Agilent Technologies E5500A, User Manual

Page 1: ...Agilent Technologies E5500A B Phase Noise Measurement System User s Guide Part number E5500 90004 Printed in USA June 2000 Supersedes September 1999 Revision A 01 05 ...

Page 2: ... of this document may be photocopied reproduced or translated to another language without prior written consent of Agilent Technologies Company U S Government Restricted Rights The Software and documentation are provided with Restricted Rights Use duplication or disclosure by the U S Government is subject to the restrictions set forth in subparagraph c 1 ii of the Rights in Technical Data and Comp...

Page 3: ...s third party licensors may protect their rights in the event of any violation of these terms Copies and Adaptations You may only make copies or adaptations of the Software for archival purposes or when copying or adaptation is an essential step in the authorized Use of the Software You must reproduce all copyright notices in the original Software on all authorized copies or adaptations You may no...

Page 4: ... License Terms Termination Agilent Technologies may terminate your license upon notice forfailure to comply with any of these License Terms Upon termination you must immediately destroy the Software together with all copies adaptations and merged portions in any form Export Requirements You may not export or re export the Software or any copy or adaptation in violation of any applicable laws or re...

Page 5: ...ment Examples Chapter 8 Residual Measurement Fundamentals Chapter 9 Residual Measurement Examples Chapter 10 FM Discriminator Fundamentals Chapter 11 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Chapter 12 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Chapter 13 AM Noise Measurement Examples Chapter 14 Baseband Noise Measurement Examples Chapter 15 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Chapter 16 Advanced Software Fea...

Page 6: ... remedy shall be to return the media to Agilent Technologies for replacement Should Agilent Technologies be unable to replace the media within a reasonable amount of time Customer s alternate remedy shall be a refund of the purchase price upon return of the product and all copies Notice of Warranty Claims Customer shall notify Agilent Technologies in writing of any warranty claim not later than th...

Page 7: ...52 4844 toll free in US Canada Agilent Technologies Canada Ltd 5150 Spectrum Way Mississauga Ontario L4W 5G1 905 206 4725 Europe Agilent Technologies European Marketing Centre Postbox 999 1180 AZ Amstelveen The Netherlands 31 20 547 9900 Japan Yokogawa Agilent Technologies Ltd Measurement Assistance Center 9 1 Takakura Cho Hachioji Shi Tokyo 192 Japan 81 426 56 7832 81 426 56 7840 FAX Latin Americ...

Page 8: ...You ll Find in This Chapter 2 1 Introducing the Graphical User Interface 2 2 System Requirements 2 4 3 Your First Measurement What You ll Find in This Chapter 3 1 Designed to Meet Your Needs 3 2 As You Begin 3 2 As You Progress 3 2 E5500 Operation A Guided Tour 3 3 Required Equipment 3 3 How to Begin 3 3 Starting the Measurement Software 3 4 Making a Measurement 3 5 Beginning the Measurement 3 7 C...

Page 9: ...urement 5 37 Beginning the Measurement 5 39 Sweep Segments 5 51 Checking the Beatnote 5 51 Making the Measurement 5 52 Viewing Markers 5 56 Omitting Spurs 5 57 Displaying the Parameter Summary 5 59 Exporting Measurement Results 5 60 Exporting Trace Data 5 61 Exporting Spur Data 5 62 Exporting X Y Data 5 63 6 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals What You ll Find in This Chapter 6 1 The Phase Lock Loop...

Page 10: ... Required Equipment 7 24 Defining the Measurement 7 25 Selecting a Reference Source 7 27 Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 7 28 Setup Considerations for the Free Running RF Oscillator Measurement 7 28 Beginning the Measurement 7 31 Checking the Beatnote 7 42 Making the Measurement 7 44 RF Synthesizer using DCFM 7 48 Required Equipment 7 48 Defining the Measurement 7 49 Selecting a Reference ...

Page 11: ...cy Translation Devices 8 4 Calibrating the Measurement 8 6 Calibration and Measurement Guidelines 8 6 The Calibration Options 8 9 User Entry of Phase Detector Constant 8 9 Measured DC Peak Voltage 8 13 Measured Beatnote 8 16 Procedure 8 17 Synthesized Residual Measurement using Beatnote Cal 8 19 Procedure 8 19 Double Sided Spur 8 21 Single Sided Spur 8 24 Measurement Difficulties 8 28 System Conne...

Page 12: ... the Measurement 11 25 Making the Measurement 11 28 When the Measurement is Complete 11 30 12 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals What You ll Find in This Chapter 12 1 AM Noise Measurement Theory of Operation 12 2 Basic Noise Measurement 12 2 Phase Noise Measurement 12 2 Amplitude Noise Measurement 12 3 AM Noise Measurement Block Diagrams 12 3 AM Detector 12 4 Calibration and Measurement General Gui...

Page 13: ...ata 15 3 Gathering More Data 15 6 Repeating the Measurement 15 6 Doing More Research 15 6 Outputting the Results 15 7 Using a Printer 15 7 Graph of Results 15 8 Marker 15 9 Omit Spurs 15 10 Parameter Summary 15 12 Problem Solving 15 13 Discontinuity in the Graph 15 14 Higher Noise Level 15 15 Spurs on the Graph 15 20 Small Angle Line 15 22 16 Advanced Software Features What You ll Find in This Cha...

Page 14: ... 18 13 Agilent HP 8643A Frequency Limits 18 14 Agilent HP 8643A Mode Keys 18 14 How to Access Special Functions 18 15 Description of Special Functions 120 and 125 18 15 Agilent HP 8644B Frequency Limits 18 16 Agilent HP 8644B Mode Keys 18 16 How to Access Special Functions 18 17 Description of Special Function 120 18 17 Agilent HP 8664A Frequency Limits 18 18 Agilent HP 8664A Mode Keys 18 18 How t...

Page 15: ...t Diagram 19 23 E5504B Standard Connect Diagram 19 24 E5504B Opt 001 Connect Diagram 19 25 E5504B Opt 201 Connect Diagram 19 26 20 System Specifications What You ll Find in This Chapter 20 1 Specifications 20 2 Reliable Accuracy 20 2 Measurement Qualifications 20 2 Tuning 20 2 21 Phase Noise Customer Support What You ll Find in This Chapter 21 1 Software and Documentation Updates 21 2 Contacting C...

Page 16: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System ix Other Multipin Connectors A 9 MMS Module Removal and Reinstallation A 11 Touch Up Paint A 12 ...

Page 17: ...logies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 1 1 1 Getting Started with the Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System What You ll Find in This Chapter Introduction page 1 2 Training Guidelines page 1 3 ...

Page 18: ...00 phase noise measurement system The following three areas are covered in this manual Leaning about the E5500 phase noise measurement system Learning about phase noise basics and measurement fundamentals Using the phase noise measurement system to make specific phase noise measurements NOTE Installation information for your system is provided in the E5500 Installation Guide NOTE For application a...

Page 19: ...rst Measurement Chapter 4 Phase Noise Basics Chapter 5 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Chapter 6 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Chapter 7 Absolute Measurement Examples Chapter 8 Residual Measurement Fundamentals Chapter 9 Residual Measurement Examples Chapter 10 FM Discriminator Fundamentals Chapter 11 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Chapter 12 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Chap...

Page 20: ...Noise Measurement System 2 1 2 Welcome to the Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Series of Solutions What You ll Find in This Chapter Introducing the Graphical User Interface page 2 2 System Requirements page 2 4 ...

Page 21: ... easily Each form tab is labeled with its content preventing you from getting lost in the define process Three default segment tables are provided To obtain a quick look at your data select the fast quality level If more frequency resolution to separate spurious signals is important the normal and high resolution quality levels are available If you need to customize the offset range beyond the def...

Page 22: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 2 3 Welcome to the Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Series of Solutions ...

Page 23: ...them here The minimum system requirements for the phase noise measurement software are Pentium microprocessor 100 MHz or higher recommended 32 megabytes MB of memory RAM 1 gigabyte GB hard disk Super Video Graphics Array SVGA 2 additional 16 bit ISA slots available for the phase noise system hardware 1 for PC Digitizer or VXI MXI Interface 1 for GPIB Interface Card Windows NT 4 0 Windows NT 4 0 Se...

Page 24: ...ogies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 3 1 3 Your First Measurement What You ll Find in This Chapter E5500 Operation A Guided Tour page 3 3 Starting the Measurement Software page 3 4 Making a Measurement page 3 5 ...

Page 25: ...er to Installation Guide now Once you have completed the installation procedures presented in Installation Guide return to the following page to begin learning how to make noise measurements with the system As You Begin The E5500 Operation A Guided Tour contains a step by step procedure for completing a phase noise measurement This measurement demonstration introduces system operating fundamentals...

Page 26: ...eration As you step through the measurement procedures you will soon discover that the phase noise measurement system offers enormous flexibility for measuring the noise characteristics of your signal sources and two port devices Required Equipment The equipment shipped with this system is all that is required to complete this demonstration Refer to the E5500 Installation Guide if you need informa...

Page 27: ...Place the E5500 phase noise measurement software disk in the disc holder and insert in the CD ROM drive 2 Click the Start button point to Programs point to Agilent Measurement Systems point to E5500 Phase Noise and then click Measurement Client 3 The following phase noise measurement subsystem dialog box appears Your dialog box may look slightly different ...

Page 28: ... Agilent HP 70420A test set s filters and low noise amplifiers using the test set s internal noise source The phase detectors are not tested This confidence test also confirms that the test set PC and analyzers are communicating with each other 1 From the File menu choose Open 2 If necessary choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored 3 In the File Name box choose Confidence pn...

Page 29: ...ile Table 3 1 on page 3 10 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the Agilent HP 70420A confidence test example 5 To view the parameter data in the software a From the Define menu choose Measurement then choose the Sources tab from the Define Measurement window The parameter data is entered using the tabbed windows Select various tabs to see the type of information entered behind each ...

Page 30: ... Calibration and Measurement dialog box appears click Yes 3 When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears connect the 50 Ω termination provided with your system to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s noise input connector Refer to Connect Diagram Example on page 3 8 for more information about the correct placement of the 50 Ω termination Figure 3 1 Setup Diagram Displayed During the Confidence Test 50 ...

Page 31: ...agram Example Making the Measurement 1 Press the Continue key Because you selected New Measurement to begin this measurement the system starts by running the routines required to calibrate the current measurement setup Figure 3 2 shows a typical baseband phase noise plot for an Agilent HP 70420A phase noise test set ...

Page 32: ...his technique enables the system to optimize measurement speed while providing you with the measurement resolution needed for most test applications Congratulations You have completed a phase noise measurement You will find that this measurement of the Agilent HP 70420A test set s internal noise source provides a convenient way to verify that the system hardware and software are properly configure...

Page 33: ... 4 Test Set Tab Input Attenuation LNA Low Pass Filter LNA Gain DC Block PLL Integrator Attenuation 0 dB 20 MHz Auto checked Auto Gain Minimum Auto Gain 14 dB Not checked 0 dBm 5 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of Shift trace data DOWN by Trace Smoothing Amount Power pres...

Page 34: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 4 1 4 Phase Noise Basics What You ll Find in This Chapter What is Phase Noise page 4 2 ...

Page 35: ...expressed in parts per million per hour day month or year Short term stability contains all elements causing frequency changes about the nominal frequency of less than a few seconds duration The chapter deals with short term stability Mathematically an ideal sinewave can be described by Where nominal amplitude linearly growing phase component and nominal frequency But an actual signal is better mo...

Page 36: ... of the source under test in the frequency or time domain Since frequency and phase are related to each other all of these terms are also related One fundamental description of phase instability or phase noise is spectral density of phase fluctuations on a per Hertz basis The term spectral density describes the energy distribution as a continuous function expressed in units of variance per unit ba...

Page 37: ... and or offset frequency in one phase modulation sideband on a per Hertz of bandwidth spectral density and f equals the Fourier frequency or offset frequency single sideband SSB phase noise to carrier ration per Hertz Figure 4 3 Deriving L f from a RF Analyzer Display is usually presented logarithmically as a spectral density plot of the phase modulation sidebands in the frequency domain expressed...

Page 38: ...e carrier obviously increases in error as it indicates a relative level of 45 dBc Hz at a 1 Hz offset 45 dB more noise power at a 1 Hz offset in a 1 Hz bandwidth than in the total power of the signal which is of course invalid Figure 4 5 shows a 10 dB decade line drawn over the plot indicating a peak phase deviation of 0 2 radians integrated over any one decade of offset frequency At approximately...

Page 39: ...4 6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Phase Noise Basics What is Phase Noise Figure 4 5 Region of Validity of L f ...

Page 40: ... MHz page 5 33 Conf_8644B_10MHz pnm Manual Measurement Viewing Markers page 5 56 Omitting Spurs page 5 57 Displaying the Parameter Summary page 5 59 CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration as show in Table 5 3 o...

Page 41: ...ting the Measurement Software 1 Make sure your computer and monitor are turned on 2 Place the Agilent E5500 phase noise measurement software disk in the disc holder and insert in the CD ROM drive 3 Click the Start button point to Programs point to Agilent Measurement Subsystems point to E5500 Phase Noise and then click Measurement Client ...

Page 42: ...e will configure both the Agilent HP 70420A phase noise test set and PC digitizer so they can be used with the E5500A phase noise measurement software to make measurements NOTE If you have ordered a preconfigured phase noise system from Agilent Technologies skip this step and proceed to Testing the Agilent HP 8663A Internal External 10 MHz on page 5 10 4 Click the System menu then click Asset Mana...

Page 43: ...sing the Asset Manager to Add a Source Configuring a Source For this example we will use invoke the Asset Manager Wizard from within the Asset Manager This is the most common way to add assets 5 Click Asset and then click Add 6 From the Asset Type pull down list select Source then click the Next button ...

Page 44: ... 8663 sources then click the Next button 8 From the Interface pull down list select GPIB0 9 In the Address box type 19 19 is the default address for the Agilent HP 8663A sources including the Agilent HP 8662A 8663A and 8644B 10 In the Library pull down list select the Hewlett Packard VISA 11 Click the Next button 12 In the Model Number box Agilent HP 8663A Agilent HP 8663 will appear as the defaul...

Page 45: ...ent Experience Using the Asset Manager to Add a Source 13 In the Serial Number box type the serial number for your source Click the Next button 14 You may type a comment in this dialog box The comment will associate itself with the asset you have just configured Click the Finish button ...

Page 46: ...Source 15 You have just used the Asset Manager to configure a source You will use the same process to add other software controlled assets to the phase noise measurement software 16 click Server and then click Exit to exit the Asset Manager 17 Next proceed to Using the Server Hardware Connections to Specify an Asset on the next page ...

Page 47: ...ecify the Source Using the Server Hardware Connections to Specify the Source 1 From the System menu choose Server Hardware Connections 2 From the Test Set pull down list select Agilent HP 8663 3 A green check mark will appear after the I O check has been performed by the software If a green check mark does not appear click the Check I O button ...

Page 48: ...A is configured correctly b Check your system hardware connections c Click the green check mark button on the asset manager s tool bar to verify connectivity d Return to Server Hardware Connections and click the Check I O button for a re check 4 Next proceed to one of the following absolute measurements using either an Agilent HP 8663A or an Agilent HP 8644B source Testing the Agilent HP 8663A Int...

Page 49: ...red configuration as show in Table 5 3 on page 5 17 Apply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears The following equipment is required for this example in addition to the phase noise test system and your unit under test UUT NOTE To ensure accurate measurements you should allow the UUT and measurement equipment to warm up at least one hour before making the noise measurement Table 5 1 R...

Page 50: ...Click the Open button The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre stored in this file Table 5 4 Parameter Data for the Agilent HP 8663A 10 MHz Measurement on page 5 31 lists the parameter data that has been entered for this measurement example NOTE Note that the source parameters entered for step 2 in Table 5 4 may not be appropriate for the reference source yo...

Page 51: ...tector input frequency c Enter the VCO Nominal Tuning Constant see Table 5 2 d Enter the Tune Range of VCO see Table 5 2 e Enter the Center Voltage of VCO see Table 5 2 f Enter the Input Resistance of VCO see Table 5 2 Table 5 2 Tuning Characteristics for Various Sources VCO Source Carrier Freq Tuning Constant Hz V Center Voltage V Voltage Tuning Range V Input Resistance Ω Tuning Calibration Metho...

Page 52: ...ne Measurement window 2 From the Reference Source pull down list select HP 8663 3 When you have completed these operations click the Close button Agilent HP 8644B FM Deviation 0 10 600 Compute Other Signal Generator DCFM Calibrated for 1V FM Deviation 0 10 Rin Compute Other User VCO Source Estimated within a factor of 2 10 to 10 1 E 6 Measure VCO Source Carrier Freq Tuning Constant Hz V Center Vol...

Page 53: ...ys Show Suppression Graph Select If limit is exceeded Show Loop Suppression Graph 3 When you have completed these operations click the Close button Setup Considerations for the Agilent HP 8663A 10 MHz Measurement Measurement Noise Floor The signal amplitude at the R input Signal Input port on the Agilent HP 70420A sets the measurement noise floor level Use the following graph to determine the ampl...

Page 54: ...0 Phase Noise Measurement System 5 15 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8663A Internal External 10 MHz Figure 5 1 Noise Floor for the Agilent HP 8663 10 MHz Measurement Figure 5 2 Noise Floor Example ...

Page 55: ... to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration as show in Table 5 3 on page 5 17 Apply the input signals when the connection diagram appears as shown below in step 3 1 From the Measurement menu choose New Measurement 2 appears click OK 3 When ...

Page 56: ...t Power 30 dBm At Attenuator Output Operating Level Range RF Phase Detectors 0 to 23 dBm Microwave Phase Detectors 0 to 5 dBm Internal AM Detector 0 to 20 dBm Downconverters Agilent HP 70422A 0 to 30 dBm Agilent HP 70427A 5 to 15 dBm CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A Test Set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the test set s signal input connector until ...

Page 57: ...em interconnections E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example on page 5 19 E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example on page 5 20 E5502A Opt 001 Connect Diagram Example on page 5 21 E5502A Opt 001 Connect Diagram Example on page 5 21 E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example on page 5 23 E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example on page 5 24 E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example on page 5 25 E5504...

Page 58: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5 19 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8663A Internal External 10 MHz E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 59: ...5 20 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8663A Internal External 10 MHz E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 60: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5 21 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8663A Internal External 10 MHz E5502A Opt 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 61: ...5 22 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8663A Internal External 10 MHz E5502B Opt 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 62: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5 23 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8663A Internal External 10 MHz E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 63: ...5 24 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8663A Internal External 10 MHz E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 64: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5 25 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8663A Internal External 10 MHz E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 65: ...5 26 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8663A Internal External 10 MHz E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 66: ...r in this demonstration you will be required to estimate the tuning range of the VCO source you are using when you set up your own Phase Lock Loop measurements Zero beating sources The center frequencies of the sources are now adjusted if necessary to position the beatnote within the 5 range The adjustment is made with the tune voltage applied to the VCO source set at its nominal or center positio...

Page 67: ... created between the reference source and your device under test The objective of checking the beatnote is to ensure that the center frequencies of the two sources are close enough in frequency to create a beatnote that is within the Capture Range of the system The phase lock loop PLL Capture Range is 5 of the peak tuning range of the VCO source you are using The peak tuning range for your VCO can...

Page 68: ...4 Oscilloscope Display of a Beatnote out of the Agilent HP 70420A Monitor Port Making the Measurement 1 Click the Continue button when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement 2 When the PLL Suppression Curve dialog box appears select View Measured Loop Suppression View Smoothed Loop Suppression and View Adjusted Loop Suppression ...

Page 69: ...heoretical loop suppression c Theoretical suppression curve this is the predicted loop suppression based on the initial loop parameters defined selected for this particular measurement kphi kvco loop bandwidth filters gain etc d Adjusted theoretical suppression curve this is the new adjusted theoretical value of suppression for this measurement it is based on changing loop parameters in the theore...

Page 70: ...cy Reference Source Frequency Reference Source Power VCO Tuning Parameters Nominal Tune Constant Tune Range Center Voltage Input Resistance 10 E 6 Hz 7 dBm Test Set 10 E 6 Hz 10 E 6 Hz same as Carrier Source Frequency 16 dBm 1 E 3 Hz V 10 Volts 0 Volts 600 ohms 3 Cal Tab Phase Detector Constant VCO Tune Constant Phase Lock Loop Suppression If Limit is exceeded Measure Phase Detector Constant Calcu...

Page 71: ... example 7 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of Shift trace data DOWN by Trace Smoothing Amount Power present at input of DUT Confidence Test using Agilent HP 8663A Int vs Ext 10 MHz Single sideband Noise dBc Hz 10 Hz 4 E 6 Hz 0 dBc Hz 170 dBc Hz 1 Hz bandwidth 1 times the...

Page 72: ...red configuration as show in Table 5 7 on page 5 40 Apply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears The following equipment is required for this example in addition to the phase noise test system and your unit under test UUT NOTE To ensure accurate measurements you should allow the UUT and measurement equipment to warm up at least one hour before making the noise measurement Table 5 5 R...

Page 73: ...644B_10MHz pnm 4 Click the Open button The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre stored in this file Table 5 8 on page 5 54 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the RF Synthesizer using DCFM measurement example NOTE Note that the source parameters entered for step 2 in Table 5 8 may not be appropriate for the reference source you are using To ch...

Page 74: ...tector input frequency c Enter the VCO Nominal Tuning Constant see Table 5 6 d Enter the Tune Range of VCO see Table 5 6 e Enter the Center Voltage of VCO see Table 5 6 f Enter the Input Resistance of VCO see Table 5 6 Table 5 6 Tuning Characteristics for Various Sources VCO Source Carrier Freq Tuning Constant Hz V Center Voltage V Voltage Tuning Range V Input Resistance Ω Tuning Calibration Metho...

Page 75: ...ne Measurement window 2 From the Reference Source pull down list select HP 8644 3 When you have completed these operations click the Close button Agilent HP 8644B FM Deviation 0 10 600 Compute Other Signal Generator DCFM Calibrated for 1V FM Deviation 0 10 Rin Compute Other User VCO Source Estimated within a factor of 2 10 to 10 1 E 6 Measure VCO Source Carrier Freq Tuning Constant Hz V Center Vol...

Page 76: ...ys Show Suppression Graph Select If limit is exceeded Show Loop Suppression Graph 3 When you have completed these operations click the Close button Setup Considerations for the Agilent HP 8663A 10 MHz Measurement Measurement Noise Floor The signal amplitude at the R input Signal Input port on the Agilent HP 70420A sets the measurement noise floor level Use the following graph to determine the ampl...

Page 77: ...nal External 10 MHz Figure 5 6 Noise Floor for the Agilent HP 8644B 10 MHz Measurement Figure 5 7 Noise Floor Example If the output amplitude of your UUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor it will be necessary to insert a low noise amplifier between the UUT and the test set Refer to Inserting an Device in ...

Page 78: ...nput connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration as show in Table 5 7 on page 5 40 Apply the input signals when the connection diagram appears as shown below in step 3 1 From the Measurement menu choose New Measurement 2 appears click OK 3 When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears click on the hardware down arrow and select your hardware configuratio...

Page 79: ...t Power 30 dBm At Attenuator Output Operating Level Range RF Phase Detectors 0 to 23 dBm Microwave Phase Detectors 0 to 5 dBm Internal AM Detector 0 to 20 dBm Downconverters Agilent HP 70422A 0 to 30 dBm Agilent HP 70427A 5 to 15 dBm CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A Test Set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the test set s signal input connector until ...

Page 80: ...ect diagram examples for more information about system interconnections E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example on page 5 19 E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example on page 5 20 E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example on page 5 23 E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example on page 5 47 E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example on page 5 48 E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example on page 5 49 NO...

Page 81: ...5 42 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8644B Internal External 10 MHz E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 82: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5 43 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8644B Internal External 10 MHz E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 83: ...5 44 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8644B Internal External 10 MHz E5502A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 84: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5 45 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8644B Internal External 10 MHz E5502B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 85: ...5 46 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8644B Internal External 10 MHz E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 86: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5 47 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8644B Internal External 10 MHz E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 87: ...5 48 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8644B Internal External 10 MHz E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 88: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5 49 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent HP 8644B Internal External 10 MHz E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 89: ...r in this demonstration you will be required to estimate the tuning range of the VCO source you are using when you set up your own Phase Lock Loop measurements Zero beating sources The center frequencies of the sources are now adjusted if necessary to position the beatnote within the 5 range The adjustment is made with the tune voltage applied to the VCO source set at its nominal or center positio...

Page 90: ... created between the reference source and your device under test The objective of checking the beatnote is to ensure that the center frequencies of the two sources are close enough in frequency to create a beatnote that is within the Capture Range of the system The phase lock loop PLL Capture Range is 5 of the peak tuning range of the VCO source you are using The peak tuning range for your VCO can...

Page 91: ...9 Oscilloscope Display of a Beatnote out of the Agilent HP 70420A Monitor Port Making the Measurement 1 Click the Continue button when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement 2 When the PLL Suppression Curve dialog box appears select View Measured Loop Suppression View Smoothed Loop Suppression and View Adjusted Loop Suppression ...

Page 92: ...eoretical loop suppression c Theoretical suppression curve this is the predicted loop suppression based on the initial loop parameters defined selected for this particular measurement kphi kvco loop bandwidth filters gain etc d Adjusted theoretical suppression curve this is the new adjusted theoretical value of suppression for this measurement it is based on changing loop parameters in the theoret...

Page 93: ...cy Reference Source Frequency Reference Source Power VCO Tuning Parameters Nominal Tune Constant Tune Range Center Voltage Input Resistance 10 E 6 Hz 7 dBm Test Set 10 E 6 Hz 10 E 6 Hz same as Carrier Source Frequency 16 dBm 1 E 3 Hz V 10 Volts 0 Volts 600 ohms 3 Cal Tab Phase Detector Constant VCO Tune Constant Phase Lock Loop Suppression If Limit is exceeded Measure Phase Detector Constant Calcu...

Page 94: ... example 7 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of Shift trace data DOWN by Trace Smoothing Amount Power present at input of DUT Confidence Test using Agilent HP 8644B Int vs Ext 10 MHz Single sideband Noise dBc Hz 10 Hz 4 E 6 Hz 0 dBc Hz 170 dBc Hz 1 Hz bandwidth 1 times the...

Page 95: ...ience Viewing Markers Viewing Markers The marker function allows you to display the exact frequency and amplitude of any point on the results graph To access the marker function On the View menu click Markers Up to nine markers may be added To remove the highlighted marker click the Delete button ...

Page 96: ... Your Measurement Experience Omitting Spurs Omitting Spurs The Omit Spurs function plots the currently loaded results without displaying any spurs that may be present 1 On the View menu click Display Preferences 2 In the Display Preferences dialog box uncheck Spurs Click OK ...

Page 97: ...hnologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Expanding Your Measurement Experience Omitting Spurs 3 The Graph will be displayed without spurs To re display the spurs check Spurs in the Display Preferences dialog box ...

Page 98: ...mary The Parameter Summary function allows you to quickly review the measurement parameter entries that were used for this measurement The parameter summary data is included when you print the graph 1 On the View menu click Parameter Summay 2 The Parameter Summary Notepad dialog box appears The data can be printed or changed using standard Notepad functionality ...

Page 99: ...urement Results Exporting Measurement Results The Export Measurement Results function exports data in one of three types Exporting Trace Data on page 5 61 Exporting Spur Data on page 5 62 Exporting X Y Data on page 5 63 1 On the File menu point to Export Results then click on either Trace Data Spur Data or X Y Data ...

Page 100: ...echnologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5 61 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Exporting Measurement Results Exporting Trace Data 1 On the File menu point to Export Results then click on Trace Data ...

Page 101: ...lent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Expanding Your Measurement Experience Exporting Measurement Results Exporting Spur Data 1 On the File menu point to Export Results then click on Spur Data ...

Page 102: ... Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5 63 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Exporting Measurement Results Exporting X Y Data 1 On the File menu point to Export Results then click on X Y Data ...

Page 103: ...ment system It is important that you understand the concepts contained in this chapter in order to use the system effectively The topics covered in this chapter include The Phase Lock Loop Technique page 6 2 What Sets the Measurement Noise Floor page 6 6 Selecting a Reference page 6 8 Estimating the Tuning Constant page 6 11 Tracking Frequency Drift page 6 12 Changing the PTR page 6 14 Minimizing ...

Page 104: ...ique requires two signal sources the source under test and a reference source This measurement type requires that one of the two sources is a voltage controlled oscillator VCO You will most likely use the phase lock loop technique since it is the measurement type most commonly used for measuring signal source devices This chapter focuses on this measurement type for signal source measurements ...

Page 105: ... circuits the phase lock loop created for the measurement has a Capture Range and a drift tracking range The Capture Range is equal to 5 of the system s peak tuning range and the drift tracking range is equal to 24 of the system s peak tuning range The system s peak tuning range is derived from the tuning characteristics of the VCO source you are using for the measurement Figure 6 2 on page 6 4 il...

Page 106: ...ed for your measurement will depend on the frequency stability of the two sources you are using The signals from the two sources are mixed in the system s phase detector to create a beatnote In order for the loop to acquire lock the center frequencies of the sources must be close enough together to create a beatnote that is within the system s Capture Range Once the loop is locked the frequency of...

Page 107: ...system to track the beatnote keep in mind that a wide tuning range typically means a higher noise level on the VCO source signal When the VCO source for your measurement is also the reference source this trade off can make reference source selection the most critical aspect of your measurement setup Specifying Your VCO Source When you set up your PLL measurement you will need to know four things a...

Page 108: ...lowing table shows the amplitude ranges for the L and R ports If the L port reference input signal is within the amplitude range shown in the preceding table the signal level at the R signal input port sets the noise floor for the system The following graph shows the relationship between the R signal input level and the system noise floor Phase Detector 50 kHz to 1 6 GHz 1 2 to 26 5 GHz1 50 kHz to...

Page 109: ...ce will set the noise floor for the measurement When you set up your measurement you will want to use a reference source with a noise level that is at or below the level of the source you are going to measure The following graph demonstrates that as the noise level of the reference source approaches the noise level of the UUT the level measured by the System which is the sum of all noise sources a...

Page 110: ...e source s noise will contribute to the measurement results Figure 6 6 Increase in Measured Noise As UUT Noise Approaches Reference Noise Using a Similar Device The test system performs best when you are able to use a device similar to the UUT as the reference source for your PLL measurement Of course one of the devices must be capable of being voltage tuned by the system to do this To select a si...

Page 111: ...tracking ranges to maintain lock throughout the measurement To make this determination you must estimate what the drift range of the sources you are using will be over the measurement period thirty minutes maximum Details on the relationship between the capture and drift tracking ranges and the tuning range of the VCO source are provided in Table 6 1 This information will help you evaluate your VC...

Page 112: ... Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Selecting a Reference Figure 6 7 Agilent HP 70420A Voltage Tuning Range Limits Relative to Center Voltage of the VCO Tuning Curve ...

Page 113: ...t lists the calibration method choices and the tuning constant accuracy required for each Table 6 2 VCO Tuning Constant Calibration Method VCO Tuning Constant Calibration Method selected in calibration screen Required Tuning Constant Accuracy entered in parameter screen Use the current tuning constant must be accurate from a previous measurement of the same source Within a factor of 2 of actual va...

Page 114: ...l inform you by displaying a message If the beatnote drifts beyond the drift tracking range during the measurement the computer will stop the measurement and inform you that the system has lost lock Evaluating Beatnote Drift The Checking the Beatnote section included in each phase lock loop measurement example in this chapter provides a procedure for adjusting the beatnote to within the Capture Ra...

Page 115: ...s Tracking Frequency Drift By Selecting a measurement example in this chapter that specifies a drift rate compatible with the beatnote drift rate you have observed By Increasing the peak tuning range for the measurement Further information about increasing the PTR is provided in Changing the PTR ...

Page 116: ...quency stability requirements for the sources being used The PTR also determines the phase lock loop PLL bandwidth for the measurement An important attribute of the PLL bandwidth is that it suppresses the close in noise which would otherwise prevent the system from locking the loop The Tuning Qualifications Changing the PTR is accomplished by changing the tune range of VCO value or the VCO tuning ...

Page 117: ... If you are using a signal generator with a calibrated 1 Vpk DC FM Input such as the Agilent HP 8640B 8642A B 8656B or 8662 3 the Voltage tuning Range can be increased to 10 V as long as you select Computed from the expected T Constant in the Calibration Process display These signal generators continue to meet all of the previously mentioned tuning qualifications across a 10V tuning range 2 Increa...

Page 118: ...n on determining the effect that the amplifier noise will have on the measurement noise floor refer to Inserting a Device in this section Increasing the PLL Bandwidth If the injection locking bandwidth is less or equal to the PLL bandwidth it may be possible to increase the PLL bandwidth sufficiently to complete the measurement The PLL bandwidth is increased by increasing the peak tuning range PTR...

Page 119: ...em to lose lock To prevent accuracy degradation it may be necessary to increase the PLL bandwidth to 4 X the injection locking bandwidth The computer will inform you during the measurement if the possibility of accuracy degradation exists 3 Locate the required PLL bandwidth in Figure 6 8 to determine the PTR required for the measurement For details on increasing the PTR refer to Changing the PTR i...

Page 120: ...easurement depends on the noise floor level needed to measure the UUT Figure 6 9 shows the relationship between the signal level at the R port and the measurement noise floor Figure 6 9 Measurement Noise Floor Relative to R Port Signal Level An Amplifier If a source is not able to provide a sufficient output level or if additional isolation is needed at the output it may be necessary to insert a l...

Page 121: ...se Noise Measurement System 6 19 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Inserting a Device L f out 174 dB Amplifier Noise Figure Power into Amplifier 3dB For Example Figure 6 10 Measurement Noise Floor as a Result of an added Attenuator ...

Page 122: ...nnect Diagram appears on the display Determining the Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth 1 Determine the Peak Tuning Range PTR of your VCO by multiplying the VCO Tuning Constant by the Tune Range of VCO value entered If the phase noise software has measured the VCO Tuning Constant use the measured value For Example 2 Estimate the Phase Lock Loop PLL bandwidth for the measurement using the PTR of your VCO an...

Page 123: ...ble to tune the beatnote to 2 X PLL bandwidth center of display due to frequency drift refer to Tracking Frequency Drift in this section for information about measuring drifting signals If you are able to locate the beatnote but it distorts and then disappears as you adjust it towards 0 Hz then your sources are injection locking to each other Set the beatnote to the lowest frequency possible befor...

Page 124: ...all offset frequencies beyond the PLL bandwidth The small angle line applies only to the level of the average noise Spur levels that exceed the small angle line will not degrade measurement accuracy provided they do not exceed 40 dBc Figure 6 12 Graph of Small Angle Line and Spur Limit 8 Continue moving the marker to the right to verify that the average noise level remains below the small angle li...

Page 125: ...nt beyond the PLL bandwidth set for the measurement you will need to consider one of the following measurement options 1 Evaluate your source using the noise data provided by the RF analyzer in the procedure you just performed 2 Increase the PTR if possible to provide a sufficient PLL bandwidth to suppress the noise For information on increasing the PTR refer to Changing the PTR in this section 3 ...

Page 126: ...er using DCFM page 7 48 RFSynth_DCFM pnm RF Synthesizer using EFC page 7 72 RFSynth_EFC pnm Microwave Source page 7 97 MicroSRC pnm CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration as show in Table 7 3 on page 7 9 Apply ...

Page 127: ...ration as show in Table 7 3 on page 7 9 Apply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears Required Equipment The following equipment is required for this example in addition the phase noise test system and your unit under test UUT NOTE To ensure accurate measurements you should allow the UUT and measurement equipment to warm up at least one hour before making the noise measurement Table 7...

Page 128: ...ck the Open button The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre stored in this file Table 7 4 on page 7 22 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the Stable RF Source measurement example NOTE Note that the source parameters entered for step 2 in Table 7 4 may not be appropriate for the reference source you are using To change these values refer to Ta...

Page 129: ...y c Enter the VCO Nominal Tuning Constant see Table 7 2 d Enter the Tune Range of VCO see Table 7 2 e Enter the Center Voltage of VCO see Table 7 2 f Enter the Input Resistance of VCO see Table 7 2 Table 7 2 Tuning Characteristics for Various Sources VCO Source Carrier Freq Tuning Constant Hz V Center Voltage V Voltage Tuning Range V Input Resistance Ω Tuning Calibration Method Agilent HP 8662 3A ...

Page 130: ... From the Reference Source pull down list select your source 3 When you have completed these operations click the Close button Agilent HP 8644B FM Deviation 0 10 600 Compute Other Signal Generator DCFM Calibrated for 1V FM Deviation 0 10 Rin Compute Other User VCO Source Estimated within a factor of 2 10 to 10 1 E 6 Measure VCO Source Carrier Freq Tuning Constant Hz V Center Voltage V Voltage Tuni...

Page 131: ...Show Loop Suppression Graph 3 When you have completed these operations click the Close button Setup Considerations for the Stable RF Oscillator Measurement Measurement Noise Floor The signal amplitude at the R input Signal Input port on the Agilent HP 70420A sets the measurement noise floor level Use the following graph to determine the amplitude required to provide a noise floor level that is bel...

Page 132: ... Figure 7 1 Noise Floor for the Stable RF Oscillator Measurement Figure 7 2 Noise Floor Example If the output amplitude of your UUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor it will be necessary to insert a low noise amplifier between the UUT and the test set Refer to Inserting an Device in ...

Page 133: ...noise level of the UUT For additional help in selecting an appropriate reference source refer to Chapter 6 Selecting a Reference Beginning the Measurement 1 From the Measurement menu choose New Measurement 2 When the Perform a New Calibration and Measurement dialog box appears click OK 3 When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears click on the hardware down arrow and select your hardware configura...

Page 134: ... Phase Detectors 0 to 23 dBm Signal Input 15 to 23 dBm Reference Input Microwave Phase Detectors 0 to 5 dBm Signal Input 7 to 10 dBm Reference Input Internal AM Detector 0 to 20 dBm Downconverters Agilent HP 70422A 0 to 30 dBm Agilent HP 70427A 5 to 15 dBm CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the test set s signal...

Page 135: ...or more information about system interconnections E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example on page 7 11 E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example on page 7 35 E5502A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 13 E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 16 E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 17 E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 18 NOTE For additional exam...

Page 136: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 11 Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 137: ...7 12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 138: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 13 Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5502A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 139: ...7 14 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5502B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 140: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 15 Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 141: ...7 16 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 142: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 17 Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 143: ...7 18 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 144: ...ng constant by the tune range of VCO Refer to Chapter 15 Evaluating Your Measurement Results if you are not familiar with the relationship between the PLL capture range and the peak tuning range of the VCO NOTE If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within the capture range the system will not be able to complete its measurement The beatnote frequency is...

Page 145: ...y of a Beatnote out of the Agilent HP 70420A Monitor Port Making the Measurement 1 Click the Continue button when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement 2 When the PLL Suppression Curve dialog box appears select View Measured Loop Suppression View Smoothed Loop Suppression and View Adjusted Loop Suppression ...

Page 146: ...suppression c Theoretical suppression curve this is the predicted loop suppression based on the initial loop parameters defined selected for this particular measurement kphi kvco loop bandwidth filters gain etc d Adjusted theoretical suppression curve this is the new adjusted theoretical value of suppression for this measurement it is based on changing loop parameters in the theoretical response t...

Page 147: ...erence Source Frequency Reference Source Power Nominal Tune Constant Tune Range Center Voltage Input Resistance Maximum Allowed Deviation from Center Voltage 100 E 6 Hz 8 dBm Test Set 100 E 6 Hz 100 E 6 Hz same as Carrier Source Frequency 16 dBm 40 E 3 Hz V 10 Volts 0 Volts 1 E 6 ohms 1 Volts 3 Cal Tab Phase Detector Constant VCO Tune Constant Phase Lock Loop Suppression Measure Phase Detector Con...

Page 148: ... checked Not checked Baseband 0 dBm 6 Downconverter Tab The downconverter parameters do not apply to this measurement example 7 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of Shift trace data DOWN by Trace Smoothing Amount Power present at input of DUT Stable RF Oscillator vs Simila...

Page 149: ...nfiguration as show in Table 7 7 on page 7 31 Apply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears Required Equipment The following equipment is required for this example in addition the phase noise test system and your unit under test UUT NOTE To ensure accurate measurements you should allow the UUT and measurement equipment to warm up at least one hour before making the noise measurement T...

Page 150: ...k the Open button The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre stored in this file Table 7 8 on page 7 46 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the Free Running RF Source measurement example NOTE Note that the source parameters entered for step 2 in Table 7 8 may not be appropriate for the reference source you are using To change these values refer ...

Page 151: ...uency c Enter the VCO Nominal Tuning Constant see Table 7 6 d Enter the Tune Range of VCO see Table 7 6 e Enter the Center Voltage of VCO see Table 7 6 f Enter the Input Resistance of VCO see Table 7 6 Table 7 6 Tuning Characteristics for Various Sources VCO Source Carrier Freq Tuning Constant Hz V Center Voltage V Voltage Tuning Range V Input Resistance Ω Tuning Calibration Method Agilent HP 8662...

Page 152: ...ow 2 From the Reference Source pull down list select your source 3 When you have completed these operations click the Close button Agilent HP 8644B FM Deviation 0 10 600 Compute Other Signal Generator DCFM Calibrated for 1V FM Deviation 0 10 Rin Compute Other User VCO Source Estimated within a factor of 2 10 to 10 1 E 6 Measure VCO Source Carrier Freq Tuning Constant Hz V Center Voltage V Voltage ...

Page 153: ... Show Loop Suppression Graph 3 When you have completed these operations click the Close button Setup Considerations for the Free Running RF Oscillator Measurement Measurement Noise Floor The signal amplitude at the R input Signal Input port on the Agilent HP 70420A sets the measurement noise floor level Use the following graph to determine the amplitude required to provide a noise floor level that...

Page 154: ...ogies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 29 Absolute Measurement Examples Free Running RF Oscillator Figure 7 6 Noise Floor for the Free Running RF Oscillator Measurement Figure 7 7 Noise Floor Calculation Example ...

Page 155: ...ssary to insert a low noise amplifier between the UUT and the test set Refer to Inserting an Device in Chapter 6 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals for details on determining the effect the amplifiers noise will have on the measured noise floor VCO Reference In order for the noise measurement results to accurately represent the noise of the UUT the noise level of the reference source should be belo...

Page 156: ...eference sources to the test set The input attenuator Option 001 only has now been correctly configured based on your measurement definition CAUTION The Agilent HP 70420A test set s signal input is subject to the following limits and characteristics Table 7 7 Agilent HP 70420A Test Set Signal Input Limits and Characteristics Limits Frequency 50 kHz to 1 6 GHz Std 50 kHz to 26 5 GHz Option 001 50 k...

Page 157: ...gram Example on page 7 35 Internal AM Detector 0 to 20 dBm Downconverters Agilent HP 70422A 0 to 30 dBm Agilent HP 70427A 5 to 15 dBm CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the test set s signal input connector until the input attenuator Option 001 has been correctly set by the phase noise software which will occur ...

Page 158: ...ing RF Oscillator E5502A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 36 E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 39 E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 40 E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 41 NOTE For additional examples refer to Chapter 19 Connect Diagrams ...

Page 159: ...7 34 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples Free Running RF Oscillator E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 160: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 35 Absolute Measurement Examples Free Running RF Oscillator E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 161: ...7 36 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples Free Running RF Oscillator E5502A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 162: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 37 Absolute Measurement Examples Free Running RF Oscillator E5502B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 163: ...7 38 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples Free Running RF Oscillator E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 164: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 39 Absolute Measurement Examples Free Running RF Oscillator E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 165: ...7 40 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples Free Running RF Oscillator E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 166: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 41 Absolute Measurement Examples Free Running RF Oscillator E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 167: ...uning constant by the tune range of VCO Refer to Chapter 15 Evaluating Your Measurement Results if you are not familiar with the relationship between the PLL capture range and the peak tuning range of the VCO NOTE If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within the capture range the system will not be able to complete its measurement The beatnote frequency...

Page 168: ...onstant is located in this chapter NOTE If you are able to locate the beatnote but it distorts and then disappears as you adjust it towards 0 Hz your sources are injection locking to each other Set the beatnote to the lowest frequency possible before injection locking occurs and then refer to Minimizing Injection Locking in the Problem Solving section of this chapter for recommended actions NOTE I...

Page 169: ...the result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5500 system b Smoothed measured suppression curve this is a curve fit representation of the measured results it is used to compare with the theoretical loop suppression c Theoretical suppression curve this is the predicted loop suppression based on the initial loop parameters defined selected for this particular measurement kphi kvco...

Page 170: ...easurement System 7 45 Absolute Measurement Examples Free Running RF Oscillator Figure 7 10 on page 7 45 shows a typical phase noise curve for a free running RF Oscillator Figure 7 10 Typical Phase Noise Curve for a Free Running RF Oscillator ...

Page 171: ...rence Source Power VCO Tuning Parameters Nominal Tune Constant Tune Range Center Voltage Input Resistance 10 044 E 9 Hz 4 dBm Test Set 444 E 6 Hz 444 E 6 Hz same as Carrier Source Frequency 16 dBm 40 E 3 Hz V 10 Volts 0 Volts 600 ohms 3 Cal Tab Phase Detector Constant VCO Tune Constant Phase Lock Loop Suppression If Limit is exceeded Measure Phase Detector Constant Calculate from expected VCO Tune...

Page 172: ...xternal Tune Enable Tuning Sensitivity Nominal 100 MHz PLL Bandwidth 600 MHz PLL Bandwidth 10 044 E 9 Auto 444 E 6 0 20 dBM 0 dBm 0 dB 0 dB Checked Microwave 0 26 5 GHz Unchecked 0 mA 10 MHz Unchecked 0 ppm v 0 ppm V 126 Hz 10000 Hz 7 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of S...

Page 173: ... page 7 55 Apply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears Required Equipment The following equipment is required for this example in addition the phase noise test system and your unit under test UUT NOTE To ensure accurate measurements you should allow the UUT and measurement equipment to warm up at least one hour before making the noise measurement Table 7 9 Required Equipment for the...

Page 174: ... the Open button The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre stored in this file Table 7 12 on page 7 70 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the RF Synthesizer using DCFM measurement example NOTE Note that the source parameters entered for step 2 in Table 7 12 may not be appropriate for the reference source you are using To change these values re...

Page 175: ...cy c Enter the VCO Nominal Tuning Constant see Table 7 10 d Enter the Tune Range of VCO see Table 7 10 e Enter the Center Voltage of VCO see Table 7 10 f Enter the Input Resistance of VCO see Table 7 10 Table 7 10 Tuning Characteristics for Various Sources VCO Source Carrier Freq Tuning Constant Hz V Center Voltage V Voltage Tuning Range V Input Resistance Ω Tuning Calibration Method Agilent HP 86...

Page 176: ...w 2 From the Reference Source pull down list select your source 3 When you have completed these operations click the Close button Agilent HP 8644B FM Deviation 0 10 600 Compute Other Signal Generator DCFM Calibrated for 1V FM Deviation 0 10 Rin Compute Other User VCO Source Estimated within a factor of 2 10 to 10 1 E 6 Measure VCO Source Carrier Freq Tuning Constant Hz V Center Voltage V Voltage T...

Page 177: ...loop suppression and Always Show Suppression Graph Select If limit is exceeded Show Loop Suppression Graph 3 When you have completed these operations click the Close button Setup Considerations for the RF Synthesizer using DCFM Measurement Measurement Noise Floor The signal amplitude at the R input Signal Input port on the Agilent HP 70420A sets the measurement noise floor level Use the following ...

Page 178: ...nologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 53 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM Figure 7 11 Noise Floor for the RF Synthesizer DCFM Measurement Figure 7 12 Noise Floor Calculation Example ...

Page 179: ...T and the Agilent HP 70420A input Refer to Inserting an Device in Chapter 6 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals for details on determining the effect that the amplifier s noise will have on the measured noise floor Agilent HP 8663A VCO Reference This setup uses the Agilent HP 8663A as the VCO reference source In order for the noise measurement results to accurately represent the noise of the UUT the...

Page 180: ...ference sources to the test set The input attenuator Option 001 only has now been correctly configured based on your measurement definition CAUTION The Agilent HP 70420A test set s signal input is subject to the following limits and characteristics Table 7 11 Agilent HP 70420A Test Set Signal Input Limits and Characteristics Limits Frequency 50 kHz to 1 6 GHz Std 50 kHz to 26 5 GHz Option 001 50 k...

Page 181: ... Example on page 7 59 Internal AM Detector 0 to 20 dBm Downconverters Agilent HP 70422A 0 to 30 dBm Agilent HP 70427A 5 to 15 dBm CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the test set s signal input connector until the input attenuator Option 001 has been correctly set by the phase noise software which will occur at t...

Page 182: ...esizer using DCFM E5502A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 36 E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 39 E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 64 E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 65 NOTE For additional examples refer to Chapter 19 Connect Diagrams ...

Page 183: ...7 58 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 184: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 59 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 185: ...7 60 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5502A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 186: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 61 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5502B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 187: ...7 62 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 188: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 63 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 189: ...7 64 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 190: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 65 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 191: ...uning constant by the tune range of VCO Refer to Chapter 15 Evaluating Your Measurement Results if you are not familiar with the relationship between the PLL capture range and the peak tuning range of the VCO NOTE If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within the capture range the system will not be able to complete its measurement The beatnote frequency...

Page 192: ...lent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 67 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM Figure 7 14 Oscilloscope Display of a Beatnote out of the Agilent HP 70420A Monitor Port ...

Page 193: ...he result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5500 system b Smoothed measured suppression curve this is a curve fit representation of the measured results it is used to compare with the theoretical loop suppression c Theoretical suppression curve this is the predicted loop suppression based on the initial loop parameters defined selected for this particular measurement kphi kvco ...

Page 194: ...Measurement System 7 69 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM Figure 7 15 on page 7 69 shows a typical phase noise curve for a RF synthesizer using DCFM Figure 7 15 Typical Phase Noise Curve for an RF Synthesizer using DCFM ...

Page 195: ...quency Reference Source Power VCO Tuning Parameters Nominal Tune Constant Tune Range Center Voltage Input Resistance 600 E 6 Hz 20 dBm Test Set 600 E 6 Hz 600 E 6 Hz same as Carrier Source Frequency 16 dBm 40 E 3 Hz V 10 Volts 0 Volts 600 ohms 3 Cal Tab Phase Detector Constant VCO Tune Constant Phase Lock Loop Suppression If Limit is exceeded Measure Phase Detector Constant Calculate from expected...

Page 196: ...o not apply to this measurement example 7 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of Shift trace data DOWN by Trace Smoothing Amount Power present at input of DUT RF Synthesizer vs Agilent HP 8663A using DCFM Single sideband Noise dBc Hz 10 Hz 4 E 6 Hz 0 dBc Hz 170 dBc Hz 1 Hz b...

Page 197: ...n page 7 80 Apply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears Required Equipment The following equipment is required for this example in addition the phase noise test system and your unit under test UUT NOTE To ensure accurate measurements you should allow the UUT and measurement equipment to warm up at least one hour before making the noise measurement Table 7 13 Required Equipment for t...

Page 198: ...en button The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre stored in this file Table 7 16 on page 7 95 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the RF Synthesizer using EFC measurement example NOTE Note that the source parameters entered for step 2 in Table 7 16 on page 7 95 may not be appropriate for the reference source you are using To change these valu...

Page 199: ...CO Tuning Constant see Table 7 14 on page 7 75 d If you are going to use EFC tuning to tune the Agilent HP 8663A use the following equation to calculate the appropriate VCO Tuning Constant to enter for the measurement VCO Tuning Constant T x Carrier Frequency Where T 5E 9 for EFC For example to calculate the Tuning Constant value to enter for EFC tuning when the center frequency is 300 MHz 5 E 9 X...

Page 200: ...e Source pull down list select your source VCO Source Carrier Freq Tuning Constant Hz V Center Voltage V Voltage Tuning Range V Input Resistance Ω Tuning Calibration Method Agilent HP 8662 3A EFC DCFM υ0 5 E 9 x υ0 FM Deviation 0 0 10 10 1E 6 1 K 8662 600 8663 Measure Compute Compute Agilent HP 8642A B FM Deviation 0 10 600 Compute Agilent HP 8644B FM Deviation 0 10 600 Compute Other Signal Genera...

Page 201: ...utton Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 1 From the Define menu choose Measurement then choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window 2 In the Cal dialog box check Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression and Always Show Suppression Graph Select If limit is exceeded Show Loop Suppression Graph 3 When you have completed these operations click the Close button ...

Page 202: ...erence Source pull down list select your reference source 3 When you have completed these operations click the Close button Setup Considerations for the RF Synthesizer using EFC Measurement Measurement Noise Floor The signal amplitude at the R input Signal Input port on the Agilent HP 70420A sets the measurement noise floor level Use the following graph to determine the amplitude required to provi...

Page 203: ... If the output amplitude of your UUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor it will be necessary to insert a low noise amplifier between the UUT and the Agilent HP 70420A input Refer to Inserting an Device in Chapter 6 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals for details on determining the effect that the amplifier s noise will have on the measured noise floor ...

Page 204: ...Synthesizer using EFC Agilent HP 8663A VCO Reference This setup uses the Agilent HP 8663A as the VCO reference source In order for the noise measurement results to accurately represent the noise of the UUT the noise level of the reference source should be below the expected noise level of the UUT ...

Page 205: ...erence sources to the test set The input attenuator Option 001 only has now been correctly configured based on your measurement definition CAUTION The Agilent HP 70420A test set s signal input is subject to the following limits and characteristics Table 7 15 Agilent HP 70420A Test Set Signal Input Limits and Characteristics Limits Frequency 50 kHz to 1 6 GHz Std 50 kHz to 26 5 GHz Option 001 50 kH...

Page 206: ...Example on page 7 35 Internal AM Detector 0 to 20 dBm Downconverters Agilent HP 70422A 0 to 30 dBm Agilent HP 70427A 5 to 15 dBm CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the test set s signal input connector until the input attenuator Option 001 has been correctly set by the phase noise software which will occur at th...

Page 207: ...esizer using EFC E5502A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 36 E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 88 E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 89 E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 90 NOTE For additional examples refer to Chapter 19 Connect Diagrams ...

Page 208: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 83 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 209: ...7 84 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 210: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 85 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5502A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 211: ...7 86 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5502B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 212: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 87 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 213: ...7 88 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 214: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 89 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 215: ...7 90 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 216: ...ing the VCO tuning constant by the tune range of VCO Refer to Figure on page 15 1 if you are not familiar with the relationship between the PLL capture range and the peak tuning range of the VCO NOTE If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within the capture range the system will not be able to complete its measurement The beatnote frequency is set by the...

Page 217: ...92 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC Figure 7 18 Oscilloscope Display of a Beatnote out of the Agilent HP 70420A Monitor Port ...

Page 218: ...he result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5500 system b Smoothed measured suppression curve this is a curve fit representation of the measured results it is used to compare with the theoretical loop suppression c Theoretical suppression curve this is the predicted loop suppression based on the initial loop parameters defined selected for this particular measurement kphi kvco ...

Page 219: ... Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC Figure 7 5 on page 7 21 shows a typical phase noise curve for a RF synthesizer using EFC Figure 7 19 Typical Phase Noise Curve for an RF Synthesizer using EFC ...

Page 220: ...equency Reference Source Power VCO Tuning Parameters Nominal Tune Constant Tune Range Center Voltage Input Resistance 500 E 6 Hz 10 dBm Test Set 500 E 6 Hz 500 E 6 Hz same as Carrier Source Frequency 16 dBm 2 5 Hz V 10 Volts 0 Volts 1 E 6 ohms 3 Cal Tab Phase Detector Constant VCO Tune Constant Phase Lock Loop Suppression If Limit is exceeded Measure Phase Detector Constant Measure from expected V...

Page 221: ...do not apply to this measurement example 7 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of Shift trace data DOWN by Trace Smoothing Amount Power present at input of DUT RF Synthesizer vs Agilent HP 8663A using EFC Single sideband Noise dBc Hz 10 Hz 4 E 6 Hz 0 dBc Hz 170 dBc Hz 1 Hz b...

Page 222: ...ply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears Required Equipment The following equipment is required for this example in addition the phase noise test system and your unit under test UUT NOTE To ensure accurate measurements you should allow the UUT and measurement equipment to warm up at least one hour before making the noise measurement Table 7 17 Required Equipment for the Microwave S...

Page 223: ...button The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre stored in this file Table 7 20 on page 7 114 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the Microwave Source measurement example NOTE Note that the source parameters entered for step 2 in Table 7 20 on page 7 114 may not be appropriate for the reference source you are using To change these values refer ...

Page 224: ...tector input frequency c Enter the VCO Tuning Constant see Table 7 18 on page 7 100 Use the following equation to calculate the appropriate VCO Tuning Constant to enter for the measurement VCO Tuning Constant T x Carrier Frequency Where T 5E 9 For example to calculate the Tuning Constant value to enter for EFC tuning when the center frequency is 18 GHz 5 E 9 X 18 E 9 90 d Enter the Tune Range of V...

Page 225: ...ource pull down list select your source VCO Source Carrier Freq Tuning Constant Hz V Center Voltage V Voltage Tuning Range V Input Resistance Ω Tuning Calibration Method Agilent HP 8662 3A EFC DCFM υ0 5 E 9 x υ0 FM Deviation 0 0 10 10 1E 6 1 K 8662 600 8663 Measure Compute Compute Agilent HP 8642A B FM Deviation 0 10 600 Compute Agilent HP 8644B FM Deviation 0 10 600 Compute Other Signal Generator...

Page 226: ...heck Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression and Always Show Suppression Graph Select If limit is exceeded Show Loop Suppression Graph 3 When you have completed these operations click the Close button Setup Considerations for the Microwave Source Measurement Measurement Noise Floor The following noise characteristics graph shows a typical noise level for the Agilent HP 70422A when used wit...

Page 227: ... the output amplitude of your UUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor it will be necessary to insert a low noise amplifier between the UUT and the Agilent HP 70422A input Refer to Inserting an Device in Chapter 6 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals for details on determining the effect that the amplifier s noise will have on the measured noise floor ...

Page 228: ...nce sources to the test set The input attenuator Option 001 only has now been correctly configured based on your measurement definition CAUTION The Agilent HP 70420A test set s signal input is subject to the following limits and characteristics Table 7 19 Agilent HP 70420A Test Set Signal Input Limits and Characteristics Limits Frequency 50 kHz to 1 6 GHz Std 50 kHz to 26 5 GHz Option 001 50 kHz t...

Page 229: ...ption 201 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 40 Internal AM Detector 0 to 20 dBm Downconverters Agilent HP 70422A 0 to 30 dBm Agilent HP 70427A 5 to 15 dBm CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the test set s signal input connector until the input attenuator Option 001 has been correctly set by the phase noise softw...

Page 230: ...ogies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 105 Absolute Measurement Examples Microwave Source E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example on page 7 109 NOTE For additional examples refer to Chapter 19 Connect Diagrams ...

Page 231: ...7 106 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples Microwave Source E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 232: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 107 Absolute Measurement Examples Microwave Source E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 233: ...7 108 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Absolute Measurement Examples Microwave Source E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 234: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7 109 Absolute Measurement Examples Microwave Source E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 235: ...g constant by the tune range of VCO Refer to Chapter 15 Evaluating Your Measurement Results if you are not familiar with the relationship between the PLL capture range and the peak tuning range of the VCO NOTE If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within the capture range the system will not be able to complete its measurement The beatnote frequency is ...

Page 236: ... to locate the beatnote but it distorts and then disappears as you adjust it towards 0 Hz your sources are injection locking to each other Set the beatnote to the lowest frequency possible before injection locking occurs and then refer to Minimizing Injection Locking in the Problem Solving section of this chapter for recommended actions NOTE If you are not able to tune the beatnote to within the c...

Page 237: ...esult of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5500 system b Smoothed measured suppression curve this is a curve fit representation of the measured results it is used to compare with the theoretical loop suppression c Theoretical suppression curve this is the predicted loop suppression based on the initial loop parameters defined selected for this particular measurement kphi kvco loop...

Page 238: ... Phase Noise Measurement System 7 113 Absolute Measurement Examples Microwave Source Figure 7 5 on page 7 21 shows a typical phase noise curve for a microwave source Figure 7 23 Typical Phase Noise Curve for an Microwave Source ...

Page 239: ...urce Power VCO Tuning Parameters Nominal Tune Constant Tune Range Center Voltage Input Resistance 12 E 9 Hz 10 dBm Test Set 600 E 6 Hz 600 E 6 Hz same as Carrier Source Frequency 16 dBm 40 E 3 Hz V 10 Volts 0 Volts 600 ohms 3 Cal Tab Phase Detector Constant VCO Tune Constant Phase Lock Loop Suppression If Limit is exceeded Measure Phase Detector Constant Calculate from expected VCO Tune Constant V...

Page 240: ...une Enable Tuning Sensitivity Nominal 100 MHz PLL Bandwidth 600 MHz PLL Bandwidth 12 E 9 Auto Calculated by software 0 20 dBM 0 dBm 0 dB 0 dB Checked Microwave 0 26 5 GHz Unchecked 0 mA 10 MHz Unchecked 0 ppm v 0 ppm V 126 Hz 10000 Hz 7 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of...

Page 241: ...8 2 Basic Assumptions Regarding Residual Phase Noise Measurements page 8 4 Calibrating the Measurement page 8 6 The Calibration Options page 8 9 Measured DC Peak Voltage page 8 13 Measured Beatnote page 8 16 Synthesized Residual Measurement using Beatnote Cal page 8 19 Double Sided Spur page 8 21 Single Sided Spur page 8 24 Measurement Difficulties page 8 28 ...

Page 242: ...e noise Additive noise is the noise generated by the two port device at or near the signal frequency which adds in a linear fashion to the signal Figure 8 1 Additive Noise Components Multiplicative noise This noise has two known causes The first is an intrinsic direct phase modulation with a 1 f spectral density and the exact origin of this noise component is unknown The second in the case of ampl...

Page 243: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8 3 Residual Measurement Fundamentals What is Residual Noise Figure 8 2 Multiplicative Noise Components ...

Page 244: ...greater than 20 to 30 dB above the residual phase noise it will contribute to the residual phase noise measurement and show the residual phase noise as being greater than it really is The UUT does not exhibit a bandpass filter function A bandpass filter type response will cause the source noise to be decorrelated at the edge of the filter This decorrelation of the noise causes the system to measur...

Page 245: ...s All that really can be concluded is that the noise level of one of the UUT s is at least 3 dB lower than the measured result at any particular offset frequency If a more precise determination is required at any particular offset frequency a third UUT must also be measured against the other two UUT s The data from each of the three measurements can then be processed by the phase noise software to...

Page 246: ...ed by the sources and equipment available to you When calibrating the system for measurements remember that the calibration is only as accurate as the data input to the system software Figure 8 5 General Equipment Setup for Making Residual Phase Noise Measurements Calibration and Measurement Guidelines The following general guidelines should be considered when setting up and making a residual two ...

Page 247: ...ts must be low in AM noise because source AM noise can cause AM to ΦM conversion in the UUT Mixer type phase detectors only provide about 20 to 30 dB of rejection to AM noise in a ΦM noise measurement so the AM noise can appear in the phase noise plot 2 It is very important that all components in the test setup be well shielded from RFI Unwanted RF coupling between components will make a measureme...

Page 248: ...ter the splitter in either phase detector path will contribute to the measured noise 6 An amplifier must be used in cases where the signal level out of the UUT is too small to drive the phase detector or the drive level is inadequate to provide a low enough system noise floor In this case the amplifier should have the following characteristics a It should have the lowest possible noise figure and ...

Page 249: ...nt can be entered directly into the system software without going through a calibration sequence Remember however that the phase detector constant is unique to a particular set of sources the RF level into the phase detector and the test configuration Advantages Easy method for calibrating the measurement system Requires little additional equipment only an RF power meter to manually measure the dr...

Page 250: ... 3 Locate the power level you measured on the left side of the Phase Detector Sensitivity Graph Figure 8 7 on page 8 11 Now move across the graph at the measured level and find the corresponding Phase Detector constant along the right edge of the graph This is the value you will enter as the Current Detector Constant when you define your measurement Note that the approximate measurement noise floo...

Page 251: ...ceding graph measure the level using the setup shown in Figure 8 8 on page 8 12 6 Remove the power meter and reconnect the cable from the splitter to the Signal Input port 7 After you complete the measurement set up procedures and begin running the measurement the computer will prompt you to adjust for quadrature Adjust the phase difference at the phase detector to 90 degrees quadrature by either ...

Page 252: ...t Fundamentals The Calibration Options NOTE For the system to accept the adjustment to quadrature the meter must be within 2 mV to 4 mV 8 Once you have attained quadrature you are ready to proceed with the measurement Figure 8 8 Measuring Power at Phase Detector Reference Input Port ...

Page 253: ...ther adjusting the phase shifter or the frequency of the source An oscilloscope or voltmeter can optionally be used for setting the positive and negative peaks Disadvantages Has only moderate accuracy compared to the other calibration methods Does not take into account the amount of phase detector harmonic distortion relative to the measured phase detector gain hence the phase detector must operat...

Page 254: ...the peak The phase may be adjusted either by varying the frequency of the source or by adjusting a variable phase shifter or line stretcher NOTE Connecting an oscilloscope to the MONITOR port is recommended because the signal can then be viewed to give visual confidence in the signal being measured As an example noise could affect a voltmeter reading whereas on the oscilloscope any noise can be vi...

Page 255: ...damentals The Calibration Options 5 The system software will then calculate the phase detector constant automatically using the following algorithm 6 The system software will then prompt you to set the phase noise software s meter to quadrature 7 The system will now measure the noise data ...

Page 256: ...wing ranges Advantages Simple method of calibration Disadvantages It requires two RF sources separated by 1 Hz to 50 MHz at the phase detector The calibration source output power must be manually adjusted to the same level as the power splitter output it replaces requires a power meter Table 8 3 Beatnote Frequency Ranges Carrier Frequency Beatnote Frequency Range 500 kHz 10 Hz to 10 kHz 5 MHz 10 H...

Page 257: ... 3 Measure the output power at the side of the power splitter where the calibration source will be substituted then terminate in 50 ohms 4 Adjust the calibration source to the same output power as the measured output power of the power splitter 5 Adjust the output frequency such that the beatnote frequency is within the range of the analyzers being used 6 The system can now measure the calibration...

Page 258: ...ther by adjusting the test frequency or by adjusting an optional variable phase shifter or line stretcher Quadrature is achieved when the meter on the front panel of the phase noise interface is set to zero NOTE For the system to accept the adjustment to quadrature the meter must be within 2 mV to 4 mV 9 Reset quadrature and measure phase noise data Figure 8 11 Calibration Source Beatnote Injectio...

Page 259: ... must be within the following ranges Procedure 1 Connect circuit as per Figure 8 12 on page 8 19 and tighten all connections Figure 8 12 Synthesized Residual Measurement using Beatnote Cal 2 Offset the carrier frequency of one synthesizer to produce a beatnote for cal Table 8 5 Beatnote Frequency Ranges Carrier Frequency Beatnote Frequency Range 500 kHz 10 Hz to 10 kHz 5 MHz 10 Hz to 100 kHz 50 MH...

Page 260: ...em reads the beatnote set the software to the same carrier frequency 4 Adjust the phase difference at the phase detector to 90 degrees quadrature either by adjusting the synthesizer or by adjusting an optional variable phase shifter or line stretcher Quadrature is achieved when the meter on the front panel of the phase noise interface is set to zero ...

Page 261: ... 16 Advantages Requires only one RF source Calibration is done under actual measurement conditions so all non linearities and harmonics of the phase detector are calibrated out NOTE Because the calibration is performed under actual measurement conditions the Double sided Spur Method and the Single sided Spur Method are the two most accurate calibration methods Disadvantages Requires a phase modula...

Page 262: ...e 8 6 Acceptable Amplitude Ranges for the Phase Detectors 3 Using the RF spectrum analyzer or modulation analyzer measure the carrier to sideband ratio of the phase modulation at the phase detector s modulated port and the modulation frequency The audio calibration source should be adjusted such that the sidebands are between 30 and 60 dB below the carrier and the audio frequency is between 50 Hz ...

Page 263: ...t isolation of the power splitter and the isolation of the phase modulator This isolation can be improved at the expense of signal level by adding an attenuator between the phase modulator and the power splitter 5 Connect the phase detector 6 Adjust the phase difference at the phase detector to 90 degrees quadrature either by adjusting the test frequency or by adjusting an optional variable phase ...

Page 264: ... single sided spur relative to the carrier signal You will find that the equipment setup for this calibration option is similar to the others except that an additional source and a power splitter have been added so that the spur can be summed with the input carrier frequency Advantages Calibration is done under actual measurement conditions so all non linearities and harmonics of the phase detecto...

Page 265: ...ion Setup 2 Measure the power level that will be applied to the Signal Input port of the Agilent HP 70420A s Phase Detector The following chart shows the acceptable amplitude ranges for the Agilent HP 70420A Phase Detectors Table 8 7 Acceptable Amplitude Ranges for the Phase Detectors Phase Detector 50 kHz to 1 6 GHz 1 2 to 26 5 GHz1 1 Agilent HP 70420A Phase Noise Test Set Options 001 and 201 Ref...

Page 266: ...16 Carrier to spur Ratio of Modulated Signal 4 Measure the carrier to spur ratio of the non modulated side of the phase detector It must be at least 20 dB less than the spur ratio of the modulated port This level is necessary to prevent cancellation of the modulation in the phase detector Cancellation would result in a smaller phase detector constant or a measured noise level that is worse than th...

Page 267: ...rature either by adjusting the test frequency or by adjusting an optional variable phase shifter or line stretcher Quadrature is achieved when the meter on the front panel of the Agilent HP 70420A is set to center scale NOTE For the system to accept the adjustment to quadrature the meter must be within 2 mV to 4 mV 7 Enter sideband level and offset 8 Check quadrature and measure the phase detector...

Page 268: ... to keep your equipment connected until the measurements have been made all problems corrected and the results have been evaluated to make sure that the measurement is valid If the equipment is disconnected before the results have been fully evaluated it may be difficult to troubleshoot the measurement System Connections The first thing to check if problems occur is the instrument connections and ...

Page 269: ... page 9 2 res_noise_1ghz_demoamp pnm CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration as show in Table 9 2 on page 9 8 Apply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears ...

Page 270: ...until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration as show in Table 9 2 on page 9 8 Apply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears Required Equipment The following equipment is required for this example in addition the phase noise test system and your unit under test UUT NOTE To ensure accurate measurements you should allow the UUT and measurement equipment...

Page 271: ...t Example The setup for a residual phase noise measurement uses a phase shifter to set quadrature at the phase detector Defining the Measurement 1 From the File menu choose Open 2 If necessary choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored 3 In the File Name box choose res_noise_1ghz_demoamp pnm ...

Page 272: ...arameters for this example have been pre stored in this file Table 9 4 on page 9 14 lists the parameter data that has been entered for this residual phase noise measurement example 5 From the Define menu choose Measurement then choose the Type and Range tab from the Define Measurement window a From the Measurement Type pull down select Residual Phase Noise without using phase lock loop ...

Page 273: ...ample 6 Choose the Sources tab from the Define Measurement window a Enter the carrier center frequency of your UUT Enter the same frequency for the detector input frequency 7 Choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window b Select Derive detector constant from measured DC peak voltage as the calibration method ...

Page 274: ...ne Measurement window a From the Phase Shifter pull down select Manual b From the Phase Detector pull down select Automatic Detector Selection 9 Choose the Graph tab from the Define Measurement window a Enter a graph description of your choice E5500 Residual Phase Noise Measurement 1 GHz for example 10 When you have completed these operations click the Close button ...

Page 275: ...ay degrade the close in phase noise results and while adequate for this example should not be used for an actual measurement on an unknown device unless absolutely necessary Measurement Environment The low noise floors typical of these devices may require that special attention be given to the measurement environment The following precautions will help ensure reliable test results Filtering on pow...

Page 276: ...t your UUT and reference sources to the test set The input attenuator Option 001 only has now been correctly configured based on your measurement definition CAUTION The Agilent HP 70420A Test Set s signal input is subject to the following limits and characteristics Table 9 2 Agilent HP 70420A Test Set Signal Input Limits and Characteristics Limits Frequency 50 kHz to 1 6 GHz Std 50 kHz to 26 5 GHz...

Page 277: ...nput 7 to 10 dBm Reference Input CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A Test Set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the test set s signal input connector until the input attenuator Option 001 has been correctly set by the phase noise software which will occur at the connection diagram Characteristics Input Impedance 50 ohm Nominal Table 9 2 Agilent HP 70420A ...

Page 278: ...ge Refer to Chapter 8 Residual Measurement Fundamentals for more information about residual phase noise measurements calibration types Procedure 1 Connect circuit as per Figure 9 2 on page 9 11 and tighten all connections 2 Measure the power level that will be applied to the Signal Input port of the Agilent HP 70420A s phase detector The following chart shows the acceptable amplitude ranges for th...

Page 279: ...Ranges for the Phase Detectors Figure 9 2 Connection to Optional Oscilloscope for Determining Voltage Peaks Phase Detector 50 kHz to 1 6 GHz 1 2 to 26 5 GHz1 1 Agilent HP 70420A Phase Noise Test Set Options 001 and 201 Ref Input L Port Signal Input R Port Ref Input L Port Signal Input R Port 15 dBm to 23 dBm 0 dBm to 23 dBm 7 dBm to 10 dBm 0 dBm to 5 dBm ...

Page 280: ...asured 1 press the Continue key when ready to calibrate the measurement 2 Adjust the phase difference at the phase detector as prompted by the phase noise software 3 The system will measure the positive and negative peak voltage of the phase detector using an internal voltmeter The quadrature meter s digital display can be used to find the peak The phase may be adjusted either by varying the frequ...

Page 281: ...m will now measure the noise data The system can now run the measurement The segment data will be displayed on the computer screen as the data is taken until all segments have been taken over the entire range you specified in the Measurement definition s Type and Range When the Measurement is Complete When the measurement is complete refer to Chapter 15 Evaluating Your Measurement Results for help...

Page 282: ... and Range Tab Measurement Type Start Frequency Stop Frequency Minimum Number of Averages FFT Quality Swept Quality Residual Phase Noise without using a phase locked loop 10 Hz 100 E 6 Hz 4 Normal Fast 2 Sources Tab Carrier Source Frequency Power Detector Input Frequency 1 E 9 Hz 10 dBm 1 E 9 Hz 3 Cal Tab Phase Detector Constant Current Phase Detector Constant Know Spur Parameters Amplitude Offset...

Page 283: ...Minimum Auto Gain 14 dB Not checked 0 dBm 6 Dowconverter Tab The downconverter parameters do not apply to this measurement example 7 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of Shift trace data DOWN by Trace Smoothing Amount Power present at input of DUT HP E5500 Residual Phase N...

Page 284: ... System 10 1 10 FM Discriminator Fundamentals What You ll Find in This Chapter The Frequency Discriminator Method page 10 2 Basic Theory page 10 2 The Discriminator Transfer Response page 10 3 System Sensitivity page 10 3 Optimum Sensitivity page 10 5 ...

Page 285: ...requency discriminator is easy to implement using the Agilent E5500A B Phase Noise Measurement System and common coaxial cable Basic Theory The delay line implementation of the frequency discriminator Figure 10 1 converts short term frequency fluctuations of a source into voltage fluctuations that can be measured by a baseband analyzer The coversion is a two part process first converting the frequ...

Page 286: ...ion is the amount of delay provided by the delay line and is the frequency offset from the carrier that the phase noise measurement is made System Sensitivity A frequency discriminator s system sensitivity is determined by the transfer response As shown below it is desirable to make both the phase detector constant and the amount of delay large so that the voltage fluctuations out of a frequency d...

Page 287: ...ed without compensating for the sin x x response For example a 200 ns delay line will have better sensitivity close to carrier than a 50 ns delay line but will not be usable beyond 2 5 MHz offsets without compensating for the sin x x response the 50 ns line is usable to offsets of 10 MHz Increasing the delay also increases the attenuation of the line While this has no direct effect on the sensitiv...

Page 288: ...0 LZ 20 Where KL is the phase detector efficiency Vin is the signal voltage into the delay line LX dB is the sensitivity provided by the delay line and LZ is the attenuation of the delay line Taking the derivative with respect to the length L to find the maximum of this equation results in LZ 8 7 dB of attenuation The optimum sensitivity of a system with the phase detector operating out of results...

Page 289: ...or compression point Improved sensitivity can be achieved by reducing the length of the delay or by using a more efficient line so that the signal level out is 5 7 dBm or 8 7 dB below the mixer compression point Careful delay line selection is crucial for good system sensitivity In cases where the phase detector is operating out of compression sensitivity can be increased by using a low loss delay...

Page 290: ...nator Measurement using FM Rate and Deviation Calibration page 11 18 CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the signal input connector until the input attenuator Agilent HP 70420A Option 001 has been correctly set for the desired configuration as show in Table 11 2 on page 11 11 Apply the input signal when the Conne...

Page 291: ...available to provide adequate drift tracking The setup for a discriminator measurement uses a delay line to convert frequency fluctuations to phase fluctuations and a phase shifter to set quadrature at the phase detector In the Discriminator measurement the source is placed ahead of the power splitter One output of the splitter feeds a delay line with enough delay to decorrelate the source noise T...

Page 292: ...e input signal when the Connection Diagram appears Required Equipment The following equipment is required for this example in addition the phase noise test system and your unit under test UUT NOTE To ensure accurate measurements you should allow the UUT and measurement equipment to warm up at least one hour before making the noise measurement Table 11 1 Required Equipment for the FM Discriminator ...

Page 293: ...11 1 shows the noise floor of the discriminator for given delay times τ 2 Determine the length of coax required to provide the necessary delay τ Eight feet of BNC cable will provide 12 ns of delay for this example 3 Determine the loss in the delay line Verify that the signal source will be able to provide a power level at the output of the delay line of between 5 and 17 dBm Be sure to take into ac...

Page 294: ... From the File menu choose Open 2 If necessary choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored 3 In the File Name box choose vco_dss pnm 4 Click the Open button The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre stored in this file Table 11 3 on page 11 16 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the FM discriminator measurement example ...

Page 295: ...urement Examples FM Discriminator Measurement using Double Sided Spur Calibration 5 From the Define menu choose Measurement then choose the Type and Range tab from the Define Measurement window a From the Measurement Type pull down select Absolute Phase Noise using an FM discriminator ...

Page 296: ...frequency of your UUT 5 MHz to 1 6 GHz Enter the same frequency for the detector input frequency 7 Choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window b Select Derive constant from double sided spur as the calibration method Take a modulated calibration source and feed the output into a spectrum analyzer Measure the 1st modulation sideband frequency and power relative to the carrier s frequency ...

Page 297: ... Spur Parameters Offset Frequency and Amplitude for the spur you plan to use for calibration purposes This calibration method requires that you enter the offset and amplitude for a known spur 8 Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window a From the Reference Source pull down select Manual b From the Phase Detector pull down select Automatic Detector Selection ...

Page 298: ... used to connect the components used in the measurement however BNC cables have been specified because they are more widely available Using BNC cables may degrade the close in phase noise results and while adequate for this example should not be used for an actual measurement on an unknown device unless absolutely necessary Measurement Environment The low noise floors typical of these devices may ...

Page 299: ...xamples FM Discriminator Measurement using Double Sided Spur Calibration Beginning the Measurement 1 From the View menu choose Meter to select the quadrature meter 2 From the Measurement menu choose New Measurement 3 When the Perform a New Calibration and Measurement dialog box appears click OK ...

Page 300: ...gnal Input Power Sum of the reference and signal input power shall not exceed 23 dBm At Attenuator Output Operating Level Range RF Phase Detectors 0 to 23 dBm Signal Input 15 to 23 dBm Reference Input Microwave Phase Detectors 0 to 5 dBm Signal Input 7 to 10 dBm Reference Input Internal AM Detector 0 to 20 dBm Downconverters Agilent HP 70422A 0 to 30 dBm Agilent HP 70427A 5 to 15 dBm CAUTION To pr...

Page 301: ...surement Examples FM Discriminator Measurement using Double Sided Spur Calibration Figure 11 2 Setup diagram for the FM Discrimination Measurement Example 5 Refer to the following system connect diagram example for more information about system interconnections Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 302: ...ey when you are ready to make the measurement Calibrating the Measurement The calibration procedure determines the discriminator constant to use in the transfer response by measuring the system response to a known FM signal NOTE Note that the system must be operating in quadrature during calibration 2 First establish quadrature by adjusting the phase shifter until the meter indicates 0 volts then ...

Page 303: ...Discriminator Measurement using Double Sided Spur Calibration 3 Next apply modulation to the carrier signal then press Continue Remove the modulation from the carrier and connect your DUT 4 The system can now run the measurement at the appropriate point re establish quadrature and continue the measurement ...

Page 304: ...pecified in the Measurement definition s Type and Range When the Measurement is Complete When the measurement is complete refer to Chapter 15 Evaluating Your Measurement Results for help in evaluating your measurement results If the test system has problems completing the measurement it will inform you by placing a message on the computer display Figure 11 3 on page 11 15 shows a typical absolute ...

Page 305: ...g an FM Discriminator 10 Hz 100 E 6 Hz 4 Normal Fast 2 Sources Tab Carrier Source Frequency Power Carrier Source is Connected to Detector Input Frequency 1 027 E 9 Hz 19 dBm Test Set 1 027 E 9 Hz 3 Cal Tab FM Discriminator Constant Current Phase Detector Constant Know Spur Parameters Offset Frequency Amplitude Calibration Source Frequency Power Derive Constant from Double Sided Spur 82 25 E 9 20 E...

Page 306: ...ters do not apply to this measurement example 7 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of Shift trace data DOWN by Trace Smoothing Amount Power present at input of DUT FM Discrim 50 ns dly 1 027GHz 19 dBm out VCO DSS Single sideband Noise dBc Hz 10 Hz 100 E 6 Hz 10 dBc Hz 190 d...

Page 307: ...od you must have a signal source that is calibrated for FM modulation rate and FM deviation parameters All Agilent Technologies signal generators meet this requirement Required Equipment The following equipment is required for this example in addition the phase noise test system and your unit under test UUT NOTE To ensure accurate measurements you should allow the UUT and measurement equipment to ...

Page 308: ... 11 1 shows the noise floor of the discriminator for given delay times τ 2 Determine the length of coax required to provide the necessary delay τ Eight feet of BNC cable will provide 12 ns of delay for this example 3 Determine the loss in the delay line Verify that the signal source will be able to provide a power level at the output of the delay line of between 5 and 17 dBm Be sure to take into a...

Page 309: ...1 From the File menu choose Open 2 If necessary choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored 3 In the File Name box choose vco_r d pnm 4 Click the Open button The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre stored in this file Table 11 3 on page 11 16 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the FM discriminator measurement example ...

Page 310: ...urement Examples Discriminator Measurement using FM Rate and Deviation Calibration 5 From the Define menu choose Measurement then choose the Type and Range tab from the Define Measurement window a From the Measurement Type pull down select Absolute Phase Noise using an FM discriminator ...

Page 311: ...indow a Enter the carrier center frequency of your UUT 5 MHz to 1 6 GHz Enter the same frequency for the detector input frequency 7 Choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window b Select Derive constant from FM rate and deviation as the calibration method A modulation FM tone of 20 kHz and a deviation of 10 kHz is the recommend FM rate and deviation for this procedure Enter the parameters ...

Page 312: ...criminator Measurement using FM Rate and Deviation Calibration c Set the FM Rate to 20 kHz and FM Deviation to 10 kHz 8 Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window a From the Reference Source pull down select Manual b From the Phase Detector pull down select Automatic Detector Selection ...

Page 313: ...e used to connect the components used in the measurement however BNC cables have been specified because they are more widely available Using BNC cables may degrade the close in phase noise results and while adequate for this example should not be used for an actual measurement on an unknown device unless absolutely necessary Measurement Environment The low noise floors typical of these devices may...

Page 314: ...From the View menu choose Meter to select the quadrature meter 2 From the Measurement menu choose New Measurement 3 When the Perform a New Calibration and Measurement dialog box appears click OK 4 When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears confirm your connections as shown in the connect kiagram The Agilent HP 70420A test set s signal input is subject to the following limits and characteristics ...

Page 315: ...put Operating Level Range RF Phase Detectors 0 to 23 dBm Signal Input 15 to 23 dBm Reference Input Microwave Phase Detectors 0 to 5 dBm Signal Input 7 to 10 dBm Reference Input Internal AM Detector 0 to 20 dBm Downconverters Agilent HP 70422A 0 to 30 dBm Agilent HP 70427A 5 to 15 dBm CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s hardware components the input signal must not be appl...

Page 316: ...surement Examples Discriminator Measurement using FM Rate and Deviation Calibration Figure 11 5 Setup diagram for the FM Discrimination Measurement Example 5 Refer to the following system connect diagram example for more information about system interconnections Connect Diagram Example ...

Page 317: ...ey when you are ready to make the measurement Calibrating the Measurement The calibration procedure determines the discriminator constant to use in the transfer response by measuring the system response to a known FM signal NOTE Note that the system must be operating in quadrature during calibration 2 First establish quadrature by adjusting the phase shifter until the meter indicates 0 volts then ...

Page 318: ...criminator Measurement using FM Rate and Deviation Calibration 3 Next apply modulation to the carrier signal then press Continue Remove the modulation from the carrier and connect your DUT 4 The system can now run the measurement at the appropriate point re establish quadrature and continue the measurement ...

Page 319: ...pecified in the Measurement definition s Type and Range When the Measurement is Complete When the measurement is complete refer to Chapter 15 Evaluating Your Measurement Results for help in evaluating your measurement results If the test system has problems completing the measurement it will inform you by placing a message on the computer display Figure 11 6 on page 11 30 shows a typical absolute ...

Page 320: ... E 6 Hz 4 Normal Fast 2 Sources Tab Carrier Source Frequency Power Carrier Source is Connected to Detector Input Frequency 1 027 E 9 Hz 19 dBm Test Set 1 027 E 9 Hz 3 Cal Tab FM Discriminator Constant Current Phase Detector Constant Know Spur Parameters Offset Frequency Amplitude Calibration Source Frequency Power Frequency Modulation FM Rate FM Deviation Derive Constant from FM rate and deviation...

Page 321: ...eters do not apply to this measurement example 7 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of Shift trace data DOWN by Trace Smoothing Amount Power present at input of DUT FM Discrim 50 ns dly 1 027GHz 19 dBm out VCO R D Single sideband Noise dBc Hz 10 Hz 100 E 6 Hz 10 dBc Hz 190 ...

Page 322: ...ls What You ll Find in This Chapter AM Noise Measurement Theory of Operation page 12 2 Amplitude Noise Measurement page 12 3 AM Detector page 12 4 Measurement Methods Method 1 User Entry of Phase Detector Constant page 12 8 Method 2 Double Sided Spur page 12 12 Method 3 Single Sided Spur page 12 17 ...

Page 323: ...he transfer function between the known signal and the measured baseband signal is calculated Phase Noise Measurement In the case of small angle phase modulation 0 1 rad the modulation sideband amplitude is constant with increasing modulation frequency The phase detector gain can thus be measured at a single offset frequency and the same constant will apply at all offset frequencies In the case of ...

Page 324: ...AM detector the AM noise measurement can be calibrated in the same way as PM noise measurement except the phase modulation must be replaced with amplitude modulation The AM noise measurement is a characterization of a source The residual AM noise of a DUT can only be made by using a source with lower AM noise then subtracting that AM noise from the measured output noise of the DUT The noise floor ...

Page 325: ...2 3 AM Noise System Block Diagram using an Agilent HP 70429A Opt K21 Figure 12 4 AM Noise System Block Diagram using an Agilent HP 70427A Downconverter AM Detector Figure 12 5 AM Detector Schematic AM Detector Specifications Detector type low barrier Schottky diode Carrier frequency range 10 MHz to 26 5 GHz Maximum input power 23 dBm ...

Page 326: ...rrier feedthrough in the detector may be excessive for frequencies below a few hundred megahertz The LNA is protected from saturation by the internal filters used to absorb phase detector feedthrough and unwanted mixer products This limits the maximum carrier offset frequency to The ac load on the detector is 50 ohms set by the input impedance of the LNA in the test system The 50 ohm load increase...

Page 327: ...noise induced by vibration and temperature fluctuation care should be taken to ensure that all connections are tight and that all cables are electrically sound The output voltage monitor on the AM detector must be disconnected from digital voltmeters or other noisy monitoring equipment before noise measurement data is taken The noise floor of the detector may degrade as power increases above 15 dB...

Page 328: ...E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 12 7 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Calibration and Measurement General Guidelines The amplifier s sensitivity to power supply noise and the supply noise itself must both be minimized ...

Page 329: ... the AM detector sensitivity will always be essentially the same Super quick method of estimating the equivalent phase detector constant Disadvantages It is the least accurate of the calibration methods It does not take into account the amount of power at harmonics of the signal Procedure 1 Connect circuit as shown in Figure 12 6 and tighten all connections If the Agilent HP 70420A Option 001 or A...

Page 330: ...ibration Setup 3 Locate the drive level on the AM sensitivity graph figure 3 5 and enter the data 4 Measure the noise data and interpret the results The measured data will be plotted as single sideband AM noise in dBc Hz NOTE The quadrature meter should be at zero volts due to the blocking capacitor at the AM detector s output Figure 12 8 AM Detector Sensitivity Graph ...

Page 331: ...te accuracy compared to the other calibration methods Procedure 1 Connect circuit as shown in Figure 12 9 and tighten all connections If the Agilent HP 70420A Option 001 or Agilent HP 70427A is available use one of the connection diagrams described in AM Noise Measurement Block Diagrams on page 12 3 2 Measure the power which will be applied to the AM detector It must be between 0 and 23 dBm Figure...

Page 332: ...easurement Fundamentals Method 1 User Entry of Phase Detector Constant Figure 12 10 Modulation Sideband Calibration Setup 4 Measure noise data and interpret the results NOTE The quadrature meter should be at zero volts due to the blocking capacitor at the AM detector s output ...

Page 333: ... accurate otherwise a modulation analyzer for manual measurement of AM sidebands is required Procedure 1 Connect circuit as shown in Figure 12 11 and tighten all connections If the Agilent HP 70420A Option 001 or Agilent HP 70427A is available use one of the connection diagrams described in AM Noise Measurement Block Diagrams on page 12 3 Figure 12 11 Double sided Spur AM Noise Measurement Setup M...

Page 334: ...o Sideband Ratio 4 Reconnect the AM detector and enter the carrier to sideband ratio and modulation frequency Figure 12 13 Measuring the Calibration Constant 5 Measure the AM detector calibration constant 6 Turn off AM 7 Measure noise data and interpret the results NOTE The quadrature meter should be at zero volts due to the blocking capacitor at the AM detector s output C sb C sb 20 percentAM 100...

Page 335: ...d RF source with very accurate AM modulation and output power sufficient to match the DUT If the AM modulation is not very accurate a modulation analyzer must be used to make manual measurement of the AM sidebands Procedure 1 Connect circuit as shown in Figure 12 14 and tighten all connections If the Agilent HP 70420A Option 001 or Agilent HP 70427A is available use one of the connection diagrams ...

Page 336: ... between 10 Hz and 20 MHz NOTE The carrier to sideband ratio for AM is To check the AM performance of the source measure the carrier to sideband ratio of the AM at the source output with a modulation analyzer Figure 12 16 Measuring Carrier to Sideband Ratio 4 Enter the carrier to sideband ratio and offset frequency then measure the calibration constant Figure 12 17 Measuring the Calibration Consta...

Page 337: ...echnologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Method 2 Double Sided Spur NOTE The quadrature meter should be at zero volts due to the blocking capacitor at the AM detector s output ...

Page 338: ...urate methods for this reason Disadvantages Requires 2 RF sources which must be between 10 Hz and 40 MHz apart in frequency Requires an RF spectrum analyzer for manual measurement of the signal to spur ratio and spur offset Procedure 1 Connect circuit as shown in Figure 12 6 and tighten all connections If the Agilent HP 70420A Option 001 or Agilent HP 70427A is available use one of the connection ...

Page 339: ...yzer The spur should be adjusted such that it is between 30 and 60 dBc with a carrier offset of 10 Hz to 20 MHz Figure 12 19 Measuring Relative Spur Level 4 Reconnect the AM detector and measure the detector sensitivity Figure 12 20 Measuring Detector Sensitivity 5 Turn off the spur source output 6 Measure noise data and interpret the results NOTE The quadrature meter should be at zero volts due t...

Page 340: ...tion 001 on page 13 2 AM_noise_1ghz_8644b pnm CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration as show in Table 13 2 on page 13 7 Apply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears ...

Page 341: ...T Required Equipment CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration as show in Table 13 2 on page 13 7 Apply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears The following equipment is required for this example in ...

Page 342: ...ile menu choose Open 2 If necessary choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored 3 In the File Name box choose AM_noise_1ghz_8644b pnm 4 Choose the OK button The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre stored in this file Table 13 3 on page 13 10 lists the parameter data that has been entered for this measurement example ...

Page 343: ...he source should be placed under manual control All other measurements set the source to 16 dBm automatically The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre stored in this file Table 13 3 on page 13 10 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the FM Discriminator measurement example 5 From the Define menu choose Measurement then choose the Type and Range...

Page 344: ...Define Measurement window a Enter the carrier center frequency of your UUT Enter the same frequency for the detector input frequency 7 Choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window a Select Use automatic internal self calibration as the calibration method For more information about various calibration techniques refer to Chapter 12 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals ...

Page 345: ...ilent HP 70420A Option 001 8 Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window a From the Phase Detector pull down select AM Detector 9 Choose the Graph tab from the Define Measurement window a Enter a graph description of your choice 10 When you have completed these operations click the Close button ...

Page 346: ...UUT and reference sources to the test set The input attenuator Option 001 only has now been correctly configured based on your measurement definition CAUTION The Agilent HP 70420A test set s signal input is subject to the following limits and characteristics Table 13 2 Agilent HP 70420A Test Set Signal Input Limits and Characteristics Limits Frequency 50 kHz to 1 6 GHz Std 50 kHz to 26 5 GHz Optio...

Page 347: ...0 dBm Downconverters Agilent HP 70422A 5 to 15 dBm Agilent HP 70427A 0 to 30 dBm CAUTION To prevent damage to the Agilent HP 70420A test set s hardware components the input signal must not be applied to the test set s signal input connector until the input attenuator Option 001 has been correctly set by the phase noise software which will occur at the connection diagram Characteristics Input Imped...

Page 348: ...rmation about various calibration techniques refer to Chapter 12 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals The system is now ready to make the measurement The measurement results will be updated on the computer screen after each frequency segment has been measured When the Measurement is Complete When the measurement is complete refer to Chapter 15 Evaluating Your Measurement Results for help in evaluatin...

Page 349: ...01 Step Parameters Data 1 Type and Range Tab Measurement Type Start Frequency Stop Frequency Averages FFT Quality Swept Quality AM Noise 10 Hz 100 E 6 Hz 4 Fast Fast 2 Sources Tab Carrier Source Frequency Carrier Source Power Carrier Source Output is connected to Detector Input Frequency 600 E 6 Hz 20 dBm Test Set 600 E 6 Hz 3 Cal Tab Detector Constant Known Spur Parameters Offset Frequency Amplit...

Page 350: ... Auto checked Auto checked Auto Gain 0 dBm 0 dBm 0 dBm Not checked Not checked Not checked Baseband 0 00 dBm 6 Dowconverter Tab Does not apply to this measurement example 7 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of Shift trace data DOWN by Trace Smoothing Amount Power present a...

Page 351: ... Noise Measurement System 14 1 14 Baseband Noise Measurement Examples What You ll Find in This Chapter Baseband Noise using a Test Set Measurement Example page 14 2 Baseband Noise without using a Test Set Measurement Example page 14 6 ...

Page 352: ...surement example will help you measure the noise voltage of a source NOTE To ensure accurate measurements you should allow the UUT and measurement equipment to warm up at least one hour before making the noise measurement Defining the Measurement 1 From the File menu choose Open 2 If necessary choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored 3 In the File Name box choose BBnoise_wit...

Page 353: ... lists the parameter data that has been entered for this measurement example a Test Set Measurement Beginning the Measurement 1 From the Measurement menu choose New Measurement 2 When the Perform a New Calibration and Measurement dialog box appears click OK 3 When the Connect Diagram appears on the computer s display click on the hardware down arrow and select HP 70420A option 001 test set only fr...

Page 354: ...ge 14 4 shows a typical phase noise curve for a baseband noise measurement using a test set Figure 14 2 Typical Phase Noise Curve for a Baseband using a Test Set Measurement Parameter Data for the Baseband using Ste p Parameters Data 1 Type and Range Tab Measurement Type Start Frequency Stop Frequency Averages Quality Baseband Noise using a test set 10 Hz 100 E 6 Hz 4 Fast 2 Cal Tab Gain preceding...

Page 355: ...dB 20 MHz Auto checked Auto Gain Minimum Auto Gain 14 dB Not checked 0 dBm 5 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of Shift trace data DOWN by Trace Smoothing Amount Power present at input of DUT Baseband using the Agilent HP 70420A Test Set Baseband Noise dBV 10 Hz 100 E 6 Hz...

Page 356: ...measurement example will help you measure the noise voltage of a source NOTE To ensure accurate measurements you should allow the UUT and measurement equipment to warm up at least one hour before making the noise measurement Defining the Measurement 1 From the File menu choose Open 2 If necessary choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored 3 In the File Name box choose BBnoise_...

Page 357: ... this file Table on page 14 4 lists the parameter data that has been entered for this measurement example a Test Set Measurement Beginning the Measurement 1 From the Measurement menu choose New Measurement 2 When the Perform a New Calibration and Measurement dialog box appears click OK Making the Measurement 3 When the Connect Diagram appears on the computer s display click on the Continue button ...

Page 358: ...se curve for a baseband noise measurement without using a test set Figure 14 4 Typical Phase Noise Curve for a Baseband without using a Test Set Measurement Table 14 1 Parameter Data for the Baseband without using a Test Set Measurement Ste p Parameters Data 1 Type and Range Tab Measurement Type Start Frequency Stop Frequency Averages Quality Baseband Noise without using a test set 10 Hz 100 E 6 H...

Page 359: ...t Set Noise Input 5 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of Shift trace data DOWN by Trace Smoothing Amount Power present at input of DUT Baseband Noise without using a Test Set Baseband dBV 10 Hz 100 E 6 Hz 0 dBc Hz 200 dBV Hz 1 Hz bandwidth 1 times the current carrier frequ...

Page 360: ...ying a graph of its measurement results Storing the measurement results in the Result File is recommended for each measurement To help you reference directly to the information you need this chapter has been organized into three sections Evaluating the Results page 15 2 Refer here for information that will help you confirm the validity of your measurement results Outputting the Results page 15 7 R...

Page 361: ...n process Look for obvious problems on the graph such as discontinuity breaks Compare the graph against known or expected data If necessary gather additional data about the noise characteristics of the UUT Figure 15 1 Noise Plot Showing Obvious Problems Looking For Obvious Problems Some obvious problems on a graph are as follows Discontinuities or breaks in the graph A higher than expected noise l...

Page 362: ...ing in a similar manner The Reference Source It is important that you know the noise and spur characteristics of your reference source when you are making phase noise measurements The noise measurement results provided when using this technique reflect the sum of all contributing noise sources in the system The best way to determine the noise characteristics of the reference source is to measure t...

Page 363: ...he 7 dB difference in noise levels shown in Example Comparison of Measurement Results and Reference Source Noise on page 15 4 at 10 kHz to the graph reveals that the measured results should be decreased by about 1 dB at 10 kHz to reflect the actual noise of the UUT Figure 15 2 Example Comparison of Measurement Results and Reference Source Noise ...

Page 364: ...logies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 15 5 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Evaluating the Results Figure 15 3 Graph Showing How Much to Decrease Measured Noise to Compensate for Added Reference Source Noise ...

Page 365: ...ning cables or any other action recommended in Problem Solving on page 15 13 repeating the measurement after each change allows you to check the effect that the change has had on the total noise graph To repeat a measurement on the Measurement menu click Repeat Measurement Doing More Research If you are still uncertain about the validity of the measurement results it may be necessary to do further...

Page 366: ...s Outputting the Results This section describes the software s capabilities for generating a printed hardcopy of your test results You must have a printer must be connected to the computer to generate hard copies Using a Printer To print the phase noise graph along with parameter summary data On the File menu click Print ...

Page 367: ...the main graph menu and are used to display and evaluate the measurement results This screen is automatically displayed as a measurement is being made You can also load a result file using the File System functions and then display the results The following functions are available to help you evaluate your results Marker page 15 9 Omit Spurs page 15 10 Parameter Summary page 15 12 ...

Page 368: ... Results Graph of Results Marker The marker function allows you to display the exact frequency and amplitude of any point on the results graph To access the marker function On the View menu click Markers Up to nine markers may be added To remove the highlighted marker click the Delete button ...

Page 369: ...Evaluating Your Measurement Results Graph of Results Omit Spurs Omit Spurs plots the currently loaded results without displaying any spurs that may be present 1 On the View menu click Display Preferences 2 In the Display Preferences dialog box uncheck Spurs Click OK ...

Page 370: ...gies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 15 11 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Graph of Results 3 The Graph will be displayed without spurs To re display the spurs check Spurs in the Display Preferences dialog box ...

Page 371: ...er Summary function allows you to quickly review the measurement parameter entries that were used for this measurement The parameter summary data is included when you print the graph 1 On the View menu click Parameter Summary 2 The Parameter Summary Notepad dialog box appears The data can be printed or changed using standard Notepad functionality ...

Page 372: ...g Table 15 1 Problem Solving If you need to know Refer to What to do about breaks in the noise graph Discontinuity in the Graph How to verify a noise level that is higher than expected High Noise Level How to verify unexpected spurs on the graph Spurs on the Graph How to interpret noise above the small angle line Small Angle Line ...

Page 373: ...ce being used is inconsistent over time The time varying noise level causes the overall noise present when one segment is being measured to differ from the level present during the period when the next segment is measured Repeat the noise measurement several times for the segment that does not match the rest of the graph and check for a change in its overall noise level Break at the upper edge of ...

Page 374: ...cts the sum of all of the noise sources affecting the system This includes noise sources within the system as well as external noise sources If the general noise level measured for your device is much higher than you expected begin evaluating each of the potential noise sources The following table will help you identify and evaluate many of the potential causes of a high noise floor ...

Page 375: ...not be marked as a spur Note that the effective noise floor for detecting spurs is above the plotted 1 Hz bandwidth noise by the bandwidth correction factor To List the Marked Spurs A list of spurs can be displayed by accessing the Spurs List function in the View menu Forest of Spurs A so called forest of spurs is a group of closely spaced spurs on the phase noise plot A forest of spurs is often c...

Page 376: ...ble to identify an external spur source using a spectrum analyzer with a pick up coil or an antenna connected to it Electrical Electrically generated spurs can be caused by electrical oscillation either internal or external to the measurement system The list of potential spur sources is long and varied Many times the spur will not be at the fundamental frequency of the source but may be a harmonic...

Page 377: ...gly invalid and Sf f must be used to accurately represent the phase noise of the signal To accurately plot noise that exceeds the small angle line select the Spectral Density of Phase Modulation dB Hz graph type Sφ f L f raises the noise floor by 3 dB The 10 dB per decade line is drawn on the plot for an instantaneous phase deviation of 0 2 radians integrated over any one decade of offset frequenc...

Page 378: ...pter Phase Lock Loop Suppression page 16 3 Blanking Frequency and Amplitude Information on the Phase Noise Graph page 16 13 NOTE Additional Advanced Features information will be included in future versions of this manual For information about our no cost update program refer to Software and Documentation Updates page 21 2 ...

Page 379: ...ns allows you to manipulate the test system or to customize a measurement using the extended capabilities provided by the Agilent E5500 phase noise measurement software These functions are recommended to be used only by those who understand how the measurement and the test system are affected Refer to the following pages for details ...

Page 380: ... Figure 16 1 PLL Suppression Verification Graph PLL Suppression Parameters The following measurement parameters are displayed along with the PLL Suppression Curve PLL GAIN CHANGE This is the amount of gain change required to fit the Theoretical Loop Suppression curve to the measured loop suppression A PLL Gain Change of greater than 1 dB creates an accuracy degradation ACCY DEGRADED error If an ac...

Page 381: ...y to phase lock sources with high close in noise The PTR displayed should be approximately equal to the product of the VCO Tune Constant times the Tune Range of VCO This is not the case when a significant accuracy degradation is detected 4 dB by the Loop Suppression Verification In this case the PTR and Assumed Pole are adjusted when fitting the Theoretical Loop Suppression to the smoothed measure...

Page 382: ...e LNA In Out parameter determines the Agilent HP 3048A System noise floor exclusive of the reference source VCO CONSTANT This is the VCO Tune Constant used for the measurement The accuracy of the VCO Tune Constant determines the accuracy of the PLL noise measurement for offset frequencies in segments where the entire plotted frequency range is less than the PLL BW 4 The accuracy of the VCO Tune Co...

Page 383: ...ources with high close in noise that normally would cause an out of lock condition and stop the measurement When Ignore Out Of Lock is selected the user is responsible for monitoring phase lock This can be accomplished using an oscilloscope connected to the Agilent HP 70420A Aux Monitor port to verify the absence of a beatnote and monitor the dc output level When Ignore Out Of Lock is selected the...

Page 384: ...ristics or a system controlled RF signal generator then the need to select PLL suppression verification is minimal To verify PLL suppression a stimulus source is required for the FFT analyzer This stimulus signal is connected to the Noise Input port on the rear panel of the Agilent HP 70420A test set For the E550xB systems the PC digitizer used as the FFT analyzer also provides a companion D A out...

Page 385: ...sult of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5500 system 2 Smoothed measured suppression curve Figure 16 5 on page 16 9 this is a curve fit representation of the measured results it is used to compare with the theoretical loop suppression 3 Theoretical suppression curve Figure 16 6 on page 16 10 this is the predicted loop suppression based on the initial loop parameters defined selec...

Page 386: ...t Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 16 9 Advanced Software Features PLL Suppression Verification Process Figure 16 4 Measured Loop Suppression Curve Figure 16 5 Smoothed Loop Suppression Curve ...

Page 387: ...chnologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Advanced Software Features PLL Suppression Verification Process Figure 16 6 Theoretical Loop Suppression Curve Figure 16 7 Smoothed vs Theoretical Loop Suppression Curve ...

Page 388: ... Noise Measurement System 16 11 Advanced Software Features PLL Suppression Verification Process Figure 16 8 Smoothed vs Adjusted Theoretical Loop Suppression Curve Figure 16 9 Adjusted Theoretical vs Theoretical Loop Suppression Curve ...

Page 389: ... of the assumed pole is normally much greater than the Closed PLL BW and there is no loop peaking If the smoothed measured PLL suppression shows peaking the assumed pole is shifted down in frequency to simulate the extra phase shift that caused the peaking If the peaking is really due to a single pole at a frequency near the Closed PLL BW the adjusted theoretical loop suppression and smoothed meas...

Page 390: ... the data you can print out the graph and parameter summary before you secure the data and store the printed data to a secured location NOTE An alternate method of storing classified data is to save the measurement test file pnm including the real frequency amplitude data onto a floppy diskette and securing the diskette It can then be recalled at a later data Security Level Procedure 1 From the De...

Page 391: ...ation on the Phase Noise Unsecured all data is viewable When Unsecured all data is viewable is selected all frequency and ampltude information is displayed on the phase noise graph Secured Frequencies cannot be viewed When Secured Frequecies cannot be viewed is selected all frequency information is blanked on the phase noise graph ...

Page 392: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 16 15 Advanced Software Features Blanking Frequency and Amplitude Information on the Phase Noise ...

Page 393: ...anced Software Features Blanking Frequency and Amplitude Information on the Phase Noise Secured Frequencies and Amplitudes cannot be viewed When Secured Frequecies cannot be viewed is selected all frequency and amplitude information is blanked on the phase noise graph ...

Page 394: ... Troubleshooting What You ll Find in This Chapter NOTE Error messages and troubleshooting information is not included in this version of the manual They will be included in a future version For information about our no cost update program refer to Software and Documentation Updates page 21 2 ...

Page 395: ...Delay Line Discriminator page 18 6 AM Calibration page 18 7 Voltage Controlled Source Tuning Requirements page 18 8 Tune Range of VCO vs Center Voltage page 18 9 Peak Tuning Range Required Due to Noise Level page 18 10 Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth vs Peak Tuning Range page 18 11 Noise Floor Limits Due to Peak Tuning Range page 18 12 Tables Tuning Characteristics of Various VCO Source Options page 18 ...

Page 396: ...port Signal Input of the phase detector in the test set The graph shown above illustrates the approximate noise floor of the Agilent HP 70420A test set for a range of R input port signal levels from 15 dBm to 15 dBm These estimates of sensitivity assume the signal level at the L port is appropriate for either the microwave or the RF mixer that is used 7 dBm or 15 dBm respectively The approximate p...

Page 397: ... 0 2 radians integrated over any one decade of offset frequency At approximately 0 2 radians the power in the higher order sidebands of the phase modulation is still insignificant compared to the power in the first order sideband which ensures the calculation of L f is still valid As show in the graph above below the line the plot of L f is correct above the line L f is increasingly invalid and Sφ...

Page 398: ...nt HP Sources The graph shown above indicates the level of phase noise that has been measured for several potential reference sources at specific frequencies Depending on the sensitivity that is required at the offset to be measured a single reference source may suffice or several different references may be needed to achieve the necessary sensitivity at different offsets ...

Page 399: ...es UUT Noise Increase in Measured Noise as Ref Source Approaches UUT Noise The graph shown above demonstrates that as the noise level of the reference source approaches the noise level of the UUT the level measured by the software which is the sum of all sources affecting the test system is increased above the actual noise level of the UUT ...

Page 400: ...ecified for the phase detector to the delay line sensitivity it is apparent the delay line sensitivity is tipped up by 20 dB decade beginning at an offset of 1 2πτ The sensitivity graphs indicate the delay line frequency discriminator can be used to measure some types of sources with useful sensitivity Longer delay lines improve sensitivity but eventually the loss in the delay line will exceed the...

Page 401: ...itivity graph shown above is used to determine the equivalent phase Detector Constant from the measured AM Detector input level or from the diode detector s dc voltage The equivalent phase Detector Constant phase slope is read from the left side of the graph while the approximate detector input power is read from the right side of the graph ...

Page 402: ...tuning range that the software actually uses to maintain quadrature is limited to a fraction of the peak tuning range PTR to ensure the tuning slope is well behaved and the VCO Tune Constant remains accurate After phase lock is established the test system monitors the tuning voltage required to maintain lock If the tuning voltage exceeds 5 of the PTR during the measurement the test system again in...

Page 403: ...s Center Voltage Tune Range of VCO vs Center Voltage The graph shown above outlines the minimum to maximum Tune Range of VCO which the software provides for a given center voltage The Tune range of VCO decreases as the absolute value of the center voltage increases due to hardware limitations of the test system ...

Page 404: ...g Range Required Due to Noise Level The graph shown above provides a comparison between the typical phase noise level of a variety of sources and the minimum tuning range that is necessary for the test system to create a phase lock loop of sufficient bandwidth to make the measurement Sources with higher phase noise require a wider Peak Tuning Range ...

Page 405: ...vs Peak Tuning Range The graph shown above illustrates the closed Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth PLL BW chosen by the test system as a function of the Peak Tuning Range of the source Knowing the approximate closed PLL BW allows you to verify that there is sufficient bandwidth on the tuning port and that sufficient source isolation is present to prevent injection locking ...

Page 406: ...to Peak Tuning Range Noise Floor Limits Due to Peak Tuning Range The graph shown above illustrates the equivalent phase noise at the Peak Tuning Range entered for the source due to the inherent noise at the test set Tune Voltage Output port A Tune Range of VCO 10 V and phase Detector Constant of 0 2V Rad is assumed ...

Page 407: ...ibration Method Agilent HP 8662 3A EFC DCFM υ0 5 E 9 x υ0 FM Deviation 0 0 10 10 1E 6 1 k 8662 600 8663 Measure Calculate Calculate Agilent HP 8642A B FM Deviation 0 10 600 Calculate Agilent HP 8643A 44B FM Deviation 0 10 600 Calculate Agilent HP 8664A Agilent HP 8665A B FM Deviation 0 51 See Caution Below 600 Calculate Other Signal Generator DCFM Calibrated for 1V FM Deviation 0 10 Rin Calculate ...

Page 408: ...de 2 2 Mode 1 3 8643A 002 1030 2060 2000000 20000000 8643A 002 515 1029 99999999 1000000 10000000 8643A Standar d 515 1030 1000000 10000000 8643A Both 257 5 514 99999999 500000 5000000 8643A Both 128 75 257 49999999 250000 2500000 8643A Both 64 375 128 74999999 125000 1250000 8643A Both 32 1875 64 37499999 62500 625000 8643A Both 16 09375 32 18749999 31200 312000 8643A Both 8 046875 16 09374999 15...

Page 409: ...es very accurate center frequency at low deviation rates Linear FM is best for multi tone modulation and provides a more constant group delay than the Digitized FM 125 Wide FM Deviation Agilent HP 8643A only Mode 1 operation can be selected using this special function which allows you to turn on wide FM deviation The Agilent HP 8643 defaults to Mode 2 operation Wide FM deviation provides the maxim...

Page 410: ...une Range PTR FM Deviation x VTR Model Numbe r Option Band Minimum MHz Band Maximum MHz Mode 3 Mode 2 Mode 1 8644B 002 1030 2060 200000 2000000 20000000 8644B 002 515 1029 99999999 100000 1000000 10000000 8644B Standar d 515 1030 100000 1000000 10000000 8644B Both 257 5 514 99999999 50000 500000 5000000 8644B Both 128 75 257 49999999 25000 250000 2500000 8644B Both 64 375 128 74999999 12500 125000...

Page 411: ...Special Function 120 120 FM Synthesis This special function allows you to have the instrument synthesize the FM signal in a digitized or linear manner Digitized FM is best for signal tone modulation and provides very accurate center frequency at low deviation rates Linear FM is best for multi tone modulation and provides a more constant group delay than the Digitized FM Table 18 4 Operating Charac...

Page 412: ...mum MHz Band Maximum MHz Mode 3 Mode 2 8664A 2060 3000 400000 10000000 8664A 1500 2059 99999999 200000 10000000 8664A 1030 1499 99999999 200000 5000000 8664A 750 1029 99999999 100000 5000000 8664A 515 749 99999999 100000 2500000 8664A 375 514 99999999 50000 2500000 8664A 257 5 374 99999999 50000 1250000 8664A 187 5 257 49999999 25000 1250000 8664A 30 187 49999999 200000 5000000 8664A 5 29 99999999...

Page 413: ...R key to terminate data entries that do not require specific units kHz mV rad for example Example Special 1 2 0 ON Enter Description of Special Functions 120 120 FM Synthesis This special function allows you to have the instrument synthesize the FM signal in a digitized or linear manner Digitized FM is best for signal tone modulation and provides very accurate center frequency at low deviation rat...

Page 414: ...A 4120 4200 800000 20000000 8665A 3000 4119 99999999 400000 20000000 8665A 2060 2999 99999999 400000 10000000 8665A 1500 2059 99999999 200000 10000000 8665A 1030 1499 99999999 200000 5000000 8665A 750 1029 99999999 100000 5000000 8665A 515 749 99999999 100000 2500000 8665A 375 514 99999999 50000 2500000 8665A 257 5 374 99999999 50000 1250000 8665A 187 5 257 49999999 25000 1250000 8665A 30 187 4999...

Page 415: ...or signal tone modulation and provides very accurate center frequency at low deviation rates Linear FM is best for multi tone modulation and provides a more constant group delay than the Digitized FM The preset condition is FM Digitized 124 FM Dly Equalizer This special function allows you to turn off FM Delay Equializer circuitry When ON The preset condition 30 µsec of group delay is added to the...

Page 416: ... 4120 6000 800000 20000000 8665B 3000 4119 99999999 400000 20000000 8665B 2060 2999 99999999 400000 10000000 8665B 1500 2059 99999999 200000 10000000 8665B 1030 1499 99999999 200000 5000000 8665B 750 1029 99999999 100000 5000000 8665B 515 749 99999999 100000 2500000 8665B 375 514 99999999 50000 2500000 8665B 257 5 374 99999999 50000 1250000 8665B 187 5 257 49999999 25000 1250000 8665B 30 187 49999...

Page 417: ...tized FM is best for signal tone modulation and provides very accurate center frequency at low deviation rates Linear FM is best for multi tone modulation and provides a more constant group delay than the Digitized FM 124 FM Dly Equalizer This special function allows you to turn off FM Delay Equializer circuitry When ON The preset condition 30 µsec of group delay is added to the FM modulated signa...

Page 418: ...agram page 19 10 E5503A Opt 201 Connect Diagram page 19 11 E5504A Standard Connect Diagram page 19 12 E5504A Opt 001 Connect Diagram page 19 13 E5504A Opt 201 Connect Diagram page 19 14 E5501B Standard Connect Diagram page 19 15 E5501B Opt 001 Connect Diagram page 19 16 E5501B Opt 201 Connect Diagram page 19 17 E5502B Standard Connect Diagram page 19 18 E5502B Opt 001 Connect Diagram page 19 19 E5...

Page 419: ...19 2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Connect Diagrams E5501A Standard Connect Diagram E5501A Standard Connect Diagram ...

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Page 444: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 20 1 20 System Specifications What You ll Find in This Chapter Specifications page 20 2 ...

Page 445: ...on close to the carrier If either of these conditions are not met system measurement accuracy may be reduced Tuning The tuning range of the voltage controlled oscillator VCO source must be commensurate with the frequency stability of the sources being used If the tuning range is too narrow the system will not properly phase lock resulting in an aborted measurement If the tuning range of the VCO so...

Page 446: ...hase Noise Measurement System 21 1 21 Phase Noise Customer Support What You ll Find in This Chapter Software and Documentation Updates page 21 2 Contacting Customer Support page 21 3 Phase Noise Customer Support Fax Form page 21 5 ...

Page 447: ...d us your Name Address Phone number Agilent HP 70420A Test Set serial number To find the test set s serial number open the door on the lower front of the HP 70001A Mainframe The following methods are available for sending us the information Phase Noise Hot Line 707 577 5859 Phase Noise e mail address phasenoise spprt_srsd sr hp com Phase Noise Fax Number 707 577 4446 Use the Phase Noise Customer S...

Page 448: ...ntact us for assistance NOTE Please provide as much information as possible when contacting the HP Phase Noise Customer Support department If available please include the following information A complete description of the problem or if asking a question about system or hardware operation a brief description of your application A block diagram of the system hardware configuration you are using If ...

Page 449: ...ase Noise Customer Support Contacting Customer Support Phase Noise Customer Support Fax Form Date To Phase Noise Customer Support From FAX Number 707 577 4446 Phone pages following FAX Number Please call 707 577 5858 if you have trouble with the transmission Message ...

Page 450: ...ind in This Appendix Using Inspecting and Cleaning RF Connectors page A 2 Repeatability page A 2 Proper Connector Torque page A 3 Cleaning Procedure page A 4 Removing and Reinstalling Instruments page A 6 General Procedures and Techniques page A 6 MMS Module Removal and Reinstallation page A 11 Touch Up Paint page A 12 ...

Page 451: ...lity If you make two identical measurements with your system the differences should be so small that they will not affect the value of the measurement Repeatability the amount of similarity from one measurement to another of the same type can be affected by Dirty or damaged connectors Connections that have been made without using proper torque techniques this applies primarily when connectors in t...

Page 452: ... ruin the good connector instantly Clean dirty connectors Dirt and foreign matter can cause poor electrical connections and may damage the connector Minimize the number of times you bend cables Never bend a cable at a sharp angle Do not bend cables near the connectors If any of the cables will be flexed repeatedly buy a back up cable This will allow immediate replacement and will minimize system d...

Page 453: ...nnector can ruin a 2 4 mm or 3 5 mm connector on the first mating If in doubt gauge the SMA connector before connecting it The SMA center conductor must never extend beyond the mating plane Cleaning Procedure 1 Blow particulate matter from connectors using an environmentally safe aerosol such as Ultrajet This product is recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and contains ...

Page 454: ...tor s internal parts The liquid will cause random changes in the connector s electrical performance If excessive alcohol gets into a connector lay it aside to allow the alcohol to evaporate This may take up to three days If you attach that connector to another device it can take much longer for trapped alcohol to evaporate Lint Free cloths 9310 4242 Small foam swabs 9300 1270 Large foam swabs 9300...

Page 455: ...Procedures and Techniques This section introduces you to the various cable and connector types used in the system Read this section before attempting to remove an instrument EA connector type may have unique considerations For example some connectors are loosened by turning them clockwise others by turning counter clockwise Always use care when working with system cables and instruments ...

Page 456: ...Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System A 7 Connector Care and Preventive Maintenance Removing and Reinstalling Instruments Figure A 1 GPIB and 2 4 mm Connectors ...

Page 457: ...inch lb torque wrench part number 8720 1765 This wrench may be ordered from Agilent Technologies Semirigid cables are metal tubes custom formed for this system from semirigid coax cable stock 2 4 mm or 3 5 mm connectors with a gold hex nut The semirigid cables that go the RF outputs of some devices have a gold connector nut These do not turn Instead the RF connector on the instrument has a cylindr...

Page 458: ...gies Bent Semirigid Cables Semirigid cables are not intended to be bent outside of the factory An accidental bend that is slight or gradual may be straightened carefully by hand Semirigid cables that are crimped will affect system performance and must be replaced Do not attempt to straighten a crimped semirigid cable its performance will not be restored Other Multipin Connectors There are other mu...

Page 459: ...A 10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Connector Care and Preventive Maintenance Removing and Reinstalling Instruments Figure A 2 Type N Power Sensor and BNC Connectors ...

Page 460: ...stem pull the module out To Reinstall an MMS Module 1 Set the MMS mainframe line switch to OFF 2 Check the GPIB address switch on the module for the correct address setting Refer to the manual for the MMS module for information on the HP MSIB switch For proper address settings refer to the system information chapter CAUTION Reinstalling an MMS module without setting the GPIB address will cause the...

Page 461: ...aint is shipped in spray cans Spray a cotton swab with paint and apply it to the damaged area Table A 3 Touch Up Paint Touch Up Paint Color Where the Color is Used Part Number Dove Gray Front panel frames Portions of front handles 6010 1146 French Gray Side top and bottom covers 6010 1147 Parchment Gray Rack mount flanges Front panels 6010 1148 ...

Page 462: ...FM 5 28 5 51 7 56 RF synthesizer using EFC 7 81 cleaning supplies connector A 4 confidence test connect diagram example 3 8 connect diagram example confidence test 3 8 first measurement 3 8 connectors 2 4 mm A 8 BNC A 10 cleaning A 4 GPIB A 8 inspecting for wear A 4 ordering cleaning supplies A 4 power sensor A 10 RF A 2 torque specifications A 4 type N A 10 Contacting Customer Support 21 3 Curren...

Page 463: ...urement qualifications 20 2 measurement results comparing against expected data 15 3 obvious problems 15 2 measurements absolute 7 1 residual 9 1 Measuring free running RF oscillator 5 30 7 69 7 94 7 113 13 10 14 4 14 8 mixers 8 2 8 4 MMS modules removing and replacing A 11 multipliers 8 2 8 4 N NOISE residual 8 2 Noise Floor R port level 6 6 noise floor 6 6 Noise Floor Limits Due to Peak Tuning R...

Page 464: ...idual noise 8 2 RF synthesizer using DCFM defining the measurement 5 11 5 34 7 49 S segments sweep 5 28 5 51 selecting a reference 6 8 Selecting the VCO Source 6 5 semi rigid cable 8 8 sensitivity 6 11 setup considerations microwave source 7 101 RF Synthesizer using DCFM 5 14 5 37 7 52 RF synthesizer using EFC 7 77 signal generator tuning 6 15 tuning requirements 6 9 using a 6 9 Single Sided Spur ...

Page 465: ...tector Constant 8 9 11 13 11 28 user interface graphical 2 2 using a printer 15 7 using a signal generator 6 9 using a similar device 6 8 using this guide 6 2 V VCO selecting 6 5 VCO source tuning parameters 6 5 vco source Signal Generators 6 15 Tuning Qualifications 6 14 tuning requirements 6 9 VCO tune constant measuring 5 27 5 50 VCO Tuning Constant 6 11 calculating 7 74 7 99 viewing markers 5 ...