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Measuring phase noise is essential to optimizing narrow channel communications in RF transmissions. The instability of the oscillator causes phase noise, which appears as jitter in the time domain. Phase noise impacts the signal quality and increases error rates in communications links. Unlike other signal noise, phase noise is best understood in the spectral domain.
There are three common techniques for measuring phase noise: direct spectrum, phase detector, and two-channel cross-correlation. The direct spectrum technique measures the spectral energy of the broadband signal using an instrument like a spectrum / signal analyzer, but there are limitations due to the amplitude noise mimicking phase noise. Advanced applications use a dedicated phase noise instrument that employs a phase detector and two-channel cross-correlation techniques. Both techniques operate on the baseband signal and require a downconverter.
How to Measure RF Phase Noise
High Performance, Versatile One-Box Solution for Phase Noise and Signal Source Analysis (SSA)
Measurement Capabilities | Phase noise, Baseband noise, AM noise, Transient, DC current, Spectrum monitor, VCO characterization, Full span spectrum analysis, Phase noise of pulsed RF signals |
Frequency Range | |
Offset Frequency Range | 1 mHz to >1 GHz |
Phase Noise Sensitivity | -175 dBc/Hz (spec, RF=10 MHz, @1 MHz offset) -181 dBc/Hz (typical, RF=10 MHz, @1 MHz offset) |
Reference Source | Built-in |
Transient/RF Transient Measurements | Frequency, Power, Phase |
Additional Information | |
DC Sources for Oscillator Characterization |
How to Measure RF Phase Noise
Fast and flexible noise measurement at the limit of physics
Measurement Capabilities | Absolute or residual phase noise, AM noise, CW or pulsed carrier, low-level spurious signals. Single or dual-channel configurations available. |
Frequency Range | 50 kHz to 3.0, 26.5 or 40 GHz, or to 110 GHz with external mixers |
Offset Frequency Range | 0.01 Hz to 160 MHz. Wider offsets available using an external signal analyzer |
Phase Noise Sensitivity | -200 dBc/Hz (with +23 dBm input signal) |
Reference Source | Requires one or two external reference sources, depending on configuration (i.e., single- or dual- channel) |
Transient/RF Transient Measurements | No |
Additional Information | Flexible configuration and instrumentation |
DC Sources for Oscillator Characterization | No |
How to Measure RF Phase Noise
Dedicated microwave downconverter for the E5052B SSA
Measurement Capabilities | |
Frequency Range | |
Offset Frequency Range | |
Phase Noise Sensitivity | -167 dBc/Hz (SPD, RF=3 GHz, @100 MHz offset) -151 dBc/Hz (SPD, RF=26.5 GHz, @100 MHz offset) |
Reference Source | |
Transient/RF Transient Measurements | |
Additional Information | |
DC Sources for Oscillator Characterization |
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