally, the way FEF structures transmissions over time also enables
mobile receivers to save power by switching their frontend to idle mode during T2-Base
periods.

7BM81_1E

Rohde & Schwarz Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with Composite T2-Base and T2-Lite Content 4

Implementation
R&SBTC Setup

2 Implementation

The R&S BTC broadcast test center with two RF paths generates a composite
T2-Base/T2-Lite RF signal in a single box. This setup is described in subchapter 2.1.

Alternatively, one R&S SFU broadcast test system coupled with one additional

R&S SFU, R&S SFE broadcast tester, R&S SFE100 test transmitter or R&S SFC
compact modulator can also be used. This setup is described in subchapter 2.2.
Subchapter 2.3 then explains how to fine-tune the synchronization between the
generated RF signals with using a dual channel oscilloscope.
Finally, subchapter 2.4 describes how to extend the test setups for long term testing.

2.1 R&SBTC Setup

2.1.1 Requirements

1 x R&S BTC (firmware version 1.50)

each of the two RF paths equipped with DVB-T2 coder (R&S BTC-K516)

1 x multiple profile T2-Base/T2-Lite T2-MI stream as a file, including relative

time stamps for synchronization (e.g. from R&S LIB-K57, version 1.30)

2-path RF power combiner matching the desired frequency and power range
(Resistive tee technology is not recommended, since its suboptimal isolation
performance negatively affects signal quality. Thus alternative concepts based
on coupled transmission lines or transformers are preferred.)

2.1.2 Test Setup

2.1.2.1

Rear side
Connect TS SERIAL OUT of baseband generator module 1 (left side) to TS SERIAL IN
of baseband generator module 2 (right side).

7BM81_1E

Rohde & Schwarz Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with Composite T2-Base and T2-Lite Content 5

Implementation
R&SBTC Setup

Fig. 2: R&SBTC rear side setup.

2.1.2.2

Front side
Connect the 2-path power combiner to RF path output 1 and 2 to get the composite
T2-Base/T2-Lite RF sum signal.

Fig. 3: R&SBTC front side setup.

2.1.3 Configuration
2.1.3.1

Settings for RF paths

a) Activate the DVB-T2 coder with the same frequency, channel bandwidth and
output power.
b) In TX:SignalGen:Input Signal, set T2-MI Interface to On.
c) In TX:SignalGen:Input Signal, set T2-MI PID and T2-MI SID depending on the
desired profile of your multiple profile T2-MI stream.

When using a T2-MI stream file from the R&S LIB-K57 library, then assign
- PID 0x1001 / SID 0x1 for the T2-lite content
- PID 0x1000 / SID 0x0 for the T2-base content.
d) In TX:SignalGen:T2 System, set Network Mode to SFN and Profile Mode to
Multi.

7BM81_1E

Rohde & Schwarz Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with Composite T2-Base and T2-Lite Content 6

Implementation
R&SBTC Setup

2.1.3.2

Specific settings for RF path A

a) In TX:SignalGen A:Input Signal, set Source to MM Generator.
b) In MMGen:Player 1, select the appropriate multiple profile T2-MI T2-Base/T2-Lite
transport stream.

(e.g. t2mi_vv851_801-826_rs_gmit_180sec.T2MI_C from the R&S LIB-K57

library)
c) Make sure the MMGen:Player 1 output data rate matches the selected T2-MI file.
(This value is automatically set correctly when selecting a file from the

R&S LIB-K57 library.)

2.1.3.3

Specific settings for RF path B

a) In TX:SignalGen B:Input Signal, set Source to External.
b) In TX:SignalGen B:Input Signal, set Input to TS IN 3.
c) In TX:SignalGen B:SFN, set 1PPS Routing to Internal Input.

2.1.4 Synchronization
Fine-tune the synchronization between the generated RF signals with a dual channel
oscilloscope like described in subchapter 2.3.

7BM81_1E

Rohde & Schwarz Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with Composite T2-Base and T2-Lite Content 7

Implementation
R&SSFU based setup

2.2 R&SSFU based setup

2.2.1 Requirements
2.2.1.1

Master transmitter

1 x R&S SFU

with DVB-T2 coder (R&S SFU-B15 and R&S SFU-K16)

and TRP player (R&S SFU-K22)

1 x multiple profile T2-Base/T2-Lite T2-MI stream as a file, including relative

time stamps for synchronization (e.g. from R&S SFU-K227, version 1.30)

1 x adapter cable DA-15 (male) to BNC (male):

Fig. 4: The required adapter cable connects the DA-15 pin (blue) with the BNC inner contact and the
other pin (gray) with the outer contact

2.2.1.2

Slave transmitter

2.2.1.3

7BM81_1E

R&S SFC or R&S SFE100 or R&S SFE or R&S SFU

each with a DVB-T2 coder (R&S SFx-B15 and R&S SFx-K16)

Cabling

BNC cables for the following signals:

- 1 x TS-ASI (75 , 800 mV)
- 1 x 10 MHz reference frequency (50 , 5 dBm)
- 1 x 1 pps (50 , 2 V)
- 2 x RF (50 )

RF coupler for desired frequency and power range

(Resistive tee technology is not recommended, since its suboptimal isolation
performance negatively affects signal quality. Thus alternative concepts based
on coupled transmission lines or transformers are preferred.)

Rohde & Schwarz Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with Composite T2-Base and T2-Lite Content 8

Implementation
R&SSFU based setup

2.2.2 Required Firmware Versions

R&S SFU
2.70

R&S SFE
2.70

R&S SFE100
2.70

R&S SFC
2.70

2.2.3 Test Setup

Master transmitter
R&SSFU

RF 1

TS GEN SER OUT

(BNC)

REF FREQ OUT

(BNC)

TRIGGER IO
(DA-15)

T2-MI

10 MHz
Reference

1pps

TS IN
(BNC)

REF FREQ IN
(BNC)

TRIGGER / PPS IN
(BNC)

Coupling
network

RF (T2-Base/T2-Light)

RF 2

Slave transmitter
R&SSFC or R&SSFE100 or R&SSFE or R&SSFU

Fig. 5: Test setup

The R&S SFU master transmitter is the central element of the architecture. In addition
to providing the 10 MHz reference, the multiple profile T2-MI input file can be used
directly to generate T2-MI & 1 pps signals, not only for itself but also for the slave
transmitter. This eliminates the need for an external multiple profile T2-MI gateway or
external GPS receiver.

2.2.4 Configuration
2.2.4.1

Settings for both transmitters

a) Activate the DVB-T2 coder with the same frequency, channel bandwidth and
output power.
b) In TX:DIGITAL TV:INPUT SIGNAL, set T2-MI INTERFACE to ON.
c) In TX:DIGITAL TV:INPUT SIGNAL, set the T2-MI PID and T2-MI SID depending
on the desired profile of your multiple profile T2-MI stream.

When using a T2-MI stream file from the R&S SFU-K227 library, then assign
- PID 0x1001 / SID 0x1 for the T2-lite content
- PID 0x1000 / SID 0x0 for the T2-base content.
d) In TX:DIGITAL TV:T2 SYSTEM, set NETWORK MODE to SFN and PROFILE
MODE to MULTI.

7BM81_1E

Rohde & Schwarz Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with Composite T2-Base and T2-Lite Content 9

Implementation
R&SSFU based setup

2.2.4.2

Specific settings for the master transmitter

a) Configure SETUP:HARDWARE SETTINGS:TRIGGER as follows:

Fig. 6: Configuration of the 1 pps signal at the Trigger Out interface.

b) In TX:DIGITAL TV:INPUT SIGNAL, set T2-MI SOURCE to INTERNAL.

c) In TSGEN, select the appropriate multiple profile T2-MI T2-Base/T2-Lite transport
stream.

(e.g. t2mi_vv851_801-826_rs_gmit_180sec.T2MI_C from the R&S SFU-K227

library)
d) Make sure the TSGEN output data rate matches the selected T2MI file. (This value

is automatically set correctly when selecting a file from the R&S SFU-K227 library)
2.2.4.3

Specific settings for the slave transmitter

a) In SETUP:HARDWARE SETTINGS:REFERENCE, set SOURCE to EXT.
b) In TX:DIGITAL TV:INPUT SIGNAL, set T2-MI SOURCE to EXTERNAL.
c) In TX:DIGITAL TV:INPUT SIGNAL, set T2-MI INPUT to match the cabling.

7BM81_1E

Rohde & Schwarz Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with Composite T2-Base and T2-Lite Content 10

Implementation
Synchronization

2.3 Synchronization
Ensure that the Static Delay value in the SFN settings is set to zero for both DVB-T2
coders.

Fig. 7: The STATIC DELAY parameter must be set to zero.

The timing can then be verified by viewing both RF signal outputs on a dual channel
oscilloscope simultaneously:

Fig. 8: Synchronization check between T2-Base-signal (yellow) and T2-Light signal (red)

If latency introduced by the external input cabling causes the second RF signal to run
with a slight delay, then reduce its Static Delay SFN setting (see Fig. 7) to less than
zero until adequately compensating for the effect.

If the T2-MI data stream is changed in the transport stream generator, or if one of the
coder settings is changed, the individual coders will, on rare occasions, lock in on the
common T2-MI signal to such a different degree that the delay becomes significantly
greater than the length of the guard interval.
In this case, the PROCESS DELAY values (see Fig. 7) for the coders will differ by
significantly more than several 10 s. This problem can be fixed by stopping and then
restarting the T2-MI data stream in the transport stream generator.

7BM81_1E

Rohde & Schwarz Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with Composite T2-Base and T2-Lite Content 11

Implementation
Modifications for Long-Term Testing

2.4 Modifications for Long-Term Testing

The T2-MI streams in the recommended R&S LIB-K57 / R&S SFU-K227 library offer a
runtime of 1 and 3 minutes. Even when the stream is cycled infinitely, the system
causes the output signal to be interrupted when the stream loops back to the beginning
of the file because both DVB-T2 coders involved must be resynchronized to the T2-MI
stream. However, the time delay setting between the RF signals remains in place.
For long-term testing, a multiple profile T2-MI gateway can be used to prevent these
periodic signal interruptions.

2.4.1 BTC setup

Instead of feeding both DVB-T2 coders by the internal MMGen:Player 1, the T2-MI

stream is provided externally from a multiple profile T2-MI gateway using R&S BTC
front side TS INPUT 1 or TS INPUT 2, which will distribute the signal to both coders.
This also requires using further signals from the multiple profile T2-MI gateway:

Connect its 10 MHz reference signal to the R&S BTC REF IN input, and
activate this interface by setting Setup:Hardware Settings:External Reference
Frequency:Source to External.

Connect its 1 pps signal to the R&S BTC EXT 1 input, and activate this
interface by setting TX:SignalGen:SFN:1PPS Routing to External Input for
both RF paths.

2.4.2 SFU based setup

The multiple profile T2-MI stream, 10 MHz reference signal and 1 pps signal can be

connected to any two slave transmitters. A dedicated R&S SFU master transmitter is
no longer required. Apart from relative timestamps in the multiple profile T2-MI stream,
absolute timestamps can also be used for transmitter synchronization. Refer to the
operating manual of the instrument when coupling with an absolute time server.

7BM81_1E

Rohde & Schwarz Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with Composite T2-Base and T2-Lite Content 12

Abbreviations

3 Abbreviations
FEF

Future Extension Frame

GPS

Global Positioning System

PID

Packet Identifier

PLP

Physical Layer Pipe

T2-Base signal

DVB-T2 signal using the T2-Base profile

T2-Lite signal

DVB-T2 signal using the T2-Lite profile

T2-MI

DVB-T2 Modulator Interface

4 Literature
[1]

"Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB);

Frame structure channel coding and modulation for a second generation digital
terrestrial television broadcasting system (DVB-T2)",
ETSI EN 302 755, V1.3.1, 2011-02

5 Additional Information
Our Application Notes are regularly revised and updated. Check for any changes at
http://www.rohde-schwarz.com.
Please send any comments and suggestions about this Application Note to
.

7BM81_1E

Rohde & Schwarz Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with Composite T2-Base and T2-Lite Content 13

Ordering Information

6 Ordering Information
Designation

Type

Order No.

R&SBTC

2114.3000.02

R&SBTC-B3103

2114.3100.02

R&SBTC-B3106

2114.3200.02

R&SBTC-B3203

2114.3300.02

R&SBTC-B3206

2114.3400.02

One box solution: R&SBTC

Broadcast Test Center
RF Path A
100 kHz to 3 GHz
or
100 kHz to 6 GHz
RF Path B
100 kHz to 3 GHz
or
100 kHz to 6 GHz

2114.6600.02

2114.3500.02

2114.7035

2114.3600.02

R&S BTC-K516

2114.7035

R&SLIB-K57

2116.9429.02

Broadcast Test System

R&SSFU

2110.2500.02

DVB-T2 Coder

R&SSFU-K16

2110.7847.02

Baseband Main Module, two I/Q paths to RF

R&S BTC-B12
R&S BTC-B1

Baseband Generator, 1st channel

R&S BTC-K516

DVB-T2 Coder

R&S BTC-B2

Baseband Generator, 2nd channel

DVB-T2 Coder

Recommended
DVB-T2 MI Streams

Alternative Master Transmitter: R&S SFU

Coder Extension 15 (for digital TV)

TRP Player

2110.7918.02

R&S SFU-K22

2110.7499.02

R&SSFU-K21

2110.7482.02

R&S SFU-B15

Recommended
TS/ETI Recorder1

Alternative Slave Transmitter: R&SSFU / R&SSFE / R&SSFE100

Broadcast Test System

2110.2500.02

DVB-T2 Coder

R&S SFU-K16

2110.7847.02

Coder Extension 15 (for digital TV)

R&SSFU-B15

2110.7918.02

Broadcast Tester

R&SSFE

2112.4300.02

DVB-T2 Coder

R&SSFE-K16

2113.4290.02

Coder Extension Board

R&S SFE-B15

2112.4200.02

Test Transmitter

R&SSFE100

2112.4100.02

DVB-T2 Coder
Coder Extension Board

7BM81_1E

R&SSFU

2113.4284.02

2112.4222.02

R&S SFE100-K16
R&S SFE100-B15

For optional recording of T2-MI streams.

Rohde & Schwarz Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with Composite T2-Base and T2-Lite Content 14

Ordering Information

Designation

Type

Order No.

R&SSFC

2115.3510.02

Alternative Slave Transmitter: R&S SFC

Compact Modulator

7BM81_1E

DVB-T2 Coder

R&S SFC-K16

2115.5494.02

Coder Extension Board

R&SSFC-B15

2115.5836.02

Rohde & Schwarz Generating a DVB-T2 Signal with Composite T2-Base and T2-Lite Content 15

About Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is an independent group
of companies specializing in electronics. It is
a leading supplier of solutions in the fields of
test and measurement, broadcasting,
radiomonitoring and radiolocation, as well as
secure communications. Established more
than 75 years ago, Rohde & Schwarz has a
global presence and a dedicated service
network in over 70 countries. Company
headquarters are in Munich, Germany.
Environmental commitment
Energy-efficient products
Continuous improvement in
environmental sustainability
ISO 14001-certified environmental
management system

Regional contact
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+49 89 4129 12345
[email protected]
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+1-410-910-7988
[email protected]
Asia/Pacific
+65 65 13 04 88
[email protected]
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.

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GmbH & Co. KG; Trade names are trademarks of the
owners.

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Phone + 49 89 4129 - 0 | Fax + 49 89 4129 13777
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